Dear Cancer Center Friends & Colleagues,

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe we’ve already stepped into 2025!

As I look back, I’m struck by the extraordinary journey we experienced in 2024. It was a year defined by remarkable achievements and progress, highlighted by what truly became

The Year of Artificial Intelligence

On behalf of the Cancer Center Informatics Society, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your dedication, expertise, and relentless efforts. Your contributions bring hope to patients, caregivers, and families, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future. As we move into 2025, I hope we all take a moment to express gratitude for our blessings, cherish those who matter most, and look ahead with optimism to a new year filled with happiness and success.

Thanks to your unwavering dedication, steadfast support, and shared vision—along with the commitment of our remarkable volunteer staff and leadership—2024 was a year of significant milestones. It was, without a doubt, our most successful year since the Society’s inception. Notably, we proudly showcased our very first booth at the ASCO 2024 Annual Meeting, marking an exciting new chapter for us.

Here are highlights that underscore the remarkable progress we achieved together in 2024:

1] Spring 2024 Cancer Center Summit: The 21st Ci4CC event was chaired by Dr. Karyn Goodman of the Tisch Cancer Institute and Mrs. Lauren Hacket of the Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center. Dr. Cornelia Ulrich from the Huntsman Cancer Institute delivered the NCI-Designated Cancer Center Director Keynote. In addition to representatives from designated cancer centers, the event also featured participation from the National Cancer Institute, continuing our tradition of robust collaboration.

The Summit focused on “Cultivating the Application of Informatics, Digital Health, and Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Cancer Clinical Trials.” and featured key sessions on:

·      Clinical trial matching and recruitment

·      Data science and analytics

·      Leveraging real-world data to advance cancer research

·      The impact of generative AI and machine learning on clinical trials

·      Bridging the gap between operational needs and informatics solutions

·      Decentralized and hybrid clinical trials

·      Catchment area informatics and data science

·      Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in cancer research and clinical trials

For the full agenda, session overviews, presentations, and videos, visit: Spring 2024 Society Conference

2] Fall 2024 Cancer Center Symposium: The 22nd Ci4CC event was chaired by Drs. David Jaffray and Kristy Brock of MD Anderson Cancer Center, with the Cancer Center Directors Keynote delivered by Dr. Peter Pisters, President of MD Anderson. As usual, in addition to representatives from many NCI-Designated cancer centers, the event also featured a keynote from the National Cancer Institute, continuing its tradition of robust collaboration and impactful discussions.

The Symposium centered on “Digitally Enabled Cancer Interventions” and featured key sessions on:

·      Advanced Interventional Technologies

·      Surgical Data Science

·      The Cancer History Project

·      Cancer Technology Innovations and ARPA-H

·      Advances Through Open-Source Software

·      Adaptive Radiation Therapy

·      Data Science in Oncology

·      Cybersecurity & Business Continuity in Oncology

·      Evolution of Next-Generation CCSG Cores

·      Tech Download Showcase: Highlights across Oncology

·      Post-Symposium Cancer Center Alliance Initiatives Workshop

For the full agenda, session overviews, presentations, and videos, visit

3] 2024 marked the launch of two additional webinar series:  Clinical Informatics Grand Rounds (CiGR) and Technology Download (TechDownload), chaired by Dr. Doug Fridsma and Laura Hilty, respectively.

a- Clinical Informatics Grand Rounds: CiGR serves as a dynamic forum to foster knowledge exchange, promote collaborations, and drive advancements in clinical informatics to enhance cancer care, improve patient outcomes, and support translational research and biomarker discovery. Key focus areas include the intersection of clinical informatics and cancer care; Data science, technology, and clinical applications tailored to oncology; Addressing challenges and proposing innovative strategies to advance cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment. This series is designed to discuss progress, overcome barriers, and explore informatics and data science solutions, ultimately improving outcomes for patients. 

CiGR 2024 Highlights:

·      Health Universe: AI History in three steps? What is next? - Doug Fridsma, MD, PhD

·      Duke: Accelerating Adoption of Precision Cancer Medicine Therapies - Ryne Ramaker, MD, PhD

·      OHSU: The Last Mile of Precision Oncology - Shannon McWeeney, PhD

·      UCSD: Knowing which patients are Diseases - Mike Hogarth, MD

·      Texas Oncology: Informatics Tools to Improve Care Delivery in Practice - Debra Patt, MD, PhD

·      MD Anderson: Rethinking the Data Supply Chain Informing Cancer Control – David Jaffray, PhD

·      MSKCC: AI Governance in Oncology and AI Enabled Curation – Peter Stetson, MD, MA

·      Mount Sinai: AI Governance at Mount Sinai – Bruce Darrow, MD, PhD

·      Ci4CC: Clinical Informatics Grand Rounds Year in Review – Sorena Nadaf-Rahrov MS, MMI

b- Technology Download: TechDownload explores the application of emerging technologies in cancer research, diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient care. This forum facilitates the exchange of ideas, fosters collaboration, and accelerates innovation to elevate patient outcomes and further translational research. Designed to supplement the monthly Ci4CC community calls, TechDownload connects a diverse group of stakeholders, including start-ups, investors, cancer centers, and advisors. Together, this ecosystem aims to drive transformative innovations and bring treatments to patients faster by combining creativity, expertise, and execution. Monthly Agenda Highlights include Cancer Center and Industry Perspectives on Innovation; Tech Spotlight: 1-2 companies showcase their innovations; Audience Feedback: Interactive app-based voting for real-time engagement. 

Tech Download 2024 Highlights:

·      Tech Download Innovation Workshop Panel: Buy vs Build Trends with Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute, Florida Cancer Specialists, UCSD Health

·      Tech Spotlights: Featured companies included Epic, Tempus, Varian-Siemens, Guardant Health, Triomics, IntegraConnect, Manifold AI, Mendel AI, Medeloop, Vibrent Health, Dyania Health, Health Universe, Geno.me, CancerIQ, GenomOncology, nCartes, Omega Healthcare, Beekeeper AI, and more

·      Buy vs Build vs Partner: A two-part series with NCI-Designated Cancer Centers including Emory University Winship Comprehensive Cancer Center and the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center

4] Cancer Center Community Calls: The CiGR and TechDownload series, launched in 2024, were created to enhance collaboration within the cancer center research community, driving impactful advancements in oncology. These series build on the foundation of our original monthly webinar series, the Cancer Center Informatics Community Call—a dynamic open forum that has thrived for nearly a decade.

This forum has brought together a diverse group of professionals, including Cancer Center Shared Resources teams, Clinical Informatics faculty and staff, Basic Scientists, Chief Data and Informatics Officers, Biostatisticians, Chief Research Information Officers, Chief Medical Officers, CCSG Technology Directors, and many others involved in applied informatics and innovation. Together, they have fostered collaboration in the rapidly evolving fields of Precision Medicine, AI, and Data Science.

With the successful launch of CiGR and TechDownload, 2025 marks the re-launch of the Community Call format, now with a fresh approach that takes us back to our roots. This new iteration will center around open mic discussions and special fireside chat interviews, creating a more engaging and interactive experience. We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Fred Lee will chair the monthly Community Calls, continuing the tradition on the third Thursday of each month. We look forward to the exciting discussions and insights that lie ahead!

5] Golf for Cancer Informatics: Speaking of Dr. Fred Lee, I am thrilled to announce that the Cancer Center Informatics Society now has its first Chief Golf Officer! Many of you are already familiar with Golf for Cancer Informatics (Golf4Ci). Launched during the Society’s five-year anniversary symposium in Maui, Hawaii, Golf4Ci is an initiative dedicated to bringing together golf enthusiasts, researchers, clinicians, and community supporters in the fight against cancer.

Golf4Ci is more than just a day of golf and camaraderie—it’s a dynamic platform for raising critical funds to advance cancer research. Thanks to the generosity of our participants and sponsors, Golf4Ci supports groundbreaking efforts in cancer research and precision oncology, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Translational Bioinformatics to uncover innovative strategies for cancer treatment and prevention. Every swing, putt, and cheer contributes to transformative discoveries, ultimately improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

We’re excited to have Dr. Fred Lee lead this initiative as our Chief Golf Officer, championing our mission both on and off the course. As part of his leadership, Fred has quietly unveiled his first blog, “Now on the Tee” – A Blog by the Chief Golf Officer, offering insights and updates on this exciting initiative.

6] The Initiatives Program:  A Home for Breakthrough Collaborative Advancements in Cancer Research. The Initiatives Program holds a special place in my heart as a cornerstone of the Cancer Center Informatics Society, serving as a hub for transformative collaborations in cancer research.

As stated in my 2024 mission statement: “Advancements in cancer research and clinical care are not achieved in isolation. Fostering collaborative networks is fundamental to our initiatives and central to the Society’s mission.”

Reflecting the collaborative spirit that many of us have experienced throughout our careers in Cancer Centers, the Initiatives Program embarks on a visionary journey to unite the diverse fields of Oncology Informatics and Data Science. Strategically, it extends its reach to include partnerships with Biotech and Pharma, positioning itself as a critical bridge between these sectors.

In addressing the rapidly evolving landscape of Cancer Center digital infrastructure, the program takes a comprehensive approach, focusing on:

•      Translational Research and Bioinformatics

•      Precision Oncology

•      Artificial Intelligence

•      Cancer Registries

•      Data Science

•      Genomics

•      Digital Platforms

•      Clinical Trials

•      Real-World Evidence

At the same time, the program fosters dynamic collaborations with Biotech and Pharma to drive innovation in:

•      Technology integration

•      Data sharing

•      Joint research initiatives

•      Advancements in drug development

This dual-pronged strategy positions the Cancer Center Informatics Society at the forefront of transformative, oncology-focused initiatives. By seamlessly integrating Cancer Center programs with industry collaboration, the Initiatives Program aims to redefine the boundaries of cancer research, enhance patient outcomes, and accelerate innovation across the spectrum of cancer care.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Initiatives Program is expanding toward a future where technological advancements and collaborative partnerships converge to elevate cancer research and care to unprecedented heights. Together, we are crafting a roadmap that prioritizes innovation, integration, and meaningful impact, paving the way for lasting progress.

7] 2024 Highlights from the Initiatives Program:

•      The Digital Patient

•      OncoLLM

•      Autonomous AI Research Agents

•      Cancer Center AI Alliance & Next Gen Cores

•      The Cancer Passport

•      Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion across Cancer Informatics

Now onto 2025!

I am thrilled to announce that the 23rd Cancer Center Informatics Society Summit will be chaired by Dr. Suresh Ramalingam, Executive Director, and Dr. Adam Marcus, Deputy Director of the Winship Comprehensive Cancer Center at Emory University.

Save the Dates: Spring 2025 Cancer Center Summit

May 16–18, 2025

Location: Beautiful San Diego, CA

The summit will focus on “Accelerating Innovation in Oncology through AI” and will feature an exciting lineup of sessions, including:

·      Prevention & Early Detection

·      Translational Research

·      Diagnosis & Risk Prediction

·      Clinical Decision Making

·      Clinical Trials

·      Data Science: Perspectives from Cancer Center Chief AI Officers

·      Clinical Informatics Grand Rounds & Technology Download

·      Cancer Center Collaborative Initiatives

·      CCSG Data & AI focused Shared Resources Poster Session Part II

·      Golf for Cancer Informatics Event

Stay tuned for the upcoming call for abstracts and participation—additional details will be announced soon. For registration and the latest agenda updates, please visit: Cancer Center Informatics Society

Sorena