Each year, hematologic cancers — those affect-ing the blood and bone marrow — strike a significant number of Americans. More than140,000 people in the United States are diag-nosed with lymphoma, leukemia, and multiplemyeloma each year. Non-Hodgkin lymphomaand leukemia among the top ten most commoncancers in America, according to the AmericanCancer Society.

It’s true that great strides have been made intreating many of these cancers. The survival ratefor children diagnosed with acute lymphoblasticleukemia (ALL) is now over 80 percent. A num-ber of targeted therapies have been approved fornon-Hodgkin lymphoma, extending patients’lives. And new combination drug regimens areshowing promise for multiple myeloma.

But challenges remain. Nearly 20,000 peopledie annually from non-Hodgkin lymphoma,another 21,780 from leukemia, and half of allpatients with multiple myeloma. While four out

Thiotepa. Doxil®. Paclitaxel. 5-Fluorouracil.Cisplatin. What do these drugs have in com-mon?

They are all chemotherapy agents com-monly used to treat a variety of cancers inboth adults and children. They are not new;some have been around for decades. But theyalso all share the unfortunate distinction ofbeing in short supply. And those shortages areadversely affecting the way cancer care profes-sionals all over the country are taking care of

their patients and conducting research.The problem has escalated in recent years,

with drug shortages tripling since 2005 alone.It’s affecting drugs for other diseases, too, butthe lion’s share of shortages is occurring in theoncology field. And the diminished supply isn’trestricted to chemotherapy; drugs commonlyused during surgery are also difficult to secure.

“We’ve experienced drug shortages in thepast — maybe one or two at a time — but

Feinberg Gift Supports Hematologic Cancer Program at NYUCI

continued on page 6

continued on page 4

NYU Cancer Institute newsWinter 2012

of five children with ALL survive, that stillmeans one out of five do not beat the disease.Clearly continued research is necessary to under-stand the molecular drivers of hematologic can-cer development, to identify new therapeutic tar-

IN THIS ISSUE

2 Message from the Director

3 Personal Fundraising

7 Research Retreat

8 NYUCI Gala

9 Adults in Toyland

10 Named Professorships

10 New Board Member

11 Events Calendar

Intravenous anticancer drugs areamong those hardest hit by thecurrent drug shortage.

Drugs on Back OrderShortages of Chemotherapy and Other Drugs Threaten Cancer Care, Research

Lawrence Gardner, MD (left), here with Zongdong Li, PhD, isstudying how genes are turned on and off in lymphoma andother cancers.

NYU Cancer Winter '12 J 1/6/12 2:48 PM Page 1

October 3 was quite an evening. That night, the night of our annual Gala, we raised morethan $3.2 million for our research, patient care, and educational programs. We honoredRobert H. Benmosche for his efforts to raise support for our programs, and Abraham Chachoua, MD, for his commitment to excellence in patient care and research. You can readmore on page 8.

Our guests at the Gala also learned about our remarkable growth and progress over thelast four years alone. For example, our grant funding is up 42 percent compared to 2007.

We have 30 percent more patients participat-ing in clinical trials. And we see 17 percentmore patient visits a year.

We have developed a model focused notonly on surviving cancer, but on living —featuring new programs that combine tradi-tional care with Eastern philosophy. We arealso opening a new breast screening centerand expanding to the Clinical Cancer CenterII on East 38th St. In addition, we haveexpanded facilities at Bellevue Hospital Can-cer Center and developed a community can-cer center at Woodhull Hospital MedicalCenter.

All this in just the last four years. I’d liketo thank our Advisory Board — in particu-lar, my partner, Lori Fink — as well as LarryFink and all of our supporters for believingin our goals and helping us to achieve them.

In this issue, you can also read about how a significant contribution from Norman M.Feinberg and Arline Feinberg is being used to further the understanding — and ultimatelythe treatment — of lymphoma and other hematologic cancers. We are grateful to the Fein-bergs for their generosity.

You can also read about our personal fundraising program, which enables anyone toassist the NYUCI by setting up a customized Web page to attract online donations. And youcan learn about the annual Adults in Toyland event to raise funds for the Hassenfeld Center.

The advances in cancer care that we have been witnessing have transformed survivalrates. But those achievements can only be possible if effective drugs are readily available.Today we are experiencing an unprecedented drug shortage that is hitting oncology hard.We urge the government to amend legislation that is fueling these shortages. At the sametime, I want to assure our patients that we are taking steps to ensure that these shortages donot compromise your care.

As we start the New Year, I wish you much good health and hope you will join me inlooking forward to another successful year for the NYU Cancer Institute.

Message from the Director

www.nyuci.org

William L. Carroll, MD

The Julie and Edward J. Minskoff Professor of PediatricsProfessor of PathologyDirector, NYU Cancer Institute

Disclaimer: The medical information provided is foreducational purposes only. It is not intended orimplied to be a substitute for professional medicaladvice. Always consult your physician or healthcareprovider prior to starting any new treatment orwith any questions you may have regarding amedical condition.

NYU Cancer Institute Board of Advisors

Lori FinkChairEllen BannerPhyllis Putter BaraschSusan Block CasdinRoberta GreenbergJeremy HillJames M. KennyKenneth G. LangoneThomas H. LeeEdward J. MinskoffShlomo PerlLaurie PerlmutterJoshua SamuelsonStanley ShopkornDebora StaleyJoseph SteinbergKenan TurnaciogluBrian Walter

NYU Cancer InstituteWilliam L. Carroll, MDDirector

Associate DirectorsSilvia Formenti, MDClinical ResearchRichard Hayes, DDS, PhD, MPHPopulation SciencesDavid Levy, PhDShared ResourcesIman Osman, MDProgram Development & EducationMark Philips, MDBasic ResearchRobert Schneider, PhDTranslational ResearchJames L. Speyer, MDClinical and Hospital Operations

Community Outreach and EducationDeborah Axelrod, MDMedical DirectorMichelle TropperAdministrative DirectorDanielle IavaroneManagerRachael RennichProgram Coordinator

NYU Cancer Institute News Editorial BoardDeborah Axelrod, MDStephanie V. Blank, MDMargo BloomWilliam L. Carroll, MDSteven GogelDanielle IavaroneMichelle Krogsgaard, PhD, MScMichele Pagano, MDMark Philips, MDRachael RennichFreya Schnabel, MDMarjorie ShafferJames L. Speyer, MDMichelle TropperLauren Woods

Vice President for Communications &Public Affairs, NYU Langone Medical CenterDeborah Loeb Bohren

Senior Director of DevelopmentMargo Bloom

Design Tanya KrawciwContributing Writer Rosie FosterPhotography Carl Glenn p.1, Jay Brady p.4,8,9,10,Thomas Semkow p.5, Annie Watt p.9, istock p.1,11

NYU Cancer Winter '12 J 1/6/12 2:48 PM Page 2

NYU Cancer Institute news 3find a doctor • 212-731-5000

Personal Fundraising Efforts Support NYUCIDonations made to the NYU Cancer Insti-tute in memory of a loved one are animportant source of funding for our patientcare, research, and education programs.Now NYU Langone Medical Center(NYULMC) has made it even easier to raisefunds through the Personal Fundraisingprogram, which enables donors to set uptheir own Web pages to publicize theirefforts, share the information with donors,and track their progress.

Are you turning 50 this year? Is yourchild having a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Is it your25th wedding anniversary? PersonalFundraising is also a great way to supportthe NYUCI when you are celebrating amajor milestone or other event in your life.

Bonnie Morrissey chose to honor hermother, Marlene Kittredge, who died ofovarian cancer in November 2008. She hadbeen treated for the disease at the NYUCancer Institute by Franco Muggia, MD,the Anne Murnick Cogan and David H.Cogan Professor of Oncology, over a peri-od of five years since her diagnosis.

“The care she received was great,”recalls Ms. Morrissey. “Dr. Muggia alwaystreated my mother like a whole person, notjust a patient. Even now, he still has storieshe tells us about her and my dad.”

A personal trainer, Ms. Morrisseystarted a workout regimen called Bonnie’sBootcamp in April 2009 — initially tohelp friends lose pregnancy weight, shenotes, but also as a way to channel hergrief over her mother’s death into some-thing positive. She hosted a one-day Bon-nie’s Bootcamp event in September 2009to raise money for ovarian cancer research.The Sunday morning workout took placein Sudbury, Massachusetts, where Ms.Morrissey lives.

She developed a Web site (http://giving.nyumc.org/bootcamp) that not onlypublicizes the event, but enables visitors tomake online donations that go directly toNYULMC. With contributions from some200 Bootcamp participants, other dona-tions, and sales of raffle tickets for prizes

donated by vendors, she raised $15,000 thefirst year, $25,000 in 2010, and $30,000 in2011. The 2012 event is already scheduledfor September 23, and Ms. Morrisseyhopes to reach a cumulative four-year totalof $100,000 for the NYUCI.

“I hope that ovarian cancer researchwill someday lead to ways to detect it early,and to more effective treatments,” Ms. Morrissey concludes.

Adam Bell collected more than$14,000 for skin cancer research through theNYULMC Personal Fundraising program.He was diagnosed with melanoma in 2002— and coincidentally, so was his mother.Both had early-stage disease that requiredonly surgical removal. Mr. Bell was treatedby David Polsky, MD, PhD, Associate Profes-sor of Dermatology and Pathology. He con-tinues to see Dr. Polsky every six months forfollow-up using the MoleSafe early detectionprogram.

For Father’s Day this year, his wife,Nicole, registered him for a half-marathon(13.1 miles) in Philadelphia on September

16, 2012. She created his personal NYULMCWeb page (http://giving.nyumc.org/goto/adambell) to designate the event as afundraiser for the NYU Cancer Institute.

Mr. Bell is impressed by Dr. Polsky’sresearch aimed at enhancing the early detec-tion and prevention of melanoma. “I decid-ed to use the half-marathon as an opportu-nity to raise money for a cause that’s veryclose to my heart — skin cancer research,”explains Mr. Bell, who lives in Short Hills,New Jersey. “My mother and I were able tobe treated successfully because we hadmelanoma that was diagnosed early. I’mproud to be able to support Dr. Polsky as hecontinues his critical work.” n

Want to set up a Personal Fundraising page to benefit NYULMC? Just go towww.nyulmc.org/personal and follow theinstructions. You can choose where you’d likethe funds to be directed, create a personal page,share it with others, and track your progress. It’seasy for you and your friends to give…no fuss,no stamps, no mailing. Give it a try!

For three years, Bonnie Morrissey — here with her father, George Kittredge — has led an annual workoutto commemorate her late mother, Marlene, and raise funds for ovarian cancer research.

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4 NYU Cancer Institute news www.nyuci.org

Feinberg Gift Supports Hematologic Cancer Program at NYUCI continued from page 1

gets, and to develop more effective treat-ments.

At the NYU Cancer Institute, thoseefforts received a boost with the recent $1million gift from Norman M. Feinberg andArline Feinberg last fall to support transla-tional research related to lymphoma. Mr.Feinberg, who was treated at the NYUCI forlymphoma in 2009, also recently thankedhis nurses and doctors at a special luncheonheld in their honor last October.

“Sometimes, after my five weeks in thehospital, I was troubled by two thoughts:the first, that the doctors and nurses rarelyhave the opportunity to see the final resultsof their efforts on a patient. And secondly,despite their great efforts, they sometimeslose people, and that has got to be verydepressing,” Mr. Feinberg said, explaining

why he chose to support the luncheon. “Byappearing personally to express my deepestthanks at a time when I am fully restoredand vital, they can see their results, and per-haps in their down periods, I could act as areminder of how important and wonderfultheir work is.”

The Feinberg contribution supports

pilot studies — fundamental early-stageinvestigations with the potential to developinto larger research programs that could beworthy of federal funding. “Pilot projectsare often ‘high-risk’ projects which aredifficult to fund through traditional mecha-nisms,” says Lawrence B. Gardner, MD, theSaul J. Farber Assistant Professor of Medi-cine, who is overseeing the review of pilotstudy proposals submitted by investigatorsat the NYUCI. “These projects, however,often represent ‘thinking outside the box,’and can lead to transformative science andmajor advances in lymphoma treatment.And once the science is more mature, theseprojects often do get funded by the NationalInstitutes of Health and other sources.”

The program aims to support threepilot studies a year for the next five years.

“Several proposed studies are targeting themechanisms known to be abnormal in lym-phoma,” adds Dr. Gardner. “By learningmore about the biology of lymphoma, wecan devise new ways to treat it.”

“The incredible generosity of Arlineand Norman M. Feinberg will allow theDivision of Hematology and Medical

Oncology to pursue research into the causesof and treatments for malignant lym-phomas,” says Kenneth Hymes, MD, Associ-ate Professor of Medicine in the Division ofHematology/Oncology. “Their support willallow investigators to study the epigeneticand molecular mechanisms which lead tothe development of lymphomas and toidentify means of targeting these abnor-malities. Our research fellows will partici-pate in these studies, too, so the Feinbergs’gift will help prepare the next generationof investigators in the area of lymphoma.”

A number of investigators have beenexploring hematologic cancers in an effortto better understand their biology. Here isa snapshot of some of these projects:

Fingerprinting Stubborn LeukemiasThe 20 percent of children who succumbto ALL typically develop resistance to thedrugs used to treat the disease, and in thiscase the disease often spreads to the cen-tral nervous system (brain and spinalcord). Why do these drugs work in somechildren but not others? What differenti-ates the leukemias that fall prey to therapyfrom those that are able to bypass thetreatment?

NYUCI Director William L. Carroll,MD, the Julie and Edward J. Minskoff Pro-fessor of Pediatrics and Professor of Pathol-ogy, and colleagues in his laboratory —including Elizabeth Raetz, MD, AssociateProfessor of Pediatrics — are using genom-ic technologies to identify mutations inrelapsed ALL to create a genetic blueprint ofthese challenging cancers.

“For the first time, we are identifyingpathways that cancers use to resist treat-ment and developing drugs to turn offthose pathways,” explains Dr. Carroll. “Byintegrating molecular therapies with con-ventional chemotherapy, we may be able toimprove patient outcome while reducingthe side effects of treatment.” He and histeam are now validating a series of muta-tions they have identified that are unique torelapsed ALL.

Norman M. Feinberg (left) — here with hematologic cancer specialist Kenneth Hymes, MD — made agenerous contribution to the NYUCI to support innovative research related to hematologic cancers.

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NYU Cancer Institute news 5find a doctor • 212-731-5000

A NOTCH in Cancer DevelopmentSometimes two members of the same fami-ly can behave quite differently. In the settingof leukemia, if a mutated protein calledNOTCH1 is the “black sheep” of the family,then its cousin, NOTCH2, is the all-starachiever.

That’s because mutations in NOTCH1can turn it into an oncogene, a gene thatactivates a cascade of signals that can culmi-nate in T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Yet NOTCH2 is a tumor suppres-sor, capable of keeping blood cells frombecoming a different form of disease:myeloid leukemia.

Those are the findings of Iannis Aifantis, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathol-ogy, and his colleagues, who have beenexploring the molecular mechanismsunderlying the development and progres-sion of T-cell and B-cell leukemias and lymphomas. Drugs that inhibit NOTCH1,which are already in development, couldshort-circuit this process. Dr. Aifantis andhis team have also found that inhibitinganother protein downstream of NOTCH1,called NF-�B, can eradicate leukemia in ani-mal models.

The investigators also learned that inchronic myelomonocytic leukemia(CMML) and acute myeloid leukemia(AML), the tumor-suppressing ability ofNOTCH2 is inactivated, and that reactivat-ing it can inhibit disease progression. “Inthe majority of myeloid leukemias, includ-ing CMML and AML, the NOTCH pathwayis inactivated,” explains Dr. Aifantis. “Wefound that reigniting the tumor-suppressingbehavior of NOTCH2 in animal modelsand human AML cells was effective, evenagainst already established disease. And thatis exciting, because AML is a devastatingcancer for which we have no cure.”

With regard to lymphoma, the Aifantislab is studying cyclin D3, a protein that isvital for triggering the proliferation andprogression of T-cell lymphoma. To func-tion, cyclin D3 associates with a complex ofenzymes called CDK4/6, and together they

drive the growth and expansion of cancer-ous cells. The researchers want to study thismechanism further and have preliminarydata which suggest that inhibiting CDK4/6could be a promising means of fighting T-cell lymphomas that become resistant totreatment and relapse.

Targeting mRNA to Outwit TumorsTumors are wily by nature. They can growwithout oxygen and in an environmentwhere they are deprived of nutrients. Dr.Gardner and his laboratory team are study-ing how genes are regulated by the microen-vironment around a tumor to make it sohardy.

His team is studying how genes areturned on and off in lymphoma and othercancers. In one line of inquiry, they arescrutinizing how messenger RNA (mRNA),which carries the molecular blueprint formaking proteins during protein production,is stabilized or destroyed during tumordevelopment. They have found that a

specific mechanism to turn off genes, called“nonsense-mediated RNA decay” (NMD), isinactivated by the hostile tumor microenvi-ronment.

“This seems to be a very fundamentalrequirement in all tumor cells,” says Dr.Gardner. His team has learned that whenthey artificially turn on NMD, cancer cellsdo not grow in mice.

The scientists would like to discover away to manipulate NMD activity withdrugs, which could represent a novel meansof inhibiting lymphoma growth. Collabo-rating with Timothy Cardozo, MD, PhD,Associate Professor of Pharmacology, theyhave already identified several small mole-cules that can alter NMD activity.

“Hematologic malignancies possess agoldmine of information about the geneticblueprint of cancers,” concludes Dr. Carroll.“The Feinberg gift provides the gluebetween outstanding laboratory scientists inhematology and oncology and the clinicianswho are caring for patients.” n

Iannis Aifantis, PhD, is studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of T-cell and B-cellleukemias and lymphomas.

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6 NYU Cancer Institute news www.nyuci.org

nothing to this extent, and we werealways able to manage them,” saysThomas DelCorral, Pharmacy Director atthe NYU Clinical Cancer Center. Todaynearly two dozen anticancer drugs are inshort supply.

“Patients with cancer face enoughstress without having to worry about the

availability of a treatment they desperatelyneed,” notes James Speyer, MD, MedicalDirector of the NYU Clinical Cancer Cen-ter and Professor of Medicine (CancerCenter). “Yet because of drug shortages,many patients undergoing chemotherapysimply cannot get the medications theyneed to treat their cancer.”

Clinical research is hampered as well.There are clinical trials which are approvedand ready to move forward but cannot doso because the treatments they are evaluat-ing may require drugs in short supply.These veteran drugs are often part of regi-mens that are assessed in combinationwith investigational drugs or are neededfor comparison to newer drugs to gaugetheir effectiveness.

“I’m struck by how much this hassnowballed,” adds NYUCI Director

Drugs on Back Order continued from page 1

any six-month period), but instead hasresulted in the current drug shortages.Pharmaceutical companies, which arealready making a low profit on genericdrugs, may reduce their supply of thesedrugs or choose to stop making themaltogether if the price ceiling regulated bythe legislation is too low. “This legislationwas well-intentioned, but it failed to con-sider market forces,” says Dr. Carroll.

Problems securing raw materials. Ifthe raw materials needed to produce adrug come from a single source or only afew sources, shortages in that materialaffect all manufacturers of the drug. Inter-nal political turmoil, natural disasters, andother infrastructure deficiencies in foreignnations can impede the flow of raw materi-als to manufacturers and hamper drugproduction. Such is the case with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a drug that forms themainstay of colorectal cancer treatment.

Manufacturing difficulties. The U.S.Food and Drug Administration performsperiodic inspections of drug manufactur-ing facilities, which must meet very highstandards to maintain purity and preventcontamination of the drugs they produce.This purity is especially important forinjectable cancer drugs which will beadministered intravenously. “When wegive drugs through the intravenous route,we bypass the body’s most important bar-rier for infections — the skin,” explainsMr. DelCorral. “So anticancer drugs mustbe completely free of contamination andmeet high standards, especially for ourimmunocompromised patients.”

But if the FDA finds problems anddrug production shuts down while thecompany is addressing the issue, othercompanies have to make up for the short-fall until the issue is resolved…and thisisn’t always easy or possible. While inspec-tions to assure drug quality are absolutelyessential, they should be free of unneces-sary bureaucratic regulatory burdens.

To make matters worse, a “gray mar-ket” has emerged, composed of retailers

William L. Carroll, MD, the Julie andEdward J. Minskoff Professor of Pediatricsand Professor of Pathology. “These aredrugs that have formed the foundation ofcancer care for decades and are responsiblefor significant improvements in patientsurvival, including progress against breastcancer and pediatric leukemia.”

Thomas DelCorral, Pharmacy Director of the NYU Clinical Cancer Center, and his team are working to stayahead of the current shortages of chemotherapy drugs.

Why Are There Shortages?One might think that drugs that havebeen around for decades and are genericshould be abundant. But there are a vari-ety of reasons for the shortages:

Patent expiration. When a drugcompany develops a new agent, it holdsthe patent on it for a certain number ofyears since its inception, during whichtime no other company can make andmarket it. Once that patent expires, anyother company can produce the drug,bringing the price down significantly. Thismakes the drug less profitable to produce.

Federal legislation. The MedicarePrescription Drug Improvement andModernization Act of 2003 was created tocontrol healthcare costs by putting a capon drug price increases (restrictingincreases to no more than six percent in

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NYU Cancer Institute news 7

who buy and stockpile medications andsell them to desperate pharmacists andhospitals at exorbitant markups — asmuch as 650 percent above the priorwholesale market price. Some states haveoutlawed this type of price gouging, andothers are being encouraged to follow suit.Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) haslaunched an investigation into these sec-ondary drug distributors.

What Can Be Done?Healthcare professionals are asking thegovernment to amend the Medicare Pre-scription Drug Improvement and Mod-ernization Act of 2003 to allow prices tobe increased to a more realistic level thatwould encourage the production of agiven drug.

How You Can HelpDonations to the NYU Cancer Institutecan bring us closer to our goal ofdefeating cancer. Each gift — no matterwhat its size — furthers our researchefforts, enhances our clinical services, andexpands our community programs sothat we may help more people overcomethis illness. You can give online atwww.NYUCI.org, where you can:

• Create your own personal fundraisingpage

• Make an unrestricted gift• Direct your gift to fund a particular

area• Honor your doctor, nurse, or loved one

Contributions can also be sent to:NYU Cancer InstituteNYU Langone Medical CenterOffice of DevelopmentOne Park Avenue, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10016

For more information, please contactMargo Bloom at 212-404-3638(margo.bloom@nyumc.org)

find a doctor • 212-731-5000

examine whether secondary drug whole-salers or other market participants haveresponded to potential drug shortages byillegally hoarding medications or raisingprices to gouge consumers.

“We spend a lot of time andresources addressing drug shortages. It’ssomething patients should not have toworry about,” concludes Mr. DelCorral.“It’s enough for patients to be concernedabout the diagnosis of cancer. Theyshouldn’t have to worry if there’s a short-age of the drugs they need to fight it.” n

When a drug is not available to treat apatient, doctors and pharmacists oftenhave alternatives. But they may not be aseffective, tolerable, or cost-efficient as thepreferred drug. Take the case ofcapecitabine (Xeloda®). It’s the same med-ication as 5-FU, and it is given orallyinstead of intravenously. But manypatients experience more side effects fromcapecitabine, and the cost can be signifi-cantly greater. Patients may also have ahigher insurance co-pay for capecitabine.

NYU Langone Medical Center hasalso met the challenge of drug shortagesthrough collaboration among the phar-macists at its various member institutions(such as Tisch Hospital, Hospital for JointDiseases, the NYU Clinical Cancer Center,and the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’sCenter for Cancer and Blood Disorders) toshare drugs in short supply. NYU LangoneMedical Center does not purchase anydrugs from gray market retailers.

Other measures that could helpinclude relaxing rules on the importation ofcertain drugs from Canada and Europe;having the FDA explore the option of anational stockpile of drugs and a system todistribute them; and providing incentivesfor drug manufacturers to produce genericsand other drugs in short supply.

Some progress is already occurring: OnOctober 31, 2011, President Obama issuedan Executive Order calling on manufactur-ers to be more proactive in reporting phar-maceutical shortages to the FDA. The Presi-dent’s Executive Order also directs the FDAto work with the Department of Justice to

If the Drug You Need Isn’t Available

If your doctor tells you the drug thatis prescribed for your cancer treat-ment isn’t available, here are somequestions you may ask:l Are there any alternative anticancer

drugs?l How are they given?l Do they have different side effects

than the preferred drug?l Do I need to take the new drug

now, or is it possible for me todelay treatment until the preferreddrug is available?

The NYU Cancer Institute held its 8th Annual Transla-tional Research Retreat on October 28 at the New YorkAcademy of Medicine. This year’s daylong gatheringattracted more than 250 participants. They heard theircolleagues deliver presentations on molecular geneticsand epigenetics, population research, cell signaling andcancer, the role of inflammation in cancer, cancer stem

cells, targeted therapies and new drug targets, andtumor immunology, to name a few topics. Keynotespeaker William C. Hahn, MD, PhD, Associate Professorof Medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Har-vard Medical School, addressed genetic interactionsthat lead to cancer and the creation of novel experi-mental models for studying this transformation.

A Meeting of the Minds

NYU Cancer Winter '12 J 1/6/12 2:48 PM Page 7

www.nyuci.org

The 2011 NYU Cancer Institute Gala drewmore than 600 guests to the Plaza Hotelon October 3, 2011. The event raised over$3.2 million to support the Institute’sresearch, patient care, education, and can-cer prevention programs.

Each year, the NYUCI Gala celebratesits physicians, scientists, nurses, and otherhealthcare professionals for their excel-lence and commitment. Funds raised areused to support the Cancer Institute’sremarkable progress in the fight againstcancer.

This year’s event honored Robert H.Benmosche, President and Chief ExecutiveOfficer, American International Group(AIG), Inc., and Abra-ham Chachoua, MD, theJay and Isabel FineAssociate Professor ofOncology at NYU Lan-gone Medical Center.Mr. Benmosche has ledefforts to raise signifi-cant funds for theNYUCI. Dr. Chachoua,a respected authorityon the medical treat-ment of cancer, is revered by his patientsand also leads clinical trials assessing newanticancer therapies.

NYUCI Gala Raises $3.2 Million

Want to know more about what the NYUCI is doing? Read the NYU CancerInstitute 2010/2011Report, now available at www.nyuci.org.

masterpiece,” said Dr. Chachoua at theGala. “Tonight, I am surrounded by manyhuman masterpieces who have been gra-cious enough to join me.”

“Your support for this crucial causeand for the remarkablefaculty and staff whogive so much of them-selves in serving our patients is extraor-dinary,” Robert I. Grossman, MD, Deanand CEO of NYU Lan-gone Medical Center,told the guests, “mostprofoundly because it

helps build the solidarity, enthusiasm, andsense of community that are so essentialto great achievement.”

Lori Fink, Chair of the NYUCI Advi-sory Board and trustee of NYU LangoneMedical Center since 2003, explained that“human touch” is at the core of the NYUCancer Institute. “Our physicians, scien-tists, and caregivers never lose sight of theknowledge that although every patient isunique, we all share the need for compas-sion, support, respect and love,” she noted.“It’s a simple formula. It’s a formula forexcellence.”

NYUCI Director William L. Carroll,MD, the Julie and Edward J. MinskoffProfessor of Pediatrics and Professor ofPathology, described the recent growth ofthe NYUCI. “I want to express to BobGrossman and Ken Langone our gratitudefor the remarkable transformation thathas taken place on our campus these pastfive years, and our excitement for thefuture,” he noted. “While every dimensionof patient care, research, and educationhas benefitted from their leadership, theInstitute has especially benefitted in ourquest for the extraordinary. Today we areusing resources in new ways to providethe most effective, synergistic, and effi-cient research and care.” n

“If you think of patient care as similarto approaching an untouched canvas, colorby numbers will give you an acceptable uni-form result. But if you put your heart andsoul into the canvas, you will end up with a

From left: Larry Fink, Lori Fink, Saba Bologna, and William L. Carroll, MD

From left: Robert I. Grossman, MD; Gala honorees Abraham Chachoua, MD,and Robert H. Benmosche; and Kenneth Langone

William L. Carroll, MD (left), and Abraham Chachoua, MD

8 NYU Cancer Institute news

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NYU Cancer Institute news 9find a doctor • 212-731-5000

On November 3, more than 600 New YorkCity professionals from finance, fashion,entertainment, real estate, and otherindustries gathered at 583 Park Avenue for“Adults in Toyland – Under The Board-walk,” an event which raised over $700,000for the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’sCenter for Cancer and Blood Disorders,part of the NYU Cancer Institute and theDepartment of Pediatrics at NYU LangoneMedical Center.

The proceeds will support the uniqueprograms at the Hassenfeld Center and inthe Department of Pediatrics to ensurethat children and families receive the bestcare possible. Programs supported by thefunds raised include interim patient/fami-ly housing, bilingual child life therapy, andmusic and recreational therapy. Funds forthe Department of Pediatrics will also beused to help support staff recruitment andthe creation of child-friendly facilities.

Presented by the Hassenfeld Center

Committee, KiDS of NYU Langone Asso-ciates, and Caesars Atlantic City, the eventfeatured casino and boardwalk games, aDJ, and an exclusive silent auction. Auc-tion items included tickets to the 2012MTV Video Music Awards, a walk-on roleon the CBS hit show How I Met Your

Mother, and dinner for eight hosted andprepared by a former contestant fromBravo’s Top Chef.

Susan Block Casdin, Keri Glassman,Kimberly Goodwin, Morgan Hertzan,Brooke Jaffe, Steven Jaffe, Patti Kim, KellyKennedy Mack, Harlan Fabrikant Saroken,Britt Szostak, and Michael Weaver wereevent co-chairs. Linda Granowetter, MD,Director of the Hassenfeld Center, andBret Rudy, MD, Vice Chair and Professor,Department of Pediatrics, were physicianco-chairs.

This year’s Adults in Toyland event followed the announcement in October of a $50 million leadership gift from the Hassenfeld family to create the HassenfeldPediatric Center. The gift will create the first comprehensive facility at NYU Langone Medical Center devoted to the treatment of children, and will supporta wide range of pediatric healthcare services. n

Physician Co-Chairs: Bret Rudy, MD, Vice Chair andProfessor, Department of Pediatrics, and LindaGranowetter, MD, Director of the Stephen D.Hassenfeld Children’s Center

Event Co-Chairs(from left): BrittSzostak, MorganHertzan, BrookeJaffe, Patti Kim,Kelly Kennedy Mack,Susan Block Casdin,Harlan FabrikantSaroken, KeriGlassman, StevenJaffe, MichaelWeaver, andKimberly Goodwin

Festive Event Benefits Hassenfeld Center

NYU Cancer Winter '12 J 1/6/12 2:48 PM Page 9

Lawrence B. Gardner, MD, wasnamed the Saul J. Farber AssistantProfessor of Medicine. Dr. Gardnerspecializes in the treatment of disor-ders of the blood and bone marrow,such as anemia and blood clottingdisorders. He has always been fasci-nated with the challenge of hematol-ogy. “What’s going on in the bloodcan be a signal for a wide range ofdiseases,” he explained. “Hematolo-

gists have to put multiple signs and symptoms together to come upwith a diagnosis, and when we do, it’s very satisfying.”

Dr. Gardner also leads a laboratory that is studying how genes

are regulated by the environment around a tumor, and genes thatallow tumors to survive despite environmental stresses. (For moreabout his research, see page 5.) He is the Chief of ExperimentalHematology in the Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology inthe Department of Medicine, and also Director of the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program at the NYU School of Medicine.

Saul J. Farber, who died in 2006, was a pre-eminent medicaleducator, Dean of the NYU School of Medicine, and a longtimeChairman of the Department of Medicine. Upon receiving an assis-tant professorship in his name, Dr. Gardner appreciated the num-ber of people who congratulated him and recounted touching sto-ries about Dr. Farber. Said Dr. Gardner, “It means a lot to me thatmy professorship is named for someone who meant so much tothose he educated. I hope to carry on his tradition.” n

10 NYU Cancer Institute news www.nyuci.org

The NYU Cancer Institute hasannounced the appointment ofKenan Turnacioglu, PhD, to itsBoard of Advisors. Dr. Turnaciogluis a Partner and Portfolio Managercovering the healthcare industry atPointState Capital, a fund thatlaunched in January 2011. Prior tothat role, he was a Portfolio Manag-er at Duquesne Capital Manage-ment, LLC, covering the healthcare

industry since February 2001. His primary responsibility was toanalyze and invest in health care.

He also served as a board member of Agensys, a privatelyheld biotechnology company.

Before joining Duquesne, Dr. Turnacioglu was a researchassociate in biotechnology at Credit Suisse from 1999 to 2001. Hegraduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in1996 and has a doctoral degree in cell and developmental biology.Dr. Turnacioglu conducted postdoctoral work in the laboratoryof Scott Kern, MD, at The Johns Hopkins University School ofMedicine from 1997 to 1998. n

New Board Member Announced

Harvey Pass, MD, was named theStephen E. Banner Professor of Thoracic Oncology. Dr. Pass, whospecializes in the surgical treatmentof lung cancer and other thoracicmalignancies, is also Chief of Thoracic Oncology and Chief of theDivision of Thoracic Surgery in theDepartment of Cardiothoracic Surgery at NYU Langone MedicalCenter. As Director of the Thoracic

Oncology Program, he leads clinical and translational researchefforts related to thoracic cancers.

Dr. Pass is a renowned surgical scientist in the study of bio-markers for lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma. He and hiscolleagues have pioneered research on a protein called osteopon-

tin, which is elevated in the blood of patients with pleural mesothe-lioma. The finding opens the way for a blood test to screen individ-uals with a history of asbestos exposure, potentially enabling doc-tors to find pleural mesothelioma during its earlier stages. Dr. Passand his team have also designed and are evaluating a uniqueapproach to identify molecular changes signaling the early develop-ment of thoracic malignancies. He joined the NYUCI staff in 2005.

When Stephen E. Banner, Senior Executive Vice President ofthe Seagram Company, died of lung cancer in 1995, his wife,Ellen, and his children established a Fund for Lung CancerResearch in his name. “My family and I are impressed by theinnovative research that Dr. Pass and his colleagues are conduct-ing to discover and diagnose lung cancers earlier. We are veryproud to support his work,” said Ellen Banner. The Banner Fundunderwrites lung cancer research, and counseling and education forpatients and their families at the NYUCI.

Drs. Pass and Gardner Receive Named ProfessorshipsTwo NYU Cancer Institute physicians have received named professorships:

l

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NYU Cancer Institute news 11find a doctor • 212-731-5000

Registration is required for all events, and seating may be limited. Please call 212-263-2266,e-mail NYUCIcommunityprograms@nyumc.org, or visit www.nyuci.org/rsvp for more information and to register, unless otherwise noted.

events calendar

*Locations:A: NYU Clinical Cancer Center, 160 East 34th Street, Room 1121 B: NYU Langone Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, Alumni Hall B C: NYU Langone Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, Farkas Auditorium

UPDATE ON BLOOD DISORDERS Wednesday, February 29, 6:00 P.M.–7:30 P.M., Location B*Description: Anemia is the most common hematological condition seen by physicians,and can range from mildly symptomatic to life-threatening. Several types of stem celltransplants are used to treat a variety of hematological cancers. This presentation willreview the common causes of anemia, evaluation for its causes, the link between ane-mia and hematologic cancers, therapies to manage anemia, and the indications, risks,and benefits of each type of stem cell transplant.

Presenters: Lawrence B. Gardner, MD; Bruce G. Raphael, MD

ANNUAL COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS LUNCHTIME PROGRAM Wednesday, March 14, 11:00 A.M.–1:30 P.M., Location C*

Description: Join top NYUCI healthcare professionals for a discussion on early detec-tion, diagnosis, new treatment modalities, and clinical trials for colorectal cancer. Theimportance of a healthy diet and exercise in regard to colon cancer will be discussed. A colorectal cancer survivor will also share a story.

Presenters: Pascale White, MD; Julia Smith, MD, PhD; Mari Carlesimo, Director, CancerPrevention and Control Program, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene;Mitchell Bernstein, MD, FACS; Carmen Morales, LCSW-R, Survivor Story Moderator

A healthy lunch will be provided following the program.

HEAD AND NECK CANCER SCREENING AT NO COST TO YOU Thursday, March 29, 5:30 P.M.–7:30 P.M., Location A*Description: Studies show that oral HPV (human papilloma virus) infection is linked tohead and neck cancer, regardless of two other known risk factors: heavy tobacco andalcohol use.

A visual inspection of the head, neck, and throat will take place during this screening. Any-one over age 18 is welcome to attend. Please arrive no earlier than 4:30 P.M. and no laterthan 7:30 P.M. to ensure that you are seen. No appointment is necessary. For screeninginformation only, please call 212-263-2266.

Co-sponsored by the Division of Head and Neck Surgery/Department of Otolaryn-gology.

PROSTATE CANCER EDUCATION SERIES

Thursday, January 26, 5:30 P.M.–6:30 P.M., Location A*Topic: Stress Management Presenter: James P. Fraiman, MD

Thursday, February 23, 5:30 P.M.–6:30 P.M., Location A*Topic: HIFU Treatment Options Presenter: William C. Huang, MD

Thursday, March 22, 5:30 P.M.–6:30 P.M., Location A*Topic: Preparing for Surgery Presenter: Diane B. Rosenstein, MSW, LCSW

NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 2: AN UPDATE Neurofibroma Educational Series

Tuesday, January 31, 6:00 P.M.–7:30 P.M., Location A*

Description: Neurofibromatosis type 2 is genetic condition associat-ed with tumors of the nerve for hearing, and tumors of the mem-branes around the brain and spinal cord. People with this conditionare born with one mutated copy of the NF2 gene in each cell. Thisprogram will address clinical and molecular features, molecular diagnosis, treatment, research, and genetic counseling pertinent to neurofibromatosis type 2.

Presenter: John G. Pappas, MD

FEELING YOUNG AT ANY AGE Thursday, February 9, 6:00 P.M.–7:30 P.M., Location B*

Description: “Age is only a number.” We’ve all heard this clichébefore. It is vital, however, to take care of yourself physically andemotionally in order to feel your best at any age. This lecture willaddress tips for relaxation, foods that boost energy, and the impactof stress on the way you feel.

Presenters: Ooi-Thye Chong, RN, MPH, LAc; Salvatore Fichera, MS,Exercise Physiologist; Lisa R. Young, PhD, RD

NYU Cancer Winter '12 J 1/6/12 2:48 PM Page 11

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The NYU Cancer Institute helps advance the care ofpatients with the most common types of cancer andblood disorders, including those of the:• Breast• Gynecologic Cancers• Gastrointestinal Tract• Genitourinary System (such as prostate cancer)• Neuro-Oncology (including brain cancer)• Lung• Head and Neck• Melanoma• Hematologic Cancers and other blood disorders• Sarcoma• Pediatric Cancers

NYU Clinical Cancer Center160 East 34th StreetNew York, NY 10016

As the principal outpatient facility of the NCI-designated NYU Cancer Institute, the NYU ClinicalCancer Center serves as home base for our patientsand their caregivers. The center and its multidisci-plinary team of experts provide convenient access tothe latest treatment options and clinical trials, alongwith a variety of programs in cancer prevention,screening, diagnostics, genetic counseling, andsupportive services.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

New Patient Physician Referral Line 212-731-5000

Clinical Trials Information 212-263-6485

Mammography and/or Related Procedures 212-731-5002

NYU Clinical Cancer Center 212-731-5480Support Group Information Line

Lynne Cohen Foundation & Caring Together Project for Women with Increased Risk for Cancer• NYU Clinical Cancer Center 212-731-5452• Bellevue Hospital Center 212-263-3198

100 Women in Hedge Funds 212-731-5345National Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Program

Lucille Roberts Wellness Boutique 212-731-5198managed by Underneath It All

Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center 212-263-8400for Cancer and Blood Disorders

Speakers Bureau & Community 212-263-6342Outreach Programs

NYULMC Office of Communications 212-404-3555Media InquiriesOffice of Development/Donations 212-404-3640

NYUCI Office of the Director 212-263-3276

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