Henry Hirschberg Among the 2023 UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge Pilot Project Awardees

The UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge is proud to announce the funding of a diverse range of innovative cancer research projects at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and its pediatric cancer affiliate, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

Through the unwavering support of dedicated participants, donors and supporters who collectively raised more than $1 million in 2023, the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge has awarded grants to 23 pilot projects and early phase clinical trials, reaching a remarkable milestone of 123 funded projects since 2017. These projects are poised to revolutionize the future of cancer diagnosis, treatment and cures.

By registering for the 2024 UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge, you can help fund the next round of innovative cancer research projects.

TRACK 1: PILOT PROJECTS

Enhancing the Efficacy of Radiation Therapy by Surgically Targeted Radiation-Sensitizer Loaded Hydrogels: Translation of in Vitro Results to a Post-Resection Rat Brain Tumor Model
Investigator
Henry Hirschberg, PhD, The Beckman Laser Institute, UC Irvine School of Medicine
This research project has as its aim to enhance the therapeutic effects of image guided radiation therapy in the treatment of primary brain cancer. A slow-release delivery system for compounds termed radiation sensitizers, known to enhance the effects of radiation therapy, will be implanted in the cavity formed after surgical removal of a major portion of the tumor. Enhancing the site-specific ability of radiation to selectively kill tumor cells, while spearing normal tissue, would result in a higher chance of cure and reduce unwanted treatment side effects. The development of the proposed therapeutic modality would potentially not only improve the prognosis of patients suffering from primary and metastatic brain tumors but would also be applicable to other forms of operable cancer, such as breast and lung.