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Across the Consortium: May 2025

May 22, 2025:

In this month’s Across the Consortium, the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium spotlights a wide range of updates from our member institutions. This issue covers the impact of budget cuts, celebrates distinguished faculty, honors Asian American Pacific Islander Desi Heritage Month, and announces key leadership additions. You’ll also find highlights of media coverage, participation in cancer conferences and forums, recent advances in cancer research and treatment, prevention and recurrence efforts, and the unveiling of new hospital facilities. Read More

Member Feature: Michigan State University

May 13, 2025:

This month, the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium highlights Michigan State University as our featured member. Daniel Isaac, DO, MS, serves as the director of clinical research at Michigan State University Division of Hematology/Oncology.

Dr. Isaac joined faculty at Michigan State University in 2019. His research interests are focused on genitourinary malignancies. His current research includes investigations of novel biomarkers in prostate cancer. Dr. Isaac also currently serves on the board of the Michigan Society of Hematology Oncology and has been selected as President-elect.

Dr. Isaac earned a Master of Science in Biomechanics and Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Virginia Tech.

Outside of work, Dr. Isaac enjoys his time outdoors, often running and hiking. As a father of three children, his favorite activity is spending time with his family and traveling to new places with them.

About the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium: The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium was created in 2013 to transform the conduct of cancer research through collaborative clinical trials and observational studies that seek to improve the lives of cancer patients in the diverse communities we serve by leveraging the scientific and clinical expertise of Big Ten universities. The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium creates a unique team research culture to drive science rapidly from ideas to treatment and prevention. Within this innovative environment, today’s research leaders collaborate with and mentor the research leaders of tomorrow. Since its founding, the Big Ten CRC has activated nearly 40 clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types, more than 1,000 participants have enrolled in Big Ten CRC studies, and more than 500 researchers have joined Big Ten CRC Clinical Trial Working Groups.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

Big Ten CRC’s presence at ASCO 2025

May 12, 2025:

The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium (Big Ten CRC) is set to participate in the American Society of Clinical Oncology® (ASCO) 2025 Annual Meeting in Chicago from May 30 to June 3. During the event, two Big Ten CRC studies will be presented, working group meetings will take place, and the Big Ten CRC will host a joint reception with Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN). The Big Ten CRC will also be represented in the exhibit hall at HCRN’s booth, #36117.

Study Presentations

Two Big Ten CRC studies, BTCRC-GI22-588 and BTCRC-LUN16-081, will be presented during ASCO.

BTCRC-GI22-588: A phase II study of pembrolizumab, carboplatin, paclitaxel, and radiation for the treatment of early-stage anal cancer

BTCRC-LUN16-081: Evaluating inflammatory biomarkers as predictors of outcomes and immune-related adverse events (irAE) in the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium (BTCRC) LUN16-081 phase II clinical trial

Working Group Meetings

The Big Ten CRC will host in-person meeting for the Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, and Thoracic Clinical Trial Working Groups during ASCO 2025. For more information or to schedule time to meet with Big Ten CRC Administrative Headquarters staff, please reach out to Jonathan Ang at jang@hoosiercancer.org.

Reception

Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HCRN) is hosting a combined reception for members of both HCRN and the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium on Saturday, June 1 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm CT. This gathering will take place at voco Chicago Downtown 350 W. Wolf Point Plaza, in the LaSalle Room. This event is for member investigators and our network of institutions. For more information, please contact Suzanne Tansel at stansel@hoosiercancer.org.

About the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium: The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium was created in 2013 to transform the conduct of cancer research through collaborative clinical trials and observational studies that seek to improve the lives of cancer patients in the diverse communities we serve by leveraging the scientific and clinical expertise of Big Ten universities. The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium creates a unique team research culture to drive science rapidly from ideas to treatment and prevention. Within this innovative environment, today’s research leaders collaborate with and mentor the research leaders of tomorrow. Since its founding, the Big Ten CRC has activated nearly 40 clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types, more than 1,000 participants have enrolled in Big Ten CRC studies, and more than 500 researchers have joined Big Ten CRC Clinical Trial Working Groups.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

Big Ten CRC Jessen Award supports research on digital intervention for prostate cancer survivors

May 1, 2025: 

Right: Roberto Benzo, PhD Left: David Cella, PhD

The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium Foundation announces that Roberto Benzo, PhD, of The Ohio State University, and David Cella, PhD, of Northwestern University, have been awarded the $65,000 Kenneth and Verna Mae Jessen Award for their research proposal, “Development of a Digital Intervention to Promote Cardiovascular Health in Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Cardio-Oncology Approach.”

The project was one of 21 proposals submitted for funding consideration through an RFP announced by the Big Ten CRC in late 2024. Proposals were reviewed by a committee of Big Ten CRC leaders and peer investigators, chaired by Kari Wisinski, MD, of the University of Wisconsin.

Drs. Benzo and Cella are collaborating on this study with Peter Washington, PhD, of the University of California San Francisco. Co-investigators at The Ohio State University include Steven K. Clinton, MD, PhD; Adam Potter, MD, PhD; and Soledad Fernandez, PhD.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of non-cancer mortality among cancer survivors, particularly those with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, which significantly increases cardiovascular risk. Despite these known risks, there are no widely adopted digital solutions to proactively monitor cardiovascular health and guide tailored interventions in this vulnerable population.

The proposed project seeks to develop and evaluate a mobile health intervention, “mHealthy Hearts,” to enhance cardiovascular health monitoring and promote physical activity engagement among prostate cancer survivors.

The Big Ten CRC Foundation established the Kenneth and Verna Mae Jessen Award to support basic, correlative, clinical, or population science oncology research based at a Big Ten CRC institution. The award is made possible through the generous support of the Verna Mae Jessen Trust.

The Jessen family’s passion for oncology research stems from their long history with cancer. Several members of the family, including Kenneth, Verna Mae, and two of their siblings fought battles with cancer.

“Our family recognizes the great strides already made and the importance of continuing to fund cancer research,” said Tom Jensen, nephew of Kenneth and Verna Mae Jessen and administrator of the Verna Mae Jessen Trust.

About the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium: The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium was created in 2013 to transform the conduct of cancer research through collaborative clinical trials and observational studies that seek to improve the lives of cancer patients in the diverse communities we serve by leveraging the scientific and clinical expertise of Big Ten universities. The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium creates a unique team research culture to drive science rapidly from ideas to treatment and prevention. Within this innovative environment, today’s research leaders collaborate with and mentor the research leaders of tomorrow. Since its founding, the Big Ten CRC has activated nearly 40 clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types, more than 1,000 participants have enrolled in Big Ten CRC studies, and more than 500 researchers have joined Big Ten CRC Clinical Trial Working Groups.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

Across the Consortium: April 2025

April 30, 2025: 

In this month’s Across the Consortium, the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium spotlights advancements in colorectal cancer research, collaborative efforts in prostate cancer studies, recent research grant recipients, new podcast episodes, lung cancer research and prevention initiatives, brain cancer discoveries, leadership transitions, and the critical role of clinical trials. Read More

Big Ten CRC featured in the Indianapolis Business Journal and Inside Indiana Business

March 25, 2025: 
The Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) and Inside Indiana Business (IIB) recently interviewed Brian Stemme, CEO of Hoosier Cancer Research Network, which serves as the consortium’s administrative headquarters, for separate pieces highlighting the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium.

The IBJ also interviewed Dr. Nabil Adra, a genitourinary medical oncologist at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Big Ten CRC Steering Committee representative for Indiana University.

Both pieces tied into local events this month, as the city of Indianapolis hosted the Big Ten men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

About the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium: The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium was created in 2013 to transform the conduct of cancer research through collaborative clinical trials and observational studies that seek to improve the lives of cancer patients in the diverse communities we serve by leveraging the scientific and clinical expertise of Big Ten universities. The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium creates a unique team research culture to drive science rapidly from ideas to treatment and prevention. Within this innovative environment, today’s research leaders collaborate with and mentor the research leaders of tomorrow. Since its founding, the Big Ten CRC has activated nearly 40 clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types, more than 1,000 participants have enrolled in Big Ten CRC studies, and more than 500 researchers have joined Big Ten CRC Clinical Trial Working Groups.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

BTCRC-GU15-023 presented at ASCO GU

February 13, 2025:

A correlative study related to the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium (Big Ten CRC) clinical trial, BTCRC-GU15-023, titled, “Phase Ib/II Study of Concurrent Durvalumab And Radiation Therapy (DUART) Followed by Adjuvant Durvalumab in Patients with Urothelial Cancer (T2-4 N0-2 M0) of the Bladder,” will be presented as a poster presentation at American Society of Clinical Oncology® (ASCO) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium 2025 by Adriana S. Ramos-Medero of Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine.

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Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium adds Fred Hutch Cancer Center

February 11, 2025: 

The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium (Big Ten CRC), a collaboration of the cancer centers of Big Ten Conference universities united to transform cancer research by leveraging their scientific and clinical expertise, welcomed new member Fred Hutch Cancer Center, an independent, nonprofit organization that serves as the cancer program for UW Medicine (the University of Washington’s health system). It is the first new institution to join the consortium following the recent expansion of the Big Ten Conference.

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BTCRC-GI21-500 presented at ASCO GI 2025

January 22, 2025: 

A Big Ten CRC study, BTCRC-GI21-500, will be presented as a Trials in Progress poster at the American Society of Clinical Oncology® (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium 2025 in San Francisco. This study is led by Ashish Manne, MBBS, of The Ohio State University.

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BTCRC-LYM20-463 abstract poster presented at ASH 2024

December 17, 2024: 

A Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium trial, BTCRC-LYM20-463, titled, “A Phase I/II Study of Tazemetostat Combined with Abbreviated Rituximab/Bendamustine Therapy for High Tumor Burden Follicular Lymphoma in Frontline Treatment: A Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium Study,” was presented as a poster presentation at the 2024 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting on December 9, 2024. 

Congratulations to Vaishalee P Kenkre, MD, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Andrew M Evens, DO, MBA, MSc, of Rutgers Cancer Institute and all co-authors!

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