The Conquering Cancer Initiative at Salk is a multi-year effort that will bring together world-renowned scientists in more than 30 Salk labs who are going after the deadliest cancers using the latest scientific strategies, aiming to transform cancer therapy. Together, Salk researchers will identify cancer’s vulnerabilities and find new methods to attack tumors and leave healthy tissue alone.
By focusing on the hardest cancers to treat, Salk scientists are unlocking foundational knowledge that will help in treating all cancers.
Professor Geoffrey Wahl answers the following questions. Could the research improve timely diagnosis of pancreatic cancer? How has treatment for breast cancer changed in the last 10 years? Does my diet increase or decrease my risk of breast cancer? Are there any alternative or homeopathic treatments you would recommend for cancer?
While pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease, we highlight breakthrough discoveries at Salk that are redefining its diagnoses and treatment. The time has never been more urgent—or more promising—for breakthroughs in cancer medicine. Salk is the place where cures begin. We are excited to share with you how we are tackling new therapies and potential cures for cancer.
Stephen Bigelsen, a New York City-based physician was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic cancer in 2016. Surgery wasn’t even an option. Bigelsen and his wife, Susan, heard about the experimental vitamin D therapy from his medical team at Weil Cornell Medical Center and decided to try it. About one month into the combination treatment of vitamin D plus chemotherapy, when his first blood tests showed improvement, he began to have hope. Within a year, his cancer was completely gone. Today, Bigelsen serves as a pancreatic cancer patient advocate, educating others about the disease.
May 28, 2019
Salk supporters attended an event at the Institute to hear an update on the Conquering Cancer Initiative and to learn about progress in pancreatic cancer research. Keynote speaker Lisa Niemi Swayze, widow of actor Patrick Swayze, spoke about her late husband’s battle with pancreatic cancer. Cancer Center Director Reuben Shaw gave an update on the Initiative and provided an introduction to the evening.
May 28, 2019
Salk supporters came to the Institute for an update on the Conquering Cancer Initiative and to learn about progress in pancreatic cancer research. CCI Advisory Committee Chair Tim Schoen moderated a panel that included Salk Cancer Center faculty Ronald Evans, Tony Hunter and Dannielle Engle. Salk President Rusty Gage and Cancer Center Director Reuben Shaw emceed the evening.
April 20, 2018
The Salk Institute launched the Conquering Cancer Initiative with a roadmap to the future of cancer care. The Institute will empower our world-renowned research team to transform cancer therapy and was formally launched at a special event with (at the time) former Vice President Joe Biden providing a keynote address to the more than 300 people in attendance.
November 16, 2020
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with only 8% of patients surviving more than five years. Professor Ronald Evans shared clinical trial updates on pancreatic cancer research breakthroughs including immunotherapy and a Vitamin D derivative.
May 5, 2021
Cancer is caused when the DNA in our cells mutates, causing the cells to grow uncontrollably. These mutations can disrupt critical genes. Different mutations to the same gene can have very different effects. The lab of Assistant Professor Edward Stites is using computational approaches to determine why patients respond differently to treatment, and our work finds unexpected ways in which mutations determine whether or not a cancer patient responds to treatment.
