Champions of Translational Research: Scholars Recognized

Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) is proud to announce the induction of two physician-scientists, Shane Lloyd, MD, MHS, and Christos Vaklavas, MD, as members of The Society of Huntsman Translational Scholars.

Lloyd’s research focuses on improving cancer care and the delivery of radiation therapy through clinical trials that bring scientific discoveries to patients, while Vaklavas focuses on bringing groundbreaking laboratory discoveries closer to clinical application through collaborative breast cancer research and prospective clinical trials. The Society of Huntsman Translational Scholars supports scientists who focus on translating research discoveries made in the lab into innovations that improve survivorship for cancer patients. Scholars receive financial support for their scientific work, have opportunities for mentorship, and collaborate with other society members in advancing scientific discoveries.

“This initiative represents the very best of our mission by accelerating discoveries from the laboratory into meaningful advances for patients,” says Bradley Cairns, PhD, CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute. “Dr. Lloyd and Dr. Vaklavas embody the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Huntsman Cancer Institute. Their work demonstrates how translational research can reshape the future of cancer care, and we are proud to support their leadership as they push the boundaries of what is possible for cancer patients.”

Lloyd is a physician-scientist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and an associate
professor of radiation oncology at the U. He specializes in treating patients with head and neck, gastrointestinal, and skin cancers. His research focuses on improving cancer care and the delivery of radiation therapy by designing and leading clinical trials that bring basic science discoveries into the clinic. He collaborates with basic scientists to better understand the mechanisms of radiation action and improve treatment effectiveness. His work seeks to determine the best ways to combine radiation therapy with chemotherapy, surgery, and experimental therapeutics to reduce side effects and improve patient outcomes.

“It is a great honor to be chosen as a member of The Society of Huntsman Translational Scholars,” Lloyd says. “I look forward to new opportunities to tackle important scientific questions, and even better collaboration with my fantastic colleagues at Huntsman Cancer Institute and beyond.”

Vaklavas is a physician-scientist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and a professor of internal medicine at the U who specializes in treating breast cancer. His work focuses on bringing groundbreaking science from Huntsman Cancer Institute labs closer to clinical applications. He collaborates closely with Alana Welm, PhD, senior director of basic science at Huntsman Cancer Institute and chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences at the U, using patient-derived breast cancer models that closely emulate human disease to better understand tumor biology. Vaklavas and his collaborators have extended this work into prospective clinical trials, leveraging innovative uses of patient-derived models to help inform medical decision-making.

“This award would not have been possible without the tireless work of many unsung heroes in the Huntsman Cancer Institute labs making groundbreaking discoveries,” Vaklavas adds. “There is a pressing need that our patients benefit from these discoveries and we physician-scientists are here to bridge that gap.”

“Our Translational Scholars are catalysts for progress,” says Neli Ulrich, PhD, MS, executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center and chief scientific officer at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Jon and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor in Cancer Research, and professor of population health sciences at the U. “Dr. Lloyd and Dr. Vaklavas bring extraordinary dedication to bridging scientific discovery with clinical impact, ensuring that breakthroughs in our labs translate into better treatments and better lives for the people we serve. Their commitment reflects the strength of our physician-scientist community and the collaborative environment that makes Huntsman Cancer Institute a leader in cancer innovation.”