Highlighting progress and promise in cancer research, including advances made in colorectal cancer, representatives from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, American Association of Cancer Research, and University Hospital recently met with Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital in Newark.
Representatives of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and University Hospital at a recent roundtable with Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. The roundtable discussion highlighted collaborative efforts that have resulted in significant advances in cancer research, using the example of early detection and prevention in colorectal cancer, the importance of robust and sustained funding for lifesaving medical research, and other important issues such as access to care and cancer disparities. Following the discussion, Congressman Payne toured the laboratories, treatment infusion area and patient library at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital in Newark.
From left: Karen Knudsen, PhD, AACR Science Policy and Government Affairs Committee member and director, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson University; Justin Sambol, MD, senior associate dean for clinical affairs, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.; John N. Kastanis, MBA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer, University Hospital; Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, director, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; Susan Goodin, PharmD, interim director, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital; Bruce G. Haffty, MD, chair, radiation oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (left), learns more about research being conducted in the laboratory of Ian Whitehead, PhD, (right) on a tour of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital in Newark. The visit followed a roundtable discussion with healthcare leaders from the American Association for Cancer Research, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and University Hospital to discuss the importance of colorectal cancer screening and the advances being made in colorectal cancer research. Key discussion points included robust and sustainable funding for medical research, access to screening and treatment, clinical trials education and participation, medical literacy, cultural behaviors, and financial barriers.
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (right), learns more about local challenges and barriers to colorectal cancer screening in his district from University Hospital President and CEO John N. Kastanis, MBA, FACHE (center) during a roundtable discussion with healthcare leaders from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Karen Knudsen, PhD, American Association for Cancer Research member and director, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson University on the topic of progress against cancer. Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, (left) director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and other representatives discussed the need for robust, predictable and sustained funding dedicated to the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Also discussed was the promise of precision medicine and efforts to develop better strategies for profiling tumors. Dr. Libutti said, “Science has caught up with imagination, but we need the resources to push it forward.” The visit culminated with a tour of laboratories and the treatment infusion area at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital.
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (right), meets with colorectal cancer survivor Robert Griffin on a tour of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey at University Hospital in Newark. The visit to the facility, which included stops in research laboratories and the treatment infusion area, followed a roundtable discussion with healthcare leaders from the American Association for Cancer Research, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and University Hospital to discuss the importance of colorectal cancer screening and the advances being made in colorectal cancer research. Key discussion points included sustainable funding, access to screening, medical literacy, cultural attitudes, and financial barriers.
High resolution images available through Michele Fisher