iN thiS iSSue of UAB Comprehensive Cancer
Center magazine, i want to emphasize three of
our center’s highlights in particular.
First is the recent announcement that the
uAB comprehensive cancer center has again
successfully competed for renewal of our
National cancer institute designation as a “com-
prehensive” cancer center, and as a result, we
have received $27.5 million in Nci funding to
continue our mission of advancing the world’s
understanding of cancer and translating that
knowledge into better prevention, early detec-
tion, treatment and survivorship. the renewal
effort involved a large team of scientists and staff
who provided a tremendous effort to accom-
plish this recognition. All are to be congratulated
and thanked.
in addition, this issue emphasizes our new
gastrointestinal (gi) oncology research and
Patient care initiative, with our cover story
focusing on the impact of nutrition, physical
activity and obesity on cancer, including gi
malignancies. the fundraising arm of this initia-
tive includes our effort to establish the James
P. hayes Jr. endowed chair in gi oncology. Jim
was a beloved leader of the Alabama business
community and a longtime, avid supporter of
the cancer center. this initiative is a significant
priority for the cancer center as we seek to
expand and grow our gi research and patient
care enterprise
to establish us as
a national leader
in this area.
Also in this
issue, we feature
the launch of
the new uAB
cancer care
Network. this
affiliate network,
which includes
five institutions across Alabama, Florida and
georgia, was established to help deliver high-
quality cancer care to patients who do not live
near major metropolitan areas. the cancer
center provides our affiliates with continuing
medical education, quality improvement, cancer
program advisement, outreach direction and
access to our hundreds of clinical trials.
As you read this issue, you will see that the
uAB comprehensive cancer center continues
to pursue and make significant advancements
toward our vision of eliminating cancer as a pub-
lic health problem.
Edward Partridge, M.D. Director and Evalina B. Spencer Chair in Oncology
lnews from the director
For a free subscription to UAB
Comprehensive Cancer Center, please call
(205) 934-0321 or send an e-mail with your
name and address to info@ccc.uab.edu.
2011 • VOLU ME XXVII •
NUMBER 1
AN NCI-DEs IgNAtED C
OMpREhEN sIVE
CANCER CE NtER sINCE
1971
of Progress an d Promise
2011 • VOLUME XXVII • NUMBER 2
AN NCI-DEsIgNAtED COMpREhENsIVE CANCER CENtER sINCE 1971
COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
THE IMPACT OF OBESITY ON CANCER
UAB COMpREhENsIVE CANCER CENtER
Director edward e. Partridge, m.d.
Associate Directors etty Benveniste, Ph.d. mary-Ann Bjornsti, Ph.d. Wendy demark-Wahnefried, Ph.d., r.d. John Fiveash, m.d. martin heslin, m.d. mansoor Saleh, m.d. richard Whitley, m.d.
Director Emeritus and Advisor to the Director Albert F. LoBuglio, m.d.
senior Advisors Kirby i. Bland, m.d. James Bonner, m.d.
Associate Director for Administration michael Bertram, Ph.d., m.B.A.
OffICE Of DEVELOpMENt AND COMMUNIty RELAtIONs
Director of Education and supportive services teri hoenemeyer, m.S.h.A.
Editor, Communications and publications Josh till
Manager, special Events and Board Relations miranda Wesley
Media Relations specialist Beena thannickal
program Administrator, gifts Katy Smith
program Manager, Volunteer Relations callie dunaway
UAB COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER MAGAZINE
Editor Josh till
Medical Advisor edward e. Partridge, m.d.
project Manager caperton gillett
writers Sara Brandon christy mcKenzie Beena thannickal Josh till heather Watts
Art Directors ron gamble Jessica huffstutler
Copy Editors caperton gillett Josh till
photographers Josh till Steve Wood
production traci Bratton
printing uAB Print Plant
Produced by the Office of Development and Community Relations in collaboration with the UAB Periodicals Group.
Stay connected to our progress in the fight against cancer at Dr. Partridge’s blog— your direct line to one of the nation’s leading cancer experts. uabccc.blogspot.com
The Director’s Line