Strengthening collaboration with UT MD Anderson researchers
June 15, 2026
Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR) recently conducted a two-day site visit to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, reinforcing its commitment to advancing innovative, patient-centered clinical research through strong institutional collaborations.
Held on June 3–4, 2026, the visit brought together RTFCCR leadership and scientific program managers with senior leaders, clinicians, and researchers from UT MD Anderson. The visit provided a valuable platform to review ongoing collaborations, exchange insights, and identify new opportunities to accelerate meaningful progress in oncology.
A Focus on Scientific Exchange and Collaboration
Across the two days, RTFCCR representatives engaged directly with multiple grantees, discussing a diverse portfolio of projects spanning supportive care, treatment optimization, and innovative interventional trials.
The RTFCCR team was proud to witness the significant progress of a project led by Dr. Laurence, professor of Radiation Physics and Imaging Physics: a web-based, AI-powered radiotherapy planning assistant (RPA) for palliative treatments in low and middle-income countries. This tool provides automated contouring and treatment planning solutions across multiple tumor-specific indications. The RPA is already used in the clinic at UT MD Anderson, and it received 510(k) device clearance from the FDA for external use. Moreover, it is routinely used in two hospitals in South Africa for patients with cervical cancer. Registration is in process to launch it also in other centers in South Africa, Zambia and Indonesia.
Other projects focus on preventing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and on novel treatment strategies for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. These sessions enabled in-depth review of study progress while exploring opportunities to strengthen study design and enhance patient-centered outcomes.
Showcasing Innovation and Institutional Strength
The agenda also provided a broader view of UT MD Anderson’s research ecosystem. A guided campus tour of the Texas Medical Center and associated innovation hubs demonstrated the infrastructure supporting translational research and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Dedicated meetings addressed strategic themes such as early detection, industry collaborations, and technology commercialization, underscoring shared priorities in accelerating the translation of scientific discovery into clinical impact.
Advancing Patient-Centered Research
A central theme across the visit was patient partnership. Discussions included focused sessions on integrating patient perspectives into clinical trial design and implementation, alongside reviews of studies aimed at improving symptom management and quality of life.
Engagement with UT MD Anderson’s Cancer Neuroscience Program highlighted cutting-edge work at the intersection of oncology and neurobiology, while additional sessions explored advances in early detection.
Building Foundations for Future Impact
In-person interactions not only strengthened existing collaborations but also laid the groundwork for new alliances with a shared vision for advancing patient-centered clinical research.
RTFCCR extends its sincere appreciation to the UT MD Anderson Foundation Relations team for their outstanding organization, and to all researchers and clinicians who generously shared their time, expertise, and insights.