Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

03/31/2026

Did you know Georgetown Lombardi is the only center in the Washington area to be designated as a “comprehensive cancer center” by the National Cancer Institute? This designation, first awarded to Georgetown in 1974, recognizes the high-impact research, community outreach and cancer care at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together with our academic health system partner, MedStar Health, and our consortium research partner, John Theurer Cancer Center, we serve 6.5 million people living in the District of Columbia and neighboring counties in Maryland and Virginia, as well as northern New Jersey.

03/31/2026

Experts suspect the ecosystem of bacteria living within us could be driving the disease.

03/27/2026

Clinical trials are an essential part of testing new drugs, treatments, and medical procedures to determine their effectiveness and safety. Georgetown Lombardi physician-scientists conduct these research studies through the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute to help inform decisions about how to best support patients using new and emerging cancer therapies. Almost every standard cancer treatment currently in use was first made available to patients through clinical trials, making these studies essential to understanding how to provide personalized medical treatments to each patient. Find information about active clinical trials via the OnCore Cancer Study Portal: https://lombardi.georgetown.edu/research/clinicaltrials/

Find active clinical trials in oncology at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and MedStar Health hospitals.

03/23/2026

🔎 Scientists at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered a new dual function for a well-known cancer-related protein called ezrin. This finding could potentially open the door to new treatments for osteosarcoma, the most common bone cancer in children and young adults, as well as other cancers that are ezrin-dependent. The investigators hope that if future efforts find a way to disrupt ezrin’s interaction with RNA, they may be able to slow or prevent metastasis. Find out more about this research at https://lombardi.georgetown.edu/news-release/dual-role-of-a-protein-in-driving-bone-cancer-in-children-discovered/

03/20/2026

Congratulations to Georgetown physician-scientist Dr. Jill Smith and medical oncologist Dr. Benjamin Weinberg on the completion of a Phase I clinical trial studying proglumide in pancreatic cancer, a disease where effective therapies remain far too few and outcomes have remained stubbornly poor.

Reaching this stage represents years of scientific discovery and a critical step forward in the fight against one of the most challenging cancers. More research is needed before this approach could become a treatment option for patients.

This clinical trial was based on Dr. Smith’s laboratory work and exemplifies the power of translational science and sustained investment in cancer research. Learn more about Dr. Smith’s work: https://www.georgetown.edu/news/professor-makes-strides-in-pancreatic-cancer-detection-and-treatment/

Find information about the completed clinical trial at https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/3/379
The Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Dr. Jill Smith, a gastroenterologist, has made discoveries in pancreatic cancer research that she’s working to translate to patients.

03/19/2026

An Evening of Impact 💖

This year’s Lombardi Gala delivered inspiring testimonials from patients, families, scholars and researchers — stories of resilience, scientific courage, and advocacy.

🔬Our second annual Lou’s Mad Labs featured interactive experiences highlighting innovation and discovery. Thank you to , Joe Abo and the Dr. Jill Smith Lab,  and Dr. Laura Rozek! 

✈️ Nick Van D**e and Kim Strassel shared their story of perseverance–how simply refusing to accept a bleak diagnosis led them to hope and  Dr. Micahel B. Atkins.

🧬 Inspired By Real Stories: Dr. Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza demonstrated how ingenuity, compassion, and commitment to cancer awareness and education come together to transform lives in our communities. 

💡 The Next Generation: Marcelo Sleiman Jr. shined a light on the future of science, which begins with curiosity and mentorship fostered through the Lombardi Young Scholars Program. 

🤩 A surprise initiative to support future cancer researchers was unveiled honoring Dr. Weiner, outgoing director of Georgetown Lombardi:  The Louis M. Weiner, MD, Aspiring Oncologist Fund.

We are able to tell these powerful stories thanks to you, our community of fearless supporters and storytellers. 

Relive these stories at the link in our bio 

03/16/2026

What an incredible night! On behalf of , thank you for supporting the 38th Annual Lombardi Gala!

Breakthroughs come in many forms. We are so grateful for:
✨ Our powerful storytellers: Nick Van D**e and Kimberley Strassel, Dr. Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza, and Marcelo Sleiman, Jr.

🏆 Our champions: Congratulations to the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates (Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award) and Dr. Benjamin Weinberg (John F. Potter, M.D. Award)

🙏 Our sponsors: Your commitment drives our mission forward.

Together, we are making the world a better place 💙 See you in 2027 for the 39th Annual Lombardi Gala!


Venue
Catering
Production
Florals
Graphics Michael Paolantonio Design
Media
Valet
Special Guest Host
Performances By

03/13/2026

With deep gratitude, we recognize our Lombardi Gala Champions Circle for driving our mission forward.

Circle member Harriet Weiner said it best: “supporting Lombardi’s research and clinical care is the rocket fuel for current and future cancer prevention and cures.”

Swipe through to meet fellow Champions Circle members Dan Herlihy, Dr. Karen Howenstein, and Kevin Reilly.

Link in bio for tickets and information 🔗

See you TOMORROW!

03/11/2026

Special message from Rayshun LaMarr of NBC’s the Voice! 🎵 🪩

03/10/2026

Save the date for the 11th Annual GI Cancer Patient Summit on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 am- 1:00 pm EST. The summit provides information and tools to manage cancer care. This free event is a partnership with Hope Connections For Cancer Support and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Learn more: bit.ly/GISummit26.

03/09/2026

John L. Marshall, MD, and Christopher Lieu, MD, comment on the rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer during CRC awareness month.

03/09/2026

Don’t miss this year’s Lombardi Gala, Saturday, March 14! Incredible stories of resilience with performances by award-winning artists!

Join us in the fight to beat cancer!