Dec. 11, 2015:

Thank you to all who contributed to the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium’s success over the past year. Together we have achieved new milestones, increased participation within clinical trial working groups, and expanded both the number and diversity of concepts in the consortium’s pipeline. During this holiday season, we are grateful for what we have accomplished. Following are just a few highlights:

  • The Big Ten CRC launched its first clinical trial in March and accrued the first subjects in April. The study, evaluating the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab in combination with bevacizumab in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, is open to accrual at six member institutions, with more sites opening soon.
  • 26 concepts from member institutions are currently in the development pipeline. Of these, 4 trials are expected to open to accrual in early 2016.
  • The neuro-oncology clinical trial work group formed in October, bringing the total number of working groups to 10.
  • In the past 2 years, more than 200 investigators have joined Big Ten CRC clinical trial working groups. These groups provide a unique venue for the review of concepts while facilitating a culture of collaboration and mentorship.
  • Our website is now able to accept donations for the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium Foundation. Additionally, contributions can be made to our member institution cancer centers through our website.
  • In August, the Big Ten Network began airing a promotional spot highlighting the consortium. This exposure has significantly broadened public awareness of the consortium.

As we move into a new year of opportunity, thank you again for your partnership and commitment to the Big Ten CRC’s unified goal of improving the lives of all patients with cancer.

About the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium: The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium creates a unique team-research culture to drive science rapidly from ideas to treatment-changing paradigms. Within this innovative environment, today’s research leaders collaborate with and mentor the research leaders of tomorrow with the unified goal of improving the lives of all patients with cancer.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 14 Big Ten institutions will provide over $200 million in direct financial support to almost 9,500 students for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, including the addition of men’s ice hockey and men’s and women’s lacrosse since 2013. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.