Siwen Hu-Lieskovan, PhD, MD, physician scientist at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) and assistant professor of medicine at the , has received the . Hu-Lieskovan is director of solid tumor immunotherapy at HCI, serves as co-chair of the Immunotherapy Committee at the SWOG Clinical Trial Network, and leads several national immuno-oncology trials, including immunoMATCH (iMATCH).
NCI鈥檚 CCITLA was established in 2009 to recognize outstanding clinical investigators at NCI-designated Cancer Centers who participate extensively in NCI-funded clinical trials, and whose leadership and activities promote a successful culture of collaborative clinical research. Each investigator is a full-time faculty member who is a board-certified physician and has practiced medicine between three and eight years post-fellowship. The award will provide partial salary support for two years for Hu-Lieskovan to engage in activities and efforts related to the award.
"The NCI is pleased to recognize eight talented investigators who dedicate themselves to the conduct of cancer clinical trials," said Sheila Prindiville, MD, MPH, director of NCI鈥檚 Coordinating Center for Clinical Trials. "These awardees鈥攕ix women and two men鈥攈ave outstanding leadership skills and will be conducting NCI-supported clinical trials across many disease sites in a cross-section of the American public, including adults, children, adolescents, and young adults. These awardees will also be educating and mentoring the next generation of clinical trialists and working to improve community engagement and access to clinical trials."
Hu-Lieskovan will use the CCITLA to establish a clinical and translational program around cancer immunotherapy, provide consultation and assistance to clinical investigators, and promote collaborations on immune-monitoring studies. This will include design and execution of clinical and translational studies, as well as result interpretation.
"I appreciate this great honor," said Hu-Lieskovan. "It provides opportunity for me to build a comprehensive translational program around cancer immunotherapy to elevate our patient care and research at HCI and supports my efforts developing immunotherapy-focused clinical trials at SWOG."