MD Anderson Cancer Center announced the formation of an internal advisory council for its Institute for Data Science in Oncology, signaling a deepening commitment to leveraging data analytics in the fight against cancer.
The institute, established to accelerate progress toward ending cancer, will utilize the council to maximize the impact of its data science initiatives. This move comes as the field increasingly recognizes data as a critical component of cancer research and treatment, according to a recent report in Nature.
Leading the charge is Dr. Caroline Chung, Vice President, Chief Data & Analytics Officer and Co-Director of the Institute for Data Science in Oncology. Dr. Chung, a tenured professor in Radiation Oncology and Diagnostic Imaging, focuses her clinical practice on CNS malignancies and directs a computational imaging lab dedicated to quantitative imaging and modeling. Her work aims to personalize cancer treatment through precise tumor detection and toxicity assessment.
Dr. Chung’s efforts extend beyond MD Anderson. She co-chairs the Quantitative Imaging for Assessment of Response in Oncology Committee of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) and co-presides over the Quantitative Medical Imaging Coalition (QMIC). She also chairs the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) AI Community of Practice, demonstrating a broad commitment to advancing data science in oncology on a global scale.
The Institute’s focus on data science aligns with a broader national effort to address foundational research gaps in the field. Dr. Chung previously served on a committee convened by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to identify future directions for digital twins in cancer research.
MD Anderson’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment is further exemplified by Dr. Chung’s leadership of Women in Cancer-All in Cancer, a non-profit organization dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and sponsorship within the cancer treatment community.
The Institute’s advisory council is intended to provide guidance and oversight, ensuring that data science efforts are strategically aligned with the institution’s overarching mission. The specific composition of the council and its initial priorities have not been publicly disclosed.
