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A Historical Merger in Cancer Research

In a significant development in the realm of cancer research, the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research (MFCR) and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) have announced a landmark merger. This collaboration marks the establishment of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer, a groundbreaking institution dedicated to exploring the relationship between aging and cancer risk.

A Unique Focus

The Waxman Institute will be the first of its kind, specifically focused on understanding how the biological aging process influences cancer throughout various stages of life. Why is this critical? As populations age globally, the number of individuals at risk for cancer significantly rises. In fact, the global population over the age of 50 is projected to double by 2050, underscoring the urgency of this research. This new center aims to become a pivotal hub for collaboration among scientists, motivating them to develop improved strategies for cancer prevention, early detection, and more effective treatments.

A Legacy of Research

The foundations involved are no strangers to cancer research. The SWCRF has been advancing cancer research since its inception in 1976 and has contributed over $120 million to the cause. Similarly, MFCR has invested roughly $275 million in cancer research globally since its establishment in 2017. The merger is built on a foundation of collaboration that began in 2022 when these two organizations first united to co-host workshops and fund joint research initiatives. In fact, they awarded $1.5 million in 2024 to various multi-institution teams focusing on the biology of aging and cancer.

The Institute's Vision

According to Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, CEO of MFCR, the conception of the Waxman Institute allows for accelerated research concerning the intersection of aging and cancer. Schoenfeld highlighted the importance of combining world-class expertise and fresh perspectives to foster breakthroughs in a field that has faced funding shortages. The collaborative model established through SWCRF, particularly its Institute Without Walls™, will enhance the resource mobilization efforts of MFCR, allowing for high-risk, high-reward research.

Samuel Waxman, MD, CEO and founder of SWCRF, emphasized the importance of this institute: “We are excited that an institute has been created to study aging and cancer together, which is crucial to determining individual risks for cancer as we age.” This sentiment underpins the driving force behind the merger—the urgent need to address an emerging and significant funding gap in age-related cancer research.

Future Initiatives

The Waxman Institute plans to allocate $15 million in grants over the next three years aimed at catalyzing discoveries that will lead to better approaches to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment for age-related cancers. This approach is vital, especially as the incidence of early-onset cancers continues to rise countrywide. Through the new institute, the organizations aspire to share knowledge and tools effectively, ultimately expediting the pace of relevant cancer research.

Anticipating Change

The official merger is anticipated to close later this year, pending the necessary approvals. The collaboration between MFCR and SWCRF signifies a new chapter in cancer research, bringing a renewed focus to one of the most pressing areas within oncology. As both organizations gear up to take on the challenge of combining their efforts in this unique aspect of cancer research, the world will undoubtedly be watching closely.

In summary, the formation of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer not only promises to advance our understanding of the aging process and its correlation with cancer risk but is also a testament to the power of collaboration in the scientific community. With rising cancer rates among aging populations, such integrated efforts could usher in much-needed advancements in prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately aiming to save lives.

For more information about this groundbreaking initiative and its upcoming projects, you can visit The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research or Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation.