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Understanding Cancer SeriesCrystal Mackall, M.D., from the Pediatric Oncology Branch in NCI’s Center for Cancer Research, discusses research into pediatric cancers: how they differ from adult cancers, unique challenges, and the importance or pursuing these rarer malignancies.
Orentas receiving research grant award at Hyundai Hope On Wheels ceremony
Hyundai Hope On Wheels handprint ceremony
Rimas Orentas, Ph.D., from NCI’s Pediatric Oncology Branch in the Center for Cancer Research, is one of the 2012 recipients of a $250,000 research grant from Hyundai Hope On Wheels. This grant, given in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, will allow Orentas to focus on new therapeutics for immunotherapy of pediatric tumors. Dr. Orentas’ current research focuses on the engineering of T lymphocytes for the immunotherapy of cancer in both mouse and human systems.
Orentas received his award at a Hyundai Hope On Wheels handprint ceremony where young cancer patients placed their paint-coated, colorful handprints on his lab coat.
Hyundai Hope On Wheels involves more than 800 dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness for childhood cancer. The nonprofit has committed close to $57 million to childhood cancer research since its inception in 1998.
Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D.
Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., a pioneer in the fields of basic tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy, can add recipient of the 17th annual Keio Medical Science Prize to his list of academic and professional honors.
The prize, awarded by Keio University in Tokyo, recognizes the outstanding and creative achievements of researchers in the fields of medicine and life sciences, in particular those contributing to scientific developments in medicine. Six recipients of the Keio Medical Science Prize have later won the Nobel Prize.
Rosenberg, chief of surgery at the National Cancer Institute and head of the Tumor Immunology Section in NCI’s Center for Cancer Research, has been at the forefront of efforts to develop an effective immunotherapy for human cancer. In his recent work, he has used genetic engineering to develop anti-tumor immune lymphocytes.
“I am deeply grateful to the selection committee for awarding me the very prestigious Keio Medical Science Prize,” Rosenberg said. “This award recognizes our efforts to develop new immunotherapies for patients with cancer. It is a great honor to be able to work to develop new treatments for patients with this devastating disease.”