PHILADELPHIA PHILANTHROPIST Concetta “Chet” Greenberg has made a transformational gift to create The Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center. This multimillion-dollar commitment will significantly accelerate the pace of pancreatic cancer research, and its impact will be felt both regionally and nationally. It is reportedly the largest single gift in Fox Chase’s 113-year history.
Igor Astsaturov, MD, PhD
Edna Cukierman, PhD
The new Institute will be co-chaired by Igor Astsaturov, MD, PhD, and Edna Cukierman, PhD, a pair of visionary researchers whose shared goal is to achieve breakthroughs in both early detection and treatment options. Their research involves seeking new therapy targets and markers for early detection and investigating the impact of diet and environment on pancreatic cancer development and progression. Dr. Astsaturov is a clinician/researcher who specializes in treating pancreatic cancer and studies pancreatic cancer metabolism, and Dr. Cukierman is a leading researcher of the tumor microenvironment.
Among many initiatives, the Greenberg Institute will support new research projects led by multiple principal investigators. These collaborative projects will center on early detection, altering the communication between the tumor and its microenvironment, obstructing microenvironmental nutritional support, and awakening the natural immune system. Efforts will include testing the use of microenvironmental biomarkers, incorporating novel behavioral interventions, and developing a pipeline for new therapeutics. There will also be a focus on funding promising postdoctoral fellows and training new researchers, as well as establishing consortium-like national and international collaborations. ■
