For Immediate Release
September 5, 2005

Roswell Park Awards American Cancer Society Grants

BUFFALO, NY - Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has awarded two, $20,000 Institutional Research Grants (IRGs) to Eugene Yu, PhD, Department of Cancer Genetics, and Hyung Kim, MD, Department of Urologic Oncology.  The IRGs are funded by a three-year $120,000 grant to RPCI from the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Dr. Yu is examining genetic mutations in the GATA1 gene that are present in most Down Syndrome patients who develop Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (AMKL) which has a fatality rate of 75 percent. The goal is to develop laboratory models to further analyze the roles of these genetic mutations in an effort to develop new targeted therapies for the disease with AMKL. 
Dr. Kim is developing a kidney cancer vaccine by using heat shock proteins to target a cancer protein, carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9). This treatment approach stimulates the body’s own immune system to attack the cancer.

“With the ACS grant, Roswell Park is able to nurture young researchers such as Drs.Yu and Kim,” stated Youcef M. Rustum, PhD, Senior Vice President, Science Administration, RPCI and coordinator of the ACS grant. “The investment in these talented and skilled scientists will enable Roswell Park to continue one facet of its mission to prepare the next generation of scientists as they devote their professional lives to the study of cancer in all its formidable complexity.” 

The American Cancer Society dedicates more money to cancer research than any other private, not-for-profit, non-government funder of cancer research in the United States, spending approximately $100 million each year on research. Within the Eastern Division, 65 grants are in effect totaling over $34 million.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout New York and New Jersey.  For 24-hour cancer information, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York.  For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, or call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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