Summer 2008
(Download pdf version of Summer 2008)

On the Cover:
In the family hammock in his backyard, leukemia patient Jeff Headley takes some time to enjoy his children (from left) Jordan, 5; Alyssa, 3; Justin, 8; and Jayden, 18 months.

Table of Contents

Frontline

Obesity Increases Risk of Cancers in Mice 
M. D. Anderson researchers have evidence showing low-fat and low-calorie diets inhibit further development of precancerous growths in pancreatic and epithelial skin cancers in mice.

Empowering Natural Killer Cells
New ways to empower natural killer cells to fight leukemia, osteoscaracoma and neuroblastoma have been discovered by M. D. Anderson researchers and were presented at two conferences in May.

Features

Preparing the Next Generation
Selecting and preparing the next generation of bright young scientists is a top priority for M. D. Anderson’s leaders as they strive to fulfill the institution’s research mission more rapidly.

Honoring Sons, Recognizing Students
Two grateful mothers team up to honor their sons, who were successfully treated for testicular cancer, while providing scholarships for graduate students to conduct promising research.

Targeting Cancer Before It Starts
With a deep, personal commitment to cancer prevention and risk assessment, the Dan Duncan family has given M. D. Anderson the largest gift ever received for its cancer prevention program and the second-largest gift in the institution’s 67-year history.

Roll Up a Sleeve to Give a Gift
Sgt. Jeff Headley, a veteran of the Houston Police Department, is just one of many patients who depend on M. D. Anderson's Blood Bank.

Moving Forward

Stacy Duff
Pediatric patient with large B-cell lymphoma dances into her future.