For Immediate Release
October 10, 2005
For more information, contact:
Mike Shefky at mshefky@sitcancer.org
DR. STEVEN A. ROSENBERG ACCEPTS INAUGURAL SMALLEY AWARD
In recognition of his outstanding research, work and achievements in cancer therapy, the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer (sitc) presents the inaugural Richard V. Smalley, MD, Memorial Award to Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, PhD of the National Cancer Institute, Surgery Branch.
sitc is proud to unveil the first annual Richard V. Smalley, MD, Memorial Award in memory of Dr. Smalley's many lifetime accomplishments. This award serves as recognition of excellence in the field of therapeutic research with biological agents and will be accompanied by an honorarium of $5,000. In association with this award, Dr. Rosenberg presents a scientific lecture on Sunday, November 13 from 8:00 am - 8:45 am in the Plaza Ballroom East of the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia.
Dr. Rosenberg has pioneered the development of immunotherapy that has resulted in the first effective immunotherapies for selected patients with advanced cancer. He has also pioneered the development of gene therapy and was the first to successfully insert foreign genes into humans and to conduct clinical studies of the gene therapy of cancer. More recently he and his research group have cloned the genes encoding cancer regression antigens and have used these to develop cancer vaccines for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. His recent studies of cell transfer therapies have resulted in cancer regressions in patients associated with the clonal repopulation of lymphocytes with anti-tumor reactivity.
"Countless patients have already benefited from his pioneering research with IL-2 and it is anticipated that many more will eventually benefit from his current research efforts," said sitc Immediate Past President, Michael B. Atkins, MD. "As a recognized leader in the cancer immunotherapy field for over 2 decades, it is highly fitting that he be the first recipient of the Richard Smalley Award."
Dr. Rosenberg is Chief of Surgery at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD and a Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC.
Dr. Richard V. Smalley acted as an integral part of the sitc fabric from the Society's inception as one of its key charter members in 1984. Dr. Smalley served on the original Board of Directors from 1984 - 90, where he served as the Society's third President from 1988 - 90, leading the Society through some of its most formative years. In 1994 - 98 while serving as sitc Treasurer, the environment for biological therapy began to change and the Society faced many challenges. During this time Dr. Smalley again showed inspirational devotion by accepting these challenges and administering the Society from his own home and nurturing its continued growth. sitc's success is due, in large part, to the consummate dedication and leadership of Dr. Richard Smalley.
Richard Vincent Smalley was born in New York City on June 21, 1932, and grew up in Larchmont, NY. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1953 and Temple University School of Medicine in 1957. After serving as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, he completed his residency at Temple University Hospital and his fellowship at Ohio State University.
Dr. Smalley was Professor of Medicine and Head of the Section of Medical Oncology at Temple University until 1981. He served as Branch Chief of the Biological Response Modifiers Program at the National Cancer Institute from 1982-84. He joined the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin Cancer Center (1984-91) prior to starting his own cancer clinical trials management company, Synertron, Inc. A seven-year survivor of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Dr. Smalley died of an unrelated brain tumor at his home in Edgewater, MD, on January 17, 2004 at the age of 71.
Founded in 1984, the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer (sitc) is an organization of clinicians, researchers, students, post-doctoral fellows, and allied health professionals dedicated to improving cancer patient outcomes by advancing the development and application of biological therapy through interaction, innovation and leadership.
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