Leadership Messages — Terry R. Peets
Milestones
All of us have momentous events that mark our lives: graduations, weddings, significant birthdays. Organizations are much the same. Events and accomplishments mark the progress of an organization’s journey of growth and success.
This issue of City News is rich with examples of recent milestones achieved by City of Hope.
Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope marked a quarter century of innovation in 2008. It was the first of only five prestigious Beckman Institutes nationally. The scientific excellence that first earned the generous support of the Beckman Foundation in 1983 has been ongoing and profound. Within these pages, you will read about the many, significant contributions made by our scientists that have literally improved the lives of millions.
City of Hope marked another achievement: It was awarded its 200th patent. That is remarkable for any research institute, but it is particularly noteworthy for an institution of City of Hope’s size. Each of those patents represents a unique research concept with the potential to improve society. City of Hope is uniquely positioned to transform these concepts into benefits for patients here and worldwide. We have a rich history of doing exactly that, with laboratory discoveries that have led to drugs and treatments in use throughout the world.
In 2008, City of Hope was once again named one of “America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S.News & World Report. Our improved ranking (up six places in urology and eight places in cancer since 2007) recognizes the truly outstanding care provided to all patients and families at City of Hope.
The year’s accomplishments, from the U.S. News ranking to the National Cancer Institute’s renewal of our status as a comprehensive cancer center, are important milestones in the life and success of City of Hope.
I am honored to serve this fine organization and am immeasurably grateful to all volunteers who have supported and remain committed to City of Hope.
Terry R. Peets
Chair, City of Hope Board of Directors
Leadership Messages — Michael A. Friedman
Stem the tide
Stem cells remain the focus of much research — and hope — for a cure for cancer and many other devastating diseases. These remarkable cells hold unique properties that make them ideally suited for a number of therapeutic uses, and researchers are only beginning to tap their potential.
As scientists study the biology that makes them so unique, one thing is clear: Not all stem cells are alike. Some, in fact, are life-endangering.
So-called cancer stem cells may be at the root of the most tenacious forms of the disease. Resistant to chemotherapy, they lie in wait while most tumor cells are destroyed during treatment. Later, they again make their advance, developing and creating mature cancer cells that re-establish the disease.
Cancer stem cells are not invincible, though. In this issue of City News, scientists describe their quest to fully understand cancer stem cells and identify potential treatment targets. In some cases, this means finding key differences between normal stem cells and those underlying cancer. But finding similarities has value, too.
Understanding how cancer stem cells differ from normal stem cells could provide specific targets for new drugs. Focusing on the similarities could help researchers find ways to prevent cancer stem cells from maturing into tumor cells, or even coax them back into normal, healthy stem cells.
In the laboratory and in clinical studies, City of Hope researchers are focused on cancer stem cells that lead to lung, breast and brain cancers, as well as leukemia and lymphoma. The answers they uncover may provide a huge therapeutic advantage over these diseases and lead to methods to stave off the onset of cancer, as well as relapse following treatment.
As you will read, City of Hope researchers are passionate about deciphering the mysteries surrounding these extraordinary cells and translating their findings rapidly and efficiently into new, effective treatments. Thank you for your part in supporting this important work.
Michael A. Friedman, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
