Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program
Anil K. Sood, M.D.
Director
The Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program is a multi-disciplinary integration of research, patient care, education and prevention initiatives focused on ovarian cancer.
The program leads the nation in innovative research into the causes, prevention, detection and treatment of ovarian cancer under the leadership of director Anil K. Sood, M.D., whose international reputations advance the program’s mission to find a cure for ovarian cancer by creating collaborative research for improving diagnosis and treatment.
The program’s goals are to develop:
- A new understanding of the causes of ovarian cancer;
- New methods for detecting and diagnosing ovarian cancer; and
- Targeted therapies that are specific for an individual’s disease.
The research program is named after two women whose families provided seed money, funding and a voice in the community about ovarian cancer.
Laura Lee Scurlock Blanton served as honorary chair for the Sprint for Life 5K Run/Walk and was a lifetime member of MD Anderson's Board of Visitors. Mrs. Blanton lost her valiant fight against ovarian cancer on August 6, 1999, at the age of 71.
Members of Laura Lee Scurlock Blanton's family are featured in the photograph above. (From left, Eddy Scurlock Blanton, Sr., Kelli Blanton and Harrison Blanton.)
Sandra G. Davis battled ovarian cancer for four years before succumbing on February 29, 1996 at the age of 49. Her husband, Lee Davis, donated seed money in his wife's name to create the Ovarian Cancer Research Program. He continues to serve as a program advisor.
Members of Sandra G. Davis' family are featured in the photograph above. (From left, Barb Davis, Lee Davis, Kimberly Davis Sperling, Sandra Schmitz and Wendy Davis Schmitz.)
