Battling Cancer On All Fronts
At the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, our vision is to reduce the suffering and mortality caused by cancer. Achieving this vision is complex and multifaceted, which is why we're attacking cancer at every level possible.
In our laboratories, we're delving into the molecular level to uncover the biological origins and evolution of cancer. In our clinics and hospitals, we're implementing innovative treatments and conducting clinical trials to improve patient outcomes. And in our community, we're educating people about cancer prevention and reduction initiatives.
At the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, we're committed to fighting for every person affected by cancer, and we won't stop until cancer does.
Accelerating Cancer Discoveries
The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center unifies cancer research across three institutions under one umbrella. By working together, we can seize opportunities to drive cancer research and patient care forward more quickly.
In 2022, we concentrated our organizational work in four areas:
PEOPLE
Over the past year, we focused on recruiting key researchers and clinicians to propel our research forward and expand our capacity to serve patients. Every new employee — at all levels — is mentored by senior leaders to understand our values of outstanding care, community and teamwork.
COLLABORATION
Through ongoing communications and in-person professional events, we are connecting researchers from different organizations, colleges and disciplines to foster inter-programmatic collaborations.
RESOURCES
Cancer research and therapeutic development are expensive, complex processes. In 2022, we created shared resource programs in biospecimen collection and storage as well as biostatistics and informatics to make these tools accessible to all of our cancer researchers.
FUNDING
In 2022, we increased grant funding by more than 34%, revamped our pilot project awards process and awarded 12 pilot grants for early stage investigators to further their research.
Hover over each box to read highlights.
2022 Accomplishments
Increased research funding by 34%
Increased research membership by 22%
Hosted 25 professional educational events
Increased active research grants by 73%
84
ACTIVE RESEARCH GRANTS IN 2022
$16.6m
INDIRECT COST FUNDING IN 2022
One Gene at a Time
Krushna Patra, PhD, University of Cincinnati Cancer Center member and assistant professor in the Department of Cancer Biology, has identified the function of GNAS mutation in the evolution of pancreatic cysts into pancreatic cancer, establishing an important biomarker for therapeutic targeting.
BASIC SCIENCE RESEARCH
We are focused on cancer cell signaling and metabolism, with a goal of identifying novel targets that may lead to new therapeutics.
Dr. Krushna Patra was awarded the prestigious MERIT Award from the National Cancer Institute in 2022.
CLINICAL/ TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
Our researchers have teamed with our providers at UC Health and Cincinnati Children’s to focus on emerging therapies, using technology and tools to enhance patient outcomes.
52
ACTIVE RESEARCH GRANTS IN 2022
$7.8m
INDIRECT COST FUNDING IN 2022
Building a Leukemia Destination Program
Hematologic malignancy was once a diagnosis that forced Cincinnati-area patients to leave home for care. But with recent investments, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center has quickly become a destination for patients seeking the best care. The Cancer Center has invested in building a comprehensive program that offers patients 4 essential components.
Hover over photos to learn more about each component.
1
Advanced diagnostic tests and technologies, including molecular profiling, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and immunohistochemistry, to accurately identify the type and subtype of leukemia and guide treatment decisions.
2
A wide range of treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant and cellular therapies, including CAR T-cell therapy.
3
Clinical trials that offer new and promising therapies for patients who do not respond to standard treatments or who have relapsed or have refractory disease.
4
A Cancer Wellness Center that provides supportive care services, including management of coexisting health conditions, access to integrative therapies (such as acupuncture and yoga) and survivorship care.
FLASH radiation could mean cancer treatment in seconds, not weeks, proclaims USA Today as it announces FLASH radiation therapy as one of the Top 3 Advances in Cancer Treatment for 2022.
Physics World recognized the FAST-01 trial as a Top 10 Breakthrough of the Year for 2022.
First-in-Human FLASH Radiation Therapy Trial
Research findings from the world’s first-in-human clinical trial of proton FLASH therapy, which was conducted at the Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati Medical Center Proton Therapy Center, indicate the clinical feasibility and preliminary efficacy and safety of an experimental treatment for cancer patients that delivers radiation therapy at ultrahigh dose rates in less than one second.
The Cincinnati Children’s/University of Cincinnati Medical Center Proton Therapy Center, which opened in 2016, is the first proton therapy center in Ohio and one of only 39 in the U.S. It incorporates a $24 million, one-of-a-kind research facility that includes a fully operational proton treatment room dedicated to research along with integrated laboratories. The unique capabilities of the research center were instrumental in developing the world’s first and only clinical trials of FLASH proton therapy.
PREVENTION, CONTROL & POPULATION RESEARCH
With regional cancer rates higher than national averages, we are dedicated to understanding and mitigating environmental exposures along with reducing health inequities.
TOP 10 CANCERS TREATED AT UCCC IN 2022:
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Breast
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Lung
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Prostate
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Lip, Oral Cavity & Pharynx
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Melanoma, Skin
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Lymphoid Leukemia*
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Brain & Nervous System
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Pancreas
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Colon
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Corpus Uteri
*Lymphoid leukemia was the No. 1 type of cancer for patients at Cincinnati Children's
7
ACTIVE RESEARCH GRANTS IN 2022
$1.1m
INDIRECT COST FUNDING IN 2022
697
ATTENDEES AT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
21
CME, EDUCATIONAL & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS HOSTED
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SHARED RESOURCES
Shared resources provide highly specialized and sophisticated expertise and services to support the work of our scientists across the continuum of basic science, clinical and translational, and population research.
In 2022, we developed Biospecimen and Biostatistics & Informatics shared resources. Going forward, we are developing a Radiomics Shared Resource and exploring possible shared resource programs in organoid development, drug development and cancer metabolism.
MEMBERSHIP
96
CLINICAL/TRANSLATIONAL
MEMBERS
91
BASIC SCIENCE MEMBERS
27
POPULATION SCIENCE MEMBERS
More than 200 researchers and clinicians representing 8 UC Colleges and Cincinnati Children’s are members of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. Hover over graphic to see breakdown.
University of Cincinnati Cancer Center
231 Albert Sabin Way, Suite 2005, Cincinnati, OH 45267
Phone: 513-585-7333