Early Detection of Lung Cancer Research Grants
Monday, November 10, 2025
A UI Health team of physicians, nurses and scientists, including some University of Illinois Cancer Center members, is using artificial intelligence and molecular science to catch lung cancer earlier and better understand who is most at risk.
Their work, along with two recent research grants focused on the early detection of lung cancer, was featured in UIC Today. The Cancer Center is part of UI Health, the academic health enterprise of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
Pictured (left to right): Mary Pasquinelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC; Kevin Kovitz, MD, MBA, FCCP, FACP; and Frank Weinberg, MD, PhD
"At UI Health, we are working as a team to move beyond traditional screening — to predict, prevent and ultimately reduce the number of people who ever develop advanced lung cancer disease,” said Frank Weinberg, MD, PhD, leader of the Thoracic Oncology Program and a Cancer Center member.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, claiming more lives than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined.
The UI Health Lung Cancer Program brings together experts from across disciplines, including Interventional Pulmonology Director Kevin Kovitz, MD, MBA, FCCP, FACP; Lung Cancer Screening Program Director Mary Pasquinelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, who is part of the Cancer Center; and Weinberg, alongside thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists and population health scientists. Together, they are building a comprehensive, team-based model of care that bridges the clinic, lab and community.
