Melanoma Research
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It is currently estimated that 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. Nearly one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, and of these, about 44,000 cases are melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Since 1973, the incidence rate of melanoma has increased about 4% per year.
Melanoma begins in melanocytes - the skin cells that produce skin coloring or protective pigment - and unlike other skin cancers can spread to internal organs. If not detected early and treated properly, melanoma is very dangerous. However, when diagnosed early, it can be cured.
Presently, the majority of funds raised by the Jack H. Marston II Melanoma Fund are used to support the research efforts of Dr. Bitran and Dr. Richards at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
Melanoma Research at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Jacob D. Bitran, M.D., and Jon Richards, M.D., Ph.D.
Oncologists at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital are involved in cutting edge research into the early detection and treatment of melanoma. The oncology program at Lutheran General is identified by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 50 in the country, and has been ranked number one in the "Chicago Top Hospitals" survey. Their cancer research activities include over 100 clinical trials and pioneering studies of potential cancer prevention and treatment drugs. The clinical research program builds a bridge between the laboratory and the patient, offering patients access to the latest technologies and state-of-the-art care.
Some of the most significant clinical research in cancer treatment at Lutheran General Hospital involves Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Therapy, the development of vaccines designed to bolster the body's immunological response. The Leona Loeber Memorial Laboratory is a dendritic cell and vaccine laboratory that makes it possible for oncologists to develop these treatment vaccines. Dendritic cells are the cells in the body that initiate an immune response by "presenting" specific antigens. By taking these cells out of patients, purifying the "presenting" cells and returning these cells back to the patient with antigens, potent immune responses can be initiated. The immune system is given the message to attack the cancer and not allow it to proliferate. This innovative therapy is currently being used primarily in melanoma treatment and has the potential to be effective with breast, ovarian and colon cancers as well.
In a time of reduced funding for clinical research from government and industry, philanthropy is increasingly important. As medical technology expands exponentially and new therapies and treatment options never imagined in the past become possibilities, clinical research will become increasingly essential, and the need to respond to these challenges in a timely way is key. The philanthropic support of cancer research is a gift of hope for the future and promise in the present.