On July 2, Friends of CancerResearch and the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center presented a town hall symposium titled "Discovery to Delivery" to a crowded auditorium of attendees to discuss the future of cancer research.

(L-R) Dr. Jason Chesney, Susan Dentzer, Dr. Ellen Sigal, Dr. Anna Barker, Dr. bob Mass, Susan Moreman, Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, Sen. Mitch McConnel, Dr. Donald Miller and Dr. James Ramsey

The panel, moderated by Susan Dentzer, Editor-in-Chief, Health Affairs, included Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Minority Leader; Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, FDA Commissioner; Dr. Anna Barker, NCI Deputy Director; Dr. Donald Miller, Director, James Brown Cancer Center; Dr. Jason Chesney, Associate Director of Translational Reseach, James Graham Brown Cancer Center; Dr. Bob Mass, Principal Medical Director, Genentech; and Susan Moremen, a Louisville cancer research advocate and survivor. Panel discussion focused on the current progress in cancer research. Dr. Miller described the exciting research occurring at the University of Louisville and the need for accelerated cancer research in Kentucky due to the state's high cancer rate. Dr. von Eschenbach talked about the great "progress to not only observe cancer, but the progress to understand cancer as a disease process."

Discussion also focused on increased funding for cancer research and the NCI. Dr. Barker stated that, "The estimated cost of cancer in this country this year will be approximately $219 billion and will increase by 30% over the next 15 years." Senator McConnell spoke about the role Congress has in increasing funding for cancer research, stating, "A specific business plan is needed to stimulate funding by laying out a specific goal for funding." He noted that the agencies need to come to Congress with a plan, because Congress does not have the expertise to distinguish the needs between competing diseases.

To view video of the town hall please click here: http://browncancercenter.org/news/news_ind.aspx?id=324