Hear firsthand from Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, director of National Institutes of Health (NIH), who will share updates regarding her new role and 2024 priorities for the NIH. Each month, Massey invites you to join national experts and community leaders for a monthly conversation around science and religion as we work to enhance the lives of people in our communities.
AACI Update | September 2024
Headlines
Cancer Center Leaders Elected to AACI Board of Directors
B. Mark Evers, MD, FACS; Kelvin Lee, MD; and Thomas A. Sellers, PhD, MPH, have been elected to AACI's Board of Directors. The new board members will begin their two-year terms in October, during the 2024 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting in Chicago. They will replace outgoing board members Marcia Cruz-Correa, MD, PhD; Ruben A. Mesa, MD, FACP; and Robert H. Vonderheide, MD, DPhil.
AACI Announces Recipients of 2024 Awards
AACI congratulates this year's Cancer Health Equity, Champion for Cures, and Distinguished Scientist award recipients, selected by the AACI Board of Directors. The awards will be presented at 11:00 am central time on Monday, October 21, during the 2024 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting.
Pictured, clockwise from top right: the late Brigadier General Edith P. Mitchell, MD (Cancer Health Equity), Friends of Dartmouth Cancer Center and the Prouty (Champion for Cures), and Paula D. Bos, PhD (Distinguished Scientist)
Registration and Call for Abstracts Open for 2025 CADEx Conference
Registration is now open for the 2025 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference, January 29-31, in Coronado, CA. This three-day event will bring together cancer center catchment area data experts, geospatial statisticians, and representatives from government and industry to address emerging topics in cancer prevention and control analytics. The AACI CADEx Planning Committee is currently soliciting abstracts for the meeting.
New Members Join CRI Steering Committee
This fall, AACI’s Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) will welcome Margaret Kasner, MD, MSCE, medical director of cancer clinical trials operations at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson, as the new CRI Steering Committee chair-elect. We are also welcoming five newly-elected steering committee members.
Reminder: Support Opportunities Available for AACI Events
AACI members are invited to support the 2024 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting by purchasing an ad in the digital meeting program. Support opportunities are also available for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summit. Both events will be held in Chicago this fall.
News from the Centers
Chernoff Named Fellow of Scientific Society
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health
Jonathan Chernoff, MD, PhD, cancer center director at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been named a Fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology. A molecular oncologist and board-certified medical oncologist, Dr. Chernoff joined Fox Chase in 1991. His lab focuses on factors that control cell growth and movement, including oncogenes and anticancer or tumor-suppressor genes.
UCLA Earns National Accreditation From Commission on Cancer
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
The UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has achieved accreditation from the Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons, for its commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality, and multidisciplinary patient-centered care to individuals affected by cancer.
Porteus Named Vice President of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy
Stanford Cancer Institute
Matthew Porteus, MD, PhD, has been named the vice president of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. The society is a nonprofit medical and scientific organization focused on the understanding, development, and application of gene, cell, and nucleic acid therapies. Dr. Porteus will serve in this role for one year, then as president-elect in 2025, and as president in 2026.
Breast Cancer Program Earns Fourth National Accreditation
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
The Breast Cancer Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has earned reaccreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers for the fourth time in 10 years.
Society Welcomes Two More Translational Scholars
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah are proud to announce the induction of two physician-scientists, Heloisa Soares, MD, PhD, and Skyler Johnson, MD, as members of The Society of Huntsman Translational Scholars.
Senator Moran Announces Federal Investments in KU Cancer Center, Health System
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) has announced $20 million in federal investments for The University of Kansas Cancer Center and the University of Kansas Health System. Each of the two organizations will receive $10 million, with KU Cancer Center dedicating $10 million toward its new cancer building.
More Than $17 Million Received From CPRIT
Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
Researchers at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine have been awarded more than $17 million in grants by the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to support developmental research focusing on promising new insights into cancer treatment and innovative core facilities.
$15 Million Award to Support Development of Powerful New Mini Microscope
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Led by Mekhail Anwar, MD, PhD, researchers from UCSF and UC Berkeley won up to $15.1 million from ARPA-H to develop a next-generation miniature scanner powerful enough to detect individual cancer cells during surgery. This project is one of nine funded by ARPA-H’s new Precision Surgical Interventions program and the latest in the Biden Cancer Moonshot.
Study Aims to Improve Bladder Cancer Treatment With High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
Researchers at The University of Kansas Cancer Center have secured a $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to study high-dose intravenous vitamin C for treating muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
$3 Million Grant Awarded to Advance Health Equity
UK Markey Cancer Center
A University of Kentucky project will expand options to develop community-engaged health equity research expertise among early-stage investigators. Achieving Success in Community-Engaged research to elimiNate Disparities (UK ASCEND) is supported by a nearly $3 million grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities through their Specialized Centers of Excellence initiative (P50).
Grant Supports Epigenetics Research
University of Florida Health Cancer Center
Richard Bennett, PhD, has received a five-year, $850,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to support research investigating epigenetic mechanisms of cancer. Since 2016, Dr. Bennett has supervised teams of researchers and performed key experiments for the NCI-funded research program of UF Health Cancer Center Director Jonathan Licht, MD.
Rich Appointed Interim Director
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Jeremy Rich, MD, MHS, MBA, deputy director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, has been selected as interim director as a national search starts for a new director. Dr. Rich joined UPMC Hillman in 2021, having previously served as director of the Brain Tumor Institute at the University of California San Diego and chair of the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Cleveland Clinic.
Ronai Appointed Director of Newly Established Translational Research Institute
Cedars-Sinai Cancer
Cedars-Sinai has appointed Ze’ev Ronai, PhD, as director of a newly established Translational Research Institute, professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery as well as the scientific director of the Surgical Melanoma Research Program in the Randall Department of Surgery.
Associate Director for Population Sciences Named
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
Christopher Amos, PhD, will serve as UNM Cancer Center’s associate director for Population Sciences and director of UNM Health Sciences Center’s Data Science Initiative. Dr. Amos will assist in building the cancer center’s research programs in cancer population sciences, cancer control, community engagement, behavioral intervention, and cancer health disparities.
Colorectal Surgery Executive Medical Director Appointed
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
City of Hope Orange County has announced that colorectal surgeon Alessio Pigazzi, MD, PhD, has joined the organization as clinical professor of surgery, executive medical director of colorectal surgery, and vice chair of clinical network affairs for the Department of Surgery. Dr. Pigazzi performed the world’s first robot-assisted tumor removal for rectal cancer two decades ago at City of Hope.
Bleicher Promoted to Chief of New Division of Breast Surgery
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health
Richard Bleicher, MD, FACS, a professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology and clinical director of the Breast Service Line, has been promoted to chief of the new Division of Breast Surgery at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Shaffer, Zang Join Cancer Center Leadership
University of Virginia Cancer Center
Kelly Shaffer, PhD, and Chongzhi Zang, PhD, have joined UVA Cancer Center’s leadership in newly-created positions. Dr. Shaffer has been appointed a co-lead of the Cancer Prevention and Population Health research program. Dr. Zang is the inaugural director of Computational Genomics.
BRCA1/2: Why Men Should Be Screened for the Breast Cancer Gene
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
A new review article describes evidence that men can carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that increase their risk of several cancers. The population of men undergoing genetic testing is 10 percent that of women, despite men accounting for 50 percent of carriers for these genes. To meet this need, national guidelines for screening have been updated from the BRCA Research and Cure Alliance and Basser Center for BRCA.FDA Approves Drug Targeting Brain Cancer Gene Mutation
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University
A new drug for treatment of a type of brain cancer, called IDH-mutant low-grade glioma, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The promising new drug, called vorasidenib, stems from a 2008 genetic discovery made at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.
Clinical Trial Uses Personalized Cancer Vaccine to Tackle Aggressive Brain Tumors in Adolescents, Young Adults
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
In an effort to combat one of the most lethal forms of pediatric brain cancer, researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are launching a first-of-its-kind clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a cancer vaccine targeting H3 G34-mutant diffuse hemispheric glioma, a highly aggressive brain tumor that is typically found in adolescents and young adults.
Gene Panel for Pediatric Cancers Increases Access to High-Quality Testing
Comprehensive Cancer Center St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Scientists at St. Jude have created a cost-effective, easy-to-use test to categorize a child’s cancer and guide better treatment. Using powerful sequencing technology to target just 0.15 percent of the genome, physicians can diagnose more than 90 percent of childhood cancer patients, which enables a quicker, more cost-effective diagnosis and better treatment plans.
Novel Test Helps Identify Patients at High Risk of Esophageal Cancers
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University
A novel test developed by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center investigators could give gastroenterologists insight into which patients with Barrett’s esophagus are likely to progress to esophageal cancer or an abnormal collection of cells called high-grade dysplasia.
GeneMAP Discovery Platform Will Help Define Functions for Orphan Metabolic Proteins
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
A multidisciplinary research team has developed a discovery platform to probe the function of genes involved in metabolism – the sum of all life-sustaining chemical reactions. The investigators used the new platform, called GeneMAP (Gene-Metabolite Association Prediction), to identify a gene necessary for mitochondrial choline transport.
Researchers Discover Novel Nanoparticles in Blood With Potential to Transform Cancer Diagnosis
The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai
Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified a new class of RNAs packed into tiny particles known as extracellular vesicles that could revolutionize how cancer and other diseases are diagnosed. The team found that these molecules undergo changes when cancer is present, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for detecting prostate cancer or as targets for therapy.
Cannabis Use Tied to Head and Neck Cancer
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
A study from the USC Head and Neck Center suggests that cannabis is associated with an increased occurrence of head and neck cancer. A large, multicenter study revealed that adults with cannabis dependence, known as cannabis use disorder, are 3.5 to 5 times more likely to develop head and neck cancer than those who do not use the substance.
Predictive Genetic Score Improves Outcomes by Personalizing Leukemia Therapy
University of Florida Health Cancer Center
Using patients’ own genetics to tailor their chemotherapy regimens appears to improve outcomes in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a new University of Florida Health-led study shows. Personalizing chemotherapy treatment using a predictive score can improve long-term survival in AML patients by as much as nine percent compared with a nonpersonalized approach when applied to the overall population, according to the study.
Epigenetic Change to DNA Associated With Cancer Risk
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
A research team co-led by investigators at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Virginia has identified associations between DNA methylation and cancer risk. DNA methylation is an epigenetic change—the addition of "methyl groups" to DNA—that can affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Most DNA methylation occurs on CpG sites in the genome.
Studies Show How Immunotherapies Collaborate to Boost T Cell Responses in Melanoma
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Two studies by University of Pittsburgh researchers uncover how immunotherapies targeting the immune checkpoints PD1 and LAG3 work together to activate immune responses. The findings shed light on why combination therapies targeting both checkpoints can improve outcomes for melanoma patients compared to monotherapies targeting only PD1.
A Ketogenic Diet Could Improve the Response to Pancreatic Cancer Therapy
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Scientists at UCSF have discovered a way to get rid of pancreatic cancer in mice by putting them on a high fat, or ketogenic, diet and giving them cancer therapy. The cancer therapy blocks fat metabolism, which is the cancer’s only source of fuel for as long as the mice remain on the ketogenic diet, and the tumors stop growing.
Study: Transplant Possible After Immunotherapy for Advanced Liver Cancer Patients
Cedars-Sinai Cancer
Liver transplant is considered the best treatment for liver cancer, but only available for patients with early-stage disease. Now a study led by Cedars-Sinai Cancer investigators has concluded that immunotherapy could make liver transplant an option for patients with later-stage cancer as well.
CD22-Directed CAR T-cell Therapy for Large B-cell Lymphomas
Stanford Cancer Institute
A Stanford-led study identified CD22 as an immunotherapeutic target in large B-cell lymphoma and demonstrated the durable clinical activity of CAR22 in patients with disease progression after CAR19 therapy.
Study Reveals New Insights Into Multiple Myeloma Progression
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Data from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation landmark CoMMpass study offer a comprehensive understanding of multiple myeloma’s progression from a treatable condition to a high-risk state by providing unprecedented insights into the genetic diversity and subtypes of the disease.
Facts & Faith Fridays: NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
On Friday, September 20 at 3:00 pm eastern time, hear firsthand from Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, director of National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Bertagnolli will share updates regarding her new role and 2024 priorities for the NIH. Each month, VCU Massey invites national experts and community leaders to participate in conversations around science and religion.
ACS Announces up to $8 Million in Awards and Grants to Help Fund Early-Stage Researchers
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has announced the creation of the Catalyst awards to grant up to $8 million to early-stage investigators and post-doctoral fellowships in the U.S. The Catalyst awards are meant to "catalyze" researchers with high scoring, but not yet funded, research projects recently submitted either to ACS or the National Cancer Institute.
Researchers Develop an Enhanced Communication Framework for Use in the Cancer Clinic
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Doctors are frequently tasked with breaking negative news to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Researchers from the University of Michigan and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have proposed an enhanced model of communication focusing not only on what is said in the clinic but also nonverbal communication of the doctor and how doctors in turn interpret patients’ nonverbal cues.
Phase I Clinical Trial Program Launched
Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center has launched the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Center for Experimental Therapeutics, a Phase I clinical trial program that will provide its patients the opportunity to enroll in early-phase clinical trials targeting a wide range of malignancies. The program’s first trial, which includes a novel therapy targeting a mutation commonly found in pancreatic and colorectal cancers, enrolled its first patient in August.
Markey Launches Partnership With VA Health Care
UK Markey Cancer Center
The Lexington VA Health Care System is now affiliated with the UK Markey Cancer Center. The partnership will provide Kentucky veterans with expanded access to specialized cancer care, including clinical trials and advanced technology available only at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.
Survey Reveals Cancer Care Needs for Patients in Rural and Frontier Areas
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
A survey conducted by Huntsman Cancer Institute researchers reveals that residents of frontier areas of the Mountain West face significant barriers to health care. The Community Health Assessment Survey is the first of its kind to focus solely on patients in rural counties and frontier areas.
UNM Opens Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Using HIPEC Surgery
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
A new clinical trial at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is applying hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a proven surgical technique used in digestive cancers, to ovarian cancer.
Radiation Oncology, Imaging Center to Open
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC, will open a Newport Beach location offering the latest advancements in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging. The treatment center, which will open in early 2025, will feature cutting-edge cancer technologies, providing new therapeutic options and optimizing patient outcomes.
Complimentary Registration, ACCC Membership for AACI Members
Association of Cancer Care Centers
In support of our shared goals to advance equitable cancer care, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is offering AACI members who are not already ACCC members a one-year complimentary ACCC Cancer Program Membership. As an introduction to the organization, ACCC is also offering one complimentary registration per program to its National Oncology Conference in Minneapolis, October 9-11.
Cancer Center Jobs
Executive Director of Ambulatory Services - Oncology & Infusion Services
Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina
Read moreCancer Metabolism and Redox Biology Tenure Pathway Faculty
The University of Vermont Cancer Center
Read moreAssociate Director of Population Health and Cancer Control
UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute
Read moreExecutive Director of Oncology Services and Cell and Gene Therapy
UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
Read moreMeeting Announcements
Facts & Faith Fridays: NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli
September 20, 2024
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Inaugural Conference for West Coast Alliance to Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (WeCAPD)
September 20, 2024
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Hosted by Cedars-Sinai Cancer, the inaugural conference of WeCAPD aims to foster collaboration and community among NCI-designated and emerging cancer centers in the Western U.S. The conference will encourage dialogue among leaders, faculty, staff, postdocs, trainees and stakeholders. Join us on Friday, September 20, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Pactific time, to explore opportunities to shape diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the cancer community!
Featuring regional and national leaders, the conference will engage participants in meaningful discussions on best practices and emerging trends in DEI, cultivate innovative strategies to address current challenges, and build frameworks to advance DEI initiatives across cancer centers.
Discounted registration rates are available for students, interns, and postdocs. 2024 WeCAPD Conference Travel Awards and discount hotel rates are also available. Please email inquiries to: [email protected].
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summit
October 19, 2024
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.
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. A virtual registration option is also available to those who cannot attend in person.
2025 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference
January 29, 2025
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.
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.