Cancer Research Day Celebrates Scientific Advancement

The MU School of Medicine and Ellis Fischel Cancer Center held Cancer Research Day May 9, showcasing recent research advances to a record number of 259 attendees.

The event was highlighted by 78 presentations of original research conducted by MU faculty, staff, and trainees which focused on one thing: shaping the future of cancer care.

Richard Barohn, MD, Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine, commended everyone’s work during his morning address at the event.

“We are fighting a fierce foe,” Barohn said. “But I'm energized by the gifted researchers, new technology and recently formed collaborations that I believe will make a significant difference in this fight.” 

Gerhard Hildebrandt, MD – Director of the Ellis Fischer Cancer Center – highlighted the mission of Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and MU Health Care to “advance cancer prevention and care for all people, especially Missourians, through scientific discovery.” These discoveries, whether they are scientific advancements, community engagement or improving patient care, are all vital to the ultimate goal of cancer research.

“It’s important to bring together trainees and faculty members from both clinical care and translational science, and across different specialties to identify and optimize strategies to eradicate cancer all together,” Hildebrandt said. 

Presentations from visiting speakers focused on all aspects of cancer treatment, from innovative ways to diagnose and treat cancer, to how to build a strong, inclusive, trustworthy community outreach program. Other speakers shared their own research findings and talked about the importance of intersectionality in cancer research, whether that be with the arts or with veterinary care.

The School of Medicine and Ellis Fischel Cancer Center also celebrated their partnership with Washington University and their Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. The director of the Siteman Cancer Center, Timothy Eberlein, MD, discussed funding opportunities for research, cancer statistics and the shared path forward.