Despite progress in developing effective cancer therapies, many 
patients still succumb. Breakthroughs in three areas offer new hope for more effective therapies and ultimate cure: first, the ability to determine the genetic makeup of tumors and develop tailored treatments; second, highlighting the importance of targeting “stem-like” cells resistant to many therapies; finally, breakthroughs in unleashing the body’s immune system to fight cancer. The development of new therapies offers hope that cancer may be conquered.

Max S. Wicha, M.D. is the Madeline and Sidney Forbes Professor of Oncology and a leader in the science of cancer stem cells. He was Founding Director of U. of M.’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, a position he held for 27 years. Dr. Wicha co-founded OncoMed, a company that develops drugs to target cancer stem cells. He was recently appointed to the National Cancer Advisory Board, which advises the President on 
cancer research and treatment.

This is the third in a six-lecture series. The subject is Biomedical Breakthroughs: The Future is Here. The next lecture will be March 17, entitled THE BIONIC EYE AND NEW TREATMENTS FOR BLINDNESS FROM RETINAL DISEASE