Spotlighting the Virtual Making Cancer History® Seminar Series

A new virtual series at MD Anderson gives anyone interested in cancer research the opportunity to learn from leading oncologists. Launched in February, the inaugural virtual Making Cancer History® Seminar Series occurs the second Tuesday of every month through July 2021.

The Making Cancer History® Seminar Series is not new to many MD Anderson friends and supporters, but the move to a virtual platform is novel. These virtual seminars give people across the nation the chance to hear from experts at the nation’s leading cancer hospital about our mission to end cancer. Each seminar begins with a presentation led by a member of MD Anderson’s renowned faculty, followed by a brief question-and-answer session. The event typically concludes with a patient testimonial.

Richard Bagdonas of Austin, a survivor of stage IV mantle cell lymphoma, shared his cancer journey with attendees during the March seminar, which focused on blood cancers. He reflected on what it was like to come to MD Anderson as a patient and undergo advanced treatments that he calls lifesaving. “They are here for you with one mission: to end cancer,” Bagdonas says.

The first seminar in February explored the innovative research MD Anderson’s drug discovery experts are conducting and how MD Anderson’s Accelerator Fund can help advance their research.

In April, Jim Ray, Ph.D., executive director of Neuroscience Research, presented MD Anderson’s work to find new treatments for those who have neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and provided information about the Neurodegeneration Consortium. Dr. Ray’s research focuses on understanding the nexus between aging, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

The upcoming event will feature Nadim J. Ajami, Ph.D., executive director of Scientific Research in Genomic Medicine. He will share his findings on how the gut microbiome can inform cancer treatment. You can register at mdanderson.org/virtualmch.

The series will also feature MD Anderson’s new Patient Mosaic™ program. Attendees will learn from program leader Andy Futreal, Ph.D., chair of Genomic Medicine, who will introduce this revolutionary platform designed to examine genetic variations found in each patient and each tumor to ensure that every patient benefits from and contributes to leading-edge cancer research.

Data science will be the featured topic at the final seminar this year and will be led by David Jaffray, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief technology and digital officer.

As the virtual Making Cancer History Seminar Series continues, you can register to attend the remaining 2021 sessions.