The 2025 HCRF Board Meeting showcased significant achievements, progress, and heartfelt reflections, emphasizing the collective impact of teamwork, leadership, and philanthropy in advancing cancer research. The meeting reinforced HCRF’s commitment to its mission, celebrating the collective effort of supporters, leaders, and researchers. It highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and financial support in making a profound difference in cancer research and patient care.

Read on to see the important words shared by Dr. Platanias, Dr. Hussain, Dr. Gradishar, 

and researcher Frank D. Eckerdt below.

Dr. Leonidas Platanias is the Director of the Lurie Cancer Center and a renowned expert in cancer research, focusing on molecular biology and innovative therapies to improve patient care. Dr. Platanias provided an insightful update on the achievements and ongoing efforts of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, emphasizing its dual mission of delivering state-of-the-art cancer care and advancing research to bring laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. “Our mission is to bring the discoveries from the lab to the clinic to defeat cancer,” he stated, highlighting the center’s role in training the next generation of scientists and clinicians. Reflecting on the center’s history, from its founding in 1975 to its significant growth since 2014, Dr. Platanias noted, “We are much stronger than we were 5 or 7 years ago, and our federal funding is up,” underscoring the center’s continued advancements and increased national recognition.

He highlighted several key accomplishments, including leading the nation in FDA approvals for cancer treatments, such as landmark advancements in prostate cancer therapies and other breakthroughs in breast cancer and leukemia. “We are one of the centers with the most FDA approvals in the country,” he remarked. He also emphasized the importance of strategic recruitment, such as Dr. Shana O Kelly, who has transformed Chicago’s research landscape through her leadership of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago. The expansion of clinical trials was another focal point, with patient enrollments outside downtown Chicago growing from 48 in 2018 to over 1,000 in 2023, which he described as a “dramatic increase transforming cancer care across the city.”

Dr. Platanias highlighted the center’s significant community impact, particularly through prevention programs like mammograms, prostate cancer screenings, and HPV vaccinations, which he noted “save millions of lives.” Through partnerships and outreach initiatives across the Chicago metropolitan area, the center has made strides in reducing cancer incidence, with early data indicating declining cancer rates in some regions. He also discussed cutting-edge research, including efforts to neutralize immune cells that protect cancer rather than attack it, likening the challenge to “having a traitor among your army.” The center’s groundbreaking work, supported by large grants like the National Cancer Institute’s SPORE programs, is setting the stage for transformative therapies in prostate and brain cancer.

In closing, Dr. Platanias expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support of the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation, stating, “We could not do anything without your support.” He shared an image from the annual Cancer Survivors Walk, symbolizing the growing number of survivors and the tangible impact of philanthropic efforts. “Your support helps to create more survivors every year,” he remarked, reaffirming the vital role of donors in advancing the center’s mission and transforming the lives of patients and their families.

Dr. Maha Hussain is a globally recognized oncologist and the Deputy Director of the Lurie Cancer Center. Specializing in genitourinary cancers, particularly prostate cancer, she has led groundbreaking research and clinical trials that have transformed treatment approaches and improved patient outcomes. Dr. Hussain began by expressing gratitude for the support provided by HCRF and reaffirmed the ultimate goal of curing cancer. She shared her hope that advancements in cancer treatment might one day make her job unnecessary, highlighting the profound impact such progress would have.  

Dr. Hussain reflected on the significant strides made in prostate cancer treatment since she began her career. She noted that when she entered the field, many men were diagnosed only after severe complications, such as paralysis caused by cancer compressing their spinal nerves. At that time, patients with resistant prostate cancer had an average lifespan of just nine months. Today, due to advancements in treatment, average longevity has increased to three years, with the survival rate more than doubling for some patients. She emphasized the need to remain mindful of nature's evolution and acknowledged that while none of us can live forever, the goal is to ensure a healthier, better quality of life.  

Dr. Hussain concluded by reiterating that while money is not the mission, it is an essential tool to achieve it. She called for continued financial support to drive the research and advancements necessary to make meaningful progress in the fight against cancer.  

William J. Gradishar

Dr. William J. Gradishar is a renowned oncologist and a leading authority at the Lurie Cancer Center, specializing in breast cancer care and treatment options. With decades of experience, he has played a pivotal role in advancing therapies that improve outcomes for patients worldwide. Dr. Gradishar delivered a heartfelt reflection on the significant advancements in cancer research, particularly in breast cancer treatment, while expressing profound gratitude for the dedication of HCRF supporting this mission.

Breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetime, has seen remarkable progress in treatment over the years. Decades ago, researchers had only a handful of drugs to treat all cancers, with limited understanding of the disease's biology. Today, thanks to advances in understanding cancer biology, there are now dozens of targeted therapies, leading to improved outcomes and the cure of many breast cancer patients.

While work remains to ensure all patients benefit from these breakthroughs, Dr. Gradishar emphasized the transformative impact of HCRF's unwavering support. He celebrated the collective effort of individuals who go beyond their daily responsibilities to contribute to the mission of advancing cancer research and improving patient care, expressing sincere appreciation for their critical role in driving progress.

Researcher Frank D. Eckerdt

Researcher Frank D. Eckerdt is a leading scientist at the Lurie Cancer Center, specializing in developing innovative immunotherapies to enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer. Frank expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of HCRF, which has been instrumental in advancing this innovative work. While challenges remain in developing clinical treatments, Frank emphasized the importance of passion, dedication, and resources in achieving breakthroughs.  

Frank highlighted the challenges of treating cancers like glioblastoma and pancreatic carcinoma, which use protective barriers to evade immune responses. He explained how immune checkpoint inhibitors have been a game-changer for treating some cancers. However, they are less effective for glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer because these types of cancer have unique defenses that make them harder to treat. Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, his team has identified genes that can disrupt these barriers, allowing immune cells to attack cancer cells. Early results from lab experiments have been described as dramatic, though the research is still in its early stages.  

Frank emphasized the difficulty in developing inhibitors for these targets and the importance of financial support from HCRF, which has been crucial in advancing this work. He shared a heartfelt anecdote about HCRF's decade-long commitment to funding his lab and expressed optimism about the project's potential to transform cancer treatment. 

HCRF was proud to hand over a $250,000 check to Dr. Platanias and his team at the Lurie Cancer Center, marking another significant step in advancing cutting-edge cancer research. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated donors, volunteers, and the generosity of individuals and businesses who contribute to making our goals achievable.

We are deeply grateful to our corporate sponsors, community partners, board members, and passionate advocates who amplify our mission. Each contribution, whether through time, resources, or financial support, plays a vital role in helping us fund innovative research that transforms lives and brings hope to cancer patients and their families.

Together, we are making a profound impact and moving closer to a world free of cancer.

THANK YOU!

Thank You Greek Kitchen for Your Generous Support!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Greek Kitchen for their generous donation to our recent Board Meeting. 

Your support provided a delicious and memorable experience for everyone in attendance, and we are truly grateful for your partnership. 

The Wings To Cure Gala Recap Video

Save Our Dates!

Stay Connected with Lurie Cancer News!

Stay informed and inspired with Lurie Cancer News — your go-to source for the latest breakthroughs, events, and stories from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Discover cutting-edge research, innovative treatments, and the impactful work being done to advance the fight against cancer. 

Join us in celebrating progress and supporting the mission to improve lives. Don’t miss an update — stay connected with us!