This month, Hoosier Cancer Research Network features our member institution UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center in Dallas, Texas, and Hans Hammers, MD, PhD, an associate professor of internal medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the UT Southwestern Medical School and the first Eugene P. Frenkel, M.D. Scholar in Clinical Medicine.

Research Interests and Expertise:

Dr. Hammers’ research interests are in the development of systemic therapies for kidney cancer, with particular interest in the development of novel combination immunotherapies, targeted therapies, and multimodal approaches. At Johns Hopkins, Dr. Hammers led kidney cancer research efforts and played a major role in the development of immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in kidney cancer. His work in immunotherapy has been nationally recognized, and he has been the principal investigator on several industry- and investigator-sponsored trials. Dr. Hammers joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2016. He is co-leader of clinical research and immunotherapy for the kidney cancer research program and will continue his research efforts to develop novel immunotherapies for kidney cancer.

Educational Background:

• Medical School: Medizinische Hochschule Luebeck, Germany
• Residency: Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
• Fellowship: Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University

Three facts about Dr. Hammers:

• He is an avid gardener.
• He makes a great Marzipan cake.
• He enjoys a good thriller movie.

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 230 trials in a variety of cancer types and supportive care, resulting in more than 350 publications. More than 9,000 subjects have participated in Hoosier Cancer Research Network clinical trials.