SA Express-News: Childhood cancer survivor active in Obama’s ‘precision medicine’ effort
S.A. scientist also a cancer survivor
As a childhood cancer survivor, San Antonio pediatric oncologist Greg Aune understood the excitement felt by cancer patients and their families when President Barack Obama announced his “precision medicine” initiative nearly two weeks ago.
The groundbreaking initiative — for which Obama has requested an initial $215 million in his 2016 budget — aims to develop specific treatments based on a patient’s individual genetics, environment, and lifestyle, and the genetic progression of certain illnesses. The idea is to provide therapy specifically designed for the patient — personalized treatment that is more effective and less toxic, with fewer long-term side effects.
Since 2004, UT Health San Antonio, Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute’s (Greehey CCRI) mission has been to advance scientific knowledge relevant to childhood cancer, contribute to understanding its causes, and accelerate the translation of knowledge into novel therapies. Greehey CCRI strives to have a national and global impact on childhood cancer by discovering, developing, and disseminating new scientific knowledge. Our mission consists of three key areas — research, clinical, and education.
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