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Spring 2016 : Moon Shots Program

Moon Shots Program

Results-oriented, patient-driven

MD Anderson’s Moon Shots Program is an unprecedented, comprehensive assault to significantly reduce cancer deaths and transform cancer care. Moon shot teams pursue innovative projects prioritized for greatest patient impact, including groundbreaking clinical trials of new cancer immunotherapies, targeted therapies and combinations. Longer-term collaboration to heighten molecular understanding of cancers and therapies aims to further improve translational research and move scientific findings into the clinic. Many moon shots also include prevention and early detection projects. Specialized platforms provide infrastructure, systems and strategy.

The ultimate goal is to apply knowledge gained from this process to all cancers. Moon shot efforts will help support all other cancer research at MD Anderson, particularly with improved resources and infrastructure. Funding is from private philanthropy, institutional earnings, competitive research grants and commercialization of new discoveries.

12 areas of focus:

As of Feb. 29, private philanthropic commitments to the program total more than $348.3 million.

More Stories From Promise

Until 20

Documentary celebrates the life, legacy of pediatric cancer advocate James Ragan

My Moon Shot

Ted Topolski, 74, of Houston, is a survivor of four cancers: B-cell lymphoma, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and skin cancer. Retired from technology sales at IBM and BMC Software, Topolski is the father of three and grandfather of six.

Survivors Say

Stephanne Davenport, a breast cancer survivor, is the treasurer of Montgomery County, Texas. Davenport has served in many leadership roles, helping found the Montgomery County Association of Business Women and earning the Women of Distinction award in 2013 from the Montgomery County Women's Council of Organizations. Throughout her treatment, Davenport served as a voice for her community.

iPromise

As a rising senior at Plano West Junior High School last year, Rissa Broudy was challenged by her Advanced Placement English teacher to address a meaningful problem that affects the lives of many. Rissa was inspired by the perseverance of her father, Scott Broudy, a melanoma and head and neck cancer patient at MD Anderson, and the care he receives at the institution. She saw the assignment as a way to spread melanoma prevention awareness and contribute to a family endowment named for Rissa and her sister, Linsey. In the process, she says, she learned the responsibility of a lifelong obligation and commitment to MD Anderson.

Among Friends

Getting to know: Nancy Loeffler

Nation's cancer research budget gets 5% increase

ACT for NIH leads successful grassroots effort

Color Me Pink benefit brings in the green

The Emma Jacobs Breast Cancer Foundation funds $200,000 for MD Anderson research

The fight continues

Cells donated, endowment created to support rare cancer research

Do stuff. Don't wait.

Cory Monzingo Foundation honors teen's memory.

Two gifts in one

Cotros family doubles impact in quest to end cancer

Shooting for a cure for pancreatic cancer

VanLoh family supports moon shot efforts for early detection

Updating the patient experience

Family invests in mobile technology to improve information access

Targeting TNBC

Lefkofsky Family Foundation funds promising research

Making Cancer History® in Florida

On the eve of MD Anderson's 11th annual educational seminar in the Palm Beach area, a reception hosted by Louise and Red Armour at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Fla. gave guests an opportunity to meet with leading oncologists and learn about the institution's mission to end cancer.