Supporting Your Clinical Research
Investigator-initiated trials (IITs) are an important pathway for translating MCW discoveries in cancer biology, prevention and patient care into clinical research.
The IIT Steering Committee helps investigators move promising concepts toward scientifically sound, feasible protocols by:
- Providing constructive feedback to strengthen the scientific rigor, conduct, cost-effectiveness and potential clinical impact of IIT designs
- Identifying and forging connections with other researchers and stakeholders, particularly for correlative studies
- Providing logistical support to streamline the development of IIT concepts and protocols
Guidance at Every Stage
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 Awan, MD
Associate Professor of 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, CCRC
MCW Cancer Center CTO Assistant Director of Clinical Research Operations
Elizabeth E. Hopp, MD
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology (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
Erin Lynch, MS, CCRP
MCW Cancer Center CTO Director of Administration
Michael Martens, PhD
Assistant Professor of Biostatistics
Laura Michaelis, MD
Chief, Division of Hematology/Oncology; Professor of Medicine (Leukemia)
Todd Miller, PhD
Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Pathology
Aniko Szabo, PhD
Professor of Biostatistics
James P. Thomas, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine, Hem/Onc (GI)
Committee Meetings
Brian Chung, PhD
IIT Steering Committee Coordinator
(414) 805-7694 or bchung@mcw.edu