The Forefront of Research Innovation
Investigator-initiated trials, or IITs, conceived by MCW Cancer Center investigators represent the pinnacle of cancer research innovation; they expand the reach of cancer laboratory discoveries, prevention methods, and patient care to benefit members of the communities served by the Cancer Center and cancer patients everywhere.
To encourage cancer-related IIT development and address the growing demand for support developing concepts and writing compliant trial protocols, the IIT Steering Committee was instituted to help clinical researchers refine their concept into a scientifically sound and feasible study protocol.
The committee serves investigators by:
- Providing constructive feedback that enhances the scientific rigor, conduct, cost-effectiveness, and clinical impact of their IIT design
- Identifying and forging connections with other researchers and stakeholders, especially those relating to correlative studies
- Offering logistical assistance that simplifies the development of their IIT concept and protocol
Working Together to Advance Discoveries
Investigators can work with the IIT Steering Committee in the following ways.
An investigator can present their trial design to the IIT Steering Committee in an informal setting that encourages open dialogue. During this 30-minute meeting, members will offer recommendations on how to improve the study and increase the likelihood of trial success.
An investigator can submit their IIT protocol for committee review and feedback. Select members whose knowledge aligns with the trial’s scientific and clinical focus will critically read the protocol and suggest improvements for the investigator’s consideration.
For those who are at an early stage in their research career, the IIT Steering Committee can assemble a mentoring sub-committee that provides personalized guidance and direction to the investigator as they develop their trial concept and protocol.
IIT Steering Committee
IIT Steering Committee Co-Chairs
Stuart J. Wong, MD
Professor of Medicine and Otolaryngology, Division of Hematology and Oncology
Mary M. Horowitz, MD, MS
Professor and Deputy Cancer Center Director; Robert A. Uihlein, Jr. Chair in Hematologic Research; Associate Director of Genomics; Scientific Director Emeritus, CIBMTR
IIT Steering Committee Members
Musaddiq J. Awan, MD
Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology
Brenda Brito, BSBA
MCW Cancer Center Director of Finance & Business Operations
Kristin Busse, PharmD
Research Oversight Program Director, MCW Office of Research; Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences; Pharmacy
Cynthia Dwight, RN, ND
MCW Cancer Center CTO Assistant Director of Clinical Research Operations
Elizabeth E. Hopp, MD
Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Division of Gynecologic Oncology
Roger Johnson, PhD
MCW Cancer Center Director of Programmatic Grants and Strategic Partnership Development; Research Associate Professor of Biophysics
Marilyn Larson, MBA
MCW Cancer Center Associate Director of Administration
Laura Michaelis, MD
Chief, Professor, Medicine; Division of Hematology and Oncology
Todd W. Miller, PhD
WBCS Professor of Breast Cancer Research; Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Aniko Szabo, PhD
Professor, Data Science Institute; Division of Biostatistics
James P. Thomas, MD, PhD
Professor, Medicine; Division of Hematology and Oncology
Committee Meetings
Brian Chung, PhD
IIT Steering Committee Coordinator
(414) 805-7694 or bchung@mcw.edu