Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, FACP, Named New CEO of NCCN
Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, FACP, is the incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and will replace the retiring longtime CEO, Robert W. Carlson, MD.
"I have wanted to be a doctor since first grade, and an oncologist since high school. I've experienced firsthand what it means to be there for a loved one while they face cancer, both early stage and advanced disease," said Denlinger. "In my years of seeing patients, managing clinical trials, and helping to update international, evidence-based standards for care, I have seen tremendous progress in cancer therapy and outcomes. I am eager to continue serving wherever I can do the most good for the greatest number of people-which is why I am so honored and excited to accept the role of CEO with NCCN. I am grateful to Dr. Carlson-as well as the NCCN Board of Directors and all of my colleagues-for this opportunity."
Denlinger previously served as Chief of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Deputy Director of the Early Drug Development Phase 1 Program, Director of the Survivorship Program, and Associate Professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center. She continues as Adjunct Faculty at the center. In addition, she was named an NCCN Young Investigator Awardee in 2012 and received the NCCN Rodger Winn Award in 2018 for exemplifying leadership, drive, and commitment in service to developing NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.
"I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Denlinger as NCCN's new CEO and look forward to seeing NCCN continue to build on our numerous and longstanding successes helping all people with cancer to live better lives," Carlson noted. "It has been an extreme honor to work with so many dedicated colleagues, patients, and advocates to profoundly improve access to high-quality cancer care over the years."
"Dr. Denlinger is the perfect person to build on Dr. Carlson's impressive and enduring work leading this premier oncology organization," said John W. Sweetenham, MD, FRCP, FACP, FASCO, Professor of Medicine and Associate Director for Cancer Network Clinical Affairs at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern and Chair of the NCCN Board of Directors. "She has shown a career-long commitment to improving outcomes and experiences for all people with cancer. Dr. Denlinger is beloved throughout NCCN and the larger oncology community. Her tireless efforts and excellence treating patients, advancing new research, forging partnerships, and advocating on Capitol Hill will help NCCN continue to define and advance high-quality, high-value, patient-centered cancer care globally for years to come."
Frank J. Penedo, PhD, Honored With 2023 ISBM Distinguished Scientist Award
Frank J. Penedo, PhD, Associate Director for Cancer Survivorship and Translational Behavioral Sciences at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, received the International Society of Behavioral Medicine's 2023 ISBM Distinguished Scientist Award. The award was presented at the 17th Congress of the ISBM in Vancouver, British Columbia, and recognizes distinguished theoretical or empirical contributions to behavioral medicine.
"It's such an honor to receive this prestigious award and I am very humbled and grateful to the society which has been one of my academic homes for the past 23 years," said Penedo. "This recognition underscores my longstanding commitment to document how psychosocial and behavioral factors impact health outcomes, particularly in cancer, and how we can develop and implement psychosocial interventions to promote better health."
Marcel van den Brink, MD, PhD, Joins City of Hope LA & National Medical Center
Marcel van den Brink, MD, PhD, was announced as President of City of Hope Los Angeles and National Medical Center, Chief Physician Executive, and the Deana and Steve Campbell Chief Physician Executive Distinguished Chair in honor of Alexandra Levine, MD.
"Dr. van den Brink's extensive clinical and scientific leadership will be a tremendous benefit as we continue to transform as an organization and create even more positive impact for patients everywhere," said Robert Stone, City of Hope's CEO and Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair. "Throughout his career, Dr. van den Brink has maintained an intense focus on converting scientific discoveries into safer and more effective therapies for patients. With this addition to City of Hope's leadership team, our patients, and our 110-year-old institution are in very good hands."
Shehnaz K. Hussain, PhD, to Study Firefighter Cancer Risks From Wildfires
Shehnaz K. Hussain, PhD, a UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center researcher, has been awarded a California climate action grant to lead a study into the cancer risks facing firefighters as they battle climate-driven wildfires. Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters.
"California's firefighters are a climate-vulnerable group due to their heavy burden of occupational exposures related to the increased frequency and scale of wildland fires. The fires are also burning into urban areas where there are many more chemicals and other potential carcinogens that threaten the health of firefighters," said Hussain, who is also Professor of Public Health Sciences at UC Davis.
According to Hussain, the research will identify areas where equipment, technology, protocols, education, programs, and policy can be developed or amended to reduce exposures to carcinogens, mitigate cancer risks, and improve early detection of cancer in California's firefighters.
One aim of this research is to capture and test carcinogenic chemicals and other compounds found in wildfire emissions. The team will also study a large group of firefighters to identify biomarkers and occupational and behavioral cancer risk factors that could be reduced in the future. Another objective is to produce stories about California firefighters dealing with cancer. Researchers plan to evaluate the ability of this peer-to-peer storytelling to enhance best practices for cancer prevention in firefighters.
Nursing Student Stephanie Lee Receives NIH Predoctoral Fellowship Award
Stephanie Lee, an Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing doctoral student, has been awarded the prestigious Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award from the National Institutes of Health.
Lee is recognized for her research project, "The Experience of Cancer-Related Financial Hardship Among Individuals with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in the Rural Southeast." By exploring the experiences of CML patients facing financial challenges due to the costs of cancer care, her research has the potential to inform the development of interventions tailored to reduce the risk of financial hardship and improve health outcomes and quality of life for rural cancer patients.
Nina D'Abreo, MD, Named Division Chief of Hematology & Medical Oncology
Nina D'Abreo, MD, has become Chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at NYU Langone Health's Perlmutter Cancer Center-Sunset Park. She is also Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
"The staff at Sunset Park recognizes the need for access and is committed to the population of Brooklyn," D'Abreo noted. "Our goal is to offer the world-class care of an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center while maintaining a personalized and community experience."
Benjamin G. Neel, MD, PhD, Director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center said, "Dr. D'Abreo has been a proven leader at the Perlmutter Cancer Center for some time now. Delivering the highest-quality services to patients closer to home is part of our mission, and her track record with the patient population of Long Island will help us continue to grow our presence in Brooklyn."
SPORE Grant Awarded to Research Team Led by David G. Mutch, MD
Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, led by principal investigator and gynecologic oncologist David G. Mutch, MD, received a prestigious Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant in endometrial cancer from the National Cancer Institute.
"Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer and unfortunately-for reasons we don't yet understand-is on the rise," stated Mutch, who is the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Washington University. "We have been interested in this cancer for 30 years, but we have made very little headway in improving treatments or preventing it. As part of the new SPORE, we will be investigating three key areas for potential treatment and prevention strategies. We also hope our studies will be able to shed light on the racial disparities we see in this type of cancer."
The funding will support three major research projects with each including an early-phase clinical trial. One project team will investigate an inhibitor of important molecules called heat shock proteins. A second team will investigate inhibitors that target elements of more aggressive uterine cancer; these inhibitors block a key protein called the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL. And a third project will be focused on the possibility of early detection and prevention through weight-loss strategies, including use of GLP-1 agonists, which are relatively newly available weight-loss drugs.
"This new SPORE grant will help our patients gain access to innovative clinical trials of treatment and prevention strategies that have the potential to improve clinical care for endometrial cancer," said Dineo Khabele, MD, the Mitchell and Elaine Yanow Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Washington University. "It will also help build a strong foundation of career support and training for early-career investigators, so they will be well positioned to continue this important work into the future."
"We are excited to be able to provide our patients with opportunities to participate in clinical trials of innovative therapies and prevention strategies that have solid science behind their designs," Mutch said. "We also are hopeful these trials will give patients who historically have not had opportunities to participate in research the option to do so. And with that, we hope to develop a better understanding of racial disparities in endometrial cancer, so we can take steps to reduce them."
Kevin Scher, MD, MBA, to Oversee Facility's Patient Care, Clinical Practice
Hematologist/oncologist Kevin Scher, MD, MBA, an expert in patient-centric care with more than 10 years of experience on the Cedars-Sinai Cancer faculty, has been appointed Medical Director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Beverly Hills. In this role, Scher will work with Cedars-Sinai Cancer and Cedars-Sinai Medical Network leadership to ensure the highest standard of care for cancer patients.
In addition to serving as Medical Director for Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Beverly Hills, Scher will co-chair the Patient-Centric High-Value Care Committee, which works to improve patient care, safety, and experience while reducing unnecessary health system costs.
"Dr. Scher is a highly regarded oncologist who specializes in bridging the needs of clinical physicians and the academic enterprise at Cedars-Sinai Cancer," said Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, Director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer and the PHASE ONE Distinguished Chair. "In his new role, he will work to maximize the resources and expertise at Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Beverly Hills so that it can continue providing patients with the highest-quality care and compassion."
Scher specialized in oncology because he wanted to help cancer patients during a vulnerable time in their lives. He's also energized by research that leads to innovative treatments that help patients thrive.
"Oncology is rapidly evolving, and we are making tremendous progress in treating and curing disease," Scher said. "Using new discoveries to improve patient outcomes is gratifying, and I'm excited that we can provide more leading-edge treatments than ever before to our patients. Every day, my team and I are motivated by the desire to improve our patients' health and their lives by providing the best possible experience for them. I'm excited about the opportunity to further enhance our ability to care for our patients, and to help chart a long-term vision for Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Beverly Hills and the overall cancer program."
NIGMS Grant Awarded to Justin Taylor, MD, to Study the Role of XPO1 in Cancer
Justin Taylor, MD, a researcher in the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, was awarded a 5-year grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), an arm of the National Institutes of Health, for his work to better define the role of XPO1 (exportin-1) in cancer. XPO1 is a nuclear export protein shown to play a role in many cancer types, including solid tumors and blood cancers.
"As a physician-scientist, I am continuously thinking about how my scientific research could be applied to patient care," said Taylor, who is a member of the Translational and Clinical Oncology Program at Sylvester and Assistant Professor of Hematology at the Miller School. "As the main transporter of cargo out of the nucleus (the cell's command center), XPO1 affects many important cellular functions and has far-reaching implications for many diseases. We are unique in studying how XPO1 can be targeted in...myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Sylvester's cutting-edge research infrastructure, including sequencing technologies and data analysis, will help us to make exciting new discoveries."
Vinod Balachandran, MD, Awarded FNIH Trailblazer Prize
Vinod Balachandran, MD, an hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon and Immunology group leader at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, was awarded the 2023 Trailblazer Prize for Clinician-Scientists by The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH).This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of early-career clinician-scientists, whose research translates basic discovery research into novel approaches for diagnosing, preventing, treating, or curing disease and disability. Balachandran was awarded for his groundbreaking research on immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer.