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Cutting-Edge Cancer Scientist Dr. Bruce Horten to Discuss Revolutionary Therapy Techniques in Nov. 29 Signature Lecture
November 26, 2012
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Dr. Bruce Horten, cancer researcher,
comes to campus. |
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Cutting-Edge Cancer Scientist Dr. Bruce Horten to Discuss
Revolutionary Therapy Techniques in Nov. 29
Signature Lecture
Leading cancer scientist Bruce Horten, M.D., will highlight his
cutting edge techniques of engineering new cancer treatments in a
presentation on Thursday, November 29, at Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology's Hatfield Hall Theater, starting at 7 p.m. The event is
free and open to the public.
Horton's presentation, "Targets: Transforming the Assault on
Cancer," will cover a revolutionary cancer therapy that's based on
a patient's genetic makeup. He is one of the world's leading
experts in classifying and targeting specific cancers using
Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization (FISH) to literally "FISH" for
chromosomal abnormalities-deletions in DNA that can cause
cancer.
By studying these abnormalities, Horten and others have become
more adept at identifying specific forms of cancer and targeting
drugs that are disease specific to weaken the cancer without also
weakening the health of the individual cancer patient.
The science of pathogenesis -- investigating the genetic
variations underlying tumor development and progression -- has
progressed from simply classifying cancers to predictive analysis
and therapy.
"In the 21st Century, the entire approach to cancer therapy has
changed-especially the cancer drugs-from poisoning the patient with
the hope that you will poison the cancer more than the patient, to
finding drugs that are relatively harmless to the patient, but
toxic to the cancer," stated Horten.
As National Medical Director for the Integrated Oncology
laboratory at LabCorp (formerly Genzyme Genetics) since 2004,
Horten oversees the strategic development of the company's oncology
business and spearheads educational initiatives concerning
cancer-related issues. He also has been medical director of
IMPATH's Eastern Division, and served on the pathology staffs of
the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the University of
California at San Francisco, and Lenox Hill Hospital. to new
ownership.
Engineering better medicines is one of the Grand Challenges of
Engineering, as identified by the National Academy of Engineering.
One area of interest is having engineers develop new systems to use
genetic information, sense small changes in the body, assess new
drugs, and deliver drugs to address medical conditions.
This is why Rose-Hulman is bringing Horten to speak to its
students, faculty and staff members at the Signature Lecture Series
event, according to William Kline, Ph.D., Rose-Hulman's Dean of
Innovation and Engagement. Horten also conducted an
interactive Internet video conference with Rose-Hulman students to
preview topics being discussed in his upcoming presentation.
"Engineers are becoming ever more important in the field of
medicine," Kline acknowledged. "Biotechnologists, computer and
software engineers, and chemical engineers are just a few of the
specialties involved in helping medical doctors make these
astounding breakthroughs."