Research in finding more effective treatments and cures for blood cancers is proceeding at an extraordinary and positive pace. In my laboratory at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center - which leads the nation in research on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) - we are pursuing many innovative approaches. We are constantly increasing our understanding of the genetics, biology, and immunology of CLL and the roles that environment and diet may play in the development and/or progression of such diseases.
We're not only involved in the discovery of genes involved in CLL, but also determining how those genes affect disease progression. In addition, we are identifying how leukemia cells differ from normal cells. By keying in on the features that distinguish cancer cells from normal cells, we can identify cancer-specific features that can then be targeted by novel agents, monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines, or gene therapy, potentially allowing for development of more specific and curative treatment for patients with this leukemia.
To continue with this rapid pace of research and discovery, we are recruiting talented scientists to join our team at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center.
The key to our success lies in the ability to explore every potential avenue to a cure. Simply put, the more scientists we can train, attract, and support to assist in the research process, the sooner we will find the treatments that will control CLL and other forms of blood cancer. Our research is not confined to the laboratory. In the unique setting of the Moores UCSD Cancer Center, we are working to bridge the clinic with the laboratory, conducting clinical trials using novel agents and treatment strategies, and striving to help cancer patients everyday. We are striving to serve the patient by quickly translating discoveries made in the laboratory to the clinic and to take unanswered questions back to the laboratory. This approach is improving our understanding of this disease and advancing our efforts to find curative treatments for CLL and related leukemias.
We sincerely thank the people who have contributed to the BCRF. In today's world of limited governmental resources, your donations are truly making a difference and helping to accelerate our efforts to find a cure for CLL and related blood cancers. Please help us to find a cure for this deadly disease by make a completely tax deductible donation to the BCRF. 96 cents of every dollar you contribute to the BCRF will go directly to the research to find a cure to blood cancers.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Kipps, M.D., Ph.D.
Interim Director
Deputy Director for Research
Evelyn and Edward Tasch Professor of Cancer Research
Moores UCSD Cancer Center