The Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium

Making clinical trials more accessible for Chicago-area breast cancer patients

University of Chicago Medicine — Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Medicine — RUSH University for Health

“Our goal is to ensure that all of our patients are included in clinical trials and have the opportunity to benefit from the advances we are making in breast cancer treatments today.”

Dr. Ruta Rao, Oncologist and Medical Director, RUSH University Cancer Center

“This consortium came from a desire to improve breast cancer mortality and reduce disparities by offering a network of sites.”

Dr. Rita Nanda, Director of Breast Oncology, UChicago Medicine

“This consortium will not only provide the opportunity for more patients to access clinical trials, but will also move research discoveries to innovative treatments faster.”

Dr. Gradishar, Oncology Chief, Northwestern Medicine hematology

“The Chicago Department of Public Health commends the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation and its partners on its joint initiative to improve access to clinical trials, particularly for minority populations and those who face barriers to participation.”

Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health

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What’s special about the Consortium?

We convened these renowned institutions to run breast cancer clinical trials and share research findings.

Patients will be able to participate in clinical trials across all three hospital systems. Having an expansive network of sites across Chicago has tremendous benefits:

Equity

This ensures a diverse patient pool — which leads to more robust, equitable research.

Patient Care

This is also easier on patients: They can receive treatment in their own communities, with the care team they’ve selected.

Low Costs

Part of the donation is earmarked for patient expenses, like travel and childcare. This way, patients who cannot afford to participate in trials will get to benefit from innovative treatments.

In the Media

The research will be led by:

Dr. Rita Nanda

Director of Breast Oncology,

UChicago Medicine

Dr. William Gradishar

Oncology Chief,

Northwestern Medicine Hematology

Dr. Ruta Rao

Oncologist and Medical Director,

RUSH University Cancer Center

The Consortium launch is funded by an initial $1.8 million donation from the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation

We hope you will consider giving to support innovations like this one:

The Chicago Breast Cancer Research Consortium

Making clinical trials more accessible for Chicago-area breast cancer patients