Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Institute Without Walls |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Scientists who opened powerful new approach to preventing and treating cancer to receive David Workman Memorial Award from Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation NEW YORK, October 15, 2008 – On October 22, 2008, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation will honor two scientists whose research opened up a whole new approach to treating and preventing cancer. Dr. Stephen Baylin and Dr. Peter Jones will receive the David Workman Memorial Award at a dinner at the Metropolitan Museum. The David Workman Memorial Award celebrates advances in treating cancers where science had previously offered little hope. It is given every two years, and includes $50,000 to support a two year research project. The award honors the memory of David Workman, whose 20-year commitment helped the Foundation support research for cancers for which there were few or no life-saving treatments. Dr. Baylin and Dr. Jones identified molecular processes that silence genes which suppress tumors, thereby aiding the growth of cancers. This has led to research into new ways to treat and even prevent many kinds of cancer. This research had led to the successful use of less toxic drugs to restore normal gene function in the treatment of blood malignancies. Stephen B. Baylin, M.D. is Deputy Director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University and Virginia and DK Ludwig Professor of Oncology. Peter A. Jones, Ph.D., D.Sc. is Director of the University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Distinguished Professor of Urology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. About SWCRF The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) focuses on the most promising strategies for developing cures and treatments for many types of cancer. It even offers hope of being able to prevent cancer from developing. We are on the cutting edge of a revolution with alternatives to the traditional treatments of chemotherapy and radiation, which kill cancer (and healthy) cells. Foundation-supported research includes reprogramming chaotically growing cancer cells to behave normally, understanding cancer stem cells, and mobilizing the immune system. These will lead to precisely targeted treatments or preventatives which will have minimal side effects on. Established in 1976, the Foundation’s Institute Without Walls is a unique collaboration among the world-renowned scientists it funds, who share their knowledge to stimulate cross-fertilization and to accelerate the pace of research. The Foundation has made more than $60 million in grants, which train and support more than 160 scientists throughout the United States, Canada, China, Europe and Israel. More information at www.waxmancancer.org ### For additional information please contact Didi Lacher, 212/348-0136 x 24; dlacher@waxmancancer.org Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation 420 Lexington Ave., Suite 825 New York, New York 10170 (212) 867-4502 www.waxmancancer.org |