The 2025 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference will be held January 29-31, at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa in Coronado, CA.
AACI Update | January 2025
Headlines
AACI Mourns Passing of Dr. Ken Cowan
AACI mourns the loss of Ken Cowan, MD, PhD, who passed away on Sunday, December 15. A former member of AACI’s Board of Directors, Dr. Cowan led the NCI-Designated Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) for more than 20 years. Joining UNMC in 1999 as director of what was then called the Eppley Cancer Center and the Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, Dr. Cowan stepped down in 2023 but remained a full-time faculty member and clinician. The center changed its name in 2017 to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
Abstract Winners Announced for 2025 CADEx Conference
The AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference Planning Committee has selected three abstracts from 46 submissions for formal presentation at the 2025 CADEx Conference, January 29-31. Winning abstract authors represent Dartmouth Cancer Center; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health; O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Louisiana Cancer Research Center; and Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. The three winning abstracts will be presented individually on Thursday, January 30.
Call for Abstracts: 17th Annual AACI CRI Meeting
The AACI Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Steering Committee is currently soliciting abstracts for the 17th Annual AACI CRI Meeting, June 23-25, at Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, IL. This year’s meeting will center on fostering inclusive practices and expanding community impact. The purpose of the abstracts is to inform attendees about challenges and solutions implemented at AACI cancer centers, showcasing advancements across key areas in clinical research and operational excellence.
Making the Most of EHRs to Support Cancer-Related Outreach and Research
Electronic health records (EHRs) are critical for health care facilities, as they store demographic information, medical histories, diagnoses, immunization records, and radiology and laboratory test results. During "Making the Most of Electronic Health Record Systems to Support Cancer-Related Outreach and Research," panelists will share how they are using EHR data to improve outcomes for patients. The session will be held at 10:15 am Pacific time on Friday, January 31, as part of the 2025 Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference in Coronado, CA.
Place an Ad in the AACI Newsletter
AACI invites you to promote your cancer center or company by purchasing an ad in the AACI Update. Your ad may highlight a conference, new initiative, or product of interest to AACI members. Ad space can be purchased monthly or in packages for several months at a time.
AACI Expands Social Media Footprint in 2025
AACI is expanding its social media footprint, with new accounts on Bluesky and Threads. These are in addition to AACI's existing accounts on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
News from the Centers
Nimer Named Mentor of the Year by the American Society of Hematology
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami
Stephen D. Nimer, MD, director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, is known for guiding other researchers to create a collaborative environment that drives scientific discovery and quality patient care. He was recently recognized for these qualities by the American Society of Hematology (ASH), which awarded him its Mentor Award for 2024.
Baylin, Feinberg Win Harvey Prize
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University
Stephen Baylin, MD, and Andrew Feinberg, MD, were awarded the 2022–2023 Harvey Prize in the field of Science and Technology by the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. Drs. Baylin and Feinberg, along with Peter Jones, PhD, of the Van Andel Institute, were honored for their pioneering research in epigenetics.
Villano, Williams Named Fellows of the American College of Surgeons
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Anthony M. Villano, MD, FACS (pictured at right), and Austin D. Williams, MD, MSED, FACS (left), were named fellows of the American College of Surgeons during a convocation before the organization’s recent Clinical Congress in San Francisco.
Wagenblast Honored by LLS for Advancing Research in Childhood Leukemia
The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has honored Elvin Wagenblast, PhD, with the 2024 LLS-CDP Special Fellow Achievement Award. Dr. Wagenblast was recognized for his groundbreaking work using cutting-edge genetic tools to uncover the origins and mechanisms of childhood leukemia.
Brenner, Rooney Named National Academy of Inventors Fellows
Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
Malcolm Brenner, MD, PhD, and Cliona Rooney, PhD, have been named fellows of the National Academy of Inventors. Dr. Brenner's primary research is in the use of gene transfer to augment the immune response to human tumors. Dr. Rooney’s research focuses on the use of virus-specific T cells for the treatment of viral diseases and malignancies.
Curtis Honored for Achievements in Breast Cancer Research
Stanford Cancer Institute
Stanford Cancer Institute member Christina Curtis, PhD, MSc, is the recipient of the 2024 American Association for Cancer Research Outstanding Investigator Award for Breast Cancer Research and the Susan G. Komen Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Basic Science. She is the first person to receive both awards in the same year.
Colditz Receives Inaugural Award From Susan G. Komen
Siteman Cancer Center
Graham A. Colditz, MD, DrPH, associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center, has been awarded Susan G. Komen's inaugural Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Population Science. He was recognized for his "pivotal advances in implementation science, health services research, epidemiology, and evidence-based interventions to enhance breast cancer outcomes."
$10.8 Million Grant Supports Cutting-Edge Leukemia Research
Siteman Cancer Center
Washington University researchers at Siteman Cancer Center received a $10.8 million grant through the National Cancer Institute’s Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE). Led by principal investigator Daniel C. Link, MD, the five-year grant is a renewal of a previous SPORE grant in leukemia.
Smoking-Cessation Interventions for Black Adults Evaluated in Five-State Study
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
The University of Kansas Medical Center is partnering with the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention to determine what treatments work best to help Black people quit smoking. Their research is funded with a $10 million award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
$9 Million Grant Secured to Establish Cancer Control Equity Research Center
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Virginia Commonwealth University has been awarded a five-year, $9 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to establish a Cancer Control Equity Research Center. This initiative aims to enhance the implementation of health promotion and cancer prevention services in Virginia's Housing and Urban Development-administered income-based housing communities in the Greater Richmond region and Hampton Roads.
Researchers Awarded Over $4 Million in Grants From the Washington Research Foundation
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Fred Hutch Cancer Center researchers developing immunotherapies using engineered adaptive immune system cells have received over $4 million in research grants from the Washington Research Foundation. The awards will be used to advance a range of immunotherapies for diseases including Merkel cell carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and solid tumor cancers.
$2.3 Million Award to Develop Antibody Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University have received a $2.3 million Breakthrough Award from the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs to develop a novel NanoGel antibody therapy that targets ER+ breast cancer that has metastasized to bone.
Heavy Metal Gut: a $1.9 Million Study
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
Julie In, PhD, has received a five-year, $1.9 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. She will study the molecular changes in intestinal epithelium cells when exposed to uranium dust that can enter groundwater and air from abandoned uranium mine sites. Dr. In's work could be applied to several gut diseases, including colon cancer.
$1.5 Million Pledge for Cancer Care, Patient Services, Orthopedics
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
Ross and Mary Whipple pledged $1.5 million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), supporting rural cancer care, patient services, and orthopedics. The gifts include $1 million to establish the Ross and Mary Whipple Family Community Outreach and Engagement Fund for Excellence in the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.
Benbrook Appointed Associate Director for Translational Research
Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma
Doris Benbrook, PhD, has been named associate director for translational research at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. In the role, Dr. Benbrook will oversee planning and initiatives designed to facilitate the translation of ideas from basic science discovery to clinical trials.
Strom Named Community Outreach and Engagement Director
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Carla Strom, MLA, has been appointed administrative director for community outreach and engagement at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. She was recruited from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she served as director of the Office of Cancer Health Equity and assistant director for community outreach and engagement.
Scientist Appointed to Create Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology
Comprehensive Cancer Center St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Georgios Skiniotis, PhD, has been appointed to develop and lead the newly created Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology. The center will advance understanding of cell biology from the atomic scale to the micron scale, including the implementation of emerging capabilities in cryogenic electron tomography and volume electron microscopy imaging.
Two New Clinical Research Leaders Named
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center has named Kyle Cuneo, MD, its new associate director for clinical research. In addition, a new position of assistant director for clinical research will be filled by John Magenau, MD.
Study Activation Unit Showcases Work at AACI CRI Meeting
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health
Members of Fox Chase Cancer Center's Office of Clinical Research (OCR), pictured, presented two aspects of their work during a poster session at AACI's 16th Annual Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Meeting last summer. One poster presented an overview of OCR's Study Activation Unit, while the other described the Statusboard, a vital tool in the organization’s success.
Common Food Poison Toxin Speeds Colon Cancer Spread, Researchers Find
University of Florida Health Cancer Center
A toxin in the bacteria that is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness accelerates the spread of colorectal tumors to other parts of the body, a study led by UF Health Cancer Center researchers and international collaborators has found.
Experts Steer Development of Stem Cells to Regenerate and Repair Organs
Cedars-Sinai Cancer
Investigators from Cedars-Sinai and the University of California, San Francisco have identified a new way to deliver instructions that tell stem cells to grow into specific bodily structures, a critical step in eventually regenerating and repairing tissues and organs.
Study Highlights Brain-Preserving Radiation Technique for Rare Cancer
UK Markey Cancer Center
A recent UK Markey Cancer Center study highlights a radiation therapy technique that treats brain tumors while preserving patients’ cognitive function. The treatment approach could offer hope for patients with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. James A. Knight II, MD, is lead author of the study.
Study Shows AI Accuracy in Screening Patients for Clinical Trial Portfolio
Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center
CORRECTION: This story's source was misidentified in the December 2024 AACI Update.
Researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai, and Triomics recently published a study demonstrating how a large language model fine-tuned on EMR datasets can automatically read a complete patient record, including free-text notes, and identify top-matching trials for cancer patients from a portfolio of ongoing oncology trials at the bedside with 95 percent accuracy.
Resistance Training Can Reduce Fatigue, Pain in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Roswell Park researchers have found significant benefits of resistance training for patients with multiple myeloma. A study, led by Jens Hillengass, MD, PhD, and Janine Joseph, MS, MBA, presents new evidence documenting that targeted exercise regimens can alleviate fatigue, improve sleep, and reduce pain, enhancing quality of life in cancer care.
Study Discovers Vehicle for Heart Cell Damage From Chemotherapy
Stanford Cancer Institute
Stanford Cancer Institute researchers have created a genetic screening tool that harnesses CRISPR, a gene-editing technology, to uncover genes that may be involved in doxorubicin-induced heart damage. The screen pinpointed a gene that seemed to be one of the key vehicles through which doxorubicin inflicted damage.
Americans Uninformed About and Under-Vaccinated for HPV
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
The human papillomavirus (HPV) accounts for 70 percent of all throat cancers now the most common type of HPV-related cancer according to the National Cancer Institute. However, the majority of Americans are unaware that HPV can cause throat cancer and are not taking advantage of the one proven method for prevention, the HPV vaccine.
Genetic Code Deploys Cancer Mafia, New Targeted Drug Gives Offer They Can't Refuse
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
A group of scientists at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has revealed a new genetic code that acts like a cancer ringleader, recruiting and deploying a gang of tumor cells to incite a biological turf war by invading healthy organs and overpowering the normal cells.
How Race Impacts Patient Response to Cancer Immunotherapy
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Clinical trials testing cancer immunotherapies have significantly under-represented Black patients. While these treatments have resulted in dramatically improved outcomes for some patients, researchers from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center wanted to understand whether that success holds true for patients who are Black.
Study Explores Use of Nanoparticles to Improve Cancer Therapy
UK Markey Cancer Center
Researchers at the University of Kentucky are exploring new ways to use nanoparticles in combination with other materials as an innovative approach to cancer therapy. The team focused on nanozymes, a type of magnetic nanoparticle with enzymatic activity, as a strategy to enhance the tumor suppressing activity of ascorbic acid.
Study: Higher West African Ancestry May Contribute to Worse Breast Cancer Outcomes
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Investigators have found that West African genetic ancestry was associated with shorter disease-free survival, particularly for women with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR-positive/ERBB2-negative) breast cancer.
Preclinical Research May Help Patients Overcome Resistance to CAR T Cell Therapy
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Physician-researchers with City of Hope®, led by Scott E. James, MD, PhD, have developed a way to add features to T cells to help them overcome mechanisms of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy resistance.
Trial Identifies Better Treatment for Grade 2 Gliomas
University of Virginia Cancer Center
Adding the chemotherapy pill temozolomide to radiation treatment significantly improves survival for adults with brain tumors known as grade 2 gliomas, a clinical trial led by David Schiff, MD, has found.
Could Venetoclax Improve Outcomes of CAR T for Patients With Resistant B-Cell Lymphomas?
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
About a third of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) will see their disease advance or recur following treatment. Seeking a new treatment that might boost the effectiveness of existing DLBCL therapies, a team from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has been working to understand the underlying mechanisms of the targeted chemotherapy venetoclax.
LGBTQI+ Climate Survey
GW Cancer Center
If you are a health care professional in practice or a health care professional student, please consider taking the LGBTQI+ Climate Survey to help validate a new scale for research (existing scales are more than 10 years old). Please share with colleagues via email but NOT on social media. Participants who provide their email address will receive the study results.
A Partnership to Expand Lung Cancer Screenings in Rural Virginia, West Virginia
University of Virginia Cancer Center
UVA Cancer Center, Appalachian Community Cancer Alliance, and Buchanan General Hospital have teamed up to make getting screened for lung cancer easier in rural Virginia and West Virginia. The newly formed Rural Appalachian Lung Cancer Screening Initiative was convened and facilitated by the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
Ohio State Completes First Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
Recently, a team at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James completed its first gene therapy for a patient with hemophilia B, the first at an adult medical center in Ohio. Madison Gregory, IV, 53, from Toledo, was infused with the gene therapy for his hemophilia B in October 2024.
Cancer Center Jobs
Assistant Director, Clinical Trials Operations
Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine
Read moreTenure Track Faculty Positions, Health Promotion Research Center
Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma
Read moreMeeting Announcements
2025 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference
January 29, 2025
Frontiers Symposium on Transformation in Cancer Care Delivery
February 17, 2025
This premier symposium held at the Marriott Downtown City Creek in Salt Lake City, Utah, will showcase emerging new models in cancer care across the continuum including; screening, risk identification, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Provocative presentations and facilitated discussions will explore the essential frameworks for transformative thinking to improve care and outcomes. Come be a part of the discussion as we shape the future of cancer care delivery.
2025 AACI Leadership Diversity and Development Workshop
March 11, 2025
Save the date for the 2025 AACI Leadership Diversity and Development Workshop, March 11-12, at the Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, IL. More details and registration information are forthcoming.
2025 AACI/AACR Hill Day
May 22, 2025
Save the date for the 2025 AACI/AACR Hill Day, Thursday, May 22, in Washington, DC. More details and registration information are forthcoming.
17th Annual AACI CRI Meeting
June 23, 2025
Save the date for the 17th Annual AACI CRI Meeting, June 23-25, 2025, at Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, IL.
2025 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting
October 19, 2025
Save the date for the 2025 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting, October 19-21, at Salamander Washington DC.