MICHELE CARBONE RECOGNIZED WITH ENDOWED CHAIR
The University of Hawai ‘ i has awarded the William and Ellen Melohn Chair in Cancer Biology to Michele Carbone , MD , PhD , in recognition of his research in cancer genetics . The endowed chair was created with a generous gift from the Melohn family to the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center .
Carbone and colleagues recently published findings about the BAP1 cancer gene in Nature that describe the BAP1 Cancer Syndrome . In this syndrome , mutations in the BAP1 gene result in a disorder that predisposes individuals to environmental carcinogens such as asbestos and can lead to the development of mesothelioma , melanoma and other cancers .
“ We are aiming to conduct a Phase I clinical trial in mesothelioma patients with BAP1 mutations . We are really excited . It would be a dream to go full circle from discovering a new disease to hopefully finding a cure for it ,” said Carbone . “ With the current constraints in federal research funding , it is critical that the private sector steps in to help . New cures for cancer are made because the Federal Government , industry and private citizens join forces to accelerate the progress of medical research .”
Left to right : Bill Melohn , Michele Carbone , MD , PhD , and Trudi Melohn .
UH Cancer Center Director Randall Holcombe , MD , MBA , said , “ Philanthropic gifts from generous donors like the Melohn family provide critical funds for cancer research and support the Cancer Center ’ s effort to reduce the burden of cancer for the people of Hawai ‘ i .
UH CANCER CENTER SCIENTISTS RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONALLY FOR MESOTHELIOMA RESEARCH
Two UH Cancer Center researchers were awarded for their outstanding mesothelioma research by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group ( iMig ), an independent international group of scientists and clinicians working to understand , cure and prevent mesothelioma . iMig WAGNER MEDAL 2018
Michele Carbone , MD , PhD , for “ discovering the role and mechanisms of genetics in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma ”.
iMig presents the Wagner Medal every two years to an individual who has made major original contributions to the understanding of mesothelioma , either in basic or applied research . The Wagner Medal is the highest honor presented by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group to a leader in the field . iMig RESEARCH AWARD 2018
Haining Yang , MD , PhD , for “ discovering the mechanisms of asbestos carcinogenesis ”.
The iMig Research Award is awarded every two years to recognize the potential significance and impact on the field of novel mesothelioma research .
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