Here is a quick overview of our programs and accomplishments. Follow the links for more information on specific topics, and contact us if you can’t find the information you’re looking for on the site.

Fast facts about CRI

Institute profile

• Founded in 1953 by Helen Coley Nauts to continue the work begun by her father, Dr. William B. Coley, who pioneered non-surgical, immune-based treatments for cancer
• 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization headquartered in New York City, with volunteer offices in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Texas, and Virginia
• Scientific Advisory Council composed of 71 leading immunologists, including 5 Nobel laureates, 30 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 23 members of the Academy of Cancer Immunology 

Cancer immunology

• Field of medical research and clinical practice based on the immune system’s role in preventing, controlling, or treating cancer
• Explores cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and other possible methods of harnessing the body’s natural defenses
• CRI programs have been instrumental in pioneering the field and funding discoveries, offering hope for the ultimate prevention and treatment of cancer

Research milestones & funding

• Over the past decade-and-a-half, validation of four key principles of cancer immunology has made the Institute’s vision tenable. Thanks to the work of CRI scientists and others, we now have evidence that:
  • (1) the immune system protects against cancer development and can check growth of established tumors;
  • (2) cancer-specific markers called antigens are recognized and targeted for attack by the immune system;
  • (3) patients whose tumors show signs of infiltration by immune cells fare better than patients whose tumors do not; and
  • (4) therapies that strengthen the immune response confer clinical benefit on cancer patients. Taken together, these advances in cancer immunology have provided a firm theoretical basis to test the validity of cancer vaccines as a therapeutic strategy.
• First vaccine for cervical cancer, discovered by CRI-funded scientist Dr. Ian Frazer
• Licensing agreement for tumor-specific antigens between GlaxoSmithKline and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, CRI’s partner in the Cancer Vaccine Collaborative, to develop vaccines for melanoma, breast, head and neck, bladder and liver cancers
• Since inception, has supported 2,800+ scientists and clinicians at leading universities, hospitals, and research centers worldwide.
• Provided more than $11.5 million in training and research grants to 198 investigators in 2007, encompassing 82 institutions in 14 countries 

Research programs

• Predoctoral Emphasis Pathway in Tumor Immunology program supports doctoral students planning to pursue a career in cancer immunology
• Irvington Institute Fellowship Program of the Cancer Research Institute  helps to train young immunologists at leading universities and research centers
• Investigator Award Program supports assistant professors undertaking their first independent investigations in basic and tumor immunology
• Clinical Investigation Program, composed of:
  • Coordinated Cancer Initiatives strategic funding program mobilizes experts in different scientific disciplines to collaborate in key areas
  • Cancer Vaccine Collaborative is a joint program with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and is the world’s first and only coordinated global network of academic, early-phase clinical trials to accelerate laboratory discoveries into vaccine therapies
  • Cancer Vaccine Consortium is an international association providing dialogue and opportunities for collaboration among pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic institutions engaged in cancer vaccine research and development 
• Designated Grants Program supports research for which, in most cases, funds have been raised specifically
  • AIDS Program funds investigations into how the AIDS virus infects the cells of the immune system and how the virus can be deterred.
  • Concern Foundation Program provides support from CRI and Concern Foundation for Cancer Research of Beverly Hills to one of the world’s leading tumor biologists, Dr. George Klein at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden
  • Gar Reichman Program supports the work of Dr. Malcolm A.S. Moore, who heads the Gar Reichman Laboratory and is the Enid A. Haupt Chair in Cell Biology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Patient care

• The Drive Against Prostate Cancer supports Thor Industries' mobile clinics that provide free prostate cancer screenings to men across the United States

Honorary awards

• William B. Coley Award for Distinguished Research in Basic and Tumor Immunology honors outstanding scientific achievements in basic and tumor immunology
• Oliver R. Grace Award for Distinguished Service in Advancing Cancer Research Recognition recognizes the impact made by philanthropic and corporate contributions to cancer research
• Helen Coley Nauts Service Award is bestowed on individuals who make significant contributions of time, energy, and service to the Institute 

Conferences & educational programs

• Annual International Symposia Series for scientists and clinicians stimulates new ideas and collaborations on cancer vaccines and antibody-based therapies 
• Breakthroughs at Breakfast morning lecture series of CRI-funded scientists discussing their current research studies
• The Future of Cancer Therapy evening discussion program for people interested in cutting-edge cancer research
• Public information program, including guides for cancer patients and assistance in locating immunotherapy clinical trials

Publication series

• The Researcher tri-annual newsletter features scientist interviews, donor and staff profiles, and news and events information
• Visionary is a quarterly newsletter that presents different planned giving options and discusses the value of cancer research donations
• Lab Notes tri-annual update on noteworthy scientific accomplishments of CRI researchers as reported in peer reviewed scientific literature
• E-mail bulletins on CRI news, fundraising, and events

Donations & charity ratings

• Offers several donation options, including planned giving, special-purpose giving, workplace giving/matching gifts, and cash and property donations
• Keeps overhead from fundraising and administrative costs to a minimum; in 2007, CRI dedicated more than 87 percent of its operating budget to its programs
• Earns “A” grade from the American Institute of Philanthropy for fiscal disclosure and efficiency
• Member organization of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance