The Biological Sciences School welcomed Richard A. Van Etten, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and Biological Chemistry and the Director of the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Van Etten’s presentation discussed the role the Cancer Center plays in the Southern California community, including its role as a pioneering research center, as a home to innovative treatment strategies, and its unique standing in Orange County as the first place to conduct clinical trials on emerging cancer treatments. He also discussed the latest research from his laboratory on myeloid leukemia. His early work helped lead to the current treatment for myeloid leukemia. Presently he’s using the latest “omics” technology, along with mathematical modeling, to identify and target cancer stem cells.

The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series was created by Dean Frank M. LaFerla, Ph.D., in March 2014. The lectures have grown to become one of the highlights of the School’s commitment to engaging and informing the broader community as well as the University constituency about discoveries emanating from the Biological Sciences School. “Dispatch from the Front Lines of the War on Cancer: How NCI Cancer Centers Lead the Fight” was the topic of Professor Van Etten’s lectureship.

“Cancer is a formidable foe that far too many people must face. Fortunately, institutions such as the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center are bringing together outstanding scientists and clinicians from across the University to collaborate on innovative strategies to fight and someday defeat cancer,” said Dean LaFerla. “As the head of the Cancer Center, we were very pleased that Dr. Van Etten accepted our invitation to address the community on the very latest of these breakthroughs.”