WASHINGTON (Feb. 12, 2013) – The Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Cancer Research Center, a catalyst for innovative cancer research in the Washington, D.C. area, will continue its mission of supporting non-traditional cancer research projects by offering a new, one-year postdoctoral fellowship, thanks to a generous gift from the Albert L. Tucker and Elizabeth T. Tucker Foundation.
“As a result of generous funding from the Tucker Foundation, The Katzen Cancer Research Center is offering a new research fellowship, that will sponsor a postdoctoral student to perform research into the causes or risk factors of a challenging form of cancer,” said Robert Siegel, M.D., chair of the Center and professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “Emphasis will be placed on the investigation of leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma or sarcoma, and pancreatic cancer.”
The fellowship will be given to postdoctoral scientists who propose highly innovative research projects that challenge the traditional paradigms of understanding the causes, mechanisms, progression, disease markers or risk factors of the most difficult-to-treat cancers, including multiple-myeloma, pancreatic, lung, liver, sarcomas, esophageal, brain, gastric, bone and ovarian cancers; and rare leukemias, lymphomas and myelodysplastic syndromes. While the review committee will evaluate candidates on categories such as significance, approach, investigators and environment, a strong emphasis on the innovation of the project will be considered.
“We are hopeful that this type of research will lead to breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating these cancers and thereby increase the likelihood of a cure,” said Siegel.
The Tucker Foundation is committed to promoting excellence in cancer research, diagnosis and treatment in the D.C. area.
“Albert and Elizabeth Tucker wanted their resources to be devoted to the most promising approaches to treat, cure, and eventually prevent cancer,” said Nicholas McConnell, president of the Albert L. and Elizabeth T. Tucker Foundation. “Funding a scholarship for post-Fellowship research by young medical scientists at the George Washington University’s Katzen Cancer Research Center advances their purpose in a particularly vital way.”
Founded in 2009 by Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen, The Katzen Cancer Research Center believes that funding such research could lead to breakthroughs for patients suffering from these types of cancers and increase their life expectancy. With new, state-of-the-art facilities, the Center is poised to expand its research efforts by adding scientists, clinicians and support staff dedicated to the detection and treatment of patients with cancer, blood disorders and bone marrow disease. The Center is also focused on providing the best possible care and environment for its patients, making it an important resource for health in the D.C. community.
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About the Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Cancer Research Center
The Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Cancer Research Center at The George Washington University was established in 2009 by a generous $10 million dollar charitable contribution from Dr. Cyrus Katzen and his wife, Myrtle. The goal of the Katzen Cancer Research Center is to attract outstanding scientists to contribute to the GW cancer research efforts. With the dedication of the new, state-of-the-art clinical facilities, funded by the donation, the Center is poised to considerably expand its research efforts by adding scientists, clinicians and support staff dedicated to the detection and treatment of patients with cancer, blood disorders and bone marrow disease.
