IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Indiana's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center | A leader in cancer research To learn more, visit www.cancer.iu.edu.

The Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is Indiana’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Based at Indiana University, we focus on cancer research, education and clinical trials—not patient care. Our researchers and physician–scientists are discovering how cancer works, developing new therapies,

and training the next generation of cancer researchers. While our healthcare partners provide treatment, we lead the research that fuels tomorrow’s cures. To learn about our patient care partner, IU Health, visit www.iuhealth.org.

In an interview with NBC News, Kelvin Lee, MD, director of the cancer center, emphasized the importance of continued res...
05/29/2026

In an interview with NBC News, Kelvin Lee, MD, director of the cancer center, emphasized the importance of continued research to better understand how GLP-1 receptors on tumor cells may influence cancer spread and treatment response.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/g1PC50Z5lsc.

Our End Lung Cancer Now team was proud to walk alongside Indiana’s first and only mobile lung screening unit at the Indy...
05/27/2026

Our End Lung Cancer Now team was proud to walk alongside Indiana’s first and only mobile lung screening unit at the Indy 500 Parade—helping raise awareness for lung cancer screening and early detection.

The mobile screening program, a partnership between the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and IU Health, continues to bring screening closer to home, making it easier for more Hoosiers to take that important step for their health.

Learn more about lung cancer screening: https://ow.ly/UsJu50YUIvT.

Access to health information shouldn't depend on where you live. In this episode of Stamats' “Did I Say That Out Loud?,”...
05/22/2026

Access to health information shouldn't depend on where you live.

In this episode of Stamats' “Did I Say That Out Loud?,” MacKenzie White, executive director of End Lung Cancer Now, an initiative of the cancer center, shares how her team is working to reach rural communities with lung cancer screening, education and resources. She also discusses why this work matters right now and how partnerships are making a difference.

Listen to the full conversation: https://ow.ly/4kiw50Z37JY.

Don't brush it off as "just a mole."Skin cancer can show up as small changes—like a new spot, a sore that won't heal or ...
05/21/2026

Don't brush it off as "just a mole."

Skin cancer can show up as small changes—like a new spot, a sore that won't heal or a mole that looks different. Checking your skin regularly can help catch it early, when treatment is more effective.

Know your skin. If something changes, get it checked.

Learn more about how you can protect your health: https://ow.ly/i5nO50YNa6S.

Thank you to everyone who came out, walked alongside us and helped make every step count at Walking for Dreams 2026. Fro...
05/19/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out, walked alongside us and helped make every step count at Walking for Dreams 2026. From families to teams to four-legged friends, your support powers cancer research at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center—including End Lung Cancer Now and the MOVE program.

Because of you, we’re moving closer to better outcomes and new discoveries in cancer research.

05/18/2026

Cancer research can feel complex, but every breakthrough starts with seemingly simple questions: How do new ideas become studies? What happens before a discovery ever reaches patients? And why does the research process take time?

In “Cancer Research 101,” Kelvin Lee, MD, director of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, hosts a conversation about how cancer research moves from concept to care. Joined by Rohan Maniar, MD, an oncologist and cancer researcher, this session walks through the full research journey — from early lab discoveries and clinical trials to new approaches that improve treatment and outcomes.

This discussion pulls back the curtain on how cancer research works, why it matters, and how today’s questions shape tomorrow’s care. Whether you’re simply curious about cancer science or want a clearer picture of how research leads to real‑world treatments, this session offers a welcoming introduction to the process behind progress.

Oxygen does more than help us breathe—it may also shape how stem cells behave. Researchers at the IU Simon Comprehensi...
05/18/2026

Oxygen does more than help us breathe—it may also shape how stem cells behave.

Researchers at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Indiana University School of Medicine found that human hematopoietic stem cells, which create the body’s blood and immune cells, are highly sensitive to oxygen, and even short exposure to changing oxygen levels can significantly alter how the cells grow and function.

The study examined stem cells from donor umbilical cord blood, circulating blood and bone marrow to better understand how these cells respond to conditions similar to those inside the human body.

The findings could help guide future work in stem cell transplantation, cancer immunotherapy, gene therapy and more.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/PRYo50Z16Xn.

Cancer research depends on strong federal investment. More than 100 cancer center leaders, researchers, clinicians and p...
05/15/2026

Cancer research depends on strong federal investment.

More than 100 cancer center leaders, researchers, clinicians and patient advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)-Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) Joint Hill Day yesterday to advocate for stable, predictable funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute.

Representing the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center were Kelvin Lee, MD, center director; Hari Nakshatri, PhD; Rich Zellars, MD; Eric Vachon, PhD, and Trisha Wise-Draper, MD, PhD.

Held during National Cancer Research Month, Hill Day is an opportunity to celebrate progress in cancer research, honor patients and advocate for continued support that helps advance discoveries, clinical trials and future cancer treatments.

Pictured: Hari Nakshatri; Rich Zellars; Andrew Mesecar, Purdue Institute for Cancer Research director; and Eric Vachon.

Every cancer treatment begins with a question and research is how we find the answers. At the IU Simon Comprehensive Ca...
05/14/2026

Every cancer treatment begins with a question and research is how we find the answers.

At the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, discoveries move from the lab to life through a research pipeline that connects scientists, clinicians, and patients. Each step from uncovering how cancer starts to testing new therapies in clinical trials brings us closer to making cancer a disease of the past.

Learn more about cancer research at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center: https://ow.ly/Tew150YNalw.

05/13/2026

What does progress in cancer research look like in one day?

Cancer Research Day—our signature research event—brought together researchers, fellows and students from across Indiana and set a new record with 194 abstract submissions. From posters to presentations, the day highlighted the work shaping the future of cancer research.

This year also introduced new moments, including a patient panel where three advocates shared their cancer journeys and connected directly with researchers during a Q&A. A new lightning session featured junior faculty delivering fast-paced talks on their work.

For the first time, we also welcomed 40 high school students. They explored how cancer affects people and communities, experienced a live poster session where they could ask questions, connected with researchers and professionals to learn about careers in science and medicine.

We are proud to see how our research community continues to move cancer forward.

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Indianapolis, IN
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