University of Toledo introduces Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute

The University of Toledo is launching the Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute. The new institute will utilize the collaborative efforts of the university’s biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and physics departments, as well as ProMedica and the Toledo Clinic, to conduct research, develop projects, and earn grants to help advance cancer research and treatment.

According to an article on the University of Toledo’s website, James Holloway, the university’s president, was quoted as saying of the new Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute, “The Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute is a unique opportunity to advance all of these launch pads as we advance medical research and positively impact the health and well-being of our region. The institute will position us as a regional leader in translational cancer research, elevating the visibility and impact of the innovative work of our faculty and partners while establishing new opportunities to train the next generation of cancer researchers and physician-scientists.”

Fifty faculty members from the University of Toledo have been identified to receive inaugural membership within the new institute. These individuals have a total of around $13 million in grants from organizations like the National Institutes of Health to support their current cancer research. One such individual is Dr. Jian-Ting Zhang, a professor in UToledo’s College of Medicine and Life Sciences, who will serve as the inaugural director of the Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute. Additionally, 10 more experts from other institutions have also been chosen for inaugural membership within the Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute. 

Zhang said, “Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute aims to unite the strengths of UToledo and our partners to advance scientific discovery, improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer in and beyond northwest Ohio.”

Dr. Imran Ali, the dean of the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, noted, “The Northwest Ohio Cancer Research Institute will provide the infrastructure to turn laboratory discoveries into patient-centered care innovations. Our members will be well equipped to accelerate the translation of their research discoveries into innovative prevention strategies and improved detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer for patients regionally in northwest Ohio as well as across the United States and worldwide.”

The members of the institute will organize themselves to work in groups dedicated to research on breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. Additionally, the experts will dedicate time to areas of service: a biorepository for the collection and cataloging of biological samples and the development of anti-cancer drugs and treatments.

For more information about the University of Toledo, visit the school’s website.