MD Anderson experts join new Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

Summer 2016 : MD Anderson experts join new Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

MD Anderson experts join new Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

Largest single contribution to breakthrough field funds alliance of six cancer centers

Cancer immunotherapy leaders at MD Anderson will work with experts at five other cancer centers in a new alliance funded by the largest single contribution ever made to the field. The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, created with a $250 million grant from the Parker Foundation, focuses on accelerating progress in the breakthrough field that helps the immune system attack cancers. Each center received initial funding of $10-15 million in the first year to establish the Parker Institute onsite. This investment will grow annually through project grants, shared resources and central funding.

Initially, five MD Anderson researchers will fully participate in the Parker Institute at MD Anderson:

Director: Jim Allison, Ph.D., chair, Immunology, and executive director, MD Anderson's immunotherapy platform
Co-director: Padmanee Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., professor, Genitourinary Medical Oncology, and scientific director of the immunotherapy platform
Cassian Yee, M.D., professor, Melanoma Medical Oncology, and co-leader of the Adoptive Cell Therapy platform
Elizabeth Mittendorf, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, Breast Surgical Oncology
Jennifer Wargo, M.D., associate professor, Surgical Oncology and Genomic Medicine

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Certain forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV) cause common skin warts (papillomas). Others can lead to cancer, including cervical (90%), oropharyngeal (70%), vulvar (70%), vaginal (70%), penile (more than 60%) and anal (90%).

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Results-oriented, patient-driven

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Kara Million, of Houston, is a mother of two and a two-time cancer survivor. A volunteer for myCancerConnection and an advocate for raising awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV), Kara says the Moon Shots Program will be key to ending cancer for good.

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Getting to know: Kelli Kickerillo

Native Houstonian Kelli Kickerillo knows a thing or two about a successful event. As chair of the 2015 Houston A Conversation With a Living Legend®, Kelli and her husband, Todd Forester, raised more than $1 million for MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program. Kelli serves as events chair for MD Anderson's Advance Team, a volunteer board of "next generation" community and business leaders. No matter what the event, Kelli and her family remain focused on Making Cancer History® for cancer patients and survivors around the world.

Survivors Say

Lauren Erdmann, of Midland, is a three-time cancer survivor. She enjoys spending time with her family, including the newest addition: a sister-in-law. She also enjoys working at her parents' business, Advance Kwik Lube. Erdmann has traveled to Cancun and Hawaii with her family, and they plan a cruise to Alaska and Canada later this year.

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iPromise

Jan Bres' husband, Tom, died at 54 from glioblastoma. During his 15-month fight, Tom and Jan learned of The Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research, founded in 2011 by James and Jamie Broach after James was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer. James, who died in 2013, and Jamie made it their mission to promote funding and education so effective treatments, and ultimately a cure, might be found. The nonprofit has raised $4 million to support brain cancer research under the leadership of Frederick Lang, M.D., director of Clinical Research, Neurosurgery.