Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program

2008 Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Retreat The 2008 Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Retreat was held in May more

Over the past year we have been successful in recruiting several outstanding young physician-scientists to join us in HOPP, such that as of December 2007, we already had nine faculty members. Together, these individuals bring expertise in prostate, breast, lung, and thyroid cancers, as well as sarcoma, melanoma, glioblastoma, and leukemia, and have clinical training in oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, endocrinology, and pathology. We have also established infrastructure within HOPP to conduct molecular profiling studies of patient material on a routine basis. This information will guide the appropriate use of new molecularly targeted therapies in the clinical trials conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

The success of HOPP depends on philanthropic support to bring highly talented individuals from top medical schools and cancer centers from around the country. That support is particularly critical now, as new faculty must purchase equipment and hire research staff during the initial years of their appointment before they can begin to attract Federal support for their work from the National Cancer Institute and other funding agencies. The investments made so far are already beginning to pay off. Clinical trials of new molecularly targeted drugs for prostate cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma -- all based on discoveries made in the laboratories of HOPP faculty -- are currently underway at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

Faculty: