Cancer Research Foundation

We're pleased to introduce another of our 2026 Young Investigator Award recipients: Lillian Eichner, PhD, of Northwestern Medicine.

Dr. Eichner is studying LKB1 mutant lung adenocarcinoma, an aggressive form of lung cancer associated with poor outcomes and limited treatment options. Her research explores senescence, a natural process that stops damaged cells from continuing to grow, and how it might be harnessed to fight cancer.

Her lab recently identified a protein that appears to suppress genes involved in senescence in lung tumors. Building on this discovery, Dr. Eichner’s team developed a new mouse model to study how senescence can be reactivated, with early findings pointing to promising new therapeutic strategies.

Research like Dr. Eichner’s is helping push the boundaries of how cancer may one day be treated and prevented, exactly the kind of innovative science the Cancer Research Foundation is proud to support.

Our team recently participated in our annual Day of Service at Ronald McDonald House (Central DuPage Hospital).

Spending time with an organization that provides comfort, care, and support to families during challenging times was a meaningful reminder that community is built through both mission and showing up for one another.

Thank you to Ronald McDonald House Charities for the important work you do and for welcoming our team. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve.

You’re invited!
Join the Cancer Research Foundation for a Virtual Lunch & Learn featuring Dr. David Y. Chen, a 2022 CRF grant recipient from Washington University in St. Louis.

Dr. Chen’s research looks at how aging skin cells differ from younger cells — and how those changes may contribute to skin cancer. His work could help lead to new ways to treat and prevent skin cancers.

📅 Wednesday, February 18
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM
💻 Virtual (Zoom)
👉 RSVP to receive the link