I am a proud Hoosier, valedictorian from Penn High School’s class of 2012, devout Christian and son of immigrant parents. I am training as a physician-scientist at the University of Chicago, where I investigate the immune system to develop better treatments for cancer patients.
In my laboratory, I study T cells, immune cells that kill cancer cells. We equip T cells with the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), a man-made “weapon” that helps them target cancer cells. The CAR, developed through decades of National Institutes of Health-backed academic collaboration, can help eliminate lymphomas in 40% of patients, giving many patients years of life and a possible cure. Using blood samples donated by cancer patients, we discovered how CAR T cells specialize and adapt in the human body. Our findings could increase the 40% response rate and inspire ways to improve CAR T-cell efficacy. I established these research projects with kind mentors, generous patients and support from the NIH.
I pursue my research, treat patients and benefit my community because of my formative years in South Bend. Penn High School nurtured my affinity for mathematics and science. Spell Bowl, Math Team and piano competitions built my diligence. South Bend was also where I discovered faith, which drives me to comprehend the creativity of God’s creation.
Sadly, my endeavors are threatened by funding cuts and political instability at the NIH, which may curtail the careers of many scientists. Grants have been canceled, funding has been terminated, students have been turned away and scientists have been fired. The NIH is certainly not perfect, and the public’s skepticism is understandable, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the solution is reform, not destruction.
The NIH has accelerated scientific research that makes America the preeminent country for medicine. In oncology alone, every modern treatment — chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, cellular therapy — was birthed from NIH-backed academic laboratories and physician-scientists. Most of these advancements were supported by your tax dollars through the NIH.
If this resonates with you, please consider supporting scientists by filling out the McClintock Letters Initiative survey at tiny.cc/sciencepledge. My colleagues and I are committed towards transparency and accountability, as we build the future of medicine.
Yifei Hu is training as a physician-scientist at the University of Chicago,
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: My cancer research is under threat. Here’s how you can support scientists. | Opinion
Reporting by Yifei Hu / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
