OnCore Login

Category: Investigators

Investigator Spotlight: Daniel Vaena, MD

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 […]

HCRN studies selected for ASCO20 oral abstract, posters

The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program will feature abstracts from three Hoosier Cancer Research Network studies. The program, taking place May 29-31, will feature more than 250 oral abstract presentations and 2,500 poster presentations from 24 disease-based and specialty tracks. The abstracts featuring HCRN studies include an oral abstract for GU16-260, […]

Investigator Spotlight: Ryan Gentzler, MD

This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) features our member University of Virginia Cancer Center and Ryan Gentzler, MD, MS, a thoracic medical oncologist and clinical investigator at the UVA Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center. Research Interests and Expertise Much of Dr. Gentzler’s research focuses on developing new drugs and therapeutic strategies for the treatment […]

HCRN investigators report switch maintenance pembrolizumab leads to additional objective responses, prolongs progression-free survival in some patients with metastatic urothelial cancer

In a phase II study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) investigators report that switch maintenance pembrolizumab leads to additional objective responses and significantly prolongs progression-free survival in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer achieving at least stable disease with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. The multi-center investigator-initiated study, “A Randomized, Double-Blinded, […]

Rangaraju values Fisher Award support for leukemia research

Since pathology class in medical school in Nepal, Sravanti Rangaraju, MBBS, this year’s George and Sarah Jane Fisher Young Investigator Award recipient, has found studying peripheral blood smears intriguing. “When you look at blood cells under a microscope, you can get clues to several diagnoses just based on that,” said Dr. Rangaraju, a third-year hematology […]

Investigator Spotlight: Peter H. O’Donnell, MD

This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) features our member The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Peter H. O’Donnell, MD, deputy director, Center for Personalized Therapeutics; associate director, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Fellowship Program; and associate director, Paul Calabresi Oncology Training Program (K12) at The University of Chicago.

Investigator Spotlight: Guru P. Sonpavde, MD

This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) features our member Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Institute’s Guru P. Sonpavde, MD, a long-time HCRN investigator.

Investigators present GU17-295 poster at GU ASCO

Hoosier Cancer Research Network investigators presented a trials in progress poster featuring the HCRN study GU17-295 during the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2020 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium on Friday, Feb. 14, in San Francisco, Calif. The poster, titled, “Phase II trial of atezolizumab plus chemotherapy after progression on single-agent PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor in cisplatin […]

Investigator Spotlight: Autumn McRee, MD

This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) highlights our member the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Autumn McRee, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of the GI Clinical Trials Program at the cancer center, shares her research interests in this investigator spotlight.

Investigator Spotlight: Maitri Kalra, MD

This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) highlights the IU Health Ball Memorial Cancer Center as a featured member of our network. Maitri Kalra, MD, a medical oncologist at the cancer center, shares her research interests in this spotlight.

HCRN esophageal cancer study presented as trial in progress at GI ASCO

The Hoosier Cancer Research Network study, HCRN ESO17-325, a phase II study for adults with previously treated metastatic esophageal cancer, with one of three genetic mutations, including homologous recombination (HR) in tumor tissue; defective or loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in tumor tissue; or a germline mutation in the blood, was featured as a trials in […]

Investigator Spotlight: Jue Wang, MD, FACP

This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network highlights the work of University of Arizona Cancer Center at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s as a featured member of Hoosier Cancer Research Network. Jue Wang, MD, FACP, professor of medicine and interdisciplinary oncology and section leader of the Genitourinary Oncology Division at the University of Arizona, shares his research […]

IU School of Medicine researchers predict which triple negative breast cancer patients may avoid recurrence and which are at high-risk of relapse

Indiana University School of Medicine researchers have discovered how to predict whether triple negative breast cancer will recur, and which women are likely to remain disease-free. They presented their findings on December 13, 2019, at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the most influential gathering of breast cancer researchers and physicians in the world. Milan […]

Investigator Spotlight: Rachel E. Sanborn, MD

This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network highlights the Providence Cancer Institute in Portland, Ore., as a featured member of our network. Rachel E. Sanborn, MD, is a medical oncologist at Portland Cancer Institute and is a member and co-chair of the HCRN Thoracic Clinical Trial Working Group.

Investigator Spotlight: Anup Kasi, MD, MPH

This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network highlights the University of Kansas Medical Center as a featured member of our network. Anup Kasi, MD, MPH, assistant professor of oncology at the medical center and a member of the HCRN Gastrointestinal Clinical Trial Working Group, shares his research interests and educational background in this investigator spotlight.

HCRN studies presented at 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer

Investigators reported results from two HCRN studies during poster sessions at the 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer, September 7-9 in Barcelona, Spain. Study authors, led by Greg Durm, MD (pictured left), of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, reported results of the LUN14-179 study, in a poster titled “ChemoXRT w/ Consolidation […]

Study compares high-dose IL-2 and HDAC inhibitor entinostat to IL-2 alone

A phase II, open label study for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common type of kidney cancer, is currently enrolling subjects at selected Hoosier Cancer Research Network sites. The HCRN GU17-289 study, led by researchers at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, Ind., compares the positive and […]

Jalal directs research priorities for HCRN as new chief scientific officer

Shadia Jalal, MD, chief scientific officer for Hoosier Cancer Research Network and a thoracic medical oncologist and researcher at Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, understands the importance of process in directing research priorities and getting studies off the ground in a timely fashion. Since succeeding Bert O’Neil, MD, as CSO in April […]

Study tests atezolizumab with bevacizumab in advanced bladder cancer

Each year in the United States, more than 70,000 patients are diagnosed with bladder cancer, and more than 14,000 will die from their disease. The current standard for treating bladder cancer involves chemotherapy, but this approach is not adequate for many patients, particularly those whose disease has metastasized, or spread to other parts of the […]

O’Neil concludes tenure as HCRN chief scientific officer

After five years as chief scientific officer for Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN), Bert H. O’Neil, MD, recently stepped down from the role, a move that coincided with his transition from Indiana University to Eli Lilly and Company. Dr. O’Neil continues to serve as a member of the HCRN Board of Directors.

Fisher award recipient Shahid Ahmed credits mentoring as key to professional success

Having good mentors is something that this year’s George and Sarah Jane Fisher Young Investigator Award recipient, Shahid Ahmed, MD, values greatly. Through his personal drive and strong mentors, Dr. Ahmed pursued learning opportunities and research that led him to Indiana University School of Medicine, where he is currently exploring novel oncology research as a […]

Mesothelioma study tests combination of antiangiogenic therapy and immunotherapy

A single arm phase II study, LUN15-299, for patients who have been previously treated for mesothelioma is being conducted by the Hoosier Cancer Research Network and led by HealthPartners Regions Cancer Care in St. Paul, Minn. The clinical trial will test how the addition of an antiangiogenic therapy drug, ramucirumab, will work with nivolumab, an […]

Hoimes presents GU14-188 study at ESMO

Christopher J. Hoimes, DO, presented the Hoosier Cancer Research Network study GU14-188 at a poster discussion session October 20 during the 2018 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Munich, Germany. Dr. Hoimes is sponsor-investigator of the study of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab and chemotherapy for locally advanced urothelial cancer. See the HCRN GU14-188 poster and […]

Junior IU oncologist presents oral abstract at world’s leading oncology group

Story provided courtesy of IU Simon Cancer Center. Less than two years ago, Greg Durm, MD, was finishing up his hematology-oncology fellowship at IU School of Medicine. Now he has delivered an oral presentation at the world’s leading organization for oncology professionals. Dr. Durm presented an oral abstract about a Phase II lung cancer clinical […]

HCRN announces ASCO 2018 meeting schedule

Hoosier Cancer Research Network will host meetings for Clinical Trial Working Groups during ASCO 2018. The following meetings will be at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza River North, 350 West Mart Center Drive, Chicago, Ill. See map. All times are CT. Refreshments will be served at all meetings.

Hashemi honored for contributions to GU oncology research

A remarkable thing happens when someone contributes to a cause bigger than oneself. But even more profound is the call to do so. That this calling goes beyond time and space is evident in oncology, where it echoes across generations and nations. This call continues to be answered, as proven by significant contributions and those […]

HCRN honors four with annual awards

Hoosier Cancer Research Network honored four individuals for their outstanding contributions to clinical research and advocacy during its annual holiday and awards dinner Nov. 30 in Indianapolis.

Award advances retrospective analysis of HCRN LUN14-179

Investigators working on the HCRN LUN14-179 study, which involved the use of concurrent chemoradiation with consolidation pembrolizumab for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer, anticipated that some patients would experience pneumonitis. But they did not know which of their patients might be more susceptible than others. To learn more about the rates of pneumonitis […]

Alistar a compassionate innovator in GI cancer research

Angela Alistar, MD, has long considered both the emotional and physical well-being of patients as mutually paramount. A medical oncologist with Atlantic Hematology Oncology, Atlantic Medical Group, and the medical director of GI Medical Oncology at Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center, Dr. Alistar held this conviction even before she pursued a […]

Researchers test combination immunotherapy in mucosal melanoma

Mucosal melanoma is a rare form of cancer, constituting about 1 percent of all melanoma cases. The disease arises from the pigment-producing melanocytes present in the body’s mucosal tissue, and is most commonly found in the head and neck region, anorectal region, and female genital tract. Unlike the far more common cutaneous melanomas, mucosal melanomas […]

Genomic analysis and biorepository research study takes aim at metastatic bladder cancer

Hoosier Cancer Research Network is partnering with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) to conduct a large-scale bladder cancer genomic analysis and biorepository research study. Known as UC-GENOME (HCRN GU15-217), the research study is the first project of the Bladder Cancer Genomics Consortium (BCGC), a collaborative effort between BCAN and major medical centers. The BCGC’s […]

HCRN study tests mFOLFIRINOX combined with ramucirumab in advanced pancreatic cancer

Researchers investigating many types of cancers have celebrated significant breakthroughs over the years. Yet, some cancers lag well behind these successes. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult to treat cancers. In 2016, about 53,000 new pancreatic cancer cases were diagnosed in the United States, and nearly 42,000 people died of their disease. Despite […]

Study tests combination immunotherapy in advanced bile duct cancer

Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is steadily rising in incidence worldwide. Symptoms often go undetected until the disease is far advanced. Surgical resection of tumors is considered the best approach toward attempting a cure, but less than half of patients whose tumors are surgically resected survive past five years, and those whose tumors […]

Study tests nivolumab, ipilimumab in treatment-naive kidney cancer

Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) announces the opening of a study for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who have not received prior treatment for their kidney cancer. The phase II clinical trial, known as HCRN GU16-260, involves front-line therapy with nivolumab and salvage therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab. The study may help researchers determine […]

Gbolahan receives Fisher Young Investigator Award

Hoosier Cancer Research Network, formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group, recently honored Olumide Gbolahan, MD, as the 2016 recipient of the George and Sarah Jane Fisher Young Investigator Award. Dr. Gbolahan grew up in Nigeria where his interest in medicine took root in high school. “My aptitude was really more toward the health sciences, biology core […]

Galsky presents oral abstract on GU10-148

In an oral abstract session at the 2016 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, Matthew Galsky, MD, reported on the HCRN GU10-148 study, a phase II trial of gemcitabine and cisplatin plus ipilimumab as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Dr. Galsky (pictured), of the Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is […]

Investigators report on QL12-153 study

In a new journal article published online ahead of print in Supportive Care in Cancer, Hoosier Cancer Research Network investigators reported on results of QL12-153, a phase II study of fosaprepitant + 5HT3 receptor agonist + dexamethasone in patients with germ cell tumors undergoing 5-day cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The multi-center study was led by sponsor investigator […]

HCRN study combines immunotherapy and chemotherapy in advanced colorectal cancer

Hoosier Cancer Research Network recently opened a cancer clinical trial for subjects with advanced colorectal cancer. The study, known as GI14-186, involves the study drug called pembrolizumab, given in combination with mFOLFOX6, a standard chemotherapy regimen for advanced colorectal cancer. The study is currently open to accrual at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon […]

HCRN forms new working group for symptom management

Hoosier Cancer Research Network recently launched a Symptom Management Clinical Trial Working Group. The group grew out of a desire to see improvements in quality of life for patients, from diagnosis through survivorship. Formation of the group was sparked by Julie Otte, PhD, RN, OCN from the Indiana University School of Nursing and her commitment […]

Danielson award winner Rahma exploring immunotherapy in GI cancers

In 2009, Osama Rahma, MD, was settling in to the National Institutes of Health as part of a team that focused on the development of cancer vaccines and the emerging field of cancer immunotherapy. It was a time when the interaction between the immune system and cancer cells was just starting to become clear. “We […]

Zon, Hussain nominated for ASCO leadership roles

Former Hoosier Cancer Research Network vice chair Robin T. Zon, MD, FACP, FASCO, has been selected by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Nominating Committee as a candidate for president-elect. Dr. Zon (pictured left) is a vice president and senior partner at Michiana Hematology-Oncology, P.C. She served as HCRN vice chair from 2006 to […]

Chiorean exploring targeted therapies in GI cancers

Those who follow the trends in modern cancer research know we have entered a new era of discovery. The old strategy of indiscriminately attacking the body to rid it of cancerous cells is giving way to more targeted approaches to treating disease. E. Gabriela Chiorean, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington […]

Moore joins HCRN Board of Directors

Hoosier Cancer Research Network, a nonprofit cancer research organization in Indianapolis, recently welcomed Annette Moore, MD, as a member of its board of directors. A medical oncologist/hematologist at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo, Ind., Moore earned her medical degree from the University of Mississippi and completed her internal medicine residency and fellowship in hematology/oncology […]

Zellars joins HCRN Board of Directors

Hoosier Cancer Research Network recently welcomed Richard C. Zellars, MD, as a member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Zellars joined the Indiana University School of Medicine in January as professor and chair of radiation oncology, and is a researcher at the IU Simon Cancer Center. Prior to this, he was associate professor of radiation […]

  • 7676 Interactive Way, Suite 120, Indianapolis, IN 46278