Cancer Research at MSKCC

Research Update

For many years we have supported innovative cancer research at MSKCC in the area of using CAR T cell immunotherapies.  The lead researchers we have supported are Dr. Renier Brentjens and Dr. Anthony Daniyan. The gene therapy techniques developed by Dr. Brentjens, Dr. Daniyan and their team using CAR T cell immunotherapy have led to some very promising results and remissions in patients with advanced B cell cancers. These techniques and therapies are now being further developed and applied to other types of cancer.  

Dr. Brentjens recently became Deputy Director and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the Roswell Park Cancer Center in his hometown of Buffalo, New York and he remains a trusted adviser on cancer research to the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research (New York City) and he continues to collaborate with Dr. Daniyan and MSKCC.

Dr Daniyan is a lead researcher in MSKCC’s Cellular Therapeutics Center working to develop the next generation of CAR T cell immunotherapy.  In Dr. Daniyan’s words:

For almost a decade, I have been working on projects that elevate the body’s ability to recognize and fight cancer. While this wasn’t always my career path, Dr. Renier Brentjens recruited me after working together on one rotation. When I started with him, I presented several research projects expecting one to be a good idea. All were approved to move forward!

It wasn’t long before I started working with the funds raised by the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research (NYC). These donations gave me the freedom to test new hypotheses very quickly. Because of the funding, my projects moved ahead quickly and proceeded to clinical trials (and now Phase One Trials) in patients with AML. Without your funding, this work would be many years behind. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you at this year’s run." 

For more information regarding Dr. Daniyan, please click here.

The researchers at MSKCC, Dr Brentjens and Dr. Daniyan express their heartfelt thanks for making this possible, and for keeping your faith in their work. 

Your efforts are making a real difference in the lives and prospects of cancer patients.

For more information regarding Dr Brentjens' and Dr. Daniyan's work, please click on the links below.

Blood
New Trial Advances: Cell-Based Immune Therapy
MSKCC - Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences
MSKCC - New Type of CAR T Cells Successfully Target AML in Pilot Study
World News With Diane Sawyer
CNC World
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