Physical Health United States Project #2981

Together we can end breast cancer.

by Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation

Project Report | Jun 27, 2024
Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium

By Laura Sage | Executive Director

Meet the Doctors

We are extremely proud to have recently convened the Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium. It's the first-of-its-kind initiative to make clinical trials more accessible for breast cancer patients and improve outcomes for all. The initiative includes the University of Chicago Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, and RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Centers, and is a never-been-done before collaboration. The Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation has pledged $1.8mm to fund the Consortium. Part of the foundation's donation is earmarked for under-resourced patient expenses, like travel and childcare.

Consortium trials will be offered at all three hospital systems. Having a network of trial sites provides tremendous benefits: 1. It ensures a diverse patient pool; 2. Patients can receive treatment in their own communities, with the care team they select; 3. Data is shared between institutions.

The research will be led by Dr. Rita Nanda (University of Chicago), Dr. William Gradishar (Northwestern), and Dr. Ruta Rao (RUSH). The leadership aspires to add additional partners in the future. The Consortium is about to announce its first clinical trial and intends to have multiple trials running by 2025.

Hear directly from the medical leaders and stay-tuned for more exciting updates.

“Our goal is to ensure that all of our patients are included in clinical trials and have the opportunity to benefit from the advances we are making in breast cancer treatments today.” - Dr. Ruta Rao, Oncologist and Medical Director, RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center

“This consortium came from a desire to improve breast cancer mortality and reduce disparities by offering a network of sites.” - Dr. Rita Nanda, Director of Breast Oncology, UChicago Medicine

“This consortium will not only provide the opportunity for more patients to access clinical trials but will also move research discoveries to innovative treatments faster.” - Dr. Gradishar, Oncology Chief, Northwestern Medicine hematology

“The Chicago Department of Public Health commends the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation and its partners on its joint initiative to improve access to clinical trials, particularly for minority populations and those who face barriers to participation.” - Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health

Links:

Learn more about the consortium

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