iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who made the 11th Annual Quinn Brady Memorial Swing Against Cancer Golf & Dinner Event a success! Special thanks to Bill Poland, the Swing Committee, sponsors, volunteers, golfers, and supporters. Your generosity advances cancer research at @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social.

An individual wearing a red blazer with "USC" printed on it speaks into a microphone at a podium. Curtains provide a bright backdrop.

A group of people is seated in a well-lit room with string lights. Several attendees hold up numbered paddles, with one prominently displaying the number 4. The atmosphere resembles an auction or bidding event.

A person stands at a wooden podium, speaking into a microphone with an expressive gesture. The setting appears to be indoors with large windows in the background, revealing a view of trees and a bright atmosphere.

A person is golfing on a lush green course with a club, preparing to hit a white golf ball. In the background, there are palm trees and several orange-roofed buildings under a clear blue sky.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

USC cancer researchers Drs. Mariana Stern, Jennifer Tsui, and Kimberly Miller helped lead AACR’s 2026 Cancer Disparities Progress Report, which highlights progress against cancer while underscoring persistent inequities and funding concerns. bit.ly/4vvsQuQ

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

The San Marino Tribune highlights Amy Lee, PhD, Professor Emerita of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, and her recent Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a remarkable career of scientific achievement and impact. bit.ly/49DQJaF

outlooknewspapers.com

A Lifetime of Science Yields Achievement for San Marino Researcher

A scientist's curiosity about an overlooked protein family quietly became one of USC's most significant research legacies. San Marino's Amy Lee, who just received the university's 2026 Faculty Lifetim...

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Congrats to JinSeok Park, PhD, on receiving a $1M grant from National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. His research focuses on Metastatic Fusion Positive Rhabdomyosarcoma, aiming to develop better treatments, prevent relapse, & understand chemotherapy resistance in this aggressive pediatric cancer.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Welcome back to Macro to Micro, where we zoom in on the science that surrounds us. Today, we’re taking a closer look at metastatic breast cancer in the lung through a common laboratory technique called hematoxylin and eosin staining, or H&E staining. 📸 Evanthia Roussos Torres, MD, PhD,

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Congratulations to USC cancer researcher Sheng Li, PhD, on receiving the NIH R35 Award! Supported by this award, Dr. Li’s work will advance innovative computational frameworks to study allele-specific gene regulation and identify key drivers of disease progression.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

We caught two proteins literally waving HPV into human cells, and have the microscopic footage to prove it. Meet WAVE1 & WAVE2: they help the virus gain entry. Since HPV is linked to multiple cancers, understanding this step could be key to stopping it. #cancerresearch #HPV

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

The Artist and Researcher exhibit series highlights the shared curiosity between scientific discovery and artistic inquiry, making complex research more accessible. Here are examples featuring researchers from USC Norris who participated in the program.

Two people are viewing artwork displayed on a wall. The artwork is an abstract piece with layered circular shapes and warm colors. Other artworks and informational posters are visible on the wall.

Two people stand in a gallery-like space viewing a book together. Behind them, there are posters on the wall, including one titled "Visualizing Glioblastoma" showing abstract graphics. They seem focused and engaged.

A person is standing and holding a microphone in front of a wall display. A poster titled "CAR-T Cells: It's Time We Fight Back" is visible, featuring cartoon illustrations and captions. Nearby are other artworks and informational panels.

Two people are standing in front of a wall with posters, one pointing at a chart. The wall features educational materials and diagrams. They appear to be in a gallery or exhibition space.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Congrats to Dr. Dechen Lin on his promotion to Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at @ostrowusc. A leader in cancer genomics & epigenomics, his work uses advanced genomics and organoid models to uncover how cancers progress, evade immunity, and respond to therapy.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Some tumors don't fight your immune system. They manipulate it into standing still. Welcome to Research Simplified. Today, we're sitting down with Dr. Evanthia Roussos Torres, a physician scientist at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center to talk about cancer immunology.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Join us for the Regional Research Roundtable: Bridge to Better Outcomes, Mon, May 11, 12:30–1:30pm. Researchers from USC, UCLA, City of Hope, Cedars-Sinai & Drew University coming together to tackle cancer health disparities. Join Zoom Meeting: usc.zoom.us/j/93606058426

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

This is what cancer looks like up close. 🔴 Brain tumor cell. 💚 Healthy neurons. Welcome to Macro to Micro, where we zoom in on the science that matters. 📸 Image courtesy of Josh Neman, PhD #cancerresearch #cancerawareness #cancertreatment #braincancerawareness #braincancer

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Pooja Mittal, a post-doctoral research associate at @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social and @keckschoolusc.bsky.social, who was awarded the 2026 AACR -Sanfori Scholar-in-Training Award for early-career scientists at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting.

A person is standing in front of a scientific poster detailing research on DNA methyltransferase inhibition and immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer models. The poster is from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Various charts, graphs, and data visualizations are present. The individual is wearing glasses and a lanyard.

This image shows a person standing in front of a large display featuring the logos of various supporters for the 2026 AACR Scholar Awards. The logos include Agilent, American Brain Tumor Association, Amgen, Pfizer, Merck, Sanofi, and others. The person is pointing toward the display and smiling.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Dr. Saul Priceman was featured on a podcast discussing his groundbreaking work on CAR T cell immunotherapy, and how his lab is pushing this life-changing cancer treatment even further. 🎙️ Listen here 👇 bit.ly/4t03MtR

bit.ly

Taking CAR T cell Immunotherapy to the Next Level

More than a decade ago, doctors at the University of Pennsylvania treated a patient with her own T cells, which had been engineered to recognize and target the...

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz has been appointed University Professor for his interdisciplinary breakthroughs in precision oncology. This is awarded based on multidisciplinary interests and significant accomplishments in several disciplines and is one of USC’s highest academic honors. Congratulations!

Two individuals in formal attire are holding a framed document from the University of Southern California, which names Heinz Josef Lenz as a University Professor. One individual is wearing a medal. They are standing in front of a gold curtain.

Three researchers in lab coats work in a laboratory. Two are examining a transparent sheet with data, while the third operates equipment at a bench. A clock and various lab instruments are visible in the room.

A group of three people in a laboratory setting, wearing white lab coats, engage in discussion around a table with scientific equipment and containers. The background shows shelves stocked with various lab supplies.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Proud to celebrate W. Martin Kast, who received the Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Recognition Award for a career devoted to defeating HPV-related cancers, recognizing over 4 decades of life-saving work in cancer immunology & therapeutic vaccine development. bit.ly/42nFHSG

Two individuals are standing together in front of a gold curtain. One person holds a large certificate with the heading "University of Southern California, Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Recognition Award" and the name "W. Martin Kast" prominently displayed. Both individuals are dressed in formal attire and appear smiling.

Two individuals smiling and standing together indoors, holding a large certificate or proclamation. One person is making a "peace" sign with their hand. They are surrounded by flags, including one with a black, green, and yellow pattern. The setting appears formal, with ornate decorations on the walls.

Martin Kast with daughter Hinde in the lab (Photo by William Vasta)

A person in a lab coat interacts with a smiling child in a classroom. The child is standing next to a container filled with aluminum foil-wrapped items. Classroom walls are adorned with educational posters and colorful rugs are on the floor.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Celebrating Dr. Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, who received the 2026 USC Associates Award for Creativity in Research and Scholarship for her innovative work bringing health equity to communities. We are so proud of you! Read the full story here: bit.ly/3QzjUEX

A person in a suit and a person in a lace dress are holding a framed award certificate from the University of Southern California. The certificate is titled "USC Associates Award." The background features a gold curtain.

A person is holding an award certificate from the University of Southern California while standing next to another individual in a formal setting. The room features ornate decorations and a chandelier.

A person helping teach a workshop in the community.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

A well-deserved honor for Dr. Amy Lee who was a recipient of the 2026 USC Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award for her foundational research about the role of proteins in normal physiology as well as in cancer and other diseases. Read the full story here: bit.ly/4sRQpvA

Dr. Amy Lee posing for the camera while holding up the USC "Fight On" sing. She is wearing a red blazer with 3 medals hanging on it.

Two people standing side by side, holding a framed document titled "USC Faculty Lifetime Achievement Award." The person on the right is wearing a red jacket adorned with medals. The backdrop is a gold curtain.

A group of nine people are posing together at a formal dining event. They are gathered around a table set with elegant glassware and plates of food. The room features large windows with ornate curtains. The group appears poised and happy, dressed in formal attire, with some wearing name tags. The table is marked with the number 9.

Three individuals standing indoors with one holding a framed document. The central person is smiling, wearing medals, and the document appears to be an achievement award. They are flanked by two others, and curtains with national flags are visible in the background.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

This week is AYA Cancer Awareness Week! 🎗️ Each year, ~89,000 young people ages 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer. The USC Norris Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Program has supported thousands of young adults & families since 2013. Learn more: aya.usc.edu.

A screenshot of a testimonial from the USC website about the AYA@USC program for young adult cancer patients. The testimonial emphasizes the importance of connecting with others in similar situations and includes positive feedback about community building and mental health support through the program.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention collaborated with LA County Parks to host a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Workshop at Magic Johnson Rec Center! 🏥 Oncology NP Ron Stein covered risk factors, symptoms & screening options — plus free healthcare navigation services. 💙

A group of eight people stands together in a room, smiling at the camera. One person in the foreground is taking the photo. They are casually dressed and the setting appears friendly and informal.

A group of nine people standing together in a classroom. One person is holding a certificate. The table to the left has a basket and papers. The classroom has a blank whiteboard on the wall.

A person stands in a classroom holding an object while speaking. The room contains tables, chairs, a whiteboard, and a side table with various items, including a basket and a bottle. A flower arrangement is on a table nearby.

A group of people are sitting around tables in a well-lit room with large windows. A few people are standing and some are seated, listening attentively. One person at the center is speaking or presenting. There are decorations and flowers on the table.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Hossein Jadvar on their appointment as co-leader of the USC Norris CCC Genitourinary Diseases Affinity Group (GU-DAG), which brings together the brightest minds across disciplines to collaborate, innovate, and advance translational research. @keckschoolusc.bsky.social

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Exciting news! Dr. Yali Dou, Professor of Medicine & Cancer Biology at Keck School of Medicine and Associate Director for Basic Research at USC Norris, has been awarded the 2026 Translational Award Program grant by the V Foundation to support her research on targeting MLL1-amplification in cancer.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Dr. Chanita Hughes-Halbert has been named a Distinguished Professor for her nationally recognized leadership in cancer health disparities, and Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz has been appointed University Professor for his interdisciplinary breakthroughs in precision oncology. Congrats!

A person speaks to two others in an office setting. On the table, a laptop displays text, and various framed certificates and photos are on the shelves behind them.

In a laboratory setting, a person in a white lab coat appears to be explaining something to two others. Laboratory equipment and shelves with supplies are visible in the background.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Congratulations to USC Norris members Drs. Jennifer Tsui, Casey O'Connell, and Bodour Salhia, who were promoted to full professors in their respective departments. This accomplishment speaks to the quality of their work and leadership. We are so proud of you!

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Our USC cancer wellness Hub pop up recently shared cancer-related educational materials with 108 community members at Oak View Family Resource Center in Huntington Beach, CA. Our team had meaningful conversations with community members whose lives have been touched by cancer.

A person hands a reusable bag to another person under a canopy in a park. The scene includes a line of people waiting and a playground in the background.

A group of people standing in a line on a grassy area under trees. Some are holding bags or strollers. The background shows a row of buildings and more trees. The sky is clear and sunny.

A group of people are gathered outdoors on a grassy area under a large tree. In the background, there's a playground with blue and red structures. Some individuals are near red wagons, and there's a small open tent with tables. The sky is clear.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

Join us Feb 11 at 1PM PT for "Turning 'No' into Opportunity" with Joel Sanchez Mendez & Dr. Mariana Stern. We'll discuss understanding why cancer patients decline research & how to close disparity gaps. All welcome! Register here: usc.zoom.us/j/95981274911

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Our USC Norris/Lazarex Cancer Wellness HUB team collaborated with the Anderson Munger Family YMCA and a community food drive to support families with nutritious food and vital cancer resources, demonstrating the power of culturally aware outreach in strengthening community health.

A person is standing at a table covered with a red cloth, engaging with another individual. The table has cancer-related materials in English, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. Bicycles are parked in the background.

A person is interacting with another at a booth with brochures and informational materials. The booth has a banner for "Lazarex Cancer Wellness." A stand displays more information on the side.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

We’re pleased to share that a publication by Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz and Dr. Karam Ashouri, titled “Clinical and molecular characterization of AXL in colorectal cancer,” was selected as a highlight in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer(@jitcancer). jitc.bmj.com/content/13/12/e013186.

Scientist presenting data to two junior faculty in a laboratory setting.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Dr. Amy Lee and her team identified a surface protein that helps triple-negative breast cancer cells move and spread. Blocking it caused the cells to lose mobility and change shape, revealing a potential new treatment target for this cancer. www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-…

Three lab technicians in white coats are engaged in a discussion in a laboratory. One is examining a blue liquid in a flask, another is smiling and talking, and the third is listening attentively. They are surrounded by various lab equipment and bottles.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Congrats to Dr. Alix Sleight who recently received the Roster of Fellows Award from American Occupational Therapy Association. This award recognizes occupational therapists who've made significant, long-term contributions to the profession through their expertise, leadership, advocacy, and service.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Last Saturday, the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention, working with Universal Community Health Center, distributed 300 'caldo de pollo' kits to families facing food insecurity and delivered food to 26 patients who could not attend in person to ensure access. Check out some highlights!

Person receiving a bag of groceries from a volunteer at a food distribution event.

A person receives a bag of groceries from a volunteer at an outdoor food distribution event under clear blue skies, with a palm tree and a mountain in the background.

People distributed 300 "caldo de pollo" kits to families facing food insecurity.shopping at outdoor market.

Person distributing food packages at a community event under clear skies.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Congratulations to our USC Norris members Drs. Heinz-Josef Lenz and Valter Longo, who have been recognized as highly cited researchers by Clarivate. Highly Cited Researchers demonstrate significant and broad influence in their field(s) of research.

Two individuals in a laboratory setting, one wearing a white lab coat.

A person leaning on a lab bench in a chemistry laboratory, surrounded by glassware and equipment.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Drs. Yali Dou and Keyue Shen are uncovering how leukemia cells rewire their metabolism under stress, data that could become predictive biomarkers for therapy response. Their work may help clinicians personalize AML treatment earlier and more precisely. bit.ly/49s9g9W

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

This holiday season, our COE staff came together to spread joy, care, and community across East Los Angeles. Our team was proud to support more than 850 families and community members.

People attending an outdoor holiday market with festive decorations and a vendor dressed in a holiday-themed outfit.

Four individuals smiling in front of a collection of bicycles at a community event taking place in the evening.

A family is posing with Santa Claus in a festive holiday setting decorated with Christmas trees, presents, and oversized candies.

Community members engaging in holiday crafts at a decorated table during a festive event.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention joined LA’s first immersive Ralph Lauren Holiday Experience, connecting with the community and sharing info on our free cancer navigation program. Tree sale proceeds support cancer care access in LA County.

Four people smiling at the camera in front of the entrance to "RJ" Christmas tree lot, with clear skies above.

People gathered at the "RL Workshop" counter, listening to a person presenting in a rustic outdoor setting.

Two people wearing sunglasses smile for a selfie at an outdoor event with a "Happy Holidays Ralph Lauren" banner in the background. A classic red car and hay bales are visible, along with a small dog sitting between the people.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Celebrating 20 years of the TACL Consortium! Founded in 2005 at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, TACL unites 34 pediatric oncology centers to accelerate first-in-pediatrics clinical trials for childhood leukemia.

Group of individuals posing for a photo in a room with large windows and modern decor.

Group of nine professionals posing in a lobby at the TACL Investigator Conference, standing in front of a conference banner.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Did you know that your body makes about 2 million blood cells every second? Dr. Rong Lu’s lab studies how hematopoietic regeneration is regulated and how we could improve bone marrow transplantation to help patients with blood disorders such as leukemia, anemia, and immune deficiencies.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

New research from CHLA and USC’s Gage Crump lab points to neural crest cells as a possible origin of Ewing sarcoma, offering fresh insight and potential paths to treatment. Learn more: www.chla.org/blog/experts/research-…

A researcher in a white lab coat examines zebrafish in labeled tanks in a brightly lit laboratory setting.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

CURE®'s Educated Patient® Metastatic Breast Cancer Summit is a 2.5-hour virtual program created for patients, survivors, and caregivers seeking trusted, up-to-date information on metastatic breast cancer. To register, go here: bit.ly/4qalxWp.

Promotional poster for the CURE® Metastatic Breast Cancer Patient Summit, scheduled for December 20, 2025, featuring a smiling individual in a pink top, against a blue background. It includes details of the event time and the collaboration with USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. The event is virtual.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Anthony El-Khoueiry, Associate Director for Clinical Research at USC Norris, who has been selected by the AACI to serve a three year term on the Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Steering Committee, effective October 1, 2025.

Dr. Anthony El-Khoueiry in a suit standing confidently in an office with large windows in the background.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Proud to highlight Dr. Evanthia Roussos Torres, the 2025 B-SEARCH beneficiary, who is leading cutting-edge research into how immune suppression drives breast cancer. Learn more and see how you can support her work: fighton.donorengagepro.com/p/breast…

fighton.donorengagepro.com

Support Dr. Evanthia Roussos Torres’ Breast Cancer Research

I am fundraising at USC and invite you to support this great project I am passionate about:

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Thanks to a grant from the Margaret E. Early Medical Research Trust, Dr. Tirzah Petta will study genomic signatures to predict PARP inhibitors response in ovarian cancer, a type of targeted therapy that blocks an enzyme called PARP, which cancer cells use to repair their DNA.

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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center @uscnorriscancer.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Thanks to a donor and our incredible USC Norris Community Outreach and Engagement team, we distributed turkeys and gift cards at Clinica Monsenor Oscar Romero and volunteered with Barrio Action, supporting families in our community this holiday season.

A smiling person holding two gift cards front of a building.

Individuals packing food supplies at a community service event. Turkeys and bags of chips are visible on the table.

An individual wearing a beige hat and blue shirt standing in front of a building entrance and holding a gift card.

A person in a pink jacket and blue gloves is serving food into small clear cups at a table, with another individual wearing a "Barrio Action" shirt in the background.

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