Nov. 12, 2025

The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium is pleased to announce Gustavo Girotto, MD, as a new member of the Big Ten CRC Steering Committee. Dr. Girotto is a Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine in Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation at the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Big Ten CRC Steering Committee is composed of one researcher from each member institution. The Steering Committee meets on a regular basis to review activities of the consortium and decide matters of policy. The Steering Committee determines the criteria for approving concepts for development with the Big Ten CRC. 

Dr. Girotto serves as Director of the Investigator-Initiated Trials (IIT) Program at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he plays a key role in advancing collaborative, patient-centered cancer research. His work demonstrates a clear focus on collaboration and innovation in investigator-led cancer research, a central goal of the Big Ten CRC.

“At Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, collaboration is part of our everyday life. It means listening with intention, supporting each other’s strengths, and creating space for ideas that may transform patient care,” he said. “It also means understanding that no single institution can address the complex challenges of cancer alone. The consortium reminds us that our impact grows when we work together.”

Dr. Girotto’s perspective is shaped by an extensive background in oncology and a career that spans continents. He earned his medical degree from Universidade de Teresópolis (UNIFESO) in Brazil, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Sociedade Beneficente de Campo Grande and a fellowship in clinical oncology at the Associação de Combate ao Câncer de Goiás. His international training and engagement with professional societies, including ASCO, SGO, ESMO, SBOC, and the Latin America Cooperative Oncology Group, have helped him connect clinical practice, research, and education.

“I am especially passionate about gastrointestinal and gynecologic oncology, translational research, minimal residual disease, ctDNA platforms, and the development of novel therapeutic combinations,” he said. “What motivates me the most is the privilege of caring for patients and the responsibility we have to advance the field. Every clinical encounter reinforces the urgency of research grounded in compassion, science and partnership.”

In joining the Big Ten CRC Steering Committee, Dr. Girotto looks forward to contributing to the consortium’s ongoing efforts to foster investigator-initiated trials across its member institutions.

“I have been deeply committed to building collaborative networks that accelerate meaningful science and create real opportunities for patients,” he said. “The consortium embodies this spirit.”

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.