Spring 2015
In this issue of Conquest, you’ll read about the Hospital School at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, which helps pediatric patients keep up with their studies during treatment. In addition, you’ll find stories about the many ways the institution is helping young people battle and beat cancer today, as well as prevent the disease tomorrow.
Addison Marshall, 22, is on the fast track to success. He’s a student at
Texas A&M University carrying a full course load while studying to
become a physician assistant. He works at a physical therapy clinic in
College Station and teaches a 6 a.m. fitness and conditioning class at a
local gym.
The awards will fund research for treatment and prevention of many types
of cancer.
Patrick Hwu, M.D., joined MD Anderson in 2003 as the first chair of
Melanoma Medical Oncology.
The American Association for Cancer Research Academy recognizes those
who’ve made significant contributions to cancer research.
The Little Yogis Program at the Children’s Cancer Hospital provides
young patients tools to cope with the pain, anxiety and fear they may
face as they undergo treatment.
MD Anderson will lend its cancer prevention expertise to the Coordinated
Approach to Child Health (CATCH) program, which is used in schools and
after-school programs across the nation. Initial efforts will focus on
preventing skin cancer and tobacco use.
While being treated at MD Anderson as a child, Meisha Brown was inspired
to pursue a career in medical research. Today, she’s a cancer advocate
and pursuing her Ph.D.
According to researchers at MD Anderson, in the next 15 years, more than
one in 10 colon cancers and nearly one in four rectal cancers will be
diagnosed in patients younger than the traditional screening age.
When caught early, lung cancer can be cured; however, it almost always
goes undetected till it’s too late. Researchers are working on a blood
test that will reveal the disease in the early stages.
In the modern world of biomedical research, collaboration between
academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies is becoming more and
more prevalent, necessary and productive.
Many patients who travel to MD Anderson from outside the Houston area
for treatment face the difficult task of finding an affordable place to
stay. Several nonprofit groups have been established to help.
Eighteen years after completing his surgical oncology fellowship at MD
Anderson, Francis Spitz, M.D., is back with the institution — but not in Houston.