The foundation of a cancer-free world is being built every day in labs at Ohio State and across the globe, where researchers work tirelessly to save and improve lives through innovation, education and expertise. To recognize World Cancer Research Day 2025, we’re highlighting some of the latest advancements from the oncology experts at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Pelotonia-funded cancer research Through its annual bike ride and other events, Pelotonia has raised more than $300 million for Ohio State’s cancer research, including several projects in 2025. Among the innovative initiatives funded by Pelotonia this year are studies involving immunotherapy, artificial intelligence, new treatments and more. “I was aware that Ohio State had really strong team science previously, but it quickly became clear to me that one of the things that makes this place really special is the deep sense of broad community investment in advancing cancer research and care,” says W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, who joined the OSUCCC – James as CEO in 2025. “I’m so inspired by the passion of the Pelotonia community, and it’s an honor to partner in the pursuit of a cancer-free world.” Click here to learn more about Pelotonia-funded research at the OSUCCC – James. Cancer can cause lasting anxiety for patients’ loved ones Ohio State researchers have provided new info on cancer’s emotional impact on patients' loved ones through a survey that highlights widespread non-physical effects, revealing what weighs heavy on the minds of the people closest to those undergoing treatment. “If patients or their caregivers are not warned beforehand that these symptoms can occur, it can cause a lot of unnecessary anxiety and shame,” says Kevin Johns, MD, the director of the psychosocial oncology program at the OSUCCC – James “It is very important that we work with our patients and caregivers upfront to prepare them for what might happen” Click here to learn more about this cancer anxiety survey.   Learning how cancer “reprograms” immune cells Ohio State experts continue to raise the bar for immuno-oncology innovation, including efforts to increase understanding of cancer’s effects on the body’s natural defenses. This work includes a study revealing that some white blood cells — known as “natural killer” (NK) cells — that would normally target and kill tumor cells might become molecularly “hijacked,” working against the body’s ability to fight cancer. “Targeting NK cells in tumors specifically could lead to improvement of the effectiveness of some cancer therapies in the clinic,” says Zihai Li, MD, PhD, the founding director of the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology. Click here to learn more about this study into cancer and NK cells.   New potential treatment for AML A partnership including Ohio State experts could lead to a breakthrough treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The effort, which also includes the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, features a clinical trial of a drug called JBZ-001, and could benefit patients by improving efficiency for the therapeutic pipeline. “Though there have been advances made in the past 10 years for new therapeutic options for patients with AML, most patients are still not cured of their disease,” says Alice Mims, MD, the co-leader of the OSUCCC – James Leukemia and Hematologic Malignancies Program. “Novel treatments to improve patient outcomes remain a high need in these patient populations.” Click here to learn more about this multi-institutional leukemia trial.   New tech for kidney cancer removal and treatment The first team in Ohio to complete a histotripsy treatment, OSUCCC – James experts have now performed three successful procedures, which are new, non-invasive ways to treat cancerous kidney tumors via ultrasound energy that destroys tumor tissue. “This non-invasive method to treat kidney tumors has potential to advance kidney cancer care and improve patient quality of life,” says interventional radiologist Mina Makary, MD, “While all patients with kidney tumors may not be candidates for histotripsy, those who are candidates can potentially benefit.” Click here to learn more about the histotripsy clinical trial for kidney cancer at the OSUCCC – James.   Research identifies enzyme that could improve brain cancer treatment Ohio State researchers have identified an enzyme that could be a key to the development of better treatments for glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer. The study shows that, by targeting the PGM3 enzyme, doctors may be able to slow growth of the tumors. “Blocking the PGM3 enzyme can break the connection between sugar and fat creation in cells, which helps stop tumors from growing,” says Deliang Guo, PhD, the founding director of Ohio State's Center for Cancer Metabolism. “By targeting this enzyme, we can develop more effective treatments for glioblastoma, a brain tumor with very few effective treatment options.” Click here to learn more about this possible brain cancer care game changer.   First gene therapy for hemophilia B Ohio State experts recently completed a revolutionary hemophilia gene therapy that reduces bleeding issues and improves quality of life. The therapy involves the introduction of a functional gene into the bodies of patients with hemophilia B, a condition that prevents blood from clotting. “This is just the tip of the iceberg here at Ohio State, and we hope to bring this new treatment option to many more patients in this population,” says CJ Hansen, BSN, RN, a program manager and nurse coordinator at the OSUCCC – James Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Center. Click here to learn more about this groundbreaking new hemophilia gene therapy.   Artificial intelligence helps identify precancerous pancreatic cysts The AI revolution is changing cancer care at Ohio State, where researchers are testing new technology to analyze thousands of images of pancreatic cysts to determine which might be precancerous. “AI represents a potentially powerful diagnostic tool for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. It can not only save lives but also reduce the need for unnecessarily invasive surgeries and their associated costs. Additionally, it lowers the risk of medical side effects from organ removal, such as the onset of diabetes and digestive complications,” says gastroenterologist Somashekar Krishna, MD. Click here to learn more about the potentially revolutionary impact of AI for pancreatic cancer prevention and early detection.   Smartwatch could help detect lymphedema A new smartwatch could help cancer patients reduce the effects of lymphedema, painful swelling that can result from treatment. The watch is being tested at the OSUCCC – James, and works by detecting subtle early warning signs of lymphedema, including blood-volume changes in tissue. “We think a device like this used over the long term could settle patients’ fears and give them more control so they’ll know they're doing the most they can to monitor their affected arms and legs, reduce their risk of lymphedema and live rich, full lives,” says surgical oncologist Carlo Contreras, MD. Click here to learn how this new wearable tech could one day improve quality of life for millions of cancer patients. Click here to learn about more groundbreaking cancer research from the oncology experts at The Ohio State University.