Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Turning the right genes “on” and “off” at the right times is critical for proper cell function. Faulty regulation of gene expression can contribute to cancer development. “If we can understand how genes are tightly regulated, then we might be able to target irregular gene expression for cancer treatment,” said Zu-Wen Sun, Ph.D., assistant professor [...]

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center has unveiled its newly expanded waiting area and additional clinic examination rooms for cancer patients and their families. The new, 10,000-square-foot space is located on the first floor of The Vanderbilt Clinic, across from the existing Cancer Center reception area. Patients and donors provided input on the space design, which has the [...]

The Melanoma Research Alliance has awarded a three-year, $2 million grant to a multi-center team of cancer researchers investigating resistance to a new family of BRAF-targeted kinase inhibitor drugs. These targeted therapies are being tested in melanoma patients whose tumors carry a specific genetic mutation known as V600E BRAF. Jeff Sosman, M.D., professor of Medicine [...]

Nearly two-dozen young professionals are harnessing their social, work and family networks to raise money for innovative cancer research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. This Young Ambassadors group has made a commitment to raise $35,000 to fund a VICC Discovery Grant, awarded to young cancer investigators who don’t yet have significant government or industry support to [...]

Nashville Business Journal has named four VUMC leaders to its list of Health Care Heroes for 2010. Those named were selected based on professional accomplishments, nomination strength and community involvement. • Dana Backlund, M.D., assistant professor of Medicine, was recognized in the Health Care Newcomer category. Backlund received her medical degree from the University of [...]

Faculty and staff, as well as patients and survivors, are invited to learn about joining Team Vanderbilt for the annual Race for the Cure, an awareness builder and fund-raiser for breast cancer research. The annual Komen for the Cure 5K event will be in Maryland Farms on Saturday, Oct. 9. Information breakfasts will be offered: [...]

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences has awarded a 5-year, $22.5 million “glue grant” to an international team of scientists who will investigate how the structure and movement (structural dynamics) of membrane proteins determine their functions, which range from generating cellular energy to helping hold cells in a tissue together. The funding establishes the [...]

Although nearly 80 percent of childhood cancer patients are surviving five years or more after diagnosis, they continue to face ongoing health risks – particularly the development of subsequent cancers. Debra Friedman, M.D., and colleagues assessed the incidence of subsequent cancers occurring five years or more after initial diagnosis among participants in the Childhood Cancer [...]

Stephen Fesik, Ph.D., has been awarded a National Institutes of Health Director’s Pioneer Award for his proposal to push the boundaries of drug discovery. Fesik, the Orrin H. Ingram II Chair in Cancer Research, is the first investigator from Vanderbilt to receive this coveted award. The 17 researchers honored this year join the 81 other [...]

A 68-year-old male with advanced prostate cancer lies on the operating table. A 1,500-pound contraption looms over him, its metal arms extend like tentacles into tiny holes in his abdomen. The surgeon sits at the far side of the room, face pressed into a large console, hands and feet manipulating controls. As the surgeon moves, [...]