This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) features our member West Cancer Center in Memphis, Tenn., and Daniel Vaena, MD, a medical oncologist and hematologist and director of the Genitourinary and Phase I programs at West Cancer Center and Research Institute.

Research Interests and Expertise

Dr. Vaena has particular interests in novel immunotherapy and molecular biomarkers for prediction of treatment efficacy. Dr. Vaena has expertise in clinical research auditing, clinical trials design and data quality, and has been a long-time member of the Alliance Cooperative Group Audit Committee.

West Cancer Center & Research Institute is the leader in comprehensive adult cancer care and research in the mid-south, providing a continuum of care to more than 30,000 individuals each year. With a 40-year history of clinical excellence and a longstanding commitment to groundbreaking research, West provides patients with a full spectrum of care, including access to Phase I through Phase III clinical trials. In 2019, West joined OneOncology — a partnership of the nation’s leading community oncology practices with a mission of driving the future of cancer care through a patient-centric, physician-led, data-driven, and technology-powered model.

Educational background

• MD, University Federal do Rio de Janeiro Medical School
• Residency (Internal Medicine), University Federal do Rio de Janeiro Medical School
• Residency (Internal Medicine,) University of Iowa College of Medicine
• Fellowship (Hematology Oncology), Indiana University School of Medicine

When away from the cancer center, Dr. Vaena:

• Enjoys biking and history-learning travel.
• Has a special interest in astronomy and the science on astronomical observatories.
• Enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.

About Hoosier Cancer Research Network:

Hoosier Cancer Research Network (formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group) conducts innovative cancer research in collaboration with academic and community physicians and scientists across the United States. The organization provides comprehensive clinical trial management and support, from conception through publication. Created in 1984 as a program of the Walther Cancer Institute, Hoosier Cancer Research Network became an independent nonprofit clinical research organization in 2007. Since its founding, Hoosier Cancer Research Network has conducted more than 210 trials in a variety of cancer types and supportive care, resulting in more than 350 publications. More than 8,500 subjects have participated in Hoosier Cancer Research Network clinical trials.