USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at Keck Medicine of USC

12/12/2025

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, in collaboration with Gage Crump’s laboratory at USC Stem Cell, Keck School of Medicine of USC, have unveiled critical insights into Ewing sarcoma by identifying neural crest cells as a potential origin for this aggressive childhood cancer. The study highlights how a common genetic mutation can reprogram these cells into tumor-forming entities, promising new avenues for treatment. Learn more: https://www.chla.org/blog/experts/research-and-breakthroughs/discovery-may-point-cell-origin-ewing-sarcoma

12/11/2025

CURE®'s Educated Patient® Metastatic Breast Cancer Summit is a 2.5-hour virtual program created for patients, survivors, and caregivers seeking trusted, up-to-date information on metastatic breast cancer. Hear from leading experts as they break down the latest research, treatment updates, and practical wellness tips, all designed to help you feel informed and supported. Free to register and attend. To register, go here: https://globalmeet.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1742328&tp_key=b3b90a0fdd&sti=x&utm_campaign=29751447-MBC%20Summit%2012%2F20&utm_content=358378773&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-21411180.

12/09/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Anthony El-Khoueiry, Associate Director for Clinical Research at USC Norris, who has been selected by the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) to serve a three year term on the Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Steering Committee, effective October 1, 2025. The CRI Steering Committee guides and implements activities that encourage best practices and efficient use of resources and operations in cancer center clinical research facilities.

12/05/2025

Spotlighting the incredible work of Dr. Evanthia Roussos Torres whose research is uncovering how immune suppression drives aggressive breast cancer. Her innovative approach is opening the door to more personalized, life-saving treatments.

Learn more about her work and how you can support here: https://bit.ly/48Difnc

I am fundraising at USC and invite you to support this great project I am passionate about:

12/04/2025

Progress in developing effective treatment strategies for ovarian cancer has been delayed by an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms driving therapy resistance. As a result, treatment options remain limited, and patient outcomes in the advanced setting are poor.

Thanks to a new grant from the Margaret E. Early Medical Research Trust, Dr. Tirzah Petta, a cancer biology scientist at USC, will study genomic signatures to predict PARP inhibitors response in ovarian cancer, a type of targeted therapy that works by blocking an enzyme called PARP, which cancer cells use to repair their DNA.

This research represents a pioneering effort to shed light on a previously unexplored facet of therapy resistance in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma using patient’s specimen. The outcomes of this investigation have the potential to revolutionize treatment strategies, improve patient outcomes, and contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of precision medicine in ovarian cancer.

12/04/2025

We're so proud to have a program that brings science to life for young students in our community! Check out some highlights below and read the full story here: https://stemcell.keck.usc.edu/chuck-murry-shows-heart-for-local-third-graders-through-the-medical-and-cancer-stem-programs/.

12/02/2025

Thanks to the generosity of a donor and the contributions of our community outreach and engagement team, we distributed turkeys and gift cards at Clinica Monsenor Oscar Romero to support those in need in our surrounding community. Our team also volunteered with Barrio Action Youth and Community Center, further extending our commitment to service. Grateful for everyone who helped make a meaningful impact.❤️🦃

12/02/2025

Thanks to a generous match this Giving Tuesday, you can double your impact with gifts to the USC Norris Greatest Needs Fund. Make your gift today to fight on for health! Donate here: https://fightongiveback.usc.edu/c/fight-on-for-health

12/02/2025

Dr. Albert Han and his team are redefining cancer therapy by reshaping the tumor microenvironment, targeting fibroblasts so tumors lose their lifeline and become easier to defeat. Big ideas, real hope. Learn more here: https://keck.usc.edu/news/dr-albert-han-on-reshaping-the-tumor-microenvironment-for-innovative-cancer-therapies/.

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11/26/2025

We're so grateful for you, Dean Meltzer!

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for:

‣Students asking tough questions that even seasoned faculty have to think about

‣Laughter during stressful times

‣Researchers who celebrate both breakthroughs and failed experiments, because both move science forward

‣Faculty who are excited about teaching (and learning from!) their students

‣The joy that comes from our wonderful community partnerships

‣A patient who shares how their Keck care made all the difference

‣The simple fact that the work we do matters. . . every day

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

—Dean Carolyn Meltzer, MD

11/22/2025

Congratulations to Dr. W. Martin Kast! His latest publication was selected as Paper of the Week by the International Papillomavirus Society. We’re proud to see his impactful work recognized on a global stage.

In , viral oncoproteins drive KLF2-mediated IL-23 production in tumor macrophages, weakening CD8⁺ T-cell immunity.

Blocking IL-23 restores immune function and boosts HPV16 E6/E7-targeted , highlighting IL-23 as a potential therapeutic target.

Read the paper➡️bit.ly/3WVRMvK

Paper highlights have been summarized ⬇️

Ruben Prins, Daniel J Fernandez, Omid Akbari, Diane M Da Silva,W Martin Kast


Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer

11/21/2025

So grateful for our long-standing partnership with the Rose Court, bringing comfort, connection, and hope to USC Norris patients for three decades. 🌹