West Cancer Center has announced the establishment of The University of Tennessee (UT)/West Institute for Cancer Research, a nonprofit public charity fully dedicated to raising funds for adult cancer research in Memphis. The UT/West Institute for Cancer Research is soliciting grants from government agencies, foundations, and individuals to be used to broaden cutting-edge research programs and to strengthen the ability to provide the best possible cancer treatment.
According to Lee Schwartzberg, MD, Director of The UT/West Institute for Cancer Research and Medical Director of West Cancer Center, “There is great momentum for truly exceptional progress in cancer research. We are engaging top talent to be leaders in the development of new treatments, therapies, and protocols. With the development of The UT/West Institute, our researchers and scientists will now have the much-needed resources to translate discoveries right here in Memphis.”
In order to make the biggest impact, funds donated to The UT/West Institute will be primarily focused on research in these four centers of excellence: translational drug discovery and development, cancer immunotherapy, women’s cancers, and community outcomes.
The UT/West Institute has already received its first major gift of $2.5 million through the Plough Foundation, which will become the much-needed seed money for the translational drug discovery and development center of excellence. Chairman of the Board for the Plough Foundation Diane Rudner said, “Abe Plough, my grandfather and founder of the Plough Foundation, believed that you did the greatest good when you helped the greatest number of people. Today, that very mission is further realized by the Foundation’s commitment to the efforts of The UT/West Institute.” ■
