Cancer Research Foundation

We're delighted to share another 2025 Young Investigator with you today. Christine R. Zhang, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Pathology, Northwestern University, and is focusing on decoding the molecular mechanisms behind NPM1 mutation-driven leukemia. With NPM1c mutations present in 30% of AML cases, Dr. Zhang aims to uncover how specific chromatin changes and epigenetic modifications drive leukemogenesis. Her research could lead to new ways to target leukemic stem cells, improving remission-free treatments and patient outcomes. We're proud to support Dr. Zhang's work! Read more about her project at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gVDZX4p7

Today, we are happy to share a bit more with you about one of CRF's 2025 YIAs, Brett H. Herzog, MD, PhD. Dr. Herzog is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis and is?exploring how PDGFRα+ fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment contribute to immune suppression in lung cancer. His research focuses on how fibrosis impacts T-cell function and reduces the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By targeting these fibroblasts, he aims to improve treatment responses and enhance outcomes for non-small?cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This is exciting work that we are proud to support! Read more about his work at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gVDZX4p7

We're thrilled to announce?the 2025 Cancer Research Foundation Young Investigator Awards. This year, CRF has made nine grants at three comprehensive cancer centers. This is the largest number of YIA grants CRF has awarded in a single year.? ? The YIA is given to scientists?early in their careers to help solve the catch 22 facing young scientists: how to pursue independent?hypotheses and collect enough data to receive subsequent?funding via major grants. Over the next several weeks, we will profile each of this year's awardees and you can also read about all of them?at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gVDZX4p7

A UNIQUE WAY TO CELEBRATE SOMEBODY SPECIAL IN YOUR LIFE At the Cancer Reseach Foundation, we like thinking outside the (candy) box. This Valentine's Day is no exception. ? This year, you can make a gift?in awe of?somebody special in your life. Think about friends, relatives or colleagues who have amazed you with their grace under pressure, amazing spirit or impressive accomplishment. This is your chance to tell them "Happy Valentine's Day - I'm in awe of you." ? Here's how it works: ? 1. Donate (be sure to click "dedicate this donation" and then choose "in awe of"). ? 2. Share the reason you're in awe of them and their email address in the comments. ? 3.?Wait until Valentine's Day and we'll send them a special notification that you made a gift in awe of them. HERE'S THE BEST PART? You're not only celebrating somebody you're in awe of but also supporting awe-inspiring cancer research at a time when support is critically needed.? ? Please consider making a gift?in awe of?somebody special in your life. Click on the link below, share their story and we'll notify them of your generosity on February 14. ? https://lnkd.in/eAewQ82

We're here. ? Earlier today, a pause was ordered on all federal grants and loans, effective at 5 pm this evening. ? As we wait to better understand the consequences of this decision, we want you to know that the Cancer Research Foundation (CRF) remains firmly committed to supporting critical research. ? We're strengthening our support. ? Late last year, we made an additional, first-time grant to one of our funded cancer centers. ? This week, we made a new multi-year gift to another one of our funded centers, to support increased collaboration among scientists. ? In the next several months, we will commit to over $2 million in innovative cancer research funding, an increase from previous years. ? We're not going anywhere. ? Over the past week, we've heard concern from the cancer centers we support, not knowing whether they can depend on federal funding. This unknown makes philanthropic support all the more important to them. ? "We are committed to being a dependable and supportive partner to our cancer center friends at this time. They are conducting critical research on behalf of us all, and now more than ever need our support," said Matt Johnson, CEO of CRF. We hope you'll join us and support our mission at this critical time. Please consider becoming a monthly donor or making a gift today to the Cancer Research Foundation. This will ensure our growing support to cancer centers we fund, when they need it most. ? Donate today and support cancer research. https://lnkd.in/gAvr4Ueq

Please join us in congratulating our four new Fletcher Scholars for 2024: Xavier Keutgen, MD,?Sean Pitroda, MD,?Alexander J. Ruthenburg, PhD, and?Sheila Stewart, PhD, MD. Dr. Pitroda is studying how metastatic #colorectalcancer (mCRC) hides from the immune system by blocking the removal of certain unnecessary pieces of genetic code. His work could lead to better ways to help immune therapies fight cancer. Dr. Keutgen is testing a pair of special radioactive particles that can both find and treat #neuroendocrinetumors. He’s also exploring whether a medication called Fulvestrant can boost their effectiveness. Dr. Stewart is exploring how a specific protein affects immune cells, using the latest advances in mRNA vaccines, to see if it can help the body fight #metastaticbreastcancer more effectively. Dr. Ruthenburg is working to better understand how a protein complex affects #leukemia development, challenging previous research to find new treatment possibilities. Read more about these researchers and our Fletcher endowment on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gHauDj7N #cancerresearch #cancerresearchers?#cancerscience

There still time to donate in 2024! Just a friendly reminder that today is the last day of this year for charitable giving. Your gift to the Cancer Research Foundation supports leading scientists working on potentially major discoveries. Click the link below before midnight: https://lnkd.in/eAewQ82 #cancerresearch #donatein2024 #endofyear #supportcancerresearch

There's still time to donate in 2024! If you have a donor advised fund (DAF), the Cancer Research Foundation (CRF) has made it easier than ever to donate through it. Just point, click and select your fund. It's the quick and easy way to make your year-end gift to CRF. If you're not familiar?with donor advised funds, you can read more about them on our page, too (and donate with your credit card). #cancerresearch #daf #tistheseason https://lnkd.in/ggb2Xa7C

Happy birthday! On this day in 1954, the Cancer Research Foundation began. Although the walls can’t talk, we’ve uncovered some pretty amazing photos, documents and stories. We are also launching a very special way to celebrate our 70th?birthday. Please check out our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gXUSchg4 ?#cancer #research #innovation #anniversary #chicago

It's Giving Tuesday . . . and the Cancer Research Foundation has a match! In 1954, the Cancer Research Foundation was founded with a bold vision: Fuel innovative ideas in cancer research by empowering early-career scientists. It's thanks to you - supporters who believe in progress and hope - that critical research continues to move forward. ? To celebrate this international day of good, we’re asking you to make a gift to the Cancer Research Foundation. ?? YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED TODAY! ? Every dollar you give supports research at?Designated Cancer Centers?including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Washington University in St. Louis. These funds help scientists take the first steps in groundbreaking research.? ? Thank you for being part of our journey and for standing with us on this international day of giving. Let’s take another step forward together. https://lnkd.in/gKqkAsfh