On November 1, the Annual 果冻影院 Cancer Center Scientific Retreat brought together more than 160 researchers, trainees, and staff, all revved up to learn about the groundbreaking work within the Center's (CB), (CC), and (DDT) programs. Held at the iconic Harley-Davidson Museum, the event created a space for the brightest minds in science to connect across disciplines, spark new partnerships, and tackle cancer’s toughest challenges. This year’s theme, Funding Discoveries that Cross the Finish Line, was inspired by , the Center’s new bike fundraiser that helps accelerate cutting-edge research for patients across Wisconsin.
Energized by the retreat’s camaraderie and shared purpose, attendees left ready to build an unstoppable momentum and race toward discoveries that leave cancer in the dust.In his opening remarks, 果冻影院 Cancer Center Director , shared his vision for the future and outlined ambitious plans to elevate the Center’s research impact. Key priorities included expanding the three research programs through targeted recruitment and investment, increasing trainee opportunities, and fostering collaboration in the new . He emphasized that Audaxity would be crucial for raising funds to support new fellowships, investigator-initiated trials, and the recruitment of top scientists to drive the Center’s mission forward.
“Audaxity is not just a bike ride—it’s about all of us coming together and raising bucketloads of money to beat cancer in Wisconsin. We need every single member of our community to participate so we can have the best resources, programs, and people to accelerate the remarkable science happening at our Center. We’re building something big and taking on an extraordinary challenge, and it will take all of us to reach the finish line,” said Dr. Leone.
Breakthroughs That Stop Cancer in Its Tracks
Attendees heard from three distinguished keynote speakers, along with colleagues from across the Center’s three research programs. , Associate Director, Graduate Program in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, shared how metabolic pathways within the tumor microenvironment affect T cell function, specifically focusing on the role of MCT11—a transporter protein upregulated in exhausted T cells. His recent research found that blocking MCT11 can restore T cell function and enhance antitumor immunity, which may help boost the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.
“By targeting MCT11, we’re essentially recharging exhausted T cells, giving them the fuel they need to fight cancer more effectively. This approach could pave the way for new treatments that restore immune function and help the body’s own defenses push back against tumors,” said Dr. Delgoffe.
, Professor of Molecular Diagnostics & Experimental Therapeutics at City of Hope, presented her work on targeting cancer-specific DNA replication proteins to develop precision medicines. , Associate Professor and Cancer Control and Survivorship Program Co-Lead at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, discussed ways to enhance patient-centered care by improving patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and promoting health equity.
The Cancer Center’s two newest members took the stage with excitement to share their work. (DDT), Assistant Professor of Hematology and Oncology, gave insights into his team’s development of Activation-Inducible Bispecific CAR-T cells, which target BCMA and CD24 to eliminate residual cancer cells that can lead to relapse. This dual-targeted approach has the potential to strengthen the immune response against multiple myeloma and may be applicable to other cancers.
, (CB), Assistant Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology, discussed how mutations in the RHOA GTPase signaling pathway drive the development of aggressive gastric cancer, particularly diffuse gastric cancer, which currently has only few treatment options. Her research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of these RHOA mutations to enable targeted therapies that could inhibit tumor growth and improve outcomes for this lethal cancer type.
Building on his Prevent Anal Cancer study, Alan Nyitray, PhD, (CC) Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, explained how home-based self-sampling could improve anal cancer screening accessibility for sexual minority men and transgender women. His research suggests that self-sampling provides reliable results comparable to clinician-sampling and may help overcome barriers to screening, increasing follow-up clinic attendance and supporting equity in cancer prevention.
In addition to a poster session, this year’s event introduced two-minute speed presentations, where Cancer Center Service Leaders and researchers from across programs shared quick insights into their work. The audience also received updates from Francesca Marassi, PhD, Associate Director of Shared Resources (SR), and other SR leaders on the Center’s wide range of services supporting cancer research.
“Our offer a broad range of expertise and are here to support and collaborate with you. With five well-established resources and a new Structural Biology resource equipped with a cryo-electron microscope and protein production facility, we’re in a strong position to make a high impact that will steer us toward NCI designation,” said Dr. Marassi.
Putting the Brakes on Cancer: Audaxity Builds Hype for 2025 Ride
Audaxity added a fun, lively spirit to the event, motivating attendees to start their ride teams and fundraising efforts to help end cancer. The team came with a variety of raffle prizes, including Audaxity swag, Harley-Davidson Museum gift cards, courtside Bucks tickets, and the grand prize—a new bike from Wheel & Sprocket valued at over $2,000. During her speed presentation, Audaxity Managing Director hyped up the crowd, highlighting that the 2025 ride will directly support their research, empowering them to pursue groundbreaking science and make an impact right here in Milwaukee.
“Audaxity will benefit your work and elevate what you do. As champions for this cause, I challenge you to think about how you can use your interests outside of science to promote what we are doing and make the fundraising fun!” said Bennett.
The 果冻影院 Cancer Center thanks all who attended this year’s Scientific Retreat. Stay tuned for details on the 2025 event!