The 2021 Artificial Intelligence in Oncology Symposium: Precision Medicine and Cancer Disparities will bring together experts in AI and machine learning as well as clinical, industry, and federal agency experts in pathology, radiology, drug discovery, ethics, and policy to speak on research developments, regulatory policy, reimbursement, and ethics surrounding AI in oncology. For the health and safety of all attendees, this year's symposium will again take place virtually.
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AACI Update | November 2021
Headlines
Winer to Lead Yale Cancer Center
After an extensive national search, Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Health have announced that Eric P. Winer, MD, will be the next director of Yale Cancer Center and physician-in-chief of Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, effective February 1, 2022. Dr. Winer is currently vice president for medical affairs at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
AACI Welcomes HOPA to Sustaining Members
AACI welcomes the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacist Association (HOPA) to its roster of sustaining members. Founded in 2004, HOPA is a professional society for hematology/oncology pharmacists and associates. The organization’s mission is to support these pharmacy practitioners and optimize the care of individuals affected by cancer. HOPA also promotes the importance of oncology pharmacists to the cancer care team.
2021 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting Highlights Equity, Diversity
With continued health concerns and restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting was held virtually in October. More than 500 cancer center members and other colleagues participated in the three-day event. Presentations covered a wide range of topics including telehealth; COVID-19’s impact on cancer centers; computational oncology; cancer care across the lifespan; research at basic science cancer centers; and adapting clinical trials to patients’ changing needs.
CRI 2021 Abstract Book Now Available
The 13th Annual AACI CRI Meeting Abstracts and Posters Book is now available to AACI members. The digital book features 62 abstracts from 27 cancer centers submitted for virtual presentation at the CRI meeting this past July. This year’s submissions covered topics in several categories, including Clinical Trial Operations; Investigator-Initiated Trials; Training, Quality Assurance, Remote Monitoring, and Auditing; and Trial Recruitment & Community Outreach and Engagement.
Patient Resource Navigator: Your Solution to Guiding Each Patient's Journey
Improves Adherence & Outcomes
93% of patients surveyed report Patient Resource Guides assist them in following their physician’s treatment plan.
"I felt more in control with the aid of the guide."
- Breast Cancer Patient
For more information, contact Amy Galey.
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Now Hiring for Multiple Positions
The Clinical Research Services (CRS) department in the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is expanding and is currently hiring for multiple Clinical Research, Regulatory, and Research Nurse positions at all levels. To be considered for the openings, submit your application to job no. R100044788.
News from the Centers
Carpten to Chair National Cancer Advisory Board
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
President Joe Biden has appointed John Carpten, PhD, to serve as chair of the administration’s National Cancer Advisory Board. Dr. Carpten is the founding chair of translational genomics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, founding director of the USC Institute of Translational Genomics, and associate director of basic sciences for the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Heslop Elected to National Academy of Medicine
Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
Helen Heslop, MD, DSc (Hon), director of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital and interim director of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine.
Eng Named Co-Chair of NCI Clinical Trials Steering Committee
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Cathy Eng, MD, has been elected co-chair of the National Cancer Institute Gastrointestinal Cancer Steering Committee, which is responsible for supervising clinical trials. Trials overseen by the committee include neuroendocrine tumors, gastroesophageal carcinoma, rectal-anal and colon cancers, hepatocellular tumors, and pancreatic cancer.
The International Society of Gastrointestinal Oncology Welcomes Sun as President
The University of Kansas Cancer Center
The International Society of Gastrointestinal Oncology, a nonprofit global educational organization committed to gastrointestinal oncology, recently named Weijing Sun, MD, as its new president. Dr. Sun is associate director of clinical research at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Center to Advance Palliative Care Recognizes Livestrong Initiative
Livestrong Cancer Institutes, The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School
"The CaLM Model: Hardwiring Cancer Centers for Whole Person Care," an initiative of Livestrong Cancer Institutes of Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, is a Silver Winner in CAPC’s second Tipping Point Challenge, an innovation and quality improvement challenge from the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) and The John A. Hartford Foundation.
Borghaei Honored as Lung Cancer Hero
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health
Hossein Borghaei, DO, MS, chief of the Division of Thoracic Medical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been named one of three winners of the second annual Lung Cancer Heroes awards program.
Cukierman Appointed Senior Editor of New Journal
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Edna "Eti" Cukierman, PhD, co-director of the Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, has been named a senior editor for Cancer Research Communications, a new online journal.
UCSF to Coordinate Health Disparities Research in Multiple Chronic Diseases With $22.5 Million Grant
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Funded by a five-year, $22.5 million grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, UC San Francisco faculty will coordinate research from 11 newly funded centers across the U.S. on the root causes of, and ways to eliminate, disparities in multiple chronic diseases.
Researchers Part of Collaborative $12.4 Million SPORE Grant
Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
Kathy Miller, MD, and Ken Nephew, PhD, are among nearly 20 scientists at six institutions who will work to improve epigenetic therapies for cancer with a five-year, estimated $12.4 million Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant from the National Cancer Institute.
$7.5 Million to Study Elusive Cell Type Important in Aging, Cancer, Other Diseases
Siteman Cancer Center
Washington University researchers at Siteman Cancer Center are joining the National Institutes of Health’s new research network focused on the study of senescent cells, a rare and important population of cells that is difficult to study but vital for understanding aging and diseases of aging, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Li Ding, PhD, is principal investigator.
Researcher Receives NCI Outstanding Investigator Award to Study Two Deadly Blood Diseases
Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center
Ulrich G. Steidl, MD, PhD, associate director of basic science at the Albert Einstein Cancer Center, has received a a seven-year, $7 million Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Cancer Institute to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.
$3 Million Grant to Fund Studies of Stress and Lung Cancer in the Black Community
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chanita Hughes-Halbert, PhD, associate director for cancer equity at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, will collaborate with Robert Winn, MD, director of VCU Massey Cancer Center, and scientific leaders at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center to address lung cancer racial disparities through precision medicine, targeted smoking cessation programs, and community outreach.
Can Intermittent Fasting Lower Cancer Risk Better Than Counting Calories?
University of Illinois Cancer Center
University of Illinois Cancer Center program leader Lisa Tussing-Humphreys, PhD, MS, RD, received a $3 million National Cancer Institute grant to investigate the effects of time-restricted eating versus daily continuous calorie restriction on body weight and colorectal cancer risk markers among adults with obesity.
Study To Evaluate How Environment Impacts Cancer Risk
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
The National Cancer Institute has funded a project led by Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center to assess the impact of environmental exposures on cancer risk for people living in Southern states. Wei Zheng, MD, PHD, MPH, is the principal investigator of the Southern Environmental Health Study, which has received $2.4 million for the first two years of research.
Koss Earns NIH Director's Award
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
Brian Koss, PhD, a researcher with the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, is a recipient of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director’s Early Independence Award. He will receive a five-year, nearly $1.9 million grant to fund his highly specialized cancer research at UAMS.
Researcher Receives Grant to Study Pediatric Proton Therapy
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Matthew Poppe, MD, physician-scientist at Huntsman Cancer Institute, received a grant from the National Cancer Institute to advance his research in the treatment of pediatric cancers using different types of radiation therapy: proton therapy and photon therapy.
First Associate Director of DEI Named
Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
The Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center has named Antwione Haywood, PhD, its associate director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. Haywood is the first person to hold the chief diversity officer position at the cancer center.
Domino Joins Urologic Cancer Team
UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute
Paula Domino, MD, a urologic surgeon specializing in restoring function for patients with urinary and pelvic challenges, has joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she completed a fellowship in voiding dysfunction and pelvic reconstruction.
Nursing Leaders Appointed to New or Expanded Roles
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
A number of veteran nursing team members have been promoted to new leadership roles, including a newly named deputy chief nursing officer and supervisors overseeing key clinical programs.
Regional Chief of Cancer Services Announced
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health (SKCC) welcomes Marcia Brose, MD, PhD, as vice chair of medical oncology and SKCC regional chief of cancer services at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia.
Zoellner New Co-Leader of Cancer Prevention and Population Health
University of Virginia Cancer Center
Jamie Zoellner, PhD, RD, has assumed the role of co-lead of the Cancer Prevention and Population Health (CPH) program. She will work with Li Li, MD, PhD, who is continuing his role as CPH co-leader.
Study Shows Nutrient-Regulated Hormone Alters Stem Cell Function
UK Markey Cancer Center
A new study from the lab of UK Markey Cancer Center Director Mark Evers, MD, demonstrates the critical role of the hormone neurotensin in cell proliferation and stem cell function in the small intestine.
Cancer Centers Provide Superior End-of-Life Care to Dual-Eligible Cancer Patients
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Cancer centers and/or health care systems that prioritize coordination and communication provide higher-quality end-of-life care for cancer patients who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, University of Michigan researchers found.
Lymphoma and 'Chemo Brain': New Research Shows a Connection
Wilmot Cancer Institute, UR Medicine
Wilmot Cancer Institute data establish for the first time that "chemo brain" is a major problem for lymphoma survivors. The research is relevant due to a rising number of cancer survivors. Given those strides, it’s important to address the consequences of treatment, said Jonathan Friedberg, MD, MMSc, Wilmot’s director and an international lymphoma expert.
How Ovarian Cancers Evade the Immune System
Stanford Cancer Institute
Recent research by Wendy Fantl, PhD, and Veronica Gonzalez, PhD, shows that ovarian tumors thrive by convincing nearby immune cells that the cancer cells are those of a developing fetus. They do so by transferring a molecule called CD9 from their cell surface to the surface of the immune cells via trogocytosis.
Testing Troubles
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers, led by Cosette Wheeler, PhD, have found that many women are screened for cervical cancer too often, leading to unnecessary procedures that may carry their own harms, while some women are not getting tested often enough.
CAR T Immunotherapy Could Be Improved to Kill Solid Tumors
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health
Yuri Sykulev, MD, PhD, and colleagues at Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health, have shown that to efficiently kill melanoma cells, CAR T cells require an abundance of antigens—cancer-associated molecules that are overexpressed—on target cells.
Incidence of Pancreatic Cancer Rising in Younger Women
Cedars-Sinai Cancer
Cedars-Sinai Cancer researchers have found that the incidence of pancreatic cancer—which historically has been higher in men than in women—increased among both men and women during the last decade, with a significantly greater relative increase observed in younger women.
Treating Anal Cancer Precursor Lesions Reduces Cancer Risk for People With HIV
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
In a randomized clinical trial with 4,446 participants, known as the Anal Cancer/HSIL Outcomes Research (ANCHOR) study, a team of researchers led by investigator Joel Palefsky, MD, found that by removing high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, chances of progression to anal cancer were significantly reduced.
ATR Inhibitor RP-3500 Demonstrates Safety and Early Clinical Benefit
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
In a first-in-human, Phase I trial, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that ATR inhibitor RP-3500 was safe and well tolerated with promising clinical benefit.
UAMS, Mayo Clinic Researchers Discover Key to Unlocking Molecular Cancer Therapies
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
Researchers at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and the Mayo Clinic have discovered a way to supercharge molecular cancer treatments to destroy more cancer-causing proteins in cells.
Who Addresses Cancer in Rural Communities?
University of Illinois Cancer Center
University of Illinois Cancer Center researchers identified three practice recommendations for nurses to effectively reduce breast and cervical cancer disparities for women in rural communities, where residents are more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage disease and face complex barriers to high-quality cancer care.
Novel Therapy Could Be Effective Against Pediatric Leukemia
The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai researchers have developed a therapy that shows promise against a deadly pediatric leukemia. The small-molecule therapy was highly effective in fighting a type of acute myeloid leukemia in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, according to recently published research.
Abdominal Fat Linked to Worse Outcomes for Black Breast Cancer Survivors
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Findings from a recent population-based cohort study show that Black women diagnosed with breast cancer who also have central obesity, which means excess body fat in the abdominal area, were more likely to die from breast cancer or any other cause than similar women who didn’t have central obesity.
Chronic Stress May Impact Treatment Completion, Survival Outcomes in Patients With Breast Cancer
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
A new study shows that chronic physiologic "wear and tear" from stress, known as allostatic load, may be associated with a decreased likelihood of cancer treatment completion and with lower overall survival.
Glioma Subtype May Hold the Secret to Success of Immunotherapies
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
A single common genetic mutation may hold the key to making immunotherapy more effective against gliomas, according to new mouse model findings from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.
Researchers Uncover New Genetic Factors That Contribute to the Success of BMT
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
New research from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has uncovered genetic factors other than human leukocyte antigen compatibility that significantly contribute to outcomes following blood and marrow transplant in cancer patients.
Tobacco Marketing Exposure Linked to Community Vulnerability
UK Markey Cancer Center
A recent University of Kentucky College of Medicine study found that young adults from vulnerable communities are more likely to be exposed to tobacco marketing in their daily lives than are young adults outside these communities. The study’s findings may help community leaders create policies that reduce exposure to tobacco marketing.
Women With Genetic Mutations Fare No Worse With Breast, Ovarian Cancer
Stanford Cancer Institute
Women newly diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer who are also carriers of cancer-associated mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2 are no more likely to die of their tumors than those who don’t have the mutations, according to a new study.
African American Breast Cancer Patients Less Likely to Receive Genetic Counseling, Testing
Siteman Cancer Center
Washington University researchers at Siteman Cancer Center have surveyed cancer doctors to identify differences in physician attitudes and beliefs that may contribute to a gap in referrals to genetic counseling and testing between Black women and white women with breast cancer. Foluso O. Ademuyiwa, MD, MPH, MSCI, is first author on the study.
Thyroid Cancer Overdiagnosis Might Be Addressed Through Better Patient-Doctor Conversations
University of Florida Health Cancer Center
University of Florida Health researcher Naykky Singh Ospina, MD, is leading a team developing a conversation aid to be used during what can be a challenging clinical encounter when it’s crucial for a doctor to clearly and completely communicate a patient’s cancer risk and management options.
A Consensus View: Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
A recent consensus statement from the Particle Therapy Cooperative Group Breast Cancer Subcommittee assessed data on proton therapy for breast cancer, providing expert consensus recommendations on indications and technique, and highlighting ongoing clinical trials cost-effectiveness analyses and key areas for future research.
First Lady Promotes Health Equity, Breast Cancer Awareness
Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina
U.S. First Lady Jill Biden visited MUSC Hollings Cancer Center on October 25. In attendance were MUSC President David J. Cole, MD, FACS; Hollings Director Raymond N. DuBois, MD, PhD; Marvella E. Ford, PhD, Hollings associate director of population sciences and cancer disparities; and Norman E. Sharpless, MD, director of the National Cancer Institute.
Researchers Mobilize at Hospital's Front Door to Expand Cancer Screenings
Wilmot Cancer Institute, UR Medicine
To find people who are behind on cancer screenings and then motivate them to follow through, an innovative team is leveraging the emergency department at UR Medicine sites. The study looks at whether a text message reminder is more effective than a standard referral for prompting screenings.
Tech That Saves Lymph Nodes in Women With Breast Cancer Adopted
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
VCU Massey Cancer Center is now using an FDA-approved substance called Magtrace that allows surgeons to spare the lymph nodes in the vast majority of early-stage breast cancer patients, reducing their risk of developing lymphedema months or years later.
UVA Joins National Effort to Increase Minority Representation in Cancer Clinical Trials
University of Virginia Cancer Center
University of Virginia (UVA) Cancer Center is participating in a pilot project that seeks to increase racial and ethnic diversity among cancer treatment trial volunteers. The initiative is led by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Association of Community Cancer Centers.
Community Engagement Ensures Equitable Inclusion in Vaccine Trials
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
A team of research experts from the COVID-19 Prevention Network, or CoVPN, headquartered at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, have demonstrated that through robust community engagement, equitable inclusion in vaccine clinical trials can make a powerful impact in the health of underrepresented communities.
Cancer Center Jobs
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Meeting Announcements
Artificial Intelligence in Oncology Symposium
November 8, 2021
14th Annual AACI CRI Meeting
July 12, 2022
The AACI Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) program serves as a network for research leaders to develop and share best practices for the efficient operation of clinical trials offices (CTO) at AACI cancer centers. The programming of the 14th Annual AACI CRI Meeting, “Partnering in Progress,” aligns with CRI's strategic goal of stimulating cancer center interactions to maximize resources by creating opportunities for peer-to-peer networking and collaboration.
The health and safety of meeting attendees is of paramount importance. AACI continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health guidelines. We are currently planning for an in-person event and will implement protective measures in accordance with current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the City of Chicago. A virtual option is available to those unable to attend in person.
Please visit the meeting website for more information on COVID-19 masking, vaccination, and testing policies:
Health and Safety Measures
FAQ
AACI reserves the right to revise vaccination, masking, and testing policies based on evolving public health recommendations, and will notify attendees of any changes as soon as possible.
2022 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting
October 2, 2022
AACI cancer centers form North America's cancer research infrastructure and are hubs of critical discoveries, treatment advances and improvements in patient care. AACI and the Cancer Center Administrators Forum (CCAF) jointly formulated the program for the 2022 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting.
This three-day event convenes AACI cancer center members with national cancer research and advocacy groups, industry, and government health agencies to develop solutions to common challenges. No other program presents information on cancer research and patient care issues as they pertain to the leaders of the nation's cancer centers and provides those leaders with a forum to discuss common issues with their peers.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) is jointly provided by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and AACI. Your participation in this national meeting helps us chart a course for AACI's work on behalf of its cancer center network. We look forward to hosting you and your colleagues for this always innovative and high-quality educational experience.