BUFFALO, NY – The American Cancer Society (ACS) has awarded Eunice Wang, MD, departments of Medicine and Immunology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) a $729,000 grant to study “Antiangiogenic Mechanisms in Hematological Malignancies.”   

Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, is known to be crucial for the growth of many solid tumors such as breast, prostate, colon and lung cancers. However, the role of angiogenesis in the growth of cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma is not as well known. Dr. Wang will examine the contributions of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), a promoter of blood vessel formation and thrombospondin, an inhibitor of blood vessel formation in leukemia and lymphoma. The long-term goal is to develop new therapies targeting the blood vessels to improve the outcomes of patients with these cancers.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout New York and New Jersey. For 24-hour cancer information, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

            Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, or call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

-30-