New Interception Dream Team Announced to Research Opportunities to Detect Early and Intercept Development of Lung Cancer Cells to Save Lives
(PRWEB) September 15, 2016 -- The American Lung Association and its LUNG FORCE initiative has announced it is expanding its investment in lung cancer research through a new collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer and LUNGevity Foundation, to create a new Stand Up To Cancer-LUNGevity-American Lung Association Lung Cancer Interception Dream Team. The Dream Team will be selected after a competitive process, and will investigate early molecular or other changes that lead to cancer development with the ultimate goal to stop the progress of lung cancer before it starts. This will help inform successful future strategies and new approaches for early detection and prevention.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, and the startling truth is that on average less than half of those diagnosed with lung cancer will be alive one year after diagnosis. More must be done to save lives, and through the launch of this collaboration to create this new Interception Dream Team we’re opening the door to new opportunities to identify both improved methods to detect lung cancer early as well as to ways preempt those cancer cells,” said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer. “We’re proud to stand with Stand Up To Cancer and LUNGevity Foundation as we invest in research to study these critical problems and identify opportunities to save lives through the new Interception Dream Team.”
The Dream Team was announced during the Stand Up To Cancer live telecast on September 9. The intent of this award is to bring together leaders from across disciplines, institutions, countries and specialties to collaborate and move research from bench to bedside to benefit patients more quickly. The Dream Team will be funded at $6 million, with each organization contributing $2 million. This award marks the American Lung Association’s largest single investment into lung cancer research to date.
“This Dream Team is working to change the face of cancer research and push the dream of ending cancer closer to reality—and we’re extremely proud to support the Interception Dream Team alongside Stand Up To Cancer and LUNGevity Foundation,” Wimmer said. “This new collaboration marks yet another milestone for the American Lung Association as we work to defeat lung cancer through investing in promising research.”
“Cancer interception is a cutting-edge approach to cancer prevention and treatment and Stand Up To Cancer is excited to have the support of the American Lung Association and LUNGevity Foundation. Collaborations with visionary advocates such as Lung Association and its LUNG FORCE initiative and LUNGevity Foundation are essential to drive innovation and accelerate cancer research,” said SU2C President and CEO Sung Poblete, PhD, RN. “Stand Up To Cancer is so appreciative that for the first time, the American Lung Association is extending its collaborative network to work with both SU2C and LUNGevity as we pursue this newest approach to cancer prevention and treatment.”
In the coming months, Stand Up To Cancer, with support from its scientific partner the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), will issue a new “Call for Ideas” to the scientific community, seeking proposals from collaborative teams offering approaches that offer the greatest promise of patient benefit.
Since the launch of its LUNG FORCE initiative in 2014, the Lung Association has doubled its investment in lung cancer research, while providing support for patients and families impacted by lung cancer. And in order to extend its impact, the Lung Association has built collaborations with other organizations to fund more research, including the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, LUNGevity Foundation, American Thoracic Society, Stand Up To Cancer and the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation.
“By doubling down on our investment in lung cancer research through strategic partnerships and collaborations, the American Lung Association is at the forefront of lung cancer research in an effort to defeat lung cancer,” Wimmer said.
For media interested in speaking with an expert about lung cancer and the American Lung Association research investments, contact the American Lung Association at Media(at)Lung(dot)org or 312-801-7628.
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About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601
1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 20004
1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org
Allison MacMunn, American Lung Association, http://www.Lung.org, +1 (312) 801-7628, [email protected]
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