Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center

07/23/2025

The Spring/Summer issue of HICCC’s Accelerations magazine is here!

In this edition, we explore the powerful intersections of scientific discovery, community action, and personal resilience. From fast-tracking drug discovery breakthroughs to long-awaited advances in pancreatic cancer research, this issue shines a light on the people and ideas shaping what’s next in cancer research and care at Columbia University Irving Medical Center .

▶️ What’s on the horizon in cancer research?
▶️ How are we accelerating the path from lab to patient?
▶️ And how are individuals and communities driving change every day?

This and more in our latest issue, below.

Explore the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of HICCC magazine, highlighting patient-centered care, innovative cancer research, and community partnerships. Features include an interview with Director Anil Rustgi, MD, updates on the Irving Cancer Drug Discovery Program, and inspiring survivor stories.

07/23/2025

As rates of early-onset breast cancer rise, Katie is turning a startling diagnosis into empowerment and advocacy.

05/27/2025

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Columbia researchers helped make the game-changing discovery that certain RA drugs reduce that risk—lowering the odds of a heart attack or stroke.

Research Means .

Learn more: https://columbiamed.link/3uEOdMj

01/24/2025

Movement is medicine—especially for girls entering puberty! 🏃‍♀️💪

Did you know that exercise habits during these years can impact early-onset breast cancer risk later in life?

Rebecca Kehm, PhD, assistant professor of Epidemiology, breaks down how staying active during puberty and into adolescence can lower the risk of early-onset breast cancer later in life. Columbia Children's Health Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Learn more about the environmental, hormonal, and lifestyle factors behind this important connection. https://www.cancer.columbia.edu/news/rise-early-onset-breast-cancer-may-start-puberty

01/21/2025

HICCC’s “Pathways to a Cure” Annual Report is live! Columbia University Irving Medical Center NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

In this issue, we’re exploring HICCC’s latest discoveries in AI, cell therapies, and robotic surgery, sharing inspiring messages from our patients, and spotlighting the next generation of leaders in cancer research and health equity.

Read the issue here:

This year has been a transformative one for the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC). With the launch of our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, we are reflecting on our achievements and charting a bold path forward. Our vision is clear: our discoveries here will end cancer everywhere.

10/28/2024

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month , HICCC came together to wear pink in support of those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. Check out some of the incredible researchers, nurses, clinicians, and health professionals who advance and support breast cancer research and provide compassionate care every day at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital.

Over 200,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S. Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps bring awareness about breast cancer and how to find it early, including mammograms every two years starting at age 40 for those at average risk of breast cancer.

09/30/2024

We are thrilled to welcome Michel Sadelain, MD, PhD, a global pioneer in CAR-T therapies, to Columbia and to the the HICCC.

Michel Sadelain named the inaugural director of the Columbia Initiative for Cell Engineering and Therapy and director of the Cancer Cell Therapy Initiative in the HICCC.

06/02/2024

Sasha's journey through cancer treatment, recovery, and survivorship offers a powerful reminder: it takes a village.

Today, National Cancer Survivors Day, we honor all those facing cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and champion survivors and their care teams.
https://youtu.be/dsmPvuXHD-Y

04/04/2024

AACR’s 2024 annual meeting starts tomorrow! Stay up to date here on exciting research being presented by HICCC physicians and scientists and tag us in your meeting highlights to be featured. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
https://www.cancer.columbia.edu/news/roundup-hiccc-aacr-2024

04/02/2024

Facing a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming for patients. “One major stressor is the uncertainty about the course their cancer will take," says Columbia University Irving Medical Center psychologist Jon Levenson, MD. Read more in the article from TIME.

Support groups and meeting with a therapist can help.

04/01/2024

At just 31, Rachel Secrest was shocked to learn she had colorectal cancer. But thanks to the care of Beatrice Dionigi, MD and Alfred Neugut, MD, the professional dancer is cancer-free and can return to the stage.

At 31, Rachel Secrest was shocked to learn that a painful mass in her colon was cancer. But thanks to the care of experts at NewYork-Presbyterian, the contemporary dancer is now cancer free — and set to return to the stage.

03/28/2024

Join us in welcoming Eun-Ju Lee, MD! As a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow and recipient of an NIH NIDDK student research training grant, Dr. Lee brings expertise in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).