UChicago Researchers Make Strides in Cancer Science at AACR Meeting

The world of cancer research converged in Chicago at the 116th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). This year's theme, "Unifying Cancer Science and Medicine: A Continuum of Innovation for Impact," resonated throughout the conference, emphasizing the crucial link between fundamental research and its clinical applications in the fight against cancer.

Over 80 researchers from the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) took center stage at the event, sharing their latest scientific discoveries with a global audience of over 10,000 attendees. The presentations spanned a wide spectrum of cancer-related topics, from basic research delving into the intricacies of tumor biology to clinical trials exploring novel treatment strategies.

Bridging the Gap Between Research and Medicine

The AACR Meeting served as a dynamic platform for fostering international collaborations and promoting knowledge exchange. Sessions led by prominent researchers like Alexander Muir, PhD, Melody Swartz, PhD, and Raymond Mollering, PhD, delved into critical areas such as tumor metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and innovative chemistry applications for undruggable targets in the clinic. These presentations highlighted the advancements being made at the forefront of cancer research and their potential to translate into tangible benefits for patients.

Igniting Passion for Cancer Research

A dedicated focus on education and mentorship was evident throughout the AACR Meeting. The 20th Annual AACR Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition showcased the research endeavors of 15 trainees from the UCCCC pathway programs, providing them with a platform to share their work and connect with leading experts in the field. Kent Shechter was recognized for his outstanding contribution with the Meritorious Honors award.

Furthermore, the AACR Special Program for High School Students offered a unique opportunity for over 200 Chicago Public Schools students to immerse themselves in the world of cancer research. Co-sponsored by the UCCCC, this program fostered meaningful interactions between senior scientists and promising young minds, inspiring the next generation of researchers and nurturing their interest in pursuing careers in cancer science and medicine.

Fostering Global Connections

The AACR Meeting also served as a catalyst for international collaborations. The UCCCC hosted a half-day campus visit for 15 participants in the 2025 AACR Global Scholars-in-Training program, bringing together graduate students, medical students, and clinical and postdoctoral fellows from diverse countries across the globe. This exchange facilitated valuable connections between researchers from different backgrounds, fostering a spirit of collaborative discovery in the pursuit of cancer research advancements.

Showcasing Cutting-Edge Research

UCCCC faculty leaders actively contributed to the scientific discourse at the meeting. Everett E. Vokes, MD, co-chaired a clinical trials plenary session on therapeutic advances in non-small cell lung cancer, while Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, chaired the Cancer Immunology Working Group Town Hall and Networking Meeting. Additionally, two UChicago researchers presented their work at a mini-symposium on adoptive cell therapies, a promising immunotherapy approach.

Paulina Walczhak, a PhD student in the Odunsi Lab, shared research demonstrating the enhanced therapeutic effect of adoptive cell therapy in ovarian cancer through Serpin B9 overexpression in anti-tumor T cells. Yifei Hu, a fourth-year Pritzker School of Medicine student working in the Huang Lab, delivered an oral presentation on two-stage CD8+ CAR T cell differentiation in patients with large B-cell lymphoma. These presentations showcased the innovative research being conducted at UChicago and its potential to translate into improved cancer treatments.

The AACR Meeting concluded with a powerful message about the vital importance of investing in research. Lillian L. Siu, MD, FAACR, the newly elected President of AACR, emphasized the crucial role of funding in driving scientific advancements and bringing life-saving breakthroughs to fruition.

As we look ahead, the next AACR Annual Meeting is set to take place from April 17-22, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center. This continued gathering of researchers, clinicians, and policymakers will undoubtedly pave the way for further progress in the fight against cancer.