UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center

NCI-designated & Comprehensive. Research, clinical trials, transformative care, survivorship, public-policy changing discoveries. #DeliveringDiscoveries

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

In a study published in Oncogenesis, Moores member Soo J. Park, MD, found that Catestatin (CST), a naturally occurring molecule derived from one of the body's proteins, dramatically slows melanoma growth, prevents spread and increases drug sensitivity. These results suggest CST, and peptides more broadly, could emerge as the next wave of cancer treatments.

Read more: https://t.co/KPgFnDZ588

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Moores member Tariq Rana, PhD recently published a study in Nature Communications investigating how some tumors resist immunotherapy treatment by creating a local environment that weakens immune cells. Results found that blocking a small RNA molecule called microRNA-25 made tumors more responsive to immunotherapy across multiple cancer models.

Read more: https://t.co/RRI1i91act

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Save the date for the #PresCancerPanel meeting on June 8–9. Ludmil Alexandrov, PhD will address the Panel & contribute to discussions on modifiable risk factors for cancer & potential approaches to reduce cancer risk in the United States.

Learn more: https://t.co/ieC9ybNg1o

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Lyudmila Bazhenova, MD, FASCO has been featured on OncLive TV to discuss the evolving treatment landscape in ROS1-rearranged metastatic NSCLC.

Watch Now» https://t.co/K8AR6UKbwZ

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Moores member Rana R. McKay, MD, published an article in the New England Journal of Medicine that examines the landmark TALAPRO-3 trial, a phase 3 study showing that talazoparib + enzalutamide significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with metastatic prostate cancer harboring homologous recombination repair gene alterations.

Dr. McKay contextualizes these findings within the broader PARP inhibitor landscape, addresses key questions around biomarker testing and safety and makes the case for universal genetic tumor testing in all patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

Read more: https://t.co/WDgzDWIJAW
#ProstateCancer #PrecisionOncology #MooresCancerCenter #TALAPRO3 #NEJM

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

A new AI tool developed by Moores Members Trey Ideker, PhD and Hannah Carter, PhD has improved prediction of how several cancers may respond to treatment, which will help make tumor DNA testing more clinically actionable.

Read More» https://t.co/7Vw53ibta2

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early. ☀️

Know the ABCDEs of moles:
A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
B – Border: irregular or poorly defined edges
C – Color: multiple or uneven shades
D – Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser
E – Evolving: changes in size, shape or color

If a spot looks new, different or changing, don’t ignore it. The first step in diagnosing skin cancer is a thorough evaluation by your physician.

Schedule an appointment if you notice anything unusual: https://t.co/FiQpmD3kLb

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Team CAUSE, led by Moores member Ludmil Alexandrov, PhD is tackling one of Cancer Grand Challenges' most pressing questions: what drives mutational signatures in cancer? By characterizing DNA adducts, chemical modifications formed when reactive molecules bind to DNA, the team aims to build tools that take researchers from mutational signature, to adduct, to exposure, delivering actionable insights for cancer prevention and treatment.

Watch Video» https://t.co/6llTA2vYUc

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

#ASCO26 may be over, but the impact of this year's meeting will be felt long after. Moores Cancer Center faculty were proud to contribute to the conversations shaping the future of oncology.

Key themes from our presence at ASCO included:
🔹 Advances in genitourinary cancers
🔹 Immunotherapy innovation
🔹 Global cervical cancer care
🔹 Oncofertility and equity
🔹 Collaboration driving progress across disease sites and borders

Thank you to the faculty, trainees, and teams who represented Moores Cancer Center on the world stage and continued our mission to advance cancer care for all.

Learn more: https://t.co/cqyHJasesm
#CancerResearch #PrecisionOncology #GUOncology #Immunotherapy #OncologyInnovation

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Lyudmila Bazhenova, MD has been named Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO). This designation honors extraordinary volunteer service, engagement and dedication to the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Association for Clinical Oncology (collectively ASCO). Congratulations to Dr. Bazhenova!

Learn More» https://t.co/pd5VtTFqdn

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Director of Moores Cancer Center, Diane M. Simeone, MD joined SurvivorNet to discuss the RASolute302 trial, and the unprecedented data showing how Daraxonrasib could reshape the future of pancreatic cancer treatment. Findings that brought a room full of the world's leading oncologists to their feet.

Learn More: https://t.co/EN10ciavTn

[SurvivorNet @SurvivorNetTeam]

One of the most memorable moments of #ASCO26 wasn't just the data itself, but the standing ovation that followed.

@MadameSurgeon of @UCSDCancer joined SurvivorNet to discuss the #RASolute302 trial, and the unprecedented data showing how #Daraxonrasib could reshape the future of #PancreaticCancer treatment. Findings that brought a room full of the world's leading #oncologists to their feet.

https://t.co/Gd4m6q7k1G

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Moores member Silvio Gutkind, PhD was recently featured on ABC 10 News San Diego to explain the dangers of the chemical acrolein, commonly found in tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, wildfire smoke, and even fumes created when cooking oils are heated at very high temperatures indoors.

Watch Now» https://t.co/jo1lCj0ZU2

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Loren K. Mell, MD will present "Phase II Randomized Trial of Radiotherapy with Pembrolizumab vs. Cisplatin for Unfavorable-Risk p16+ Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (KEYCHAIN)" (Abstract #6016) on June 1st from 5:00 – 5:06 PM in Hall D1 (also available via live stream) at ASCO 2026!

#ASCO26 #HeadAndNeckCancer #MooresCancerCenter

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Advances in gastrointestinal cancer care start with sharing the latest research.

At #ASCO26, Peter Vu, MD, MHA presented a Rapid Oral Abstract Session highlighting emerging data in gastroesophageal, pancreatic, and hepatobiliary cancers.

The session showcased new findings that may help shape future treatment strategies and improve outcomes for patients facing these challenging diseases.

#GIOncology #GastrointestinalCancer #PancreaticCancer #HepatobiliaryCancer #GastroesophagealCancer #CancerResearch

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Kay Yeung, MD, PhD presenting results from the I-SPY 2 adaptive platform trial during the
Breast Cancer (Local/Regional/Adjuvant) Poster Session at #ASCO26!

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Every young person with cancer deserves access to fertility preservation information and support.

At #ASCO26, Moores Cancer Center’s @hirenesu highlighted the importance of equitable #Oncofertility care and strategies to expand access for adolescents and young adults facing cancer.

Her message was clear: oncofertility care should reach every young cancer patient equitably.

#AYAOncology #CancerSurvivorship #FertilityPreservation

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Kay Yeung, MD, PhD will present "Neoadjuvant DAN-222 Plus Niraparib in High-Risk HER2-Negative Breast Cancer: Results from the I-SPY 2 Adaptive Platform Trial" (Abstract #556566) on June 1st from 1:30 – 4:30 PM in Hall A during ASCO 2026!

#ASCO26 #BreastCancer #MooresCancerCenter

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Irene Su, MD, MSCE will chair the ASCO/ASPO Joint Session: "The Coming Wave of Early-Onset Cancer" on June 1st from 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM in S100a (also available via live stream) at ASCO 2026!

During this session, Dr. Su will also deliver a talk titled "Oncofertility in Young People With Cancer: Preserving Hope Across Resource-Constrained Settings" from 11:54 AM – 12:06 PM.

#ASCO26 #EarlyOnsetCancer #Oncofertility #MooresCancerCenter

[UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center @UCSDCancer]

Jyoti Mayadev,MD, chaired today’s #ASCO26 session, Navigating Cervical Cancer Across the Globe, bringing together international experts to discuss emerging strategies in locally advanced cervical cancer, including neoadjuvant therapy, immunotherapy, and challenges to global implementation.

#CervicalCancer #GlobalOncology #ASCO26