From Research to the Road: Dr. Sun and Team MM Cure Take on Audaxity

From the Lab to the Road, Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center researchers took on the Audaxity ride to end cancer.

Fumou Sun, PhD, an MCW Assistant Professor, Hematology and Oncology, has been a cheerleader for Audaxity since day one. When he first learned about the ride, he didn’t hesitate to join team “MM Cure.” The group of MCW of researchers focus on developing next-generation immunotherapy, particularly Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies to improve outcomes for patients with relapsed and refractory tumors.

The ride offered a unique experience that united people of all backgrounds — researchers, (like Team MM Cure), doctors, cyclists, patients, and families — anyone who believed in the shared mission to end cancer.

“Audaxity is a really powerful symbol for the doctors, researchers, and patients alike,” said Dr. Sun. “It continues to be a way for us to share our research with the community and demonstrate our commitment to making real progress.”

The researchers on team MM Cure aim to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T cells while tackling key challenges such as resistance and safety concerns. In collaboration with Froedtert & MCW’s exceptional clinical team, Dr. Sun is dedicated to translating these therapies into clinical trials, bridging the gap between innovative laboratory research and transformative patient care.

On ride day, Dr. Sun traded his lab coat for a bike helmet and took on the six-mile Cruiser Ride around American Family Field. Dr. Sun rode alongside his his 70-year-old former supervisor and lifelong mentor, Siegfried Janz, MD (“Siggy”), the Director of Myeloma Research at MCW. Having served at MCW for more than eight years, Dr. Janz continues to dedicate himself tirelessly to advancing myeloma research. Together, the pair proved that no matter your background, Audaxity was a ride for everyone.

“Siggy has an agile mind for science, continues making discoveries, and rode with incredible energy,” said Dr. Sun. “He reminded me that passion and perseverance know no limits, and we should all push to keep riding, whether it’s on the road or in the lab making breakthroughs.”