Whatever each day brings, no matter how she feels at any given moment, Deneise Francis, RN, BSN, OCN, CCRP, always brings a smile and a sense of humor to the patients under her care.

Compelled by compassion and an awareness that “my problems are nothing compared to theirs,” she strives to be fully present with her patients. This comes easily for Francis, who is by nature a “people person.” But there was a time when she didn’t know if she could handle the burden of cancer care.

Francis was one of two recipients of the 2014 Sandra Turner Excellence in Clinical Research Award, presented by Hoosier Cancer Research Network in June. Read More

As Hoosier Cancer Research Network celebrates our 30th anniversary, we acknowledge another significant milestone: the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the cure for testicular cancer by HCRN co-founder and board member, Lawrence H. Einhorn, MD.

Dr. Einhorn joined the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1973, just one year before his groundbreaking discovery testing the platinum-based drug Cisplatin with two additional drugs. He continues to serve as Distinguished Professor and Livestrong Foundation Professor of Oncology at the IU School of Medicine.

The following conversation with Dr. Einhorn introduces a new series of interviews with HCRN co-founders, who share their perspectives on the organization’s founding, development, and history, and on advances in cancer research. We thank each of our co-founders for their vision to create a vibrant academic-community partnership to advance cancer research in the State of Indiana and beyond. Read More

From an early age, Gladys Pierce, RN, OCN, knew she was destined for a career in nursing. She wanted to help people, and volunteered at a nursing home during high school. More than 40 years later, Pierce remains as committed as ever to providing care in her role as nurse coordinator for the Oncology Research Department at Nebraska Methodist Health System in Omaha, Neb.

Earlier this year, Hoosier Cancer Research Network honored Pierce for her contributions to oncology research as one of two recipients of the 2014 Sandra Turner Award for Clinical Excellence. Read More

The Indiana Department of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars recently donated nearly $12,500 to Hoosier Cancer Research Network (formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group). The generous gift is just one example of the Ladies Auxiliary’s long-standing support for cancer research.

For 100 years, the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW has served American veterans and active duty service members through a variety of programs, including Cancer Aid and Research.

Each of its 4,500 member auxiliaries participates in raising funds toward the program. With more than 450,000 Ladies Auxiliary members nationwide, the impact is significant. Read More

Hoosier Cancer Research Network, formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group, recently honored Matthew Galsky, MD, as recipient of the Danny Danielson Translational Innovation Award.

The $10,000 award, granted by the Walther Cancer Foundation through the generous support of business and civic leader Donald C. “Danny” Danielson, is given twice each year to investigators working in partnership with Hoosier Cancer Research Network to support the correlative components of clinical trial protocols when financial support is not otherwise available. Read More

Hoosier Cancer Research Network, formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group, recently honored Daniela Matei, MD, as the 2014 recipient of the George and Sarah Jane Fisher Young Investigator Award.

Dr. Matei received her medical degree in her native Romania before moving to the United States and completed her residency at SUNY at Stony Brook, NY, and fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles. She joined the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2002. Dr. Matei is currently an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and a researcher at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center. Read More

Hoosier Cancer Research Network, formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group, recently honored Donald C. “Danny” Danielson with the 2013 Terry Hoeppner Patient Advocacy Award in recognition of his long-standing support for cancer research.

The award, named in memory of beloved Indiana University football coach Terry Hoeppner, who died from brain cancer in 2007, honors individuals who exhibit Coach Hep’s spirit and determination to champion their cause. Read More

Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind., will host the 2014 Courage to Climb concert on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 7:00 pm in Erne Auditorium. The annual concert honors Columbus North choir director and cancer survivor Janie Gordon.

“More than 40 community members will share their talents and their stories of personal experiences with cancer,” said student coordinator Meredith Hardy. “Since 2009, this concert has inspired the community, given hope and encouragement to those fighting cancer, and sent an inspirational message to performers and audience members alike.”

Tickets are $10 at the door, and all proceeds benefit Hoosier Cancer Research Network. Columbus North High School is located at 1400 25th St. in Columbus, Ind. (Get directions.)

Columbus North High School will also accept donations by mail. Click here to download the donation form. Read More

Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) recently marked its 30th anniversary with a dinner and presentation of awards.

The event featured comments by HCRN co-founder Patrick J. Loehrer, Sr., MD and chairman of the board Christopher A. Fausel, PharmD, MHA, BCOP. HCRN honored five individuals during the June 19 event in Indianapolis. Read More

Hoosier Cancer Research Network, formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group, has released its 2013 annual report.

The report features articles highlighting the transition in the Chief Scientific Officer position from Noah Hahn, MD, to Bert H. O’Neil, MD, as well as profiles of donors and award winners. The report also includes financial statements and acknowledgement of the donors who generously supported the mission of Hoosier Cancer Research Network over the past year. Read More

Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN), formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group, joined nearly 30,000 of the world’s leading cancer experts in Chicago recently for the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Six HCRN studies were featured in oral abstract, poster highlights, and general poster sessions during the May 30-June 3 event. In addition, HCRN held face-to-face meetings for the gastrointestinal and genitourinary Clinical Trial Working Groups and for investigators participating in the GU12-160 study. Read More

Former Hoosier Cancer Research Network vice-chair Robin T. Zon, MD, FACP, FASCO, will chair an Education Session during the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

Zon, along with Jeffrey S. Abrams, MD, of the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and Nicholas J. Robert, MD, of Virginia Cancer Specialists, US Oncology Research Network, will present “The Changing Landscape of Federally Sponsored Trials” on Saturday, May 31, from 8:00 – 9:15 AM at the McCormick Place in Chicago. Read More

Indiana University cancer researchers are testing whether therapy incorporating advanced genomic technology will provide better outcomes than current treatments for those with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Researchers at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, led by Bryan Schneider, M.D., associate professor of medicine, and Milan Radovich, Ph.D., assistant professor of surgery and of medical and molecular genetics, are using targeted DNA sequencing in a new clinical trial for women with triple negative breast cancer, to test whether certain treatment choices improve survival rates. Read More

Hoosier Oncology Group, an independent nonprofit cancer research organization in Indianapolis announces it is changing its name to Hoosier Cancer Research Network. The change, which goes into effect May 15, reflects the company’s steady growth over 30 years into a nationwide network of more than 130 member sites and more than 400 physicians and research practitioners.

The company also introduces a new website today at www.hoosiercancer.org. The website provides information about Hoosier Cancer Research Network’s clinical trials, services, member network, news and events, giving opportunities, donor profiles, and personal stories in memory or honor of those impacted by cancer. Read More

Lawrence Einhorn, M.D., the physician-researcher who developed the cure for testicular cancer, has been elected a fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Dr. Einhorn, Indiana University Distinguished Professor and a physician-researcher at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, will be inducted into the American Association for Cancer Research Academy Class of 2014 during a ceremony April 4 in San Diego.

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Noah Hahn, MD, recently concluded his tenure as chief scientific officer of the Hoosier Oncology Group and associate professor of medicine at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center (IUSCC). Hahn joins the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center as bladder cancer program director starting April 2014.

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Hoosier Oncology Group recently honored Safi Shahda, M.D., as the inaugural recipient of the Danny Danielson Translational Innovation Award.

The $10,000 award, granted by the Walther Cancer Foundation through the generous support of Danny Danielson, is given twice each year to an investigator to support the correlative components of clinical trial protocols when financial support is not otherwise available.

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Hoosier Oncology Group recently honored Shadia Jalal, M.D., as the 2013 recipient of the George and Sarah Jane Fisher Young Investigator Award.

The $10,000 award, established in 2011 by Dr. William B. Fisher through the George and Sarah Jane Fisher Fund, is given annually to an Indiana University oncology fellow or faculty member who has made significant contributions to clinical or basic science research in collaboration with the Hoosier Oncology Group. Read More

Hoosier Oncology Group in Indianapolis has received a $1.9 million gift from the estate of Margaret M. Weeks of Evansville, Ind. Hoosier Oncology Group will use the gift to further cancer research through the conduct of clinical trials. The gift is one of the largest donations in the organization’s history.

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Congratulations to the GU02-41 team! Read More