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Heloisa Soares, MD, PhD, a gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine tumor medical oncologist and researcher at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) and assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Utah, received two awards from external organizations honoring her contributions to the field of cancer. Soares was named an Advocacy Champion by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Soares also received the 2020 North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) Theranostics Investigator Grant.
ASCO Advocacy Champions are volunteers who make contributions to promote policies that ensure all cancer patients have access to high-quality, equitable cancer care. As an Advocacy Champion, Soares will work with federal and state lawmakers to discuss ways to improve access to cancer care.
“I am passionate about working with all communities to advocate for the needs of cancer patients because I am a strong believer that together we can make a difference,” said Soares. “The more attention we get to the issues related to cancer care, the more we get done as a team.”
The NANETS Theranostics Investigator Grant recognizes researchers early in their careers who are making promising advances in the study of theranostics and neuroendocrine tumors. Theranostics combines diagnosis and therapy, either at the same time or one right after the other. This creates a quicker, more personalized way to receive treatments. Soares will study the effects of combining HDAC inhibitor, a substance that stops tumor cells from dividing, and a type of radiation therapy for neuroendocrine tumors.
“This is an important study to evaluate whether this particular combination strategy might have the potential to improve the outcomes of patients with neuroendocrine tumors,” said Soares.
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Huntsman Cancer Institute
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About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to advance cancer treatments of the future beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 300 open clinical trials and 250 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.