Headshot of Alexandre Chan

Jan 24, 2024

UC Irvine-led study links biomarkers and chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms

A study led by University of California, Irvine researchers has revealed a connection between blood levels of omega-3 and the inflammatory biomarker interleukin-8 and greater chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms in breast cancer patients. These predictors may offer new targets for pre-treatment therapeutic approaches to preventing or mitigating symptoms.
Kassandra Gomez sitting on rock in front of hospital

Jan 18, 2024

Surgical first removes tumor without affecting fertility

Kassandra Gomez not only beat a rare case of vaginal cancer, her UCI Health surgeons like Dr. Jill H. Tseng, also made sure she’d still be able to have children.
Sora Tanjasiri and Marcelo Tolmasky posing with Gloria Castanon, CHERP scholar

Oct 27, 2023

Students Get Hands-On Opportunity in Cancer Disparities Research

A partnership with CSUF and UCI contributes to the enhancement of cancer health equity research in Orange County through the development of institutional capacities, support of meritorious joint cancer research pilot projects, and the provision of cancer research experiences and programs for underrepresented students.
Sora Tanjasiri headshot

Oct 19, 2023

Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Cancer Prevention Researcher Dr. Sora Tanjasiri

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, cancer prevention researcher, Sora Park Tanjasiri, DrPH, professor of health, society, and behavior at the UCI Program in Public Health, answers common questions about breast cancer screening guidelines that are meant to reduce the risk of dying from this disease that 3.8 million women in the U.S. live with.

Headshot of Michael Demetriou

Oct 10, 2023

University of California, Irvine researchers awarded $2.4 million 'Fast Track' grant to develop a novel cancer immunotherapy treatment

The University of California, Irvine, has been awarded a $2.4 million ‘Fast Track’ Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to further develop a highly novel cancer immunotherapy treatment. The project, a joint grant with GlyTR Therapeutics Inc, will build upon work at UCI originally funded by the President Biden Cancer Moonshot Program.
Headshot of Roberto Tinoco

Sep 26, 2023

Unlocking the Potential of T Cells: A New Breakthrough in Chronic Infections and Cancer

Assistant Professor Roberto Tinoco and his UC Irvine research team have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the vital role of a protein called High Mobility Group Box 2 (HMGB2), which was recently published in Nature Communications.
Headshots of Munjal Acharya and Alex Chan

Sep 19, 2023

UCI awarded $2.4 million grant to study potential treatment for cancer-related cognitive impairment

UCI has been awarded a five-year, $2.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to evaluate the augmentation of brain-derived neurotropic factor to alleviate cancer-related cognitive impairment. This multi-PI project translates findings from past human studies conducted by Alexandre Chan, Pharm.D., M.P.H., principal investigator and chair and professor of clinical pharmacy practice, into the laboratory, with the goal of evaluating the feasibility of enhancing the BDNF protein as a potential strategy for mitigating chemobrain. The study is being conducted in partnership with Munjal Acharya, M.S., Ph.D., associate professor of anatomy and neurobiology.
Headshots of Shawn Griffin and Gloria Castanon

Sep 14, 2023

UC Irvine’s Dr. Shawn Griffin and CSU Fullerton Student Gloria Castañón Researching Health Disparities in Hispanic Populations; Connected Through Cancer Health Equity Research Partnership (CHERP)

Two Orange County universities have partnered to explore cancer disparities in the area, and for Castañón and University of California, Irvine’s Dr. Shawn Griffin, the program has provided a chance to conduct research they feel passionately about.
Michelle Helm seated on bike

Sep 05, 2023

Beating lung cancer at the genetic root

Michelle Helm’s lung cancer journey began as a frustrating, frightening ride through multiple misdiagnoses. Then she found UCI Health specialists who wouldn’t accept the worst-case scenario other doctors had painted for her. Today, the Mission Viejo parenting coach says she is thriving because she was referred to the lung cancer specialists at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she benefited from their arsenal of advanced therapies and surgical expertise.
Called TeamNeush, this group of 89 family and friends rallied at last year's UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge in to raise awareness and support for cancer research on behalf of Neusha Raffijandi, bottom row, second from left.

Aug 23, 2023

‘TeamNeush’ mobilizes to fight young woman's cancer

In February 2022, Neusha Raffijandi was diagnosed with advanced bile duct cancer. Her family encouraged her to go to the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, which has experts in all types of disease. There, she met UCI Health medical oncologist Dr. Jennifer B. Valerin, who specializes in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers.