UICOMP’s diverse research programs are breaking new scientific ground and raising the quality of healthcare.
By Jim Burwitz
As Senior Associate Dean for Research and Head of the Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, Dr. Jasti Rao embraces a vision for discovery that extends beyond the boundaries of UICOMP’s campus.
“A major goal of the cancer research program and the overall research enterprise is to expand the concept of bench to bedside, with physicians treating patients and performing basic research in collaboration with faculty researchers,” Dr. Rao explains. “This translational research will allow physicians and researchers to employ cutting-edge studies to develop new therapies and clinical trials.”
Since arriving at UICOMP in January of 2001, Dr. Rao has been part of a leadership team committed to developing Peoria’s research endeavors into collaborative programs with wide-ranging benefits. In addition to cancer, investigators study issues including stroke, spinal cord injury, simulation technology, CPR retention, cardiovascular disease, bacterial infection, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Under Dr. Rao’s leadership, the cancer program has made significant finds in umbilical cord blood stem cell research, cancer signaling, and angiogenesis. As the program has grown, so has the need for a much larger facility with state-of-the-art laboratories.
Hard Work Pays Off
On July 27, 2009, years of hard work came to fruition as the College of Medicine officially announced approval of its plan to expand cancer research facilities in Peoria. The 20,000-square-foot campus addition will be a collaboration between the University of Illinois, the Heartland Partnership, key stakeholders, and private donors. The State Capital Bill recently signed by Governor Pat Quinn allocates $3 million for the ambitious community project.
“We are truly grateful for the overwhelming support we have received,” Dr. Rusch says. “Our legislators, Congressman Aaron Schock, Senator David Koehler, Senator Dale Risinger, Representative David Leitch, and Representative Jehan Gordon have been instrumental in moving this project forward. Our community partners have also been extremely helpful. It’s a wonderful example of collaboration, and I love to see such enthusiasm for the College of Medicine and its renowned research programs.”
The updated cancer center project has moved to the design stage. Once final architectural plans are submitted and approved, UICOMP and the Heartland Partnership hope to hold a groundbreaking ceremony in the spring of 2010. Heartland’s experience with community-based projects will be a valuable part of the ongoing development process.
“We’re pleased to be part of such an amazing opportunity for our region,” says Jim McConoughey, CEO and President of the Heartland Partnership. “This new facility will be a benefit to the top-notch researchers and add to the top-notch resources of Central Illinois, allowing these brilliant minds to continue the remarkable cancer research that is happening right here in Peoria.”
The cancer research expansion project will bring millions of dollars and numerous construction jobs to Central Illinois. UICOMP plans to recruit new faculty members with expertise in the latest aspects of cancer biology research. Dr. Rao hopes to use their specialized skills for cutting-edge programs in immunology, radiobiology, and stem cell biology.
The Safety Factor
The College of Medicine’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) plays a critical role in the overall research process. IRB oversees all internal studies involving human subjects and reviews all biomedical research in accordance with regulations from the Food and Drug Administration and the Office of Human Research Protections.
“We function as a community IRB and approve clinical research occurring in four area hospitals, as well as the university,” says Dr. John Hafner, IRB Chairman. “This is a unique and positive collaborative relationship between the local healthcare institutions and UICOMP that allows a uniform standard of human research protection in Central Illinois.”
IRB works to educate researchers, physicians, residents, and students on ethical issues as well. Led by two committee panels, the organization evaluates studies from oncology to the safety of drugs used for treating stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.
Additional areas of focus include community outreach and public education. IRB is developing new programs to foster local awareness of current research projects and the safety protocols that must be followed.
“Human subject protection in clinical research is rapidly changing with the introduction of new technologies, as well as increased access to personal medical information,” Dr. Hafner explains. “IRB has a central role in research oversight, as well as investigator education and training in areas of safety and privacy.”
Opening New Doors
The College of Medicine continues to branch out into new areas of discovery. Current research projects include a quality-improvement study led by the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine that will determine the effectiveness of primary and mental health services offered in local schools.
In addition, UICOMP is establishing a program that will investigate health systems and outcomes. The research will focus on how to redesign the delivery of healthcare so that it provides better value, both medically and economically.
“Peoria is uniquely positioned to be a leader in this type of research,” Dr. Rusch explains. “We’re extremely fortunate to have buy-in from local hospitals, healthcare providers, area businesses, and community leaders.”
The growth of UICOMP’s research enterprise is part of a long-term plan to improve community health. However, the results of this cutting-edge research may be felt around the world. The cancer research expansion project and its impact on the overall program will help Dr. Rao’s team break new ground in treatment and prevention. Could a cure for cancer be discovered right here in Peoria?
“Our dream is quickly becoming a reality,” Dr. Rao says.
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