Rice University has been awarded new funding from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to advance its cancer research initiatives. This funding will enhance various projects, particularly in cancer immunotherapy and ovarian cancer studies. Notably, the investment will also support the expansion of the Genetic Design and Engineering Center (GDEC) with a $2 million renewal award, which aims to provide centralized resources for DNA tools used in cancer research. The GDEC, established in 2022, combines expertise in synthetic biology and genome engineering to streamline research efforts. Key projects funded include research by Anna-Karin Gustavsson on live visualization for radiation therapy, Peter Lillehoj's work on improving T cells, and Cynthia Reinhart-King's investigation into ovarian cancer spread. This funding is part of a broader trend in the U.S., where the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers has risen to 70%, reflecting significant advancements in treatment methodologies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies that utilize the body's immune system to combat cancer.