Inaugural Legends of Science Oncology Symposium |
Through the scientific talks and panel discussions on the future of cancer research featured at this event, discover how UC San Diego researchers and industry trailblazers are revolutionizing cancer care through breakthrough therapeutics, innovative research, and AI-driven advancements in oncology to transform treatment and reshape the scientific landscape.
The symposium will conclude with the Legends Cocktail Party and Networking Reception, which will provide a unique environment to discover and connect with top researchers, academic leaders, industry experts, visionary venture capitalists, and legendary surfers.
The symposium is free for Moores Members and Trainees. Register today! RSVP>> | Download the Agenda>>
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We're Not a Line Item: A Patient's Plea to Protect Research Funding |
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The $3.8 billion in recent funding cuts to the NIH have raised concerns about not only the future of cancer research, but also the continuation of clinical trials and the health of patients like Kimberly Peters who rely on them. In UC San Diego Today, Peters and her oncologist, Moores Member Ramez Eskander, MD, explain the importance of investing in clinical trials, which hold the key to discovering cancer cures and extending lives. Learn More>>
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Cancer Breakthrough Sparks New Vaccine |
Moores Member Scott Lippman MD, has published a new study that identifies likely non-responders and mechanisms behind resistance to immune-checkpoint therapy (ICT). His results offer new insight to this fundamental challenge in oncology and have sparked the development of a new cancer vaccine that could optimize the effectiveness of ICT. Learn More>>
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What You Need to Know About Prostate Cancer Screening |
As part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Moores Member Aditya Bagrodia, MD was interviewed regarding the importance of personalized prostate cancer screening and the innovative diagnostic and treatment options offered through UC San Diego Health’s Smarter Screening Program, which helps identify patients who would benefit most from treatment while supporting active surveillance strategies for those with low-risk disease. Learn More>>
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Understanding the Value and Importance of Meditation Skills in Communication |
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. PDT
(Virtual)
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This session will introduce the fundamental principles of mediation and provide an overview of key concepts. Although the session will not certify participants as mediators, it will serve as a practical guide for effective communication and conflict resolution.
Session Rationale–Mediation provides a structured process to address disagreements constructively and foster collaboration.
Participants will
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gain a clear understanding of the mediation process,
- enhance communication and listening skills,
- learn strategies for resolving conflicts, and
- recognize when mediation is an appropriate tool for managing difficult conversations
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FDA-AACR Workshop: Approach to Novel Oncology Endpoint Development
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Hybrid (In-person and Virtual)
Thursday, September 11, 2025
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Hilton Alexandria Old Town
Alexandria, VA
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This is a key opportunity to elevate the expertise of Moores. Moores Member participation will help shape regulatory thinking in novel endpoints in oncology.
Workshop Rationale:
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Overall survival remains a key measure, yet it often is impractical as a primary endpoint in early-stage or rare cancer trials.
- Novel endpoints such as pCR and MRD offer promise, yet they must be validated rigorously to ensure that they reflect long-term benefit and do not compromise patient outcomes.
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As such, this workshop will explore successful strategies, unmet needs, and evidence requirements to support novel endpoints in regulatory decision-making.
Register Now>> | Learn More>>
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FEATURED FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES |
View featured limited submission, federal, and non-federal grant and funding opportunities. |
Accelerating Innovations to Market (AIM) for National Security |
AIM supports dual-use innovations with both civilian and defense applications. It provides funding, coaching, and curated pitch opportunities to accelerate commercialization and defense market readiness. AIM focus areas include healthcare and homeland defense solutions, women’s health and therapeutics aligned with the Defense Health Agency, and therapeutic programs aligned with DARPA and the Sanford Stem Cell Institute.
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Application Deadline: October 24, 2025
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CureSearch Catapult Award
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This award funds Phase I/II pediatric cancer clinical trials that are IND-ready or under active IND. It supports advancing promising therapies to improve outcomes and address areas of high unmet need in pediatric oncology.
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Application Deadline: October 7, 2025 (Letter of Intent); January 18, 2026 (Full Proposal, by Invitation)
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Award: Up to $2.5M over 3 years
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Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator (ESI) Research Project Grant (R01—C Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
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This grant supports ESIs who propose a new research direction with promise. No preliminary data is permitted. Proposal requires a 1-page “New Research Directions” attachment and alignment with the missions of participating NIH ICs.
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Application Deadline: September 26, 2025
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| A prospective clinical trial of GVHD prophylaxis with posttransplant cyclophosphamide and abatacept
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Aaron Goodman, MD (Hematologic Malignancies [HEM]), Caitlin Costello, MD (HEM), Carolyn Mulroney, MD (HEM), Tiffany Tanaka, MD (HEM), Edward Ball, MD (HEM), Ayad Hamdan, MD (HEM), Ah-Reum Jeong, MD (HEM), Gerald Morris, MD, PhD (HEM), and Dimitrios Tzachanis, MD, PhD (HEM)
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| Large language models for extracting histopathologic diagnoses from electronic health records
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BMJ Open Gastroenterology
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Kathleen Curtius, PhD (Cancer Control), Shailja Shah, MD, MPH (Cancer Control), and Samir Gupta, MD (Cancer Control)
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| Accuracy of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in early metastatic testicular seminoma: Analysis from the SEMS trial
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Aditya Bagrodia, MD, FACS (Structural and Functional Genomics)
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CLINICAL TRIALS OFFICE (CTO) |
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No new clinical trials as of this week.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT (COE) |
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COE Engages Local Teens with Vaping Prevention Education
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COE joined Project Access at Meadowbrook Apartments during Teen Night to present on the risks of vaping. The session was led by Sophia Butler, a volunteer with the Field Experience in Cancer Health Disparities Program, as part of the UCSD-SDSU CREATE partnership.
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The Researcher Spotlight is designed to help you connect with fellow researchers, gain insights into their diverse projects, and discover the paths that led them to their current roles. Uncover a personal touch to their professional achievements, showcasing the varied perspectives within our cancer research community.
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Dr. Varner is Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Medicine at the UC San Diego, School of Medicine; recent Director of Faculty Mentoring for the Department of Pathology at the UC San Diego, School of Medicine; and Co-Leader of the Moores Solid Tumor Therapeutics Research Program. She joined the Department of Medicine in 1997 and the Department of Pathology in 2012. Dr. Varner received her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Duke University, where she was an A.B. Duke and National Merit Scholar, and she received her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Basel, Switzerland, where she was a Fulbright Fellow.
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