The University of Michigan's Comprehensive Cancer Center has joined other Big Ten universities in collaborating efforts in cancer research.
The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium launches Saturday in Chicago.
The effort will allow researchers at Big Ten institutions to develop clinical trials in tandem on topics including molecular diagnostics.
"Collaborating with other institutions gives us another opportunity for a broader and deeper brain trust while allowing implementation of novel ideas in a more representative patient population. The synergy, the collaboration, the implementation all are aimed at one ultimate goal — making a real difference for patients,” according to a statement by Dr. Maha Hussain, associate director of clinical research at U-M's Comprehensive Cancer Center.
U-M will be joining the following institutions in the consortium, which will be based at the Hoosier Oncology Group in Indianapolis:
- Indiana University (Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center)
- Northwestern University (Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center)
- Pennsylvania State University (Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute)
- Purdue University (Purdue University Center for Cancer Research)
- Rutgers University (The Cancer Institute of New Jersey becomes part of Rutgers on July 1)
- University of Illinois (University of Illinois Cancer Center)
- University of Iowa (Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center)
- University of Minnesota (Masonic Cancer Center)
- University of Nebraska (Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center)
- University of Wisconsin (Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.