Our focus is on Southern California, the hub for some of the world’s leading research institutions and home to our founding physicians.
Inspired by the most promising science, we fund leading local researchers, making us a launchpad for additional funding and discoveries here and on the global stage.
Our focus is funding basic scientific research to uncover the mechanisms by which cancer develops and spreads, creating a path to effectively treating and preventing the disease.
These grants include:
- One-Year Career Development Grants
- Five-Year $500,000 Senior Investigator Grants

Funded Research
-
A Novel Approach to Elicit Anti-tumor Immunity Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia
$500,000 Tower Senior Investigator Grant
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a relatively poor outcome, compared with those with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), another major type of leukemia. AML patients are associated with a high risk of disease come-back. Currently, immunotherapies, which mobilize a patient’s own T cells to eliminate cancer cells, have proven effective against other leukemias, particularly ALL. However, currently available immunotherapy approaches have been less effective against AML. Recently, several biology studies have shown that stimulating endogenous transposable elements, namely, long-interspersed-element-1 (L1), can induce a strong anti-tumor immune response. Herein, our preliminary study in an AML mouse model showed that antagonizing a novel enzyme can promote L1 and stimulation of the immune system, blocking disease development. Dr. Li proposes that this new drug could be developed as an anti-AML therapy and tested either alone or combined with other immunotherapies in future clinical trials.
Ling Li, PhDCity of Hope -
Exploring DOCK2 Activation In Drug Resistance And Pathogenesis Of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
$100,000 Tower Career Development Grant
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults— DOCK2 is a key protein in cell signaling pathways that contributes to the development and progression of CLL. Dr. Hasan’s research suggests that DOCK2 could be neutralized by an antibody called cirmtuzumab or inhibitors called ibrutinib/acalabrutinib.
In fact, combining the two may become the answer to treating CLL, and this TCRF-funded project will provide the research support necessary to make such a treatment possible, which would improve the quality of life of CLL and related blood cancer patients.
Md Kamrul Hasan, PhDUniversity of California, San Diego -
Uncovering the Scope of DFFB-Mediated Cancer-Acquired Drug Resistance
$100,000 Tower Career Development Grant
This research’s focus is on how to increase the durability of cancer treatment responses and prevent the emergence of drug resistance; specifically identifying new therapeutic targets and approaches which eradicate minimal residual disease that persists in patients after initial treatment responses. This work has the potential to reveal new therapies which will transform transient responses into cures for patients.
Matthew Hangauer, PhDUniversity of California, San Diego
2022 Senior Investigator

Ling Li, PhD
Research Title: A Novel Approach to Elicit Anti-tumor Immunity
Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Additional Funded Researchers
Inspired by the most promising science, we’re creating outsized impact.
*Data from the inception of TCRF’s Career Development Grants in 2006 to 2021
Scientific Advisory Board
Paul
Boutros,
PhD, MBA
John
Carpten,
PhD
Xiaojiang
Chen,
PhD
Gay M.
Crooks,
MD
John F.
DiPersio,
MD, PhD
Mitchell E.
Gross,
MD, PhD
Solomon I.
Hamburg,
MD-PhD
Steven
Jonas,
MD, PhD
Michael
Karin,
PhD
Akil
Merchant,
MD
Edwin
Posadas,
MD
Michael F.
Press,
MD, PhD
Saul
Priceman,
PhD
Matthew
Rettig,
MD
Antoni
Ribas,
MD
Fred
Rosenfelt,
MD
Evanthia
Roussos Torres,
MD, PhD
Joshua
P. Sasine,
MD, PhD
Lili
Yang,
PhD
Impact begins here,
and it starts with you.
Together we can build a better future, free from the burden of cancer.
All of our research is made possible through the generous support of people like you.