Lung Cancer Research Foundation Expands Scientific Advisory Board
Foundation welcomes leaders in lung cancer research to achieve strategic objectives
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) has strengthened its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) by adding five new members, enhancing an already impressive scientific governing body. Under the leadership of Kathryn O'Donnell, PhD, Associate Professor, Molecular Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the SAB plays a vital role in guiding LCRF's research investment priorities. This board reviews, evaluates, and selects research proposals to fund, providing crucial insights and recommendations on lung cancer data. Their expertise is essential for LCRF's ambition to double its funding for lung cancer research by 2030.
Importance of the Scientific Advisory Board
"Our Scientific Advisory Board is essential in identifying the best and brightest investigators whose creative ideas have the potential to uncover novel, innovative solutions for people living with lung cancer," shares Aubrey Rhodes, Executive Director, LCRF. The addition of these accomplished members significantly enhances LCRF's capacity to discover and support transformative research that can lead to meaningful advancements in lung cancer treatment and management.
Dr. Kathryn O'Donnell, chair of the LCRF Scientific Advisory Board, expresses her enthusiasm: "The LCRF Scientific Advisory Board is a brilliant and efficient group of experts. By integrating these new members into our team, we can adapt more readily to the ever-evolving research landscape while achieving our strategic goals aimed at accelerating lung cancer research. It is an honor to welcome our newest members."
Adding Junior Scientists to the Advisory Board
In addition to the five new full members of the SAB, LCRF is excited to announce its inaugural cohort of junior members. This group of five will review, rank, and give feedback on grant applications, while also serving as volunteer advocates for LCRF and its research initiatives.
"Welcoming junior members to our Scientific Advisory Board is an investment in the future leaders of lung cancer research," emphasizes Dhruba Deb, PhD, LCRF's Senior Director of Research Programs. These emerging scientists will gain invaluable mentorship and insights directly from highly accomplished experts in the field. This initiative is a crucial step in fostering bold, innovative research and ensuring its continued growth to benefit individuals living with lung cancer.
Meet the New Scientific Advisory Board Members
The new full SAB representatives include:
Hossein Borghaei, DO, MS
Chief of Thoracic Medical Oncology
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Dr. Hossein Borghaei, a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his residency at Graduate Hospital. He has been an integral part of several clinical trials focusing on new therapies and immunotherapy for lung cancer patients.
Beyond his clinical role, Dr. Borghaei leads a laboratory dedicated to developing monoclonal antibodies and immune-modulating drugs, aiming to transform these research findings into clinical applications.
Matthew Bott, MD
Thoracic Surgeon
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Dr. Matthew Bott is a thoracic surgeon who specializes in lung and esophageal cancer treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is leading advancements in robotic bronchoscopy as part of MSK’s Endobronchial Therapies program while also conducting research aimed at understanding immune response mechanisms in cancer.
Sanja Dacic, MD, PhD
Department of Pathology
Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Sanja Dacic brings her expertise in diagnostic molecular pathology to the board, having worked on extensive research projects in lung cancer. She has published numerous papers and is known for her role in various prestigious organizations.
Paul J. Hesketh, MD, FASCO
Hematology & Oncology
Lahey Clinic Medical Center
As the Director of the Lahey Cancer Institute, Dr. Hesketh emphasizes innovative treatment approaches for lung cancer. His notable academic contributions and leadership roles in national cancer organizations mark him as a distinguished figure in oncology.
Misako Nagasaka, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology
UCI School of Medicine
Dr. Misako Nagasaka is a dedicated researcher at the University of California Irvine, focusing on molecular targeted therapies and ethics in thoracic malignancies. Her wealth of publications highlights her impactful research.
Introducing Junior Members to the Advisory Board
The junior members making their debut on the SAB include:
Joyce Chen, PharmD., PhD
Assistant Professor, The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
Ben May Department for Cancer Research
University of Chicago
Giorgia Foggetti, PhD
Project leader, Comprehensive Cancer Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Medical School, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
Emiliano Cocco, PhD
Assistant Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Miami
Hideko Isozaki, PhD
Professor, Genome Biology, Nano Life Science Institute
Kanazawa University, Japan
Lingtao Jin, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
About the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF)
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing high-impact research aimed at enhancing survival and quality of life for lung cancer patients. LCRF's mission focuses on funding groundbreaking research that leads to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of lung cancer. Since its inception, LCRF has funded 429 research grants, amounting to nearly $48 million, making it the foremost nonprofit provider of funding for lung cancer research.
Contact:
Sheila Sullivan
Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications, LCRF
ssullivan@LCRF.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lung Cancer Research Foundation?
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing innovative research to improve survival and quality of life for lung cancer patients.
Who leads the Scientific Advisory Board at LCRF?
The Scientific Advisory Board is led by Dr. Kathryn O'Donnell, an Associate Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
What is the purpose of adding junior members to the SAB?
The junior members are intended to foster the next generation of leaders in lung cancer research, providing mentorship and opportunities for emerging scientists.
How many new members joined the LCRF Scientific Advisory Board?
Five new full members and five junior members have been introduced to the LCRF Scientific Advisory Board.
What are LCRF's future goals regarding research funding?
LCRF aims to double its research investments by the year 2030, significantly impacting lung cancer research outcomes.
