Neeraj Agarwal, MD, is now a distinguished member of the Fellows of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This distinction recognizes his extraordinary volunteer service, engagement, and commitment to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and most importantly, the patients he serves. ASCO is one of the world’s largest professional organizations for those who care for people with cancer.

“I feel very privileged and honored to receive this award,” says Agarwal. “My personal mission is similar to ASCO’s—to conquer cancer through research, education, and quality patient care.”

Since joining Huntsman Cancer Institute more than 15 years ago, Agarwal has been honored with many awards and distinctions, such as the Presidential Endowed Chair of Cancer Research, the SWOG Young Investigator Award, the William D. Odell Young Investigator Award, and a National Cancer Institute Cancer Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award.

He has also served as a professor of medicine, director of the genitourinary oncology program and the Center of Investigational Therapeutics, and senior director for clinical research innovation. 

“Dr. Agarwal is a passionate, devoted, and skilled physician and innovator,” says Neli Ulrich, PhD, MS, executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute. “He is internationally recognized for his leadership in clinical trials and for bringing teams together to pursue the joint mission of curing cancer. His commitment to his patients shows through numerous accolades. He is an incredible example of ASCO’s mission, which is rooted in dedicating your time and talent to those affected by cancer.”

For Agarwal, this distinction reflects back on more than 10 years of ASCO membership, and hundreds of hours in volunteer work, research, and education. While titles and distinctions are an honor, Agarwal insists that his mission, and ASCO’s, is improving patient care.

“The bottom line is, how can I improve caring for my patients? How can I make a difference?” says Agarwal.

One of the ways Agarwal continues to make a difference is through his research and clinical trials. Many of them are in their final phases.

“Research helps us, as physicians, improve the quality of life for our patients,” says Agarwal. “I want my patients to be able to enjoy a full life. One of the most impactful ways to do that is to invest my time into research and clinical trials."

Articles

Neeraj Agarwal, MD, is now a distinguished member of the Fellows of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 



American Society of Clinical Oncology Recognizes Dr Neeraj Agarwal 

TALAPRO-2, a study led by Neeraj Agarwal, MD, FASCO, demonstrated that using talazoparib (Talzenna), in combination with enzalutamide (Xtandi), may reduce the risk of disease progression or death by 37%.

Agarwal, Presidential Endowed Chair of Cancer Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute, presented the results of one of his many phase III trials at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium last month.

According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is the most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), is a late state of prostate cancer that continues to grow despite androgen blockade.

TALAPRO-2 combines two oral medications, talazoparib and enzalutamide, to treat metastatic prostate cancer. The trial looks at the effectiveness of adding talazoparib to the standard treatment of enzalutamide, an androgen receptor blocker that prevents male hormones from feeding the cancer. talazoparib is a PARP inhibitor typically used to treat breast cancer.

During the global study, the treatment plan for each of the participants was randomly selected. Some received the combination of the two drugs, while others received the standard treatment of enzalutamide and a placebo pill. Huntsman Cancer Institute’s clinical trials team played a critical role in the monitoring of participants enrolled at the institute. The comparison of side effects and results between the two groups is a key feature of all Phase III trials.

“As a physician, I want my patients to be able to enjoy life while being treated for cancer,” says Agarwal. "Clinical trials help us find better cancer treatments with fewer side effects. Those who are impacted by cancer can have hope that their treatment is constantly improving.”

Phase III trials are the last phase before the FDA can approve a new treatment. The FDA decision on this investigatory drug combination is expected in 2023.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is home to over 200 clinical trials. At any given time, 250 research teams are learning more about cancer, its origins, and how to prevent and treat cancer. To learn more about clinical trials, contact the Cancer Learning Center.

TALAPRO-2 demonstrated that using talazoparib in combination with enzalutamide may reduce the risk of disease progression or death by 37%.

A New Combination Therapy Regimen Shows Promising Results For Prostate Cancer

, chief value officer and associate chief medical quality officer at 

, is the 2023-2024 President-Elect of the Society of University Surgeons (SUS). Varghese’s one-year term as SUS President will begin in February 2024 following the Academic Surgical Congress, the joint meeting of the two leading associations for academic surgery – the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS) and the Society of University Surgeons (SUS).

Together the AAS and SUS have more than 5,000 members from leading institutions nationwide. SUS was established in 1938. Election to membership is based on scholarly productivity, extramural funding, teaching and leadership roles. SUS is one of the world’s premier organizations dedicated to the advancement of surgical science.

Varghese, who also serves as Chief of General Thoracic Surgery at the 

 (the U) and professor in the department of surgery at the 

 at the U, is a health services researcher whose clinical, research and operational experience focuses on optimizing patient health before surgery, surgeon performance, and health system outcomes. He helped create the 

American College of Surgeons (ACS) Strong for Surgery program

, that is active at 331 sites across the nation and is a co-principal investigator of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) 

 on the role of Precision Exercise Prescription (PEP) for elective lung cancer surgical resection. Varghese has mentored and sponsored medical students, residents, fellows, PhD candidates, and junior faculty.

In addition to his academic work, Varghese is passionate about building a better world through diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is a member of Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Governance Council and Enterprise Leadership Council, served as the co-chair of the Association of Women Surgeons #HeForShe Task Force, and as inaugural chair of the SUS Justice.Equity.Diversity.Inclusion Committee. In that role, he led the SUS Promising Leaders program for under-represented populations in medicine faculty. Varghese is also a co-principal investigator of an American College of Surgeons Board of Regents Innovative DEI and Anti-Racism grant that led to the development of the SUS-AAS 

“Scientific progress relies on problem solving and collaboration, where groups of people with diverse experiences and areas of expertise are empowered to lead, be creative, and innovate. I am incredibly honored and blessed to serve our members and this wonderful organization as president-elect,” Varghese says.

Varghese, known for his innovative research in perioperative care and mentorship to physician-scientists, will become SUS President in February 2024. 

Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, MBA, FACS, Named President-Elect of Society of University Surgeons 

 (The U) is pleased to congratulate three of our newest endowed chairs. A chair appointment recognizes excellence, while providing academic distinction and funding for future research. 

, received a five-year extension in her current role as Ralph E. and Willia T. Main Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, 

, was named the Jon and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor in Cancer Research, and 

, was named the inaugural Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research given by the 2018 Utah State Legislature.

“We are surrounded by dedicated and talented colleagues here at Huntsman Cancer Institute,” says CEO 

. “Our vision - passionate individuals and teams, delivering a cancer-free frontier through scientific discovery and human touch - is encompassed in the work these three individuals do every day.”

Cairns is the chief academic officer at Huntsman Cancer Institute and relinquished his role as Jon and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor of Cancer Research to move into this new position. He is also a professor and chair in the 

 at the U. Cairns has been with Huntsman Cancer Institute since 1998. His vast and important work in 

“This appointment is very special to me as it honors the vision and legacy of Jon M. Huntsman,” Cairns says. “It was given by our Utah State Legislature in recognition of his impact. His passion for cancer patients, care, and research continue to inspire me and all Huntsman Cancer Institute leadership.”

Tan is the senior director of data science, a professor in the department of oncological sciences, and an adjunct professor in 

. He joined Huntsman Cancer Institute in October 2022. Tan’s research helps find precise, individualized ways to treat cancer.

“I am honored and grateful for this recognition,” says Tan. “My work here at Huntsman Cancer Institute is just beginning. I look forward to what’s to come.”

Welm is the senior director of basic science at Huntsman Cancer Institute and a professor in the department of oncological sciences at the U. Her 

 and has paved the way to understanding its risk, outcomes, and disparities.

Endowed chairs are made possible by generous donors, including those who donate to Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah congratulates three of their newest endowed chairs.

Three Talented Researchers Recognized as Endowed Chairs 

Regular physical activity can extend colorectal cancer patients’ lives. In a first-ever study, scientists looked at the impact of exercise on the gut 

 of cancer patients and reported a positive association. The gut microbiome is the largest portion of the body’s collection of bacteria and other microbes that live in and on the body, according to the 

. Researchers found physical activity was also beneficial to obese cancer patients, who typically have a less healthy gut microbiome.

The findings are an important step in understanding how a healthy gut improves colorectal cancer outcomes for patients. While other scientists have studied the effect of exercise on the microbiome among healthy individuals, this is the first study looking at the outcome in people with cancer.

The discovery by a team of scientists led by 

, PhD, MS, executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at 

 (the U) and a Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor in Cancer Research, was recently published in the 

 It builds on another study by Himbert published in 

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention

, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, and on research by 

, an investigator at Huntsman Cancer Institute and assistant professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the U, also published in 

The team found that regular physical activity can aid in creating a healthy gut microbiome, while also reducing inflammation. These findings were reported in patients independent of their body mass index (BMI)—even those classified as severely overweight or obese.

“A patient who is active has a more diverse microbiome and lower abundances of colorectal cancer-promoting bacteria, and higher amounts of bacteria that protect against colorectal cancer,” Himbert says. “Our study suggests that nobody needs to be an athlete to get the benefits. It can be easy activities. Just staying active is very beneficial.”

Adults need 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s roughly 20 minutes of brisk walking or light jogging a day.

“Inflammation is a key process that drives colorectal cancer. We know a high BMI causes inflammation around the body,” Ulrich says. “Obesity is on the verge of becoming the number one cause of cancer in the United States, surpassing smoking. More than 13 cancers are linked to obesity. It’s important we understand that moderate exercise can help colorectal cancer patients reduce inflammation, improve their gut health, and live longer—even if they are overweight or obese,” Ulrich says.

Not counting skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, with 106,180 new cases of colon cancer and 44,850 new instances of rectal cancer this year, according to the 

. Having high levels of inflammation, as seen in those with higher BMIs or who are not physically active, increases a person’s risk of developing colon cancer.

Ose adds, “If you reduce your BMI, you have lower levels of inflammation. If you have lower inflammation, your risk of death is reduced.”

Huntsman Cancer Institute experts recommend people of average risk for colorectal cancer should start regular screenings at age 45, with either a test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool or a 

, which includes more than 3,500 people newly diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer. It takes place at Huntsman Cancer Institute and several other top United States and international research institutions, including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, the Moffitt Cancer Center, University Hospital Heidelberg, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Tennessee.

The studies were supported by generous grants from the 

Regular physical activity can extend the lives of patients with colorectal cancer, according to a study looking at the impact of exercise on the gut microbiome of cancer patients.

Huntsman Cancer Institute

Articles

American Society of Clinical Oncology Recognizes Dr Neeraj Agarwal

A New Combination Therapy Regimen Shows Promising Results For Prostate Cancer

Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, MBA, FACS, Named President-Elect of Society of University Surgeons

Three Talented Researchers Recognized as Endowed Chairs

Moderate Exercise Helps Patients With CRC Live Longer By Reducing Inflammation and Improving Gut Bacteria, Including in Patients Who Are Obese