IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

02/05/2026

Pancreatic cancer has the lowest five-year survival rate of any major cancer—largely because it's usually found late.

A researcher at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IU Indianapolis identified biomarkers that could help improve early detection and better identify risk in patients with pancreatic cysts. This work lays important groundwork for future non-invasive screening tools.

Learn why early detection is critical and how this research could help change outcomes: https://ow.ly/Efb150Y4yul.

02/04/2026

Today is World Cancer Day—a day to raise awareness, inspire action and support everyone affected by cancer.

At IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, we’re working to reduce cancer’s impact through research, education and statewide outreach. From discovering new therapies to supporting early detection and prevention, our teams are dedicated to creating a future with less cancer.

Join us in recognizing World Cancer Day and supporting efforts that move cancer research forward.

02/03/2026

Cancer care is changing and it’s about more than chemotherapy or surgery.

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is expanding supportive oncology efforts to help patients navigate every part of their cancer journey. From exercise and physical therapy to art therapy, mental health services, palliative care and survivorship support, these programs focus on the whole person.

The cancer center's Walther Center for Supportive Oncology is helping grow these services and advancing research to better understand what patients need most.

For patients like Judy Hetzel, a pancreatic cancer survivor, staying active and having the right support made a powerful difference in her recovery and quality of life.

Read the full story to learn how supportive oncology is improving care for people with cancer: https://ow.ly/pqZ450XC9l2.

Beyond medical treatments, caring for people on their cancer journeys is expanding to exercise, art therapy, psychology, acupuncture and much more.

02/02/2026

What if you could take steps today to lower your cancer risk?

This National Cancer Prevention Month, we're highlighting the cancers that can be prevented or found early—including breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer and more. Small choices, regular screenings and knowing your risk factors can make a big difference.

From to***co cessation and HPV vaccination to healthy habits and staying up to date on recommended screenings, you have tools to protect your health. Our researchers are also studying new ways to detect cancer earlier and understand who is most at risk.

Take a moment to learn the steps that can help reduce your risk and catch cancer early: https://ow.ly/2Gki50XCMqX.

01/30/2026

In The future of breast cancer: vaccines and AI, breast cancer expert Kathy Miller, MD, will explore how vaccines may train the immune system to stop cancer in its tracks. She will also share thoughts on how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming detection, risk assessment and personalized treatment with unprecedented precision. Together, these innovations are reshaping what prevention, diagnosis and survivorship can look like in the years ahead.

The session will be moderated by Michael Gadus, a breast cancer advocate and 100 Voices of Hope advisory board member.

01/29/2026

Research is changing how long multiple myeloma can be kept in remission.

At the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, researchers are exploring new therapies that focus on genetic drivers of multiple myeloma—an idea once considered out of reach. IU teams are also part of a global Phase III trial of CAR T-cell therapy for patients whose disease has relapsed or become resistant to treatment.

The goal: longer-lasting remission with a better quality of life, moving closer to what many call a functional cure.

Read the full story to see how IU researchers are advancing multiple myeloma research: https://ow.ly/2Vom50XBZj2.

From new genetic therapies to CAR T-cell trials, IU scientists are driving major breakthroughs that could extend remission and improve quality of life for people with multiple myeloma.

01/28/2026

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the hardest blood cancers to treat, and many patients face relapse.

New research co-led by IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Indiana University School of Medicine scientists found that AML depends on an inflammation-related signaling pathway to survive—both at diagnosis and after the disease returns. In preclinical studies, blocking this pathway weakened leukemia stem cells while largely sparing healthy blood-forming cells.

Learn how this discovery could help strengthen current AML treatments and reduce relapse risk: https://ow.ly/mmWI50Y4u7g.

01/27/2026

Breast cancer is changing, and IU researchers are helping lead the way.

At our Vera Bradley Foundation Center for Breast Cancer Research, scientists and clinicians are personalizing prevention, detection and treatment like never before. Advances in genetics and tumor biology are helping tailor therapies to each patient and reduce treatment side effects.

Through collaborations across science and medicine, IU teams are exploring cancer vaccines, lifestyle interventions and new strategies to support long-term survivorship.

Read the full story to learn how IU is shaping the future of breast cancer research: https://ow.ly/sEjQ50XE30R.

Decades ago, breast cancer care was uniform. Now, thanks to IU’s Kathy Miller, Hari Nakshatri and a new generation of researchers redefining precision medicine, the future of treatment is as unique as every person it serves.

01/26/2026

This season, the biggest matchup isn’t on the court.

At the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, more than 300 researchers are working together to outsmart cancer—one discovery, one clinical trial, one breakthrough moment at a time.

We’re Indiana’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center—and one of just 57 in the nation. That means we’ve met the gold standard for cancer research, education, and outreach.

When it’s IU vs. Cancer, we play to win.

Learn more about how IU takes on cancer: https://ow.ly/YVPy50XnMKh.

01/22/2026

HPV is common, but the cancers linked to it don’t have to be.

Some types of HPV can cause changes in cervical cells that may develop into cancer over many years. But vaccination can prevent most HPV-related cancers, and safer s*x practices can reduce the risk of exposure.

Understanding how HPV spreads—and who faces higher risk—is the first step in protecting your health.

Learn more about HPV and how to protect yourself and your family: https://ow.ly/ai9e50XAevK.

01/20/2026

Congratulations to Coach Cignetti and our Indiana Hoosiers!

Determination defines IU on the football field — and in our labs. IU is home to more than 300 scientists tackling cancer through research discoveries and educating tomorrow’s cancer experts. Stay connected with us to see how our innovative and ambitious work impacts lives in Indiana and beyond.

Indiana Football

01/20/2026

What if the key to treating pancreatic cancer is understanding the world where tumors live?

Ashiq Massod, MD, from IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and Indiana University School of Medicine, is mapping the environments around pancreatic tumors. His research shows that tumors behave differently depending on where they grow—and those differences could shape how they respond to treatment.

Primary tumors are surrounded by dense tissue and low oxygen, making them difficult to treat. But when cancer spreads to the liver, the environment changes. Tumors get more oxygen, divide faster, and rely on sugar for energy. That means they may need different treatment approaches

See how IU researchers are helping open new paths for pancreatic cancer treatment: https://ow.ly/3IBq50XBZ2c.

By mapping the ecosystems surrounding pancreatic tumors, an IU scientist is identifying vulnerabilities that could improve survival and guide new treatment strategies.