Hormel Institute hosts MN Chemoprevention Consortium

Today researchers from The Hormel Institute, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, and Hormel Foods gathered virtually for the Minnesota Chemoprevention Consortium meeting. The Minnesota Chemoprevention Consortium (MC2) is a group of MN organizations interested in promoting research related to the development and delivery of cancer treatments other than traditional chemotherapy, as well as the integration of agriculture and medicine.

Today Dr. Leena Hilakivi-Clarke, head of the Women’s Health lab and Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at UMN, presented “Combating the deadly effects of social isolation on breast cancer with herbal mixture Jaeumkanghwa-tang.” Dr. Hilakivi-Clarke joined The Hormel Institute last fall and focuses her research on the effect of diet on breast cancer risk.

Other presentations included “Team science based cancer prevention opportunities: NCI and regional” by Dr. Frank Ondrey, Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, and “Navigating the IRB, an insider’s perspective” by Dr. Tim Starr, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.

The MC2 group meets quarterly to exchange new research ideas. Meetings have been held virtually since early 2020 and are hosted by the member organizations.