Expanding access to faster, cheaper radiation treatment for U.S. breast cancer patients
By Chandrika Abburi, PhD Hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (HF-WBI) is a method of delivering radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery. The treatment is highly efficient, less expensive, and takes less time; however, it is not currently the standard...
Clinical research roles open doors to healthcare opportunities
If your cancer care or career has included a clinical trial, you are likely familiar with clinical research coordinators (CRCs): staff whose work takes them around hospitals and clinics to talk to patients about clinical trials, explain specific protocols and ensure...
Creating a pipeline of clinical research professionals to improve cancer care
Clinical research is critical for getting promising new drugs and devices to patients, but its success depends on a workforce of dedicated professionals. Unfortunately, the field is severely understaffed. A 2023 analysis showed that for every experienced clinical...
Ten years of inspiring future cancer physicians and researchers
The UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center held a research symposium on Friday, August 2, 2024, to showcase the projects by participants of its research training programs for high school and undergraduate students interested in careers in cancer research. Two special guests—National Cancer Institute (NCI) director W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, MMHC, and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL)— met with leadership, faculty, and students to mark both the 10th anniversary of the educational programs and the 50th anniversary of the Comprehensive Cancer Center’s NCI designation.
Scientists just wanna have fun-ding: demystifying how cancer research is funded
Cancer research is very expensive. In 2024, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was allocated $7.22 billion, which was a decrease of $96 million dollars from the previous year. Most of these funds are disbursed as research grants to external organizations, such as the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC).