UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 3

UAB COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER Director Edward E. Partridge, M.D. news from the director Deputy Director Ravi Bhatia, M.D. Associate Directors Etty Benveniste, Ph.D. Smita Bhatia, M.D, M.P.H. Mary-Ann Bjornsti, Ph.D. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Ph.D., R.D. Harry Erba, M.D., Ph.D. Martin Heslin, M.D. Isabel Scarinci, Ph.D., M.P.H. Richard Whitley, M.D. Director Emeritus and Advisor to the Director Albert F. LoBuglio, M.D. Senior Advisors Kirby I. Bland, M.D. James Bonner, M.D. Herbert Chen, M.D. Mona Fouad, M.D., M.P.H. Associate Director for Administration Michael Bertram, Ph.D., M.B.A. OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS Development Coordinator Alex Huffman Director of Communications Beena Thannickal Director of Education and Supportive Services Teri Hoenemeyer, Ph.D., M.S. Editor, Communications and Publications Josh Till, APR Manager, Corporate Development and Special Events Melissa Juliano Donaldson Senior Director of Development and Community Relations Lisa Roth UAB COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER MAGAZINE Editor Josh Till, APR Medical Advisor Edward E. Partridge, M.D. Project Manager Josh Till, APR Writers Adam Pope Bob Shepard Beena Thannickal Josh Till, APR Art Director Erick Guillen Copy Editors Josh Till, APR Curran Umphrey Erika Willis Photographers Nik Layman Dustin Massey Mike Strawn Josh Till, APR Steve Wood Carson Young Printing UAB Print Services Produced by the Office of Development and Community Relations. In this issue of UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Magazine, we take a look at one of the hottest topics in cancer research and treatment – immunotherapy. The human body is equipped with a remarkably effective immune system, and finding ways to enhance its capabilities and add it to our arsenal of cancer-fighting weapons is driving a great deal of research across the nation, including here at the Cancer Center. Our cover story will give you an overview of this growing area of research and spotlight some promising projects being conducted by our physician-scientists. We also highlight two other promising areas of research and treatment. UAB’s recently announced Proton Therapy Center will continue our advancements in cancer treatment, transforming us into a national leader in this field. Likewise, our recently opened Integrative Medicine Clinic will allow us to further our research in examining the role of complimentary therapies such as counseling, nutritional support and meditation, and how they impact conventional treatments. This issue also introduces you to two rising stars in the Cancer Center: Jeffrey Nix, M.D., who co-leads our Program for Personalized Prostate Care, and Lalita Shevde-Samant, Ph.D., who recently became the Cancer Center’s associate director for training and education. These two dynamic faculty members are truly leading the way for the next generation of cancer researchers, and we are extremely fortunate to have them here at UAB. Our philanthropic efforts continue to grow. We were proud to recently accept another record-breaking donation from our friends with the Breast Cancer For a free subscription to UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, please call (205) 934-0321 or send an e-mail with your name and address to [email protected]. Research Foundation of Alabama, and we have just hosted another successful ArtBLINK Gala that I believe was our best yet. Lastly, I end this letter on a bittersweet note. After more than 25 years at UAB, including 10 years as Cancer Center director, I have decided to retire, effective on July 30, 2017. Nearly my entire career has been at UAB, and while it’s hard to imagine not driving to campus every day, I am looking forward to the future. I am extremely proud of all that I have accomplished during my time at the Cancer Center, and I am excited for the ideas and fresh energy that a new leader will bring. It has been an honor to serve as the director of your UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your support. Edward Partridge, M.D. Director and Evalina B. Spencer Chair in Oncology