Read time: 2 minutes
Keywords: cancer, cancer research
Researchers at the Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) have made significant progress in the fight against cancer this year. Our scientists’ work is changing the future of cancer detection, diagnostics, and treatment—and provides hope for cancer-free lives.
Below, you’ll find a collection of stories from 2024. The CCIL looks forward to new opportunities for progress in 2025 and the years ahead.
A New Approach to Fighting Breast Cancer: Researchers Identify Compound that May Help the Immune System Slow or Stop Tumor Growth
The limitations of standard therapies inspire Erik Nelson and his team, which includes CCIL Deputy Director Paul Hergenrother and graduate student Hashni Epa Vidana Gamage, to pursue novel immunotherapies—treatments that engage the immune system, priming it to kill cancer cells.
Cancer Center at Illinois Holds Unique Position to Develop AI Solutions that Benefit Patients and Survivors
“How can we develop the AI tools of tomorrow to positively benefit patient and survivor outcomes for all who battle cancer?” The CCIL is developing AI solutions in response to this question.
CCIL Researchers Receive Major ARPA-H Grants
ARPA-H Project to Pioneer Rapid Manufacturing of Tumor Models
The goal of a $21 million ARPA-H project is to develop a new platform to manufacture tumor models and expand their availability for both medical research and personalized medicine.
Up to $33 Million ARPA-H Award Will Fund Tumor-Removing Surgical Precision Project
An up to $33 million contract from ARPA-H will fund an end-to-end solution that will drastically improve surgical outcomes for cancer tumor removal.
Cousins Team Up to Tackle Glioblastoma
The shared childhood memory of their grandfather’s battle with glioblastoma motivates the work of two cancer researchers—cousins CCIL program leader Brendan Harley and Rebecca Riggins.
New Study Shows ‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Testicular Cancer Tumor Growth
A paper published by a team that included several CCIL researchers demonstrates a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and growth of testicular germ cell tumors.
Nine CCIL Members Named to Inaugural CZ Biohub Chicago Cohort
The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago is one of the visionary endeavors of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). CZ Biohub Chicago’s unique grand challenge is to develop engineering-driven solutions for an unprecedented molecular understanding of inflammation that underly many diseases.
Novel Wound Healing Technology Aims to Help Patients Heal More Quickly after Cancer Surgery
Joseph Irudayaraj, the CCIL’s Associate Director for Shared Resources and professor of bioengineering, published research in Nature Communications, demonstrating the potential of a new therapeutic to accelerate and enhance post-surgical wound healing. The novel technology may have import for patients with cancer.
Study Links Neighborhood Violence, Lung Cancer Progression
Scientists have identified a potential driver of aggressive lung cancer tumors in patients who live in areas with high levels of violent crime. Their study found that stress responses differ between those living in neighborhoods with higher and lower levels of violent crime, and between cancerous and healthy tissues in the same individuals.
Two New Biosensing Instruments Take Big Leap Forward for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
CCIL Program Leader Brian Cunningham has developed two new biomarker detection instruments with the potential to transform point-of-care diagnostics.