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News From the Association of American Cancer Institutes | January 2026

Click here to read the full newsletter on our website.

2026 AACI Update header

Awards & Honors | Grants & Gifts | Leadership Transitions | Research Highlights | Other News

Job Opportunities | Meeting Announcements

AACI HEADLINES

AACI Welcomes UMass Memorial Health Cancer Center

Dr. David Cachia

AACI is pleased to announce that UMass Memorial Health (UMMH) Cancer Center became the association's newest member in December 2025. UMMH Cancer Center is led by David Cachia, MD, interim chief of Hematology Oncology Services and associate professor of neuro-oncology at the University of Massachusetts. Read More

Call for Abstracts: 18th Annual AACI CRI Meeting

18th Annual AACI CRI Meeting call for abstracts

The AACI Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Steering Committee is currently soliciting abstracts for the 18th Annual AACI CRI Meeting. This year’s meeting theme is "Shaping the Future of Clinical Trial Innovation." The purpose of the abstracts is to inform attendees about challenges and solutions implemented at AACI cancer centers, showcasing advancements across key areas in clinical research and operational excellence. Read More

CADEx Spotlight: Bringing Data and People Together in Clinical Research

2026 AACI CADEx Conference Session Spotlight

"Bringing Data and People Together in Clinical Research" will focus on practical ways to use catchment area data to ensure that clinical trial enrollment reflects both the broader population and specific neighborhoods. The session is scheduled for 9:00 am eastern time on Wednesday, March 11. Read More | Register for the 2026 AACI CADEx Conference

Place an Ad in the AACI Newsletter

AACI invites you to promote your cancer center or company by purchasing an ad in the AACI Update. Your ad may highlight a conference, new initiative, or product of interest to AACI members. In addition to newsletter ads, AACI offers a variety of support opportunities for its annual events. For more information about supporting AACI, please contact Development Manager Chelsea Borries. Read More

AACI Launches New Cancer Service Line Listserv

AACI is pleased to announce the launch of a new Cancer Service Line listserv. This new platform offers an additional space for members to connect, share best practices, and exchange insights. All AACI members who work with service lines are welcome to participate. Subscribers must have a valid cancer center email address to join. Read More

 

NEWS FROM THE CENTERS

 

AWARDS & HONORS

Giuliano Honored With McGuire Memorial Award

Cedars-Sinai Cancer

Dr. Armando E. Giuliano

Armando E. Giuliano, MD, received the William L. McGuire Memorial Lecture Award in December at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, in recognition of his development of the sentinel lymph node technique, transforming surgical management of breast cancer. Read More

Pediatric Oncology Researcher Elected to National Academy of Inventors

Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Mark R. Kelley

Mark R. Kelley, PhD, senior leader for biomedical innovation and partnerships at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been named a 2025 fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for his contributions to pediatrics and cancer research. Read More

A Scientist Without Borders Steps Onto the National Stage

Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health

Dr. Edna Cukierman

Edna "Eti" Cukierman, PhD, was recently appointed to the National Cancer Institute’s Working Group for Extramural Research Concepts, an advisory group that brings together 35 national experts to help shape the direction of federally supported cancer research. Read More

Designation Announced for NORD Rare Disease Center of Excellence

The University of Kansas Cancer Center

The University of Kansas Medical Center, Children’s Mercy, and the University of Kansas Health System have collectively been designated a NORD Rare Disease Center of Excellence by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). The NORD Rare Disease Centers of Excellence Network now includes 46 institutions across 28 states and Washington, DC. Read More

Breast Cancer Researcher Elected to National Academy of Inventors

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Dennis Slamon

Dennis Slamon, MD, PhD, whose innovations in breast cancer treatment have benefited millions around the globe, was named to the 2025 class of the National Academy of Inventors. Read More

 

GRANTS & GIFTS

$30 Million Gift to Improve Access to Rural Health Care

Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson

$30 Million Gift Creates BRCA Center

Cedars-Sinai Cancer

UAMS Awarded $10.5 Million as Nationwide Hub to Develop Biomarkers for Human Diseases Including Cancer

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

$7.5 Million for Tobacco Cessation

Siteman Cancer Center

BCRF Awards $2.6 Million in Grants

Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Research Seeks to Unlock Pancreatic Cancer Mysteries With $1.8 Million NCI Grant

UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute

Grant Awarded to Advance Childhood Cancer Research

The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai

 

LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS

Ghobadi Named Director of Cellular Therapies

Siteman Cancer Center

Dr. Armin Ghobadi

Armin Ghobadi, MD, a WashU Medicine professor of medicine and bone marrow transplant specialist, has been named director of cellular therapies at Siteman Cancer Center. The new position formalizes his role as leader of clinical care and clinical research activities related to cellular therapy in the Hematologic Malignancies program at WashU Medicine. Read More

Goss to Head Cancer Research Administration

The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Dr. Kathleen Goss

Kathleen Goss, PhD, has been named executive director of cancer research administration for UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, effective January 5. She most recently served as senior scientific director for extramural discovery science at the American Cancer Society. Read More

Liekweg Named Associate Director for Administration

University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

Christopher J. Liekweg

The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center has named Christopher J. Liekweg, MBA, CMPE, associate director for administration and chief department administrator, effective January 12. Liekweg is a senior administrator at VCU Health, the academic medical center of Virginia Commonwealth University. He was previously executive director for radiation oncology at the University of Louisville. Read More

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Dramatic Drop in HIV-Infected Immune Cells Seen After Chemotherapy Given for Cancer in Person Living With HIV
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University

New Discovery May Improve Ovarian Cancer Treatment
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center

Study Finds Childhood Leukemia Aggressiveness Depends on Timing of Genetic Mutation
The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai

Link Between Tumor Metabolism, Drug Efficacy in Cancer Cells May Help Advance Precision Chemotherapy
Stony Brook Cancer Center

Team Discovers How to Target 'Undruggable' Protein That Fuels Aggressive Leukemia
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Genetic Clues Piece Together the Puzzle of Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Predisposition
Comprehensive Cancer Center St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Leukemia Drug Secures FDA Approval
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

New Research Targets Iron Dependency in Multiple Myeloma Cells
Duke Cancer Institute

Race, Ethnicity and Donor Type Continue to Affect Survival After Donor Stem Cell Transplant
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

Research Links Health Impacts Related to 'Forever Chemicals' to Billions in Economic Losses
The University of Arizona Cancer Center

Clinical Trial Using Focused Ultrasound With Chemotherapy Finds Potential Survival Benefit for Brain Cancer Patients

University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

Differences Revealed in How Multiple Myeloma Develops in Men and Women

Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

Significant Mental Health Care Gaps Seen for Childhood Cancer Survivors
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Breakthrough Trial Shows Promising Therapy for Aggressive Brain Cancer
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah

Comprehensive Study Settles Debate Over Diet Safety for Cancer Patients
UF Health Cancer Institute

Study Identifies Pathway Driving Prostate Cancer Bone Metastatic Progression
UK Markey Cancer Center

Cell-Free DNA Could Detect Adverse Events From Immunotherapy
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University

Study Uncovers Immune Switch for Cancer and Autoimmunity
Stanford Cancer Institute

Next-Generation CAR T Cells Show Stronger, Safer Response in Animal Models, Study Shows
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Researchers Identify Strategy for Reducing Risk of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease for Many With Blood Cancers

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

Cancer-Promoting DNA Circles Hitchhike on Chromosomes to Spread to Daughter Cells

Stanford Cancer Institute

OTHER NEWS

Program Aims to Help Childhood Cancer Survivors as They Enter Adulthood

The University of Kansas Cancer Center

The transition to adult care may get easier for childhood cancer survivors at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, thanks to a $750,000 grant from Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer, a Kansas City-based nonprofit organization founded to accelerate the fight against childhood cancer. The award will fund a new Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Transitions Program at KU Cancer Center. Read More

Cann Leads Effort to Transform Young Adult Cancer Care

Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health

Dr. Christopher G. Cann

Christopher G. Cann, MD, first found his passion for treating young adult cancer patients as a resident and fellow. Now, after receiving the Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award, he is even better equipped to work with this unique, underserved population. Read More

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Administrator - School of Medicine, Medical Oncology

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Deputy Associate Director, Community Outreach and Engagement

LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center

Chief Medical Information Officer

Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Associate Director for Administration

Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

Pediatric Oncology and Cellular Therapy Physician Scientist

Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina

 
 

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations

REGISTER TODAY

February 18-20, 2026

San Antonio, TX

2026 AACI Catchment Area Data Excellence (CADEx) Conference

REGISTER TODAY

March 9-11, 2026

Atlanta, GA

2026 AACI/AACR Hill Day

SAVE THE DATE

May 14, 2026

Washington, DC

18th Annual AACI Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Meeting

SAVE THE DATE

June 23-25, 2026

Rosemont, IL

2026 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting

SAVE THE DATE

October 25-27, 2026

Chicago, IL

 

Copyright 2026 | Association of American Cancer Institutes

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Pittsburgh, PA 15213

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