Research Leader Named to Rutgers Cancer Institute from National Cancer Institute to Build World-Class Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs

New Brunswick, N.J., January 11, 2021 – Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has named Christian Hinrichs, MD, as Chief of the Section of Cancer Immunotherapy and Co-Director of the Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence, along with Eileen White, PhD, deputy director and chief scientific officer at Rutgers Cancer Institute. Dr. Hinrichs, whose expertise is immunotherapy exploration, was recruited from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) where he most recently served as a tenured Senior Investigator in the Genitourinary Malignancies Branch. He begins his new role today.

His research focuses on tumor response and resistance with notable accomplishment in the development of cellular therapy for common cancers that begin in epithelial cells – cells in the tissue that line the body’s organs. Hinrichs also has discovered and is developing new treatments for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers and other types of cancer. This work includes the discovery of genes for T-cell receptors that target HPV.  He holds several patents associated with his research and has invented technologies licensed to industry that are being developed as new cancer treatments under his leadership.

Hinrichs was selected in 2015 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a Lasker Clinical Research Scholar as part of a joint initiative with the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation to support talented, early-stage researchers in independent clinical and translational investigation. A key feature of this program is the transition of funded scholars who are conducting intramural research under the NIH umbrella to continue with that work at external institutions. With his recruitment to Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hinrichs is the first Lasker Scholar to make this transition.

“The recruitment of Dr. Hinrichs enables us to build world-class tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy programs. Leveraging his expertise in tumor immunology with that of Dr. White in the area of cancer metabolism, the exploration conducted through the Center of Excellence will help us understand why some patients respond to cancer treatments and others do not and lead to the development of clinical trials to test novel cancer treatments,” shares Rutgers Cancer Institute Director Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, who is also senior vice president of oncology services for RWJBarnabas Health. “Dr. Hinrichs’ vast leadership accomplishments complement our wide-ranging scope as an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and will contribute to further elevating Rutgers Cancer Institute as a leading research authority in our state and nation. We are thrilled to have Dr. Hinrichs join our team and lead our efforts in tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy.”

“With strong cancer care and basic research, cutting-edge cell therapy manufacturing facilities, and generous philanthropic support of the Center of Excellence, Rutgers Cancer Institute is positioned to be an international leader in tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy research. I look forward to working with Dr. White to develop a center that integrates her ground-breaking research in cancer metabolism and cutting-edge immunotherapy to improve cancer treatment for patients,” notes Hinrichs, who also holds a faculty appointment as a professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Hinrichs was formally trained in surgery, surgical oncology, internal medicine, medical oncology and tumor immunology, which provides clinical breadth and depth to his work and how it translates to patients. He presents regularly at national and international oncology meetings and is the author of numerous publications including book chapters.

About Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

As New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rutgers Cancer Institute, together with RWJBarnabas Health, offers the most advanced cancer treatment options including bone marrow transplantation, proton therapy, CAR T-cell therapy and complex surgical procedures.  Along with clinical trials and novel therapeutics such as precision medicine and immunotherapy – many of which are not widely available – patients have access to these cutting-edge therapies at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital in Newark, as well as through RWJBarnabas Health facilities. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 848-932-8013 or visit www.cinj.org/giving.

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