Colonoscopies are a key tool in preventing colon cancer because they allow physicians to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancerous. While increasing access to screening is important, the quality of each procedure is just as critical.

“Not all colonoscopies are equal,” said Juan Carlos Garcia, medical director of gastroenterology clinical services at UC Davis Health. “The goal isn’t just to perform a colonoscopy, but to perform a high-quality colonoscopy that detects precancerous lesions early.”

One of the most important measures of colonoscopy quality is the adenoma detection rate (ADR). ADR represents the percentage of procedures in which a physician finds adenomas, a common type of precancerous polyp.

Research shows that for every 1% increase in physician’s adenoma detection rate, their patient’s risk of developing colorectal cancer after a colonoscopy drops by about 3% and dying from colorectal cancer by approximately 5%.

“The data clearly shows that early detection leads to better outcomes,” Garcia said. “Our goal is to identify areas for improvement and make sure patients receive the highest-quality care possible.”

Closing gaps in data with AI

Until recently, accurately tracking ADR required manual data entry. After each colonoscopy, pathologists had to manually flag findings such as tubular adenomas in the electronic medical record. This extra step sometimes led to missing or incomplete data, making consistent performance measurement difficult.

To address this challenge, gastroenterologists at UC Davis Health implemented an AI-supported tool within Epic, the health system’s electronic medical record. The tool automatically analyzes pathology reports and identifies the number of detected adenomatous polyps. By removing the need for manual input, the system produces more accurate, complete and reliable data.

The celebration is being held to mark Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month and will focus on free head, neck and oral cancer screenings, among other wellness exams.

UC Davis Health’s Department of Otolaryngology is partnering with the University of the Pacific (UOP)’s Pacific Health Care Collaborative, which is part of the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. The screenings will be at the UOP Oak Park campus at 3333 3^rd Ave., at the corner of 34^th Street and 3^rd Avenue, Sacramento.

Head and neck cancers are on the rise

More than 72,680 Americans this year will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer, which makes up about 4% of all cancers in the United States, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.

Head and neck cancers are types of tumors that develop in or around the throat, nose, sinuses, mouth or larynx (voice box). It is more common in men than women.

“This is a devastating disease but knowing the signs and symptoms to report can lead to earlier diagnosis, better outcomes and overall survival,” said Beverly Garber, organizer of the free screening days and a UC Davis Health otolaryngology nurse practitioner. “Knowing how to detect and prevent this cancer is critically important. We hope to raise awareness by holding this free screening.”

Risk factors for head and neck cancer include:

• Alcohol use
• Tobacco use
• Human papillomavirus(HPV) infection
• Poor oral health
• Environmental and genetic factors

Symptoms of head and neck cancer can include:

• Persistent lump in neck
• Persistent sore throat or mouth sores
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness or voice changes

Everyone is invited!

Insured and uninsured people can participate in the free Oak Park Wellness Celebration. Walk-ins are welcome and there is no need to register for this event.

Participants will receive dental and oral health screenings, and a clothed physical exam of the head, face, ears, mouth and neck. UC Davis medical students, under the supervision of medical staff, will perform the exams and ask participants questions about risk factors, symptoms and medical history.

“We are excited about working with the University of the Pacific dental school on this important collaboration,” Garber said. “Dentists and dental hygienists have become critical at spotting suspicious lesions in the mouth and referring their patients to UC Davis Otolaryngology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center oncologists for follow up.”

Free flu, HPV and COVID vaccinations will be available to eligible attendees, thanks to the Sacramento County Public Health Immunization Assistance Program.

Other wellness offerings include:

• Hearing screening and education
• Blood pressure checks
• Nutrition education
• Blood glucose testing and diabetes education
• HIV test kits
• Community resources and support

There will be many activities for children, including face painting and balloons, an artwork station and a library.

Free resources for the community

Dental care kits will be given to participants at the screening event. Health educators from the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement will host information tables and share information about cancer prevention. Sacramento County Public Health educators will provide oral health information, tobacco cessation education, sexual health education and resources as well as information on how to receive the HPV vaccine. The CDC estimates 70% of all cancers of the throat (including tongue and tonsils) are due to HPV.

Rising awareness with the Sacramento Republic

The Wellness Celebration isn’t the only outreach event for UC Davis Health during the awareness month.

The Department of Otolaryngology will be at the Sacramento Republic FC game on April 4 to promote head and neck cancer awareness. Sacramento Republic fans can visit the information booth and receive free resources.

 To learn more about head and neck cancer and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center visit this information page. UC Davis Health patients can schedule an appointment by calling 916-734-5959.

Each year, nearly 230,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer and many learn of their diagnosis only after the disease has advanced. This late detection is a reason lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. But there is good news: Low-dose CT screening can find lung cancer early — when it is most treatable and even curable.

This national designation recognizes the cancer center for following evidence-based screening guidelines, providing coordinated follow-up care and supporting patients through every step of the screening and treatment process.

“We are proud to have UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center join the community of GO2 for Lung Cancer Centers of Excellence that is national in scope and local in impact,” said GO2 Chief Healthcare Delivery Officer Joelle Fathi. “Through the GO2 COE network of community hospitals, clinics, and academic and VA medical centers, we are fostering and supporting essential knowledge sharing and collaboration that brings national and global advancements in early detection, treatment and care close to home.”

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center wants to make sure everyone is aware of the symptoms and how to prevent colorectal cancer. Ankit Sarin is chief of the UC Davis Division of Colorectal Cancer Surgery. He answers questions about colorectal cancer and discusses the best way to detect it early, when it is the most treatable.

Why is colorectal cancer becoming more common among younger adults?

Unfortunately, colorectal cancer is now the number one cause of cancer‑related death in Americans under 50. To put that in perspective: overall cancer deaths in people under 50 have dropped 44% over the past three decades. Colorectal cancer is the alarming exception. It is the only major cancer where death rates are rising in younger adults.

This is a major shift compared to previous generations. If you were born around 1990, your risk is dramatically higher compared to someone born in 1950:

• Two times the risk of colon cancer
• Four times the risk of rectal cancer

We don’t have all the answers yet, but evidence points to a combination of environmental exposures, dietary changes — particularly the rise in ultra-processed foods — sedentary lifestyles, obesity and shifts in the gut microbiome. Importantly, many younger patients have no family history at all, which is why awareness is so critical. Today, one in five colorectal cancer cases occurs in someone under 55.

Is colorectal cancer more dangerous in younger people?

The cancer itself is not necessarily more aggressive, but younger adults tend to be diagnosed much later — often because they don’t expect their symptoms to be cancer. And sometimes because doctors don’t either. The result is devastating: 60–70% of adults under 50 are not diagnosed until the cancer is already at an advanced stage.

When colorectal cancer is caught early, at a localized stage, over 90% of patients survive. That survival rate drops dramatically with advanced disease. James Van Der Beek had spoken publicly about initially dismissing changes in his bowel habits as dietary. That is a story we hear repeatedly from young patients. Early detection truly saves lives.

Recently, actress Catherine O'Hara died of a pulmonary embolism after being diagnosed and treated for rectal cancer. What is the difference between colon and rectal cancer?

Throughout this month, awareness is being raised regarding both types of cancer, which we combine when talking about colorectal cancer. The main difference is location:

• Colon cancer starts in the long, upper portion of the large intestine
• Rectal cancer starts in the final few inches before the anus

Both start as polyps, share risk factors and are detectable — and often preventable — through screening. Rectal cancer more commonly causes rectal bleeding or noticeable stool changes, while colon cancer may initially present with anemia, fatigue or abdominal pain.

Treatment can differ significantly. Rectal cancer often requires radiation and chemotherapy before surgery; colon cancer usually does not. Rectal surgery is more complex due to the tight confines of the pelvic anatomy. Catherine O’Hara’s case also highlights an important complication: cancer increases blood clot risk. Her death from a pulmonary embolism was a direct consequence of her rectal cancer.

Most importantly, standard colorectal cancer screenings catch both types. Screen early.

What is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer?

The most important step is to get screened starting at age 45. This is now covered by insurance with no copay. A colonoscopy doesn’t just detect cancer — it prevents cancer by removing precancerous polyps before they ever become dangerous. It is one of the only cancer screening tools that are both diagnostic and preventive.

To increase your chance of not getting colorectal cancer:

• Eat a diet rich in fiber and limit ultra-processed foods and red/processed meats
• Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco
• Know your family history. If a first-degree relative had colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about starting to screen earlier

What are the symptoms to watch for?

Some symptoms can be subtle. Here are symptoms you should never ignore:

• Blood in your stool (bright red or dark)
• Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrowing)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain or cramping

Don’t assume you’re “too young.” Know the symptoms, listen to your body and stay on track with screening. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable — and highly treatable when caught early. If any symptoms last more than two weeks, talk to your doctor.

When should screening start for colorectal cancer?

For average-risk adults, screening now begins at age 45. This was lowered from 50 by both the United States Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society in response to the sharp rise in early-onset cases. The screening is covered by insurance with no copay.

You should start even earlier if you are at higher risk:

• Age 40, or
• 10 years before a first-degree relative was diagnosed (whichever comes first)

Here is a sobering local statistic: California ranks 50th out of 50 states in colorectal cancer screening rates, with only 53% of eligible adults up to date. That is not a resource problem — it is an awareness problem. And it is exactly why conversations like this one matter.

Is a colonoscopy the only accurate way to detect colorectal cancer?

Colonoscopy is the gold standard because it does two things no other test can do simultaneously:

• Detects cancer early, when survival exceeds 90%
• Prevents cancer by removing precancerous polyps during the same procedure

But there are other effective options:

• FIT (fecal immunochemical test) — a simple stool test done annually at home
• Cologuard — a stool DNA test done every three years at home

The best screening test is the one you actually complete. Your doctor can help you choose the right option based on your risk and preferences. If a stool test comes back positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is needed.

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center leads in treating complex colon and rectum cancers with the latest therapies for the best quality of life. To learn more or book an appointment, call 916-734-5959.

Related resources:

Listen to this podcast:

• Why are Colon and Colorectal Cancer Incidences Increasing in Younger Populations? A Discussion with Dr. Ankit Sarin

Each year, the local Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance partners with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Supercuts to raise money to support national pediatric cancer research, including local efforts at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. This year’s “Brave the Shave” takes place on Saturday, March 14, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., at Westfield Galleria, 1151 Galleria Blvd, Roseville.

To form a team or donate, go to the Sacramento St. Baldrick’s event webpage. You can also sign up online to join the UC Davis Health Brave the Shave team. 

“Bald is beautiful when you are raising money to fight childhood cancer,” said Jessica Alonso, executive director of Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance. “Register your team now so you can have fun at our Brave the Shave events, knowing that every dollar raised helps fund lifesaving research.”

The first St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event began on St. Patrick’s Day 2000 as a challenge between three friends at a New York City bar. It has since grown into the world’s largest charity funder of childhood cancer research. The name St. Baldrick’s is a combination of the words “bald” and “St. Patrick’s.”

Local fundraising benefits pediatric cancer research at UC Davis

“This is a great example of how Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center are working together to improve the quality of care for children with cancer, ensuring they receive top-tier treatment close to home,” said Marcio Malogolowkin, chief of pediatric hematology-oncology at UC Davis Health.

According to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, every two minutes a family learns the devastating news that their child has cancer. One in 263 children in the United States will receive a cancer diagnosis before turning 20 years old. While survival rates have improved due to research, for some children, there is still little hope for a cure.

“It is critical that we continue funding cancer research close to home,” said Alonso. “This is why we are proud to contribute to the groundbreaking research at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of our outstanding faculty researchers who, in a challenging funding environment, have gone above and beyond in submitting a record number of successful grant proposals," said School of Medicine Dean Susan Murin. "It is a testament to their commitment to science, to UC Davis and to our patients.”

Twelve departments in the Top 20

This year, 12 School of Medicine departments ranked in the top 20 nationally in their respective fields, two of which are in the top 10. They include:

• Public Health Sciences #3
• Neurology #6
• Medical Microbiology and Immunology #11
• Cell Biology and Human Anatomy #12
• Physiology and Membrane Biology #12
• Neurosurgery #14
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation #15
• Dermatology #15
• Urologic Surgery #16
• Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine #17
• Emergency Medicine #17
• Pharmacology #19

The top three departments in overall NIH funding were Neurology (nearly $38 million), Public Health Sciences ($30.8 million) and Internal Medicine ($26.3 million). All UC Davis basic science departments ranked in the top 20 nationally.

Top NIH-funded principal investigators and centers

This fiscal year, 262 principal investigators (PIs) were awarded 383 NIH grants. The following is a list of the top 10 PIs for NIH funding.

For the third year in a row, professor Rachel Whitmer is the PI with the largest NIH funding at UC Davis and in public health sciences nationwide, with a total of about $13.4 million. She co-directs the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), studies age-related dementia, cognitive impairment and brain pathology.

Charles DeCarli, co-director of the ADRC and a distinguished professor in the Department of Neurology, is the PI for $12.5 million in funding. The grant for his study on incidental white matter lesions on MRI amongst people with cognitive complaints (INDEED) is the highest NIH grant ($9.3 million) for UC Davis.

Dennis Hartigan-O’Connor, a professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, is the PI for $6.1 million in NIH support. He studies immunotherapies for chronic infections, autoimmunity and cancer.

Peter James’ $5.1 million NIH grant explores environmental exposures and brain health. James is an associate professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and director of Center for Occupational and Environmental Health.

Cynthia Schumann is the PI on $3.2 million in NIH grants to study changes in primate brain development after prenatal immune challenge, and brain aging across the lifespan in neurodevelopmental disorders. Schumann is a professor of neuroscience and faculty affiliated with the UC Davis MIND Institute. She is the director of the Brain Endowment for Autism Research Sciences (BEARS) and Brain Endowment for Mental Health (BEMH).

Rebecca Schmidt, professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and the MIND Institute, is the PI for grants totaling $3.1 million. She leads BUILDS MARBLES, a longitudinal study of pregnant women who have an autistic child, and prenatal environment and child health (PEACH) study in ECHO. She also studies the molecular and neurodevelopmental changes linked to prenatal wildfire exposures.

Four PIs manage grants that support leading UC Davis centers and programs:

• KC Kent Lloyd ($5.7 million): UC Davis Mouse Biology Program
• Ted Wun ($5.1 million): Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC)
• Primo Lara ($4.4 million): UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Alice Tarantal ($4.3 million): Primate Center for Gene Therapy

“I’m delighted to see the School of Medicine continue its advance in the Blue Ridge rankings. I am particularly proud of the record number of our departments who are now in the top 20 for their respective disciplines,” said Kim E. Barrett, vice dean for research and distinguished professor of physiology and membrane biology. “This year also includes funding for a record number (32) of NIH K awards made to early career researchers. This validates our investments in programs designed to grow new PI’s from within our own ranks and helps to secure our future success.”

In May 2025, Aggie Square opened as a first-of-its-kind innovation district on the UC Davis Sacramento campus. The district brings together UC Davis researchers and students, industry partners, entrepreneurs and the community to work side-by-side to accelerate ideas and bring them into the world. It is home to many School of Medicine research labs.

Learn about some of the impactful federally-funded research that drives innovation from labs to lives.

Related readings:

• From labs to lives
• UC Davis School of Medicine Research News
• Ongoing clinical trials
• The School of Medicine Year in Review
• UC Davis Sees Jump in Records of Invention, Driven by Health Innovation

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research announced the grant recently as part of the launch of a new coalition of leading organizations dedicated to solving early detection of some of the deadliest cancers. The focus includes pancreatic, ovarian and esophageal cancers — all of which have poor long-term survival rates.

Pancreatic cancer has been a research priority at UC Davis Health. Julie L. Sutcliffe, co-director for the UC Davis Center of Molecular and Genomic Imaging, and a professor of medicine and biomedical engineering, will lead one of six research teams for the coalition. Her team includes researchers Brian M. Wolpin and Andrew J. Aguirre at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Laura D. Wood at Johns Hopkins University.

Sutcliffe’s team is responsible for developing special imaging tools to help doctors find early changes in the pancreas — even before cancer fully forms. Using PET scans, they hope to detect tiny warning signs and early stages of pancreatic cancer so patients can get care sooner.

The research focuses on developing small, safe radioactive tags that light up cells to detect pre-cancerous cell changes called pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). The research will look at microscopic changes in the cells that line the small tubes (ducts) of the pancreas. These cells can sometimes slowly develop into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which starts in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. It is the most common type of pancreatic cancer.

“This grant gives us a powerful opportunity to move pancreatic cancer research forward,” said Sutcliffe. “PanIN lesions have not been visible with conventional imaging and the ability to non-invasively detect and monitor PanIN allows us the opportunity to intercept PDAC at its earliest stages. Ultimately, our goal is to bring new options and real hope to patients who urgently need better outcomes.”

Sutcliffe’s team and five others from across the nation are sharing $12 million in funding from the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and its coalition partners: American Association for Cancer Research, Lustgarten Foundation, Break Through Cancer and The Honorable Tina Brozman Foundation (Tina’s Wish).

Each team is responsible for pursuing a research project aimed at overcoming the most pressing obstacles in early detection of cancer.

Sutcliffe is recognized internationally for her translational research efforts in the field of radiotheranostics. She leads several clinical trials at UC Davis using radiopharmaceuticals developed by her team to detect and treat cancer. She is a fellow of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, a fellow and a past president of the World Molecular Imaging Society and a fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering.

The lab team has designed transformable nanoparticles (ultrafine particles) that travel through the body as tiny particles and then reshape into nanofiber networks when reaching the cancer sites. These fibers cling to tumors but naturally fade away much more quickly in healthy organs, creating a built‑in targeting system.

The work is being led by Distinguished Professor Kit S. Lam with the UC Davis HealthDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and the Division of Hematology and Oncology. The research recently received a boost from a prestigious $3.1 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 research project grant. R01 federal grants are given through the NIH’s National Cancer Institute to mature research projects that have strong preliminary data.

“This NIH (NCI) grant opens the door to accelerating this whole new way of treating cancer,” said Lam. “Instead of flooding the entire body with medicine, we can now ‘park’ these nanoparticles at the tumor sites and activate treatment only when we choose to.”

Once the nanoparticles form a web of tiny fibers around a tumor, researchers can deliver therapeutic molecules using a highly specific “click chemistry” reaction. This refers to chemical reactions that are fast, efficient and reliable.

This second step allows clinicians to add medicines on demand — including small-molecule drugs, toxins, and immune‑boosting molecules or proteins — that can augment the anti-tumor effects of the immune system.

The nanoparticles can stay in the tumor areas for up to a week, Lam said, but they fade from healthy organs like the liver and lungs within just two days.

“That gives us a unique advantage,” Lam said. “We can use this long‑lasting presence in tumors to introduce cancer‑fighting treatments only when and where we want them.”

Phased-in approach to pursuing drug development

The UC Davis team refers to this as a two‑component, two‑step strategy:

• Step one: The nanoparticles locate the tumor and transform into a long‑lasting molecular framework.
• Step two: Doctors administer therapeutic agents that lock onto the drug delivery system and begin working within the tumor microenvironment.

Main goals

The project includes three major goals:

• Design and refine nanoparticles that target receptors found in cancers such as non‑small cell lung cancer.
• Use advanced imaging to understand how the nanoparticles behave in living systems.
• Test the safety and effectiveness of this approach in preclinical cancer models.

If successful, the technology could dramatically change how oncologists deliver effective treatments, reducing side effects and increasing precision.

“This platform gives us the flexibility to deliver multiple treatments in sequence or combination for whatever the patient needs at that moment,” Lam said. “Our goal is to create a robust, long‑lasting immune response that helps the body fight the cancer on its own.”

The cancer center is the first in the region to offer the new type of radiation treatment.

The new system was unveiled at a celebratory ribbon cutting Feb. 3. Cancer center leaders showcased how Radixact delivers radiation in a continuous 360‑degree pattern and uses CT imaging to guide treatment. This enables clinicians to shape radiation beams to each patient’s tumor with great accuracy while reducing the risk of damage to nearby healthy tissue.

The upgraded Radixact platform supports a wide range of cancers, including those found in the brain, head and neck, lung, prostate and female reproductive areas.

The system’s arrival follows a renovation of the UC Davis Department of Radiation Oncology treatment suite, located in the lower level of the cancer center’s south building on the UC Davis Health Sacramento campus.

“This new technology is engineered to improve accuracy, reduce side effects and make treatments more efficient — often in less time,” said Andrew Harrell, radiation oncology manager. “The Radixact has real‑time motion tracking, advanced imaging before each session and sophisticated beam‑shaping tools that allow radiation doses to match the unique characteristics of each tumor.”

The new system replaces the department’s linear accelerator.

“What makes Radixact so impactful is its ability to adapt to a patient’s ever changing needs at the point of care,” said cancer center Physician-in-Chief David Tom Cooke. “For example, if a tumor shrinks, changing the patient’s anatomy during treatment, the system’s built‑in imaging allows the team to adjust immediately, ensuring optimal care throughout the entire course of therapy.”

Construction started in May 2025. The Radixact system is now fully operational and the cancer center is scheduling patients for treatment. For more information or to book an appointment at the cancer center, call 800‑770‑9261.

Called the Cancer Research Immersion Academy, this new and groundbreaking program was developed by UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in partnership with Sacramento State and the Elk Grove Unified School District, which Sheldon belongs to. Designed for high school students, it offers a hands-on introduction to cancer research and health care careers. The idea is to help young minds envision a future where they can make a real difference.

From classroom curiosity to career confidence

Each week, more than 60 students in Sheldon High’s junior-level microbiology classes dive into the science of cancer. Teenagers examine cancer cells under microscopes, explore how DNA influences cell behavior and cancer risk, and, on this recent morning, engage directly with professionals from UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“Today is all about exploring the breadth of careers in the cancer field,” Kirsten Asher told the students. She is with the cancer center’s Office of Education, Training and Workforce Development and created the cancer-related curriculum. “We don’t have just doctors and nurses here,” she noted, “we have brought researchers, pharmacists, data and compliance experts, health educators and even a cancer center marketing specialist.”

In a format Asher calls “speed networking,” students met in small groups with professionals for 15-minute Q&A sessions. They asked a variety of questions — from how long it takes to analyze a tumor to what researchers do in their free time. The interactions did what they were supposed to do: spark curiosity and help students discover which careers excite them most.

Some of the topics explored include:

• What does cancer look like as a biological process and as a human experience?
• How do cancer-causing mutations affect how a cell behaves?
• How could specific changes in a tumor’s DNA be an important tool in determining treatment?
• How does a person’s genetic code as well as zip code affect cancer outcomes?

Participation in the academy engages students in meaningful scientific research, exposes them to a wide variety of medical careers and offers practical advice to prepare for college.

“It also gives them a sense of empowerment to give back to their communities and shape the future,” Asher added.

Real scientists, real stories

One of the visiting experts, Diedre Reitz, a UC Davis cancer biologist, shared how she studies genetic mutations in tumor cells using donated tissue samples.

Student Ava Allen asked about the process and was fascinated to learn that Reitz can begin analyzing a tumor the same day she receives it, with results in about two weeks.

Reitz was pleased to participate in the classroom. “I wanted to give back and show high school students that you don’t have to be an M.D. to fight cancer,” said Reitz, who has a Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology.

But it wasn’t just the science that resonated. When Allen asked Reitz about her life outside the lab, she learned that the researcher enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband and toddler. “I realize how important it is to be a researcher,” Allen said, “but I’m glad to hear she is a mom, too. I want to be a mother as well someday.”

Another guest, Felipe Godinez, a UC Davis biomedical researcher, captivated students with his work in artificial intelligence (AI) to distinguish between malignant and benign tumors. “With the knowledge I now have, I wish I was in your seats,” he told the class.

His words inspired student Amun Wedderburn. “I’m learning there are lots of different aspects of biomedicine and that AI could give me a way to give back to the community.”

Fellow student Matt Kandoth asked Godinez if he receives a regular paycheck or if his salary depends on research grants.

“Every faculty member at UC Davis teaches, Godinez explained. “If you get research funding, it means you get to spend more time focused on your research.”

Kandoth followed up with questions about Godinez’s college experience and the degrees he attained.

“With programs like this, the future of cancer research isn’t just in labs — it’s growing in classrooms, one motivated student at a time,” said cancer center oncologist Janai Carr-Ascher, the faculty leader for the Cancer Research Immersion Academy.

A teacher’s dream come true

For Sheldon High science teacher Tabitha Lai, this is more than a program — it’s a personal, full-circle experience. A Sheldon alum herself, Lai discovered her love for science in the very classroom where she now teaches. She went on to earn a biotechnology degree from UC Davis and a master’s in multicultural education from Sacramento State.

“My hopes and dreams are that these students will pursue whatever career path they want and not be boxed in by society’s expectations,” Lai said. “There are so many exciting opportunities in science, and you don’t need a medical or biotechnology degree to make a difference.”

Building bridges to the future

The Cancer Research Immersion Academy is part of a broader effort to create a pipeline for future cancer care providers and researchers. Organizers hope the high school students will apply to UC Davis or Sacramento State after graduation. By integrating real-world, project-based learning into career technical education programs, the program helps students:

• Practice scientific research and communication
• Apply critical thinking and leadership skills
• Connect science to their personal experiences and communities
• Explore pathways to college and careers in biomedical research

High school teachers interested in bringing this life-changing experience to their classrooms can email kasher@health.ucdavis.edu.

The new photon-counting technology is the latest diagnostic tool deployed by the Department of Radiology. It is the first in the region.

At the heart of the innovation is a special material that can detect X-rays with incredible precision. The maker of the computed tomography technology, Siemens Healthineers, calls the ingredient the purest cadmium telluride crystal in the world. The crystals help directly convert X-rays into an electrical signal, which is then used to create an image. The energy of each X-ray is measured, so spectral information is available for every scan, and the images are contrast-rich with high spatial resolution.

“The photon-counting CT is breakthrough technology that could transform medical imaging,” said Cardiothoracic Imaging Section Chief Ahmadreza Ghasemiesfe, of UC Davis Health. “Instead of blending all the X-ray energy together like traditional CT, this technology counts each photon and measures its energy. That means sharper images and more information for diagnosis.”

Another benefit is greater efficiency, which means less radiation exposure, and that’s especially important for children and patients who need multiple scans.

Pease, a patient at the Enloe Health Regional Cancer Center, signed up for the LoTam trial knowing she wouldn’t have to travel far from home.

That’s because Enloe is a UC Davis Cancer Care Network (CCN) affiliate — one of four sites in Northern California where patients benefit from the services of a major academic medical center. Not having to drive to Sacramento for the study was important to Pease. When her husband, John, underwent a heart procedure a few years ago, they had to go to Marysville, 50 miles away. “It was a miserably long day,” she recalled. “Enloe’s a mile from my house. I’m so grateful my travel time is zip.”

The CCN is a national model for integrated, collaborative cancer care between community cancer centers and an academic medical center such as UC Davis Health. In addition to Enloe Health’s cancer center, the other affiliates in Northern California include: Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center in Truckee, Adventist Health and Rideout Cancer Care Center in Marysville and Marshall Cancer Center in Cameron Park.

A key benefit of being an affiliate is access to clinical trials. 

Pease’s oncologist, Nicole Whitlatch, is lead investigator for the LoTam trial at the Enloe site. The study aims to determine if a low dose of tamoxifen can effectively prevent disease recurrence as usual hormonal therapy, including aromatase inhibitors, in patients with stage 1 breast cancer. If successful, low-risk patients like Pease may be able to avoid the unpleasant side effects — hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and joint pain — that often accompany traditional hormonal therapy.

From routine screening to stage 1 diagnosis

Pease, 68, had been getting yearly mammograms and occasional biopsies since 2017 when she was diagnosed with atypical lobular hyperplasia. So, she was not overly concerned this past summer when, after her annual scan, she was called back for additional imaging and a biopsy.

Until now, she received the results — always negative — by mail. This time was different. Her doctor’s office phoned and asked her to come in on a Friday afternoon. “I knew this wasn’t a social call,” she said, half joking.

She was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma and, on July 23, underwent a lumpectomy, then five radiation treatments at Enloe over the course of a week. Whitlatch, her oncologist, mentioned the clinical trial.

“She’s generally quite healthy, had very early-stage breast cancer and fit all the criteria,” Whitlatch said.

Making the decision

Pease consulted with a friend who was treated for breast cancer 15 years prior. Her friend found the treatment side effects intolerable and encouraged her to join the study. Pease thought about the women who had gone before her, participating in research that resulted in the lumpectomy that she now benefited from. “Let’s do it,” she said.

Whitlatch explained that she would be randomly placed into one of two study arms, receiving either low-dose tamoxifen (the investigational arm), or the standard or higher dose of tamoxifen versus an aromatase inhibitor (standard of care arm).

Because the study isn’t blind, Pease was placed on the standard of care arm, and she elected to take an aromatase inhibitor, letrozole.

“Great. I get to have hot flashes, mood swings and weight gain again,” she recently groused good-naturedly. “I was hoping to get the lesser arm. But it is not that bad. Not a lot keeps me down.”

Clinical research that comes to patients

Married for 40 years and retired from her job as an office manager for a local orthodontist, Pease has two grown sons, two young granddaughters and another on the way. She spends much of her time reading, crocheting, “putzing” around the house and walking at a nearby park or at the mall with her husband. Being in the study, she said, hasn’t cramped her style in the least. “I’ve had no bad experiences,” she said. “It hasn’t stopped me from doing anything I’d normally do.” As a benefit, she will be observed by the study’s researchers for 10 years, which gives her an extra sense of security about her health.

Whitlatch has proven especially adept at signing up participants for the LoTam trial. Enloe is consistently in the top three highest-accruing sites among nearly 650 study locations. The Mayo Clinic and Washington University School of Medicine are the other two. She heads up three other breast cancer clinical trials, and Enloe clinicians are involved in 11 additional cancer-related clinical trials, all through Enloe’s status as a CCN affiliate. According to Yulia Thorpe, director of the UC Davis Cancer Care Network, more trials will roll out soon.

“Our research involvement with UC Davis has been incredible,” said Whitlatch, who has been at Enloe since 2010. “It’s the most robust research program I’ve been involved with since coming to Enloe.”

She noted that the health system’s affiliation with the CCN is “a wonderful service” for everyone participating. “All the oncologists here are very happy to be involved with UC Davis clinical trials,” she said. “We have a long-term relationship with Davis, referring patients back and forth. And it’s good for our patients. It would be a great hardship for them to have to travel to UC Davis for these trials.”

The study aims to recruit Latina breast cancer survivors age 20 to 79 to explore their awareness and understanding of genetic testing for cancer predisposition. Specifically, the researchers want to understand what makes it hard or easy for them to access genetic counseling and testing.

Researchers hope to reach at least 300 Latina women breast cancer survivors through an in-person or telephone survey. They expect to follow up with a smaller group of participants in person, via video, or by phone, with more detailed questions.

The survey and follow-up interviews are scheduled to be completed by the end of next year, with results expected in 2027.

The study is called Entendiéndonos — the Spanish word for “understanding each other.”

Breast cancer rates among Latinas are lower overall than in non-Hispanic white women, but Latinas are often diagnosed at later stages. Latinas are nearly a third more likely to die from the disease. In addition, mammography screening rates for Latinas are much lower than for non-Latinas.

Latinas and their family members are also less likely to seek genetic testing for breast cancer than non-Hispanic white women.

This designation distinguishes UC Davis Health as a premier center dedicated to providing leading-edge and sophisticated multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer. UC Davis was further designated as an academic center, which reflects its commitment to research, clinical trials, training opportunities and advanced clinical care.

“This recognition reflects our dedication to providing the highest level of pancreatic cancer care,” said Cameron Gaskill, section chief of pancreas surgery at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Pancreas cancer is a complex and aggressive disease. We take great pride in offering advanced surgical techniques, innovative research and comprehensive care to ensure that every patient has access to the highest-quality, evidence-based care, to achieve the best possible outcomes”

NPF centers must meet strict criteria developed by medical experts and patient advocates. These include having advanced specialized care providers such as pancreas surgeons, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists and interventional radiologists. It also means providing leading research and clinical trials as well as patient-focused services like dieticians and psychosocial support.

The NPF center of excellence designation is intended to help guide patients to specialists that can help with not only the diagnosis and treatment of pancreas disease, but with pain management, nutrition information and psychosocial support to have the best outcomes.

 “We’re thrilled to welcome UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center into our NPF Centers of Excellence Program,” said Jenny Pagel-Guile, executive director of the National Pancreas Foundation. “This designation ensures patients have access to comprehensive care and the latest treatment options.”

Patients can book an appointment at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center by calling 1-800-770-9261.

The findings could have implications for cancer immunotherapy drugs targeting TIGIT.

TIGIT acts like a brake on the immune system

TIGIT (T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains) is a “brake” on the immune system. It sits on immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and prevents them from attacking too aggressively. Cancer cells exploit this “brake” to evade the immune system.

That’s why scientists are developing cancer immunotherapy drugs to block TIGIT, enabling the immune system to fight tumors more effectively.

However, multiple anti-TIGIT antibodies have failed in Phase III trials for solid tumors, raising questions about the underlying mechanism.

Rhesus macaques 'shed' TIGIT from immune cells

The study’s findings show that rhesus macaques — but not humans — shed TIGIT from the surfaces of immune cells when exposed to plasmin. Plasmin is a natural enzyme involved in the breakdown of blood clots. The enzyme is highly upregulated (increased) in almost all solid cancers.

Previous research has shown that primates are less vulnerable to cancer than humans. TIGIT shedding is a natural mechanism in monkeys that removes TIGIT-mediated brakes that could lead to cancer and infectious disease. Although TIGIT adds a regulatory brake to fine-tune the human immune response, the evolutionary TIGIT mutation is associated with increased cancer risk in humans.

In the context of cancer therapeutics, the TIGIT shedding creates a soluble form of TIGIT that can still bind anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibodies, such as tiragolumab, a cancer treatment antibody that failed in clinical trials

The result is that in macaques, antibodies may be soaked up by free-floating TIGIT instead of blocking immune suppression on the tumor-fighting cells.

“We know from our study that the dilution of the drug away from T-cells in macaques may not predict safety and dose estimation data for human clinical trials,” said Jogender Tushir-Singh, an associate professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and senior author of the study. Tushir-Singh said. “TIGIT biology may be more complex than expected.”

Difference in amino acid makes it easier for plasmin to cut TIGIT

The researchers looked at TIGIT proteins from humans and monkeys.

They made lab versions of these proteins and exposed them to plasmin to see what would happen.

They found that in monkeys, a single difference in the protein’s amino acid compared to humans (at position 119) made it easier for plasmin to cut TIGIT.

When they added plasmin to human and monkey immune cells, only the monkey cells shed TIGIT from their surfaces. They then checked whether the shed TIGIT in monkeys could still stick to cancer drugs — and it could.

TIGIT testing in macaques may produce unreliable data

The researchers say more studies are needed, but the findings provide insights for current and future TIGIT-targeted cancer trials. They note that testing TIGIT cancer drugs in macaques may have produced unreliable safety and efficacy data. This may help explain why TIGIT therapies have underperformed in late-stage trials.

Coauthors on the study include Eric Pirillo, Francis Freenor V, Brice E.N. Wamba, Sanchita Bhatnagar and Tanmoy Mondal of UC Davis Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology.

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute (R01CA233752) and the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Greater Cincinnati (SP0A243532).

Resources

• Read the study
• A single genetic mutation may have made humans more vulnerable to cancer than chimpanzees
• Researchers identify ‘switch’ to activate cancer cell death
• UC Davis Health Comprehensive Cancer Center

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists led the research. The findings highlight the urgent need to identify and address survivorship needs for young cancer survivors.

“As treatments improve survival, young patients with cancer face unique challenges,” said Ann Brunson, UC Davis research analyst and the study’s lead author. “Our research deepens understanding of survivorship and the impact of metastatic recurrence, using statewide data to reveal trends and guide future studies.”

The research, based on data from more than 48,000 AYAs in California, was published in JAMA Oncology on November 26. It is the first study of its kind to examine metastatic disease in this population.

Researchers analyzed data from the California Cancer Registry linked with statewide health care records from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). The study group included AYAs aged 15–39 diagnosed with cancer between 2006 and 2018, with follow-up through the end of 2020. Metastatic recurrence was identified by specific diagnosis codes HCAI or cancer cause of death.

The median follow-up time was 6.7 years and the median age at diagnosis was 33. Most patients were non-Hispanic white (48%) or Hispanic (32%), lived in high socioeconomic status neighborhoods (43%) and had private or military insurance (76%).

High rates of metastatic disease and recurrence

Among the 48,406 AYAs studied, 9.2% had metastatic disease at diagnosis while 9.5% developed metastatic recurrence later. AYAs with colorectal cancer (44.2%) and sarcoma (41.7%) had the highest overall proportion of metastatic disease, followed by patients with breast (23.9%), cervical (23.6%) and testicular (21.6%) cancers.

For AYAs initially diagnosed with nonmetastatic disease, the five-year cumulative incidence of metastatic recurrence was highest for those with:

• Sarcoma (24.5%)
• Colorectal cancer (21.8%)
• Cervical cancer (16.3%)
• Breast cancer (14.7%)

Cervical cancer had particularly high recurrence rates across all stages, with stage 3 patients experiencing a cumulative incidence of 41.7%.

The study also found that recurrence rates varied over time. Cervical cancer recurrence increased from 12.7% in 2006-2009 to 20.4% in 2015-2018, while colorectal cancer and melanoma saw declines. Notably, stage 1 cervical cancer showed the most pronounced increase, while stage 3 melanoma had a significant decrease in recurrence.

Survival after metastatic recurrence was worse than survival for those diagnosed with metastatic disease initially, except in testicular and thyroid cancers. Breast cancer patients with metastatic recurrence had nearly a threefold increased hazard of death, while cervical, melanoma, sarcoma, and colorectal cancer patients also faced significantly higher hazards of death.

To make sure their method for detecting metastatic recurrence was accurate, the researchers compared their findings to Kaiser Permanente Northern California and found an overall concordance rate of 96.9% when they accounted for patients who were never completely disease-free.

“These findings highlight the significant burden of metastatic recurrence among adolescents and young adults and the need for tailored survivorship care,” said Theresa Keegan, the study’s senior author. “Understanding these patterns helps us identify inequities and evaluate how well our efforts are working to prevent, detect and treat both early and metastatic disease.”

For Sacramento resident Gerald Hecox, that has become a reality.

Hecox recently completed a life-changing clinical trial of a new drug delivery system called PLZ4-coated paclitaxel-loaded micelles (PPM). UC Davis and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs funded the pre-clinical work required to get PPM approved for clinical trials in humans.

The breakthrough demonstrates the critical importance of continued federal funding of cancer research.

The drug was developed at UC Davis by Kit S. Lam, a distinguished professor in the School of Medicine’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Division of Hematology and Oncology, and Chong-xian Pan, an associate professor of medicine who is now at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Pan is a former professor of medicine and urology at UC Davis Health.

“I’d been treated three times before, but the cancer kept coming back,” Hecox said. “My doctor referred me to UC Davis to have my bladder removed. I wasn’t going to do that without putting up a fight.”

When Hecox found out he was eligible for the PPM trial, he signed up immediately. Just six weeks after starting treatment in July 2025, his scans showed no sign of bladder cancer. At 74, he’s now back to golfing and hanging out with his family’s three corgis: Molly, Walter and Callie. He’s even planning a camping trip with his wife, Judy.

Hecox is one of four people who have received the novel therapy, including three patients at the VA Boston Healthcare System. UC Davis Health is currently enrolling more patients to test how recurring non-invasive bladder cancer responds to the new therapy.

“Mr. Hecox is a great example of a patient who could benefit from our treatment,” said Mamta Parikh, an associate professor of hematology and oncology. Parikh is a bladder cancer researcher and the trial’s principal investigator. “The next step for his bladder cancer would have required extensive surgery. As a very active person, he was looking for an alternative, and he’s done quite well in the study.”

Bladder cancer and its recurrence

Hecox was diagnosed with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, the most common form of the disease. It grows within the bladder lining, called the urothelium. For about 50 years, oncologists have relied on surgical removal of visible tumors followed by an immunotherapy treatment called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin.

Clinicians deliver BCG via a catheter to a patient’s bladder, exposing the entire urothelium to the substance. Once in the bladder, the drug activates a local immune response to attack cancer cells. It can also trigger side effects such as flu-like symptoms, fatigue and painful urination, since treatment isn’t confined to the tumor.

While BCG can be an effective treatment for bladder cancer that hasn’t metastasized, Lam and his colleagues noted that around 75% of cancers treated with BCG recur, as Hecox’s did. When treatment fails, the only option left for many patients is complete bladder removal, also called a cystectomy.

Bladder removal requires lengthy anesthesia, which can be risky for patients. Cystectomy patients must either wear a bag on the outside of their bodies to drain their urine or receive a new bladder constructed from intestinal tissue.

“Radical cystectomy is a major surgery, and although patients can live healthy lives afterwards, it does impact their quality of life,” Parikh said. “Mr. Hecox is an active person who wants to remain that way and he came to us looking for an alternative.”

Delivering chemotherapy while reducing side effects

Lam’s new treatment, PPM, takes a different approach to cancer treatment.

PPM is made of lipid-polymer hybrid molecules that self-assemble to form tiny spherical nanoparticles called micelles that can carry other substances. In this case, micelles encapsulate the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, which is used to treat a variety of cancers, including bladder, breast, and non-small cell lung cancer.

PPM is coated with the molecule PLZ4 that binds to receptors on the surface of bladder cancer cells. The nanoparticles are then taken up by the cancer cells, where paclitaxel is released to prevent cancer growth.

“With treatments that don’t take a targeted approach, there's always the concern that not enough drugs will be delivered to the cancer cells,” Parikh said. “Our hope is that this treatment might be more effective since it does target the cancer.”

As Parikh noted, when healthy cells are exposed to standard paclitaxel, the drug can cause significant irritation to bladder tissue and difficulties with urination. However, Hecox reported no side effects during the trial. This is because PPM targets only cancer cells, not normal bladder tissue.

Clinicians administered PPM to Hecox’s bladder through a catheter once a week for six weeks. He was monitored regularly by having his bladder lining examined through a camera inserted into the bladder in addition to blood tests and CT scans. He’ll continue to be tested in the months to come, but so far, his examinations have shown no signs of cancerous cells.

Hecox’s wife, Judy, explained that they both were scared about their lack of options before he entered the trial. They felt other doctors had given up on him, and neither of them wanted his bladder to be removed.

“We’ve been immensely impressed with UC Davis,” she said. “Everyone is so thoughtful and nice. They let us know exactly what to expect every step of the way. We’re very pleased with the treatment we got and he’s going to stay with his doctors at Davis.”

Parikh and the rest of the research team will continue to recruit patients to measure PPM’s safety and effectiveness. Patients can talk to their primary doctor about obtaining a referral to the Urologic Oncology clinic to discuss participation in the trial.

“This is an innovative treatment that could provide an alternative to major surgery for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and potentially prevent them from losing their bladders,” Parikh said. “It offers hope for people who have tried BCG and had their cancers come back.”

“Adding an extra day of screening helped make this year’s free mammogram program more successful than ever,” said Marissa Bashore, health education supervisor for UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. “It truly reflects the power of collaboration and community engagement to improve access to care.”

The screenings were available for females aged 40 to 74 who didn’t have a mammogram in the past year and were not experiencing symptoms. Women with symptoms such as a lump, pain, swelling or discharge scheduled a more advanced diagnostic mammogram. 

A total of 140 uninsured and underinsured women received the free breast cancer screenings last month. That’s up from 95 women in 2024 and 37 in 2023.

Community collaboration

The program is possible thanks the cancer center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, the UC Davis Department of Radiology and a unique partnership with WellSpace Health. The non-profit community health system contacts everyone who participates in the free mammography program, then provides results and schedules follow up imaging, if necessary. WellSpace also addresses other health care needs, such as setting up cervical cancer screenings.

“This screening program continues to make a meaningful difference by removing barriers to costs associated with preventive care and connecting women with valuable resources for their ongoing health and wellness needs,” Bashore said. “We heard stories about women grateful for the free screenings because of recent job loss and how they’d miss their screening had it not been for our program. This is one of the highlights of the work we get to do, and we look forward to its continued growth next year.”

Regular screening mammography can help find breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful. All women over the age of 40 are encouraged to get annual mammograms.

Related links:

Why women should start getting mammograms at age 40

UC Davis Health is expanding access to free mammograms during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Why it is so important to get regular breast cancer screenings