Headshot of Chris Halbrook

Apr 13, 2023

Hallmarks to improving pancreatic cancer therapy identified by UCI researchers

Scientists from the University of California, Irvine, the University of Michigan and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have made a significant contribution to the field of pancreatic cancer research. Their new study presents several crucial themes in the biology of pancreatic cancer that can serve as hallmarks for pancreatic cancer therapy. These themes include genomic alterations, metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy and innovative clinical trial design. The study appears in the journal Cell.
Headshot of Min Zhang

Mar 22, 2023

Big data, Big goals: Biostatistician, Min Zhang, bolsters precision public health at UCI

UCI Public Health welcomed Min Zhang, MD, PhD, at the start of 2023 when she was appointed as a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics as well as the biostatistics shared resources director for the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

cancer ribbon

Jan 26, 2023

Psychological and emotional distress among childhood cancer survivors influencing risky lifestyle behaviors

Life after cancer for many survivors entails following a care plan to stay healthy – both physically and emotionally. But for young adult survivors of childhood cancer, their care plan can be more complex as they navigate adulthood and the risks of developing other health issues over their lifespan. The reported prevalence of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) ranges between 10% and 40% among childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors. CRCI afflicts survivors with emotional and social dysfunction and this can negatively impact their employment, education and independent living.

UCI building behind flowers on tree

Jan 11, 2023

Two faculty members awarded pilot funding for new projects to confront extremism through community, thriving and wellness

In recognition of their evidence-based research strategies to enhance best practices for community engagement and foster improvements in the aftermath of COVID-19, the UCI Office of Inclusive Excellence has awarded pilot funding to Sora Park Tanjasiri, DrPH, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics and Alana LeBrón, PhD, an assistant professor of health, society, and behavior.

UCI building behind flowers on tree

Nov 17, 2022

Five UCI faculty members make list of world’s top female scientists

Research.com’s first ranking of the top 1,000 female scientists in the world includes five UCI faculty members. Susan O'Brien, Associate Director for Clinical Science for the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center has been included on this list. According to Research.com, the aim of this ranking is to inspire female scholars, women considering academic careers and decision-makers worldwide with examples of successful women in the scientific community. The rankings were created with the aim that they will help provide more opportunities, visibility and equal chances for women in science.
Photo of Michael Hoyt

Jul 11, 2022

‘A window into the body’

The so-called “diagnostic fluid of the future,” saliva is loaded with DNA, enzymes, hormones, immune system markers and other substances that make it a minimally invasive alternative biospecimen to blood for a dizzying array of medical, nonmedical and even commercial uses. However, expertise is required to decipher biomarkers, many clinicians still do not collect saliva samples, and “spit science” research can literally be all over the map. That’s where UCI’s Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research comes in. Co-directed by Jenna Riis, assistant professor of psychological science, and Michael Hoyt, a clinical and health psychologist and associate professor of population health and disease prevention, the IISBR conducts salivary bioscience research and educates, trains and consults researchers, physicians, caregivers, veterinarians, psychologists and other professionals on collecting and analyzing spit samples.
Headshot of Anand Ganesan

Jun 06, 2022

Melanoma researcher covers all the bases

Dr. Anand Ganesan probably won’t be hanging from a ceiling `a la Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, but the UCI Health dermatologist and School of Medicine professor of dermatology and biological sciences does compare part of what he does to a plot device in the 1996 action thriller.

Apr 29, 2022

UCI researchers harness the power of mathematical modeling to understand the effectiveness of aspirin on colorectal cancer prevention

Aspirin can significantly reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, and this protection can be the result of changed evolutionary processes of cells within patients, according to mathematical models produced by UCI researchers and partners. Results from the study were published in eLife Sciences.

Nov 10, 2021

Ralph and Sue Stern gift to support cancer center at new UCI hospital in Irvine

UCI Health is pleased to announce a new gift from longtime UCI Health friends Ralph and Sue Stern. In recognition of the family’s latest gift and their lifetime giving of more than $12.5 million to UCI Health, a cancer clinic floor located in the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care building at the UCI Medical Center – Irvine will bear the names of Ralph and Sue Stern.

Photo of Michael Hoyt

Oct 06, 2021

UCI-led study finds psychological therapy reduces biobehavioral impact of testicular cancer

Psychological therapy reduces the adverse biobehavioral effects of testicular cancer in young adult survivors, according to a pilot study led by the University of California, Irvine. Biobehavior is the interaction of biological processes and behavior. Researchers’ findings, published in the American Journal of Men’s Health, show that Goal-focused Emotion-regulation Therapy, developed specifically to enhance the quality of life for these patients, reduced the stress hormone cortisol and the proinflammatory cell protein cytokine IL-1ra that triggers fatigue, pain and other side effects.