TESTIMONIALS
In Loving Memory
Three Founding Members of the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation
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Jay Michael
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Dr. Christina Mantis
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Kristine Farra
Jay Michael and Dr. Christina Mantis were beloved Founding Executive Board Members of the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation from inception who courageously fought the very disease they worked so passionately to defeat: CANCER.
Their loss to cancer left the entire HCRF family heartbroken, but their courage, resilience, and determination continue to inspire our mission every day. They never understood the word “no.” They only believed in “yes.” Instead of being afraid of dying, they became inspired to live.
Yes to hope, yes to research, yes to fighting for another day, and yes to a future where no family has to experience the devastation of losing a loved one to cancer.
We also lovingly remember our dear Kristine Farra, another Founding Board Member whose unexpected passing left an immeasurable void in our hearts and within our HCRF family. Her dedication, friendship, and belief in our mission will never be forgotten.
Jay, Christina, and Kristine were there at the beginning. They believed in a dream and helped build a foundation dedicated to giving hope to patients, families, physicians, and scientists around the world. Although they are no longer physically beside us, their spirit remains woven into everything we do.
May their memories be eternal. May their legacy live forever in our hearts, and may we honor them by never giving up the fight they so deeply believed in.
Doctor Testimonials
Dr. Platanias latest research in Cancer
Dr. Leonidas Platanias and his research team at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center focus on cytokine signaling pathways and abnormalities in signal transduction in malignant cells, with a major emphasis on myeloid leukemias and brain tumors.
Core Research Focus
Cytokine and Interferon Signaling
Investigating how cellular communication pathways malfunction in cancer cells to find new ways to disrupt tumor growth.
Myeloid Leukemia Mechanisms
Studying how agents like arsenic trioxide affect primitive leukemic cells and identifying feedback loops that can be blocked to make chemotherapy more effective.
mTOR Pathway Targeting
Discovering dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitory approaches to handle drug-resistant mutations (such as T315I BCR-ABL) and identifying counterparts like cTORC that influence treatment resistance.
Brain Tumors (Glioblastoma)
Collaborating through initiatives like the Northwestern Brain Tumor SPORE to target signaling networks and vulnerabilities in glioma stem cells.
Dr. Platanias' laboratory is focused on studying abnormalities in signal transduction pathways in malignant myeloid cells. The ultimate goal of the work in Dr. Platanias' laboratory is to identify intermediates for molecular therapeutic approaches to myeloid leukemia. -- [Leonidas C. Platanias, MD, PhD - Lurie Cancer Center]
New drugs
What is the latest breakthrough in cancer?
A major recent breakthrough in cancer treatment is the FDA approval of daraxonrasib, a first-in-class targeted daily pill that nearly doubles survival time for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Key Cancer Breakthroughs
Daraxonrasib for Pancreatic Cancer
This oral medication targets KRAS gene mutations, which drive over 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. It doubled median survival rates compared to standard chemotherapy with more manageable side effects.
Personalized mRNA Melanoma Vaccines
An experimental personalized mRNA vaccine (developed by Moderna and Merck) combined with Keytruda showed success in a late-stage trial. It significantly lowered the risk of high-risk melanoma returning or spreading by training the patient's own T cells to target cancer cells.
New drugs approval and updates
Recent oncology news highlights breakthroughs in regulatory approvals, artificial intelligence applications, and personalized cancer vaccines.
Recent Drug Approvals and Updates
Pancreatic Cancer
The FDA approved daraxorasib for metastatic pancreatic cancer, creating a potential new standard of care.
Breast Cancer
The FDA approved the pan-PI3K inhibitor gedatolisib combined with fulvestrant (with or without palbociclib) for advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative PIK3CA wild-type breast cancer.
Gastrointestinal Cancer
The FDA approved Ziihera with or without tislelizumab plus chemotherapy for first-line HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
Emerging Research and Technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Clinical trials are training AI models on historical CT scan data to detect subtle early-stage pancreatic cancer signals, aiming to raise 5-year survival
Personalized Vaccines
Early-phase trials and studies continue to advance mRNA-based customized cancer vaccines designed to activate T-cell responses and prevent recurrence after surgery.
Surgical and Diagnostic Tools
New rapid testing methods, such as droplet digital PCR tests used during brain surgery, provide genetic mutation results in 15 minutes.
Cancer Survivor Stories
Testimonials
Watch Testimonial on Instagram
News & Media
Research Goals
Dr. Platanias and his exceptional team have already made promising advances in all areas of cancer research, however, the fight is far from over. We need to EXPAND our capabilities and INTENSIFY our efforts to DEFEAT cancer. The Lurie cancer team is committed to doing work that will facilitate the translation of CANCER DISCOVERIES into LIFE-SAVING THERAPIES and develop personalized cancer treatments for each patient. HCRF will play a pivotal role in supporting the Lurie cancer team to achieve the following pillars of cancer treatment: