In partnership with the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Center DEI Network, AACI will hold the 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summit on October 19-20 in conjunction with the 2024 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting. Attendees may choose to register for the DEI Summit only, or for both the DEI Summit and the annual meeting.
AACI Update | July 2024
Headlines
Ferris Appointed Executive Director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Robert L. Ferris, MD, PhD, a head and neck surgical oncologist, leading expert in cancer immunotherapy, and cancer center chief executive, has been named the executive director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and UNC system chief of oncology services, effective October 1. Dr. Ferris comes to UNC from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where he was the director of the Hillman Cancer Center.
Einhorn to Deliver Annual Meeting Keynote
Lawrence H. Einhorn, MD, a distinguished professor in the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Medicine and a pioneer in testicular cancer treatment, will present a keynote at 1:45 pm central time on Sunday, October 20, during the 2024 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Save the Date for the 2025 AACI CADEx Conference
The 2025 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference is scheduled for January 29-31, in San Diego. The three-day event will convene cancer center catchment area data experts with others who support cancer centers through data analysis and community engagement. Attendees will share best practices in data collection, handling, dissemination, and utilization, while exploring policies and methodologies to advance cancer center catchment area analytics.
CRI Survey Findings Published in ASCO Journal
Findings from a 2023 survey of cancer center clinical trials offices were published July 1 in JCO Oncology Practice. The lead authors of "North American Cancer Center Clinical Research Capacity and Benchmarking in the Post-Pandemic Era" are Thomas J. George, MD, FACP, FASCO, University of Florida Health Cancer Center; Margaret Kasner, MD, MSCE, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson; Angela Fritsche, MPA, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Carrie B. Lee, MD, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Annual Clinical Trial Operations Meeting Draws Over 600 Attendees
AACI convened its 16th annual Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) meeting June 24-26, in Rosemont, IL. With a focus on clinical trial office operations, the signature event drew over 600 attendees with 153 abstracts submitted for presentation.
Photo credit: Randy Belice
AACI Co-Hosts Webinar With ACCC on Community Engagement, Cancer Health Equity
On June 18, Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) President Dr. Nadine J. Barrett and AACI President Dr. Robert A. Winn engaged in a lively and empowering discussion about the two organizations' shared goal to advance equitable cancer care.
Pictured: Drs. Nadine J. Barrett and Robert A. Winn at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting
Congressional Briefing, Other Events Bring AACI to DC
Last month, AACI participated in a congressional briefing on cancer drug parity, hosted by the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)-led Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care (CIACC). AACI leadership and staff also visited Washington as a sponsor of the Black in Cancer Conference and the 15th Annual Congressional Women's Softball Game.
NCI Announces Leadership Opportunity
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking an innovative leader to serve as the director, Office of Cancer Centers (OCC). The OCC supports 72 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers nationwide that are located in 36 states and the District of Columbia funded by NCI that are actively engaged in transdisciplinary research to reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality.
News from the Centers
Bryant-Smith Named Fellow of the American College of Radiology
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
Gwendolyn Bryant-Smith, MD, director of the Breast Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, has received the prestigious designation of Fellow of the American College of Radiology.
Nduom Appointed to National Cancer Advisory Board
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
President Biden has appointed Edjah K. Nduom, MD, to the National Cancer Advisory Board. Dr. Nduom leads the Brain Tumors Disease Group at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
Rosenzweig Named to ABR Board of Trustees
The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai
Kenneth Rosenzweig, MD, a radiation oncologist and American Board of Radiology (ABR) volunteer, has been named to the organization’s board of trustees. Dr. Rosenzweig will start at the end of the fall board meeting in late September.
Chang Awarded Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences
Stanford Cancer Institute
Howard Chang, MD, PhD, has been awarded the 2024 Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. He was honored for his research into the role of long noncoding RNAs in health and disease.
Slamon Honored by National Foundation for Cancer Research
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dennis Slamon, MD, PhD, an oncologist and scientist whose groundbreaking research has transformed the treatment of breast cancer, has been awarded the 2024 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research from the National Foundation for Cancer Research.
Cedars-Sinai Designated LGBTQ+ Equality Leader
Cedars-Sinai Cancer
Cedars-Sinai has once again earned national recognition as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader. It is one of 384 U.S. health care facilities to receive this designation in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index.
Roswell Park Earns Top Rating From NCI With Best-Ever Core Grant
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has earned its most highly rated grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI renewed Roswell Park’s status as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, awarding it the highest possible "Exceptional" rating as it renewed a grant Roswell Park has successfully competed for since 1972. Candace S. Johnson, PhD, is president and CEO of the cancer center.
Study Considers What Drives Cancer in Asian Americans
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
UC San Francisco researchers have received $12.45 million from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to lead the first long-term study of cancer among Asian Americans, a highly diverse yet understudied group. A 2016 review of NCI grants found almost no studies on the causes of cancer among Asian Americans.
Grant Renewed for Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
The Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine will continue its mission to improve health care by training physicians and scientists in precision medicine and supporting their research, thanks to a five-year, $11.4 million grant renewal from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health.
$20 Million Legacy of Philanthropy Celebrated
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health
Fox Chase Cancer Center celebrated a gift of $10.8 million from the Estate of Concetta "Chet" Greenberg, an ardent champion of cancer research during her life. This gift is the culmination of many years of support, bringing Greenberg’s total giving to nearly $20 million for pancreatic cancer research at Fox Chase.
Cancer Research Fund Establishes $5.5 Million Endowment
Stony Brook Cancer Center
Breast cancer research at the Stony Brook Cancer Center is taking a leap forward thanks to support from the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. The fund has established a new $5.5 million endowment that will be used in perpetuity for breast cancer research.
$5 Million for Blood Cancer Immunotherapies
Siteman Cancer Center
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has awarded Washington University researchers at Siteman Cancer Center a $5 million grant to support trials in cell-based immunotherapies and cancer vaccines.Five New Grants Received From NCI
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
Researchers at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have been awarded five new grants from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2024, totaling $4.6 million.
Duncavage Named Director of Genomic and Molecular Pathology
Siteman Cancer Center
Eric Duncavage, MD, a research member of Siteman Cancer Center, has been named director of the newly created Division of Genomic and Molecular Pathology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.Hematologist-Oncologist Joins GW
GW Cancer Center
Sonal Paul, MD, has joined the GW Cancer Center and the GW Medical Faculty Associates as a hematologist-oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers.
New Radiation Oncology Leader Announced
Siteman Cancer Center
Sana D. Karam, MD, PhD, will lead radiation oncology at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, beginning October 1. The role is part of her appointment as the James S. McDonnell Professor of Radiation Oncology and head of the Department of Radiation Oncology at WashU.
LAURA Clinical Trial Sets New Standard of Care for Advanced Lung Cancer
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
In a recent study led by Suresh Ramalingam, MD, executive director of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, a new drug—Osimertinib—has shown remarkable promise in treating patients with a specific type of advanced lung cancer.Study Explores the Future of At-Home Cancer Treatment
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
A clinical trial will test the feasibility of treating non-small cell lung cancer with immunotherapy provided at home. The study will examine if a new formulation of atezolizumab can be safely and effectively administered subcutaneously by a nurse at a patient’s home, along with telemedicine appointments and remote monitoring through wearable trackers.
Artificial Intelligence Blood Test Provides a Reliable Way to Identify Lung Cancer
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University
Using artificial intelligence technology to identify patterns of DNA fragments associated with lung cancer, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and other institutions have developed and validated a liquid biopsy that may help identify lung cancer earlier.
Newly Discovered Mechanism Could be Key to Curtailing Breast Cancer Metastasis
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson
A research team led by Renato V. Iozzo, MD, PhD (honoris causa), an investigator with the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson, has identified that decorin, a proteoglycan expressed by stromal elements in tumors, has antilymphangiogenic properties.
Gathering STEAM: the Southwest Transformative Educational Advancement and Mentoring Network
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center has launched the Southwest Transformative Educational Advancement and Mentoring Network (STEAM), a program that bridges researchers and mentors across four research institutions in the Southwest. Dolores Guest, PhD, RD, serves as the UNM principal investigator for the STEAM Network.
Research Shows Concerning Decline in Cervical Cancer Screenings
UK Markey Cancer Center
New research reveals concerning declines in cervical cancer screening rates among women in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in rural areas. The study, led by UK Markey Cancer Center, analyzed nationally representative survey data from the National Cancer Institute to examine Pap test screening rates before and during the pandemic.
Study Reveals New Opportunities to Develop Cancer Treatments
Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions have uncovered new potential therapeutic targets for cancer and new insights into existing cancer drug targets, expanding the breadth of possibilities for treating cancer.
Researchers Analyze Use of AI-Generated Content in Scientific Articles
The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
The surge in popularity of AI tools such as ChatGPT is forcing the science community to reckon with its place in scientific literature. A new study evaluated text from over 15,000 published abstracts from the American Society for Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting from 2021 to 2023. It found that there were approximately twice as many abstracts containing AI content in 2023 as compared to 2021 and 2022.
Risk of Secondary Cancers After CART-cell Therapy Low
Stanford Cancer Institute
A large study by researchers at Stanford Medicine has found that the risk of secondary blood cancers after CAR T-cell therapy is low, despite a U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning.
Study Pinpoints Cells That May Drive Treatment Resistance in Prostate Cancer
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
A research effort led by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center sheds light on the biology and mechanisms behind castration-resistant prostate cancer. The team’s findings, reflecting six years of collaborative research, offer a new understanding of castration resistance and prostate cancer biology that could point the way to new treatment strategies.
UCSF Treats First Patient With Homegrown CAR T-cell Therapy
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
UCSF faculty and clinicians working to take on the challenge of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treated their first patient with a promising chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy that was fully conceived, designed, optimized and manufactured at UCSF. GBM is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with a tremendously poor prognosis of 14-month median survival.
Altering Cancer Treatment Dosing Could Reduce Climate Impact, Study Finds
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Changing how often a popular cancer therapy is delivered would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental impact without decreasing cancer survival, according to an analysis from researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center.
Digital Tools for Doctors Quadruple Rate of Lifesaving Lung Cancer Screen
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Researchers at the University of Utah have designed new digital tools that prompt doctors to consider lung cancer screening for high-risk patients and provide personalized guidance on screening. Since their implementation, the digital tools have sparked doctor-patient conversations and quadrupled the amount of lung cancer screens for high-risk patients.
EXPLORER Expands Dynamic PET Imaging Ability to Visualize Dual Blood Supply in Lung Cancer
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
Scientists at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer and the UC Davis Department of Radiology have discovered a novel way to image the unique blood supply of the lungs. Their findings suggest it could help determine if lung cancer treatment is working.
Gut Bacteria Boost Immune Response to Fight Tumors
Siteman Cancer Center
A study by Washington University researchers at Siteman Cancer Center suggests a new strategy of using gut microbes to help unlock immunotherapy’s untapped cancer-fighting potential.Researchers Find Possible New Therapy for Some Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute researchers have found a potentially effective drug-combination approach to treating certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Scientists Identify Missing Piece Required for Blood Stem Cell Self-Renewal
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
UCLA scientists have identified a protein that plays a critical role in regulating human blood stem cell self-renewal by helping them sense and interpret signals from their environment. The study brings researchers one step closer to developing methods to expand blood stem cells in a lab dish.
CAR T for Prostate Cancer Shows Efficacy
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Preliminary results from a first in-human Phase I trial using a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy developed by researchers from City of Hope® in patients with advanced prostate cancer showed promise, with minimal side effects.
Half-Matched Family Donors Offer Best Outcomes for Hispanic Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Transplants
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
A new study suggests that a bone marrow transplant from a haploidentical, or half-identical, relative may greatly increase patients’ odds of success, in addition to being easier to find. The study may open life-saving opportunities for Hispanic patients, who are one-third less likely to find a fully matched donor from the national registry than white patients.
Intervention Tested to Reduce Financial Burden on Patients and Caregivers
UK Markey Cancer Center
Researchers at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic, and UK Markey Cancer Center found that receiving financial and legal navigation services improves levels of financial toxicity and quality of life for patients and caregivers.
White Blood Cell Process Could Be Early Warning Sign of Major Immunotherapy Complication
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
A new study shows that a process called NETosis, in which neutrophils eject their DNA to create webs, may contribute to the development of cytokine release syndrome, a potentially life-threatening hyper-activation of the immune system.
Iberdomide Increases Innate and Adaptive Immune Cell Subsets in Bone Marrow of Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai
A new report details the first evaluation of innate and adaptive immune response in bone marrow to a novel immunomodulatory molecule—Iberdomide—as part of a Phase I/II study.
New Prostate Cancer Treatment Approach Slows Progression Without Hurting Quality of Life
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
When prostate-specific antigen levels begin to rise again prostate cancer surgery, it often indicates a higher risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body. About half of men diagnosed with local prostate cancer will get metastatic cancer during their lifetime. Now, a pioneering clinical trial suggests that a novel treatment approach may improve outcomes.
Northwell to Partner With START Center for Cancer Research
Northwell Health Cancer Institute
Northwell Health and the START Center for Cancer Research (START), a global network of fully dedicated, community-based, early-phase oncology clinical trial sites, have announced partnership plans. A new START early-phase clinical trial site is to be established at the Zuckerberg Cancer Center, part of Northwell Health’s Cancer Institute.
New Symposium Unites Pancreatic Cancer Researchers
The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Pancreatic cancer researchers from the Midwest convened in May for the first-ever PancMidwest Pancreatic Cancer Research Symposium. The event gathered 130 multidisciplinary researchers and physicians at the the University of Chicago.
Uterine Cancer Rates and Deaths on Rise for Black Women Specifically
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
While most rates of cancer continue to decrease, oncologists express concern that rates of uterine cancer (also known as endometrial cancer) continue to rise, and this trend disproportionately affects Black women.
With NCI Designation, UF Health Accelerates Research Impact
University of Florida Health Cancer Center
Marking the first anniversary of its National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, the University of Florida Health Cancer Center has highlighted 10 key achievements of the past year.
CAR T Program Launched
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center now offers new Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Shashank Cingam, MD, recently joined the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Team and has helped launch the CAR T program.
Cancer Center Jobs
Postdoctoral Associate, Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Data Sciences
The University of Vermont Cancer Center
Read moreAssociate Director, Population Sciences
Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina
Read moreDirector of Cancer Research Development
Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina
Read moreProgram Leader, Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program
Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center
Read moreAssociate Director, Population Science
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson
Read moreMultiple Faculty Openings
University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center
Read moreMeeting Announcements
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summit
October 19, 2024
2024 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting
October 20, 2024
The 2024 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting will be held October 20-22 at Loews Chicago Downtown Hotel in Chicago, IL.
2025 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference
January 29, 2025
Save the date for the 2025 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference, January 29-31, in San Diego. Registration opens in September 2024.
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.