The Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Cancer Research Center advances groundbreaking cancer research at George Washington University, bringing scientific discovery, clinical innovation, and education together under the GW Cancer Center umbrella to improve patient outcomes locally and globally.
Established in 2009 through a transformational $10 million philanthropic gift from Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen, the Center plays a central role in strengthening GW’s cancer research enterprise. It supports outstanding investigators across the cancer research continuum — from basic and translational science to clinical and population-based studies — while fostering collaboration across disciplines and institutions.
Driving Innovation Across Research and Care
The Katzen Cancer Research Center invests in high‑impact pilot projects and team science initiatives designed to generate preliminary data and accelerate progress toward competitive, peer‑reviewed external funding. These strategic investments help move promising discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic and into communities.
Researchers supported by the Katzen Center work in close partnership with clinicians, educators, and community stakeholders to address some of the most pressing challenges in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Last Mile Initiative: Bridging Discovery and Care
A defining component of the Katzen Cancer Research Center’s impact is The Last Mile, a strategic initiative designed to address one of the most critical challenges in cancer research: translating scientific discovery into successful early‑phase clinical investigation.
While many institutions excel in laboratory science, advancing discoveries into Phase I and early Phase II clinical trials requires specialized infrastructure, technical expertise, and coordinated clinical research support. The Last Mile strengthens this essential translational pathway — bridging the gap between discovery and delivery — and advancing patient access to innovative therapies.
Through The Last Mile, the GW Cancer Center has expanded capabilities in:
- Early‑phase (Phase I and I/II) clinical trials
- Human immune monitoring and histopathology
- Biospecimen collection, processing, and analysis
- Precision immunotherapies and targeted molecular treatments
- Specialized clinical research expertise and workforce development
Return on Investment
Investments in The Last Mile have generated meaningful returns across research, clinical operations, and financial sustainability.
Growth in peer-reviewed and industry‑sponsored clinical trials has created a significant and sustainable revenue stream. Clinical research revenue is now covering approximately all staff salaries within the GWCC Clinical Trials Office, sustaining core operations and reducing reliance on institutional funding.
In addition, these investments have resulted in:
- Expansion of clinical research infrastructure and staffing
- Increased internal pilot research and investigator‑initiated studies
- Enhanced institutional reputation for high‑quality clinical research
- Increased ability to attract future industry partnerships
Together, these outcomes demonstrate how targeted investment in translational infrastructure can drive both scientific advancement and long‑term operational sustainability, accelerating progress toward the GW Cancer Center’s goal of NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation.
Expanding Clinical Trial Access and Participation
The continued growth of The Last Mile initiative has contributed to increased clinical trial accruals across the GW Cancer Center, reflecting expanded access to innovative therapies and strengthened enrollment infrastructure.
In 2025, the Cancer Center saw growth in accruals across supportive care, treatment, and prevention trials, underscoring a more balanced and comprehensive clinical research portfolio.
This growth reflects:
- Expanded early‑phase and investigator‑initiated trial activity
- Improved trial activation timelines
- Increased patient access to novel therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted treatments
As a result, more patients are able to participate in cutting‑edge research, while GW continues to strengthen its position as a leader in clinical investigation.