convergence - The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive ...

Vision and Convergence
vision | expertise | technology | community
Collaborative inquiry is the hallmark of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center. Dr. John E.
Ultmann, the driving force behind the creation of the UCCRC and its first Director, was an outspoken
proponent of multi-disciplinary treatment of Hodgkin’s disease and other lymphomas, which are cancers
of the lymphatic system. His innovative approach to treatment was instrumental in dramatically reducing the high
mortality rates in this group of cancers. Death rates for Hodgkin’s disease, for example, have dropped by 60 percent
since the 1970s. Cancer treatment at the University of Chicago continues to emphasize this multidisciplinary
approach. Teams of medical oncologists, radiation therapists, surgical oncologists, geneticists, pathologists, and
others meet to consider every patient’s case and recommend individualized treatment plans.
Dr. Ultmann also understood that effective cancer research is cross-disciplinary, bringing together investigators
representing a diversity of perspectives and expertise. The UCCRC became the fulfillment of his dream of an
organization that would unite some of the world’s finest researchers in order to focus their efforts on basic, clinical
and translational cancer research. “Translational research” transforms laboratory findings into the next generation
of cancer therapies and potential cures. Today the UCCRC is comprised of approximately 190 clinical and basic
scientists working together to discover new insights into cancer’s causes, characteristics, and cures. It has earned a
global reputation for excellence, innovation and a commitment for attacking cancer from every angle.
Evolution and Evaluation
The UCCRC has sustained this level of success by continually examining and strengthening its programs.
It has also periodically intensified this process of evolution and evaluation to address new challenges and
take advantage of fresh opportunities. Currently, the Center is engaged in the most extensive process of
reinvigoration and reinvention in its history. This year, the UCCRC developed a strategic plan to guide
and help advance the University’s ambitious attempt to integrate the University’s cancer research efforts,
maximize its resources, and employ them more effectively.
One of the goals of this plan is to expand the breadth of the UCCRC and enhance its resources in cancer
prevention and control. This will advance our objective to gain National Cancer Institute designation as a
Comprehensive Cancer Center, which will more accurately reflect the depth and breadth of our research
program.
Tactics for Change
The Strategic Plan outlines tactics designed to:
• Strengthen our scientific programs;
• Enhance the translational component of each program;
• Promote multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research;
• Develop multidisciplinary, disease-specific working groups;
• Increase the participation of basic scientists from all disciplines;
• Upgrade existing shared facilities and create new ones where necessary;
• Provide researchers with enhanced information technology resources; and
• Expand our programs in cancer prevention and control.
convergence | | UCCRC Annual Report 2004-2005