The Mark Foundation Merges with Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation to Advance Cancer Research
On April 1, 2026, the landscape of cancer research witnessed a pivotal change with the formal merger of the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF). This merger is not merely administrative; it represents a significant advancement in commitment to innovative scientific methods and developing new treatments for cancer patients worldwide.
The roots of this collaboration extend back to 2025, which marked the launch of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging and Cancer. This institution stands out as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at delving into one of the most significant risk factors contributing to cancer—aging. As part of this merger, the Institute plans to allocate an impressive $15 million in funding over the next three years dedicated to researching the intricate relationship between aging and the onset and progression of cancer.
In the first phase of this funding initiative, $2.5 million has already been earmarked to support five research teams delving into crucial biological processes that link aging and cancer, such as immune system deterioration, inflammation, metabolic changes, and stem cell functionality. These studies are expected to not only enhance our understanding but also pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.
Since its inception in 1976, SWCRF has distributed over $120 million to uplift more than 200 researchers globally. This merger follows an established partnership that began in 2022, where both foundations collaborated on projects aimed at furthering research in aging and cancer, including workshops and the distribution of $4 million in collaborative grants.
Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, the CEO of the Mark Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for this merger, stating, "Building on our strong history of partnership with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, the new Waxman Institute expands our ability to support high-impact science around the world, particularly in areas like aging biology that have been historically underexplored and underfunded in cancer research. Closing this gap is essential to improving patient outcomes."
The urgency of this research cannot be overstated as cancer is predominantly an affliction that strikes older populations. Statistics reveal that nearly 60% of cancer cases and over 70% of cancer-related fatalities occur in individuals aged 65 and above. With the world’s life expectancy rising, projections indicate that the incidence of cancer could nearly double by 2050, primarily due to aging demographics.
Dr. Samuel Waxman, the founder of SWCRF and Director of the Waxman Institute, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "The Waxman Institute's unique approach brings together experts in aging biology with leaders in oncology to better understand how and why cancer risk increases with age. Our efforts include developing innovative tools and algorithms intended to measure biological aging and cancer risk, thereby enabling prevention, early detection, and age-appropriate treatments." This endeavor is crucial for fostering healthier aging and mitigating cancer occurrences as populations age.
The Waxman Institute is set to announce a new Request for Proposals (RFP) by the end of April 2026, intending to facilitate further collaborative research in the critical field of aging and cancer.
In conclusion, the merger between the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation symbolizes a transformative alliance aimed at tackling cancer through the lens of aging. With substantial funding and a united vision, both organizations are poised to make significant strides in understanding and managing the impacts of aging on cancer, ultimately striving for healthier futures and improved outcomes for aging populations.
For more information about the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, visit The Mark Foundation. To learn about the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging and Cancer, please check Waxman Institute.
The roots of this collaboration extend back to 2025, which marked the launch of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging and Cancer. This institution stands out as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at delving into one of the most significant risk factors contributing to cancer—aging. As part of this merger, the Institute plans to allocate an impressive $15 million in funding over the next three years dedicated to researching the intricate relationship between aging and the onset and progression of cancer.
In the first phase of this funding initiative, $2.5 million has already been earmarked to support five research teams delving into crucial biological processes that link aging and cancer, such as immune system deterioration, inflammation, metabolic changes, and stem cell functionality. These studies are expected to not only enhance our understanding but also pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.
Since its inception in 1976, SWCRF has distributed over $120 million to uplift more than 200 researchers globally. This merger follows an established partnership that began in 2022, where both foundations collaborated on projects aimed at furthering research in aging and cancer, including workshops and the distribution of $4 million in collaborative grants.
Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, the CEO of the Mark Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for this merger, stating, "Building on our strong history of partnership with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, the new Waxman Institute expands our ability to support high-impact science around the world, particularly in areas like aging biology that have been historically underexplored and underfunded in cancer research. Closing this gap is essential to improving patient outcomes."
The urgency of this research cannot be overstated as cancer is predominantly an affliction that strikes older populations. Statistics reveal that nearly 60% of cancer cases and over 70% of cancer-related fatalities occur in individuals aged 65 and above. With the world’s life expectancy rising, projections indicate that the incidence of cancer could nearly double by 2050, primarily due to aging demographics.
Dr. Samuel Waxman, the founder of SWCRF and Director of the Waxman Institute, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "The Waxman Institute's unique approach brings together experts in aging biology with leaders in oncology to better understand how and why cancer risk increases with age. Our efforts include developing innovative tools and algorithms intended to measure biological aging and cancer risk, thereby enabling prevention, early detection, and age-appropriate treatments." This endeavor is crucial for fostering healthier aging and mitigating cancer occurrences as populations age.
The Waxman Institute is set to announce a new Request for Proposals (RFP) by the end of April 2026, intending to facilitate further collaborative research in the critical field of aging and cancer.
In conclusion, the merger between the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation symbolizes a transformative alliance aimed at tackling cancer through the lens of aging. With substantial funding and a united vision, both organizations are poised to make significant strides in understanding and managing the impacts of aging on cancer, ultimately striving for healthier futures and improved outcomes for aging populations.
For more information about the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, visit The Mark Foundation. To learn about the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging and Cancer, please check Waxman Institute.
Topics Health）
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