For Immediate Release
October 23, 2006
For more information, contact:
Mike Shefky at mshefky@sitcancer.org
DR. RONALD LEVY ACCEPTS 2006 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 2006 "Richard V. Smalley, MD, Memorial Award" to Ronald Levy, MD of the Stanford University School of Medicine.
sitc first unveiled the first annual "Richard V. Smalley, MD, Memorial Award" in 2005 in memory of Dr. Smalley's many lifetime accomplishments. The "Smalley 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. Levy presents the scientific lecture "Therapeutic Vaccination for Lymphoid Malignancy" on Friday, October 27 from 8:00 am - 8:45 am in the Los Angeles Room of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Levy has received international acclaim for his work using the body's own arsenal to fight cancer. He is currently conducting clinical trials of a lymphoma vaccine. His research concentrates on the study of malignant lymphoma using the tools of immunology and molecular biology to develop a better understanding of the initiation and progression of the malignant process. Receptor molecules present on the surface of tumor cells transmit signals for regulation of cell growth. Dr. Levy is using these receptors as targets for new therapies for lymphoma. To date Dr. Levy has published over 250 articles in the fields of oncology and immunology.
"Dr. Levy is considered one of the pioneers in the clinical application of monoclonal antibodies and biological treatment of B cell lymphoma. His reputation is based on his outstanding work with monoclonal antibodies," said sitc Past President, Robert O. Dillman, MD. "It is highly fitting that he be the recipient of the 'Richard Smalley Award' for 2006."
Dr. Levy is a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Oncology in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University. Dr. Levy is also an American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professor.
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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