The awards will fund research for treatment and prevention of many types of cancer.
Spring 2015 : Cancer Frontline
DePinho elected to top cancer research academy
The American Association for Cancer Research Academy recognizes those who’ve made significant contributions to cancer research.
MD Anderson President Ron DePinho, M.D., has been inducted as a new fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy. He joins 10 other cancer leaders as new inductees in the prestigious academy, which recognizes those who’ve made significant contributions to cancer research.
All fellows are nominated and elected through a rigorous peer review process conducted by existing AACR members and ratified by its executive committee. This process involves an assessment of each candidate’s scientific achievements in cancer research and cancer-related biomedical science.
“Our 2015 class of fellows includes 11 luminaries in the cancer research field, in honor of the 11 founders of the AACR in 1907,” says Margaret Foti, M.D., Ph.D., AACR chief executive officer. “We’re delighted to recognize the incredible scientific accomplishments of these illustrious researchers and celebrate how their dedicated efforts have helped accelerate the pace of progress against many of the hundreds of diseases we collectively call cancer.” According to the AACR, this “brain trust” of global leaders in cancer research offers invaluable insight into the future of cancer research and patient care, and continues to work with the AACR in its mission to prevent and cure all cancers.
“Dr. DePinho’s outstanding work in basic and translational research in cancer, aging and age-associated degenerative disorders has been internationally recognized,” says The University of Texas System Chancellor William H. McRaven. “His selection as a member of this notable academy is further testament to his significant contributions to cancer science.”
DePinho joins seven other MD Anderson faculty members who’ve previously been named to the academy. They are James Allison, Ph.D., Isaiah Fidler, Ph.D., D.V.M., Emil Freireich, M.D., Waun Ki Hong, M.D., V. Craig Jordan, Ph.D., Margaret Kripke, Ph.D., John Mendelsohn, M.D., and Louise Strong, M.D.
More Stories From Conquest
Hwu named head of cancer medicine
Patrick Hwu, M.D., joined MD Anderson in 2003 as the first chair of Melanoma Medical Oncology.
Continuing education
Addison Marshall, 22, is on the fast track to success. He’s a student at Texas A&M University carrying a full course load while studying to become a physician assistant. He works at a physical therapy clinic in College Station and teaches a 6 a.m. fitness and conditioning class at a local gym.
The warrior pose
The Little Yogis Program at the Children’s Cancer Hospital provides young patients tools to cope with the pain, anxiety and fear they may face as they undergo treatment.
Living a long life starts early
MD Anderson will lend its cancer prevention expertise to the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) program, which is used in schools and after-school programs across the nation. Initial efforts will focus on preventing skin cancer and tobacco use.
The unstoppable Meisha Brown
While being treated at MD Anderson as a child, Meisha Brown was inspired to pursue a career in medical research. Today, she’s a cancer advocate and pursuing her Ph.D.
Colorectal cancer doesn’t care how old you are
According to researchers at MD Anderson, in the next 15 years, more than one in 10 colon cancers and nearly one in four rectal cancers will be diagnosed in patients younger than the traditional screening age.
Getting the drop on lung cancer
When caught early, lung cancer can be cured; however, it almost always goes undetected till it’s too late. Researchers are working on a blood test that will reveal the disease in the early stages.
MD Anderson puts the lab in collaborations
In the modern world of biomedical research, collaboration between academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies is becoming more and more prevalent, necessary and productive.
Suite Relief
Many patients who travel to MD Anderson from outside the Houston area for treatment face the difficult task of finding an affordable place to stay. Several nonprofit groups have been established to help.
Cooperating with Cooper to make great care even better
Eighteen years after completing his surgical oncology fellowship at MD Anderson, Francis Spitz, M.D., is back with the institution — but not in Houston.