IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

03/06/2026

The cancer center's Ronald Wek, PhD, has been named a 2026 fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

This honor recognizes scientists who have made important contributions to research and service in the molecular life sciences.

His lab studies how cells react when they are under stress, such as when they don't get enough nutrients. Understanding how cells respond to stress can help researchers learn more about diseases like cancer, diabetes and other health conditions, and guide the search for better ways to detect and treat them.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Wek on this recognition.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/9aET50Ypopz.

03/05/2026

Conversations in urology are happening now—and you're invited to listen.

The cancer center's Clint Cary, MD, chair of the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Urology, launched a new podcast, “INside Urology: Cutting to the Chase.”

Each month, Dr. Cary sits down with faculty, trainees, patients and expert guests to talk about research changing the field, emerging clinical guidelines, mentorship and medical education, patient perspectives and timely healthcare topics.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/u6ze50YhGjb.

03/04/2026

New breakthroughs in multiple myeloma research are opening real doors for patients.

At the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, researchers are developing treatments that target the genes driving this disease. They are also leading a global clinical trial of CAR T-cell therapy for patients whose cancer no longer responds to standard care. Early tests of new immunotherapies are showing strong responses and longer remissions.

That progress is changing what’s possible for patients and families facing this disease.

This Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, you can help move the next discovery forward.

Help advance the next breakthrough: go.iu.edu/13KPHj

03/04/2026

Sometimes the biggest advances begin small—with two syringes and a team of researchers pushing science forward.

At our Brown Center for Immunotherapy, scientists and clinicians are working together to turn lab discoveries into new treatments for patients. Their work includes peptide vaccines for breast cancer, innovative CAR T-cell therapies and research aimed at tackling some of the toughest solid tumors.

Read more about how IU is moving cancer immunotherapy forward: https://ow.ly/eYPP50XE4vT.

In clean rooms and crowded offices, researchers at the Brown Center for Immunotherapy are reimagining cancer care from the inside out — blending chemistry, computation and compassion to make custom-built therapies for the immune system itself.

03/03/2026

If you knew just how to blow on a game cartridge to make it work, you’re probably due for a colonoscopy.

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

Screening starts at 45 (or earlier if you’re at higher risk). Ask your doctor about your options.

02/27/2026

We brought home the gold.

Our “Cancer Decoded” Instagram series earned the highest honor in the 6th Annual Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards.

This recognition reflects our commitment to sharing clear, trusted cancer research information through social media.

Cancer terms can feel overwhelming. Cancer Decoded was created to break down complex science into simple, everyday language so more people can understand the research shaping prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Thank you to everyone who follows, shares and learns with us. Your engagement helps us expand access to reliable cancer information.

Learn more about the award-winning series: https://ow.ly/reHs50YkzIF.

02/26/2026

What really happens before a cancer clinical trial begins?

Richard Carpenter, PhD, an IU cancer researcher and assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine, is helping answer that question—and many more—in the Indiana Public Media podcast series, "Hope in Progress."

The six-episode series features IU researchers discussing topics such as stem cells, leukemia, breast cancer research and how discoveries move from the lab toward patient care. The goal is simple: explain complex cancer research in a way everyone can understand.

Listen to all six episodes: https://ow.ly/Kq2K50YhCTL.

Richard Carpenter uses his new Indiana Public Media podcast to demystify the science behind cancer research. 

02/24/2026

Myeloma doesn’t appear overnight. It develops through a series of changes in the immune system that allow abnormal plasma cells to grow, adapt and evade the body’s defenses.

In this Simon Says session, Zainul S. Hasanali, MD, PhD, the Daniel and Lori Efroymson Scholar in Oncology, breaks down what scientists now understand about how myeloma starts, why it persists, and how it interacts with the bone marrow environment. He’ll also discuss the latest research aimed at predicting who is at risk, improving treatment responses, and even intercepting the disease before it becomes cancer.

This session will offer an expert-guided conversation about the latest science and what it could mean for myeloma patients and their families.

02/24/2026

What happens when biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology join forces?

The cancer center's John Turchi, PhD, is leading Indiana University School of Medicine's newly combined Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology with one clear focus: accelerate drug discovery and turn lab findings into better treatments.

An internationally recognized researcher in DNA repair and cancer treatment, he's expanding that team science approach across diseases like chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, dementia and hard-to-treat cancers.

Learn how this new department is strengthening cancer research and translational science at Indiana University: https://ow.ly/MxfL50Yh8Ij.

As chair of the new Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, John Turchi is building a team of researchers to accelerate scientific discovery and find cures for diseases.

02/23/2026

In a study of nearly 800 testicular cancer survivors, researchers identified measurable long-term effects associated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy, including renal function, cardiovascular risk, and chronic health conditions.

These findings will be used to inform national follow-up guidelines for cisplatin-treated testicular cancer survivors in the future.

In this Q&A, the cancer center's Lois B. Travis, MD, explains what survivors and families should know—and how this research supports lifelong monitoring and better long-term health.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/Y5Jy50YilKH.

02/20/2026

Congratulations to Tzu-Chieh (Kate) Ho, PhD, on receiving the American Society of Hematology Scholar Award in the basic/translational research junior faculty category. Her work focuses on understanding what causes acute myeloid leukemia and identifying new approaches that could lead to better treatments.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/Vsch50YffaA.

Kate Ho received the 2026 ASH Scholar Award for her commitment to blood cancer research. Her work focuses on finding innovative therapies for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

02/19/2026

When philanthropy and science work side by side, progress accelerates.

Congratulations to Yann Gilbert, PhD, Sirimuvva Tadepalli, PhD, and Pravin Kaumaya, PhD, for being selected as the 2026 100 Voices of Hope hunch winners.

Each year, researchers share new ideas to prevent, diagnose and treat breast cancer. At the annual meeting, 100 Voices of Hope donors vote on projects they believe have the most promise. The winning hunches each receive $100,000 to move their research forward.

This unique model puts supporters at the center of cancer research funding—and helps fuel new approaches in the fight against breast cancer.

Learn more about this year’s winning hunches and how you can get involved: https://ow.ly/fflJ50YeruQ.

100 Voices of Hope at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center