The George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center continues to advance cancer research, clinical care, and public understanding through a growing body of scientific publications, innovative communication efforts, and national media engagement. Recent work from its investigators highlights progress across disciplines, from immunotherapy and genomics to prevention and health policy, reflecting a commitment to improving outcomes and expanding access to cancer care.
Publication Highlights
Advancing Cancer Research and Care
Recent publications from GW Cancer Center researchers span immunotherapy, genomics, clinical care, prevention, and health equity, demonstrating the center’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer research.
Catherine Bollard, MD — Nature Biotechnology (2026)
“Clinical Progress of Engineered Cellular Immunotherapies”
Dr. Bollard’s work examines the rapid evolution of engineered cellular immunotherapies, including CAR T-cell approaches. The study highlights how advances in cell engineering are improving precision targeting of tumors, extending the durability of treatment responses, and reducing toxicity. These developments are helping expand the clinical reach of cellular therapies across a growing number of cancer types.
Luca Szalontay, MD — Nature Genetics (2026)
“Systematic Design of Combination Therapy by Targeting Master Regulators”
Dr. Szalontay contributed to research identifying key “master regulator” networks that sustain tumor growth in diffuse midline glioma. By mapping these regulatory pathways, the study demonstrates how combination therapies can disrupt multiple tumor-driving mechanisms at once, offering a new strategy to overcome treatment resistance.
Serena Mao, MD, PhD — Cancers (April 29, 2026)
“Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Early-Onset Pancreatic Cancer”
Dr. Mao’s study evaluates treatment strategies for younger patients with pancreatic cancer, focusing on the use of chemotherapy combined with stereotactic radiation. The findings provide important insight into treatment sequencing, clinical outcomes, and toxicity, helping guide care for a population that has historically been underrepresented in research.
Christina Puchalski, MD, MS, FACP — JCO Oncology Practice (2025)
“Attitudes, Practices, and Barriers to Spiritual Care for Patients With Cancer: An International Survey”
Dr. Puchalski’s study examines how oncology clinicians approach spiritual care in cancer treatment across international settings. The findings highlight variability in clinician practices and identify common barriers, including limited training, time constraints, and uncertainty about role clarity. The research underscores the importance of integrating spiritual care into routine oncology practice as part of whole-person care, supporting improved patient experience, communication, and quality of life.
Kim Robien, PhD, MS — Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2026)
“Nutrition Support Interventions in Adults With Hematologic Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
Dr. Robien’s work evaluates nutrition interventions for patients with blood cancers. The study highlights the value of individualized nutrition strategies in reducing weight loss and supporting patient outcomes, while also pointing to the need for stronger, more consistent evidence in this area.
Carla J. Berg, PhD, MBA, LP — Tobacco Control (2026)
"Study on Tobacco Use Patterns and Prevention Strategies"
Dr. Berg’s research explores current patterns of tobacco use and associated cancer risks. The study underscores the importance of policy, prevention efforts, and targeted behavioral interventions to reduce tobacco-related cancers and address disparities across populations.
Yanxin Pei, PhD — Nature (2026)
“Androgen Activity in the Male Embryonic Hindbrain Drives Sex Differences in Brain Tumors”
Dr. Pei contributed to research identifying how androgen signaling plays a role in the development of aggressive pediatric brain tumors. The findings reveal a key biological mechanism underlying sex differences in disease and point to new therapeutic targets.
Inhee Chung, PhD — Advanced Healthcare Materials (2025)
“Biomaterial-Based Therapeutic Delivery of Immune Cells”
Dr. Chung’s work focuses on improving how cancer therapies are delivered. The study demonstrates how biomaterials can enhance the precision and effectiveness of immune-based treatments while reducing systemic side effects, particularly in solid tumors.
Raja Mazumder, PhD, MS, MSc; Jorge Sepulveda, MD, PhD; Anelia Horvath, PhD, MSc — PubMed-indexed (2025)
"Study on Bioinformatics and Genomic Data Integration for Precision Oncology"
This team’s research advances computational methods that integrate genomic and clinical data. Their work supports improved biomarker discovery and enables more precise predictions of treatment response, strengthening the foundation of precision oncology.
Anushree Vichare, PhD; Pavani Chalasani, MD, MPH — PubMed-indexed (2025)
"Study on Cancer Disparities and Health Equity"
Drs. Vichare and Chalasani examine how social, environmental, and systemic factors shape cancer outcomes. Their findings highlight persistent gaps in access to care and underscore the need for targeted strategies to reduce disparities and improve equity.
Making Research Accessible
The Elevator Speech Video Series
Alongside its research efforts, the GW Cancer Center is expanding how it communicates science to patients, caregivers, and the public through the Elevator Speech video series.
The concept is simple. Researchers and clinicians are asked to explain their work in just a few minutes, focusing on what matters most and why it matters. Each video centers on a single idea, study, or innovation, translating complex science into clear, engaging takeaways without losing depth.
The inaugural video features Vishal Patel, MD, who introduces a clinical trial exploring a new approach to treating skin cancer. The study investigates delivering immunotherapy directly into tumors rather than through the bloodstream. By focusing treatment at the tumor site, this approach aims to improve precision, increase effectiveness, and potentially reduce the need for surgery.
The series reflects a broader goal. It brings research closer to the people it is designed to help, offers a quick entry point into emerging science, and highlights the real-world impact of discovery. Future videos will feature voices from across the GW Cancer Center, offering new perspectives on how cancer research continues to evolve.
In the News
Expanding the Conversation on Cancer and Health
GW Cancer Center experts continue to contribute to national conversations on prevention, care delivery, and health policy, connecting research and clinical expertise with public understanding.
Matthew Ng, MD, colorectal surgeon, was featured in WTOP’s coverage of colorectal cancer awareness, where he emphasized the importance of screening and early detection. He explained that colorectal cancer often begins as a small, slow-growing polyp and may not cause symptoms until it progresses. He also highlighted a concerning rise in cases among adults under 50 and pointed to lifestyle and environmental factors, including diet and smoking, as possible contributors. His message was clear: colorectal cancer is highly preventable when detected early through routine screening. Read the article here →
Leighton Ku, PhD, MPH, provided expert analysis in a national segment on rising health insurance costs. The discussion examined increasing premiums, the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, and changes to Medicaid funding. Dr. Ku outlined how affordability challenges and gaps in coverage can limit access to care, with downstream effects on cancer prevention, timely diagnosis, and treatment. Watch the segment here →
Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, chair of dermatology, contributed to national coverage on skin cancer prevention. In a WBUR Here & Now segment, he emphasized the importance of consistent sunscreen use, proper application, and reapplication during sun exposure. He stressed that sun protection should be part of daily routines, not just seasonal habits. Listen to the story here →
Dr. Friedman also appeared in Allure, where he addressed misconceptions about the UV index. He cautioned against using UV levels as a guide for tanning and reinforced that any intentional ultraviolet exposure increases skin cancer risk. Together, these appearances highlight the importance of clear, evidence-based guidance in shaping healthier behaviors.
Through its research, clinical expertise, and public engagement, the GW Cancer Center continues to connect discovery with real-world impact, helping to advance cancer care while making it more accessible, understandable, and equitable.
