West Cancer Center : Announces The University of Tennessee/West Institute for Cancer Research and a $2.5 million major gift from the Plough Foundation

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- West Cancer Center is proud to announce The University of Tennessee/West Institute for Cancer Research, a newly established not-for-profit public charity fully dedicated to raising funds for adult cancer research in Memphis, Tennessee. The UT/West Institute for Cancer Research is soliciting grants from government agencies, foundations and individuals to be used to broaden cutting-edge research programs and to strengthen the ability to provide the best possible cancer treatment.

According to Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, Director of The UT/West Institute for Cancer Research and Medical Director of West Cancer Center, "There is great momentum for truly exceptional progress in cancer research. We are engaging top talent to be leaders in the development of new treatments, therapies, and protocols. With the development of The UT/West Institute, our researchers and scientists will now have the much-needed resources to translate discoveries right here in Memphis."

In order to make the biggest impact, funds donated to The UT/West Institute will be primarily focused on research in these four Centers of Excellence: Translational Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Immunotherapy, Women's Cancers, and Community Outcomes.

The UT/West Institute has already received its first major gift of $2.5 million through the Plough Foundation, which will become the much needed seed money for the Translational Drug Discovery and Development Center of Excellence. Chairman of the Board for the Plough Foundation Diane Rudner says, "Abe Plough, my grandfather and founder of the Plough Foundation, believed that you did the greatest good when you helped the greatest number of people. Today, that very mission is further realized by the Foundation's commitment to the efforts of The UT/West Institute."

According to Dr. William West, Chairman, Founder's Capital Campaign for The UT/West Institute for Cancer Research, "This is truly an historic occasion for our city. Our team has an absolute commitment to make our city proud and our patients confident that they are receiving the best possible care. With the foundation of The UT/West Institute, we can keep Memphis at the forefront of adult cancer treatment and see these new developments reach our patients and generations to come."

Morgan Harriman
Manager, Public Relations
West Cancer Center
The West Clinic
[phone]
[phone] x 1207
[e-mail]

Mike Carpenter
Executive Director
Plough Foundation
[phone] x314
[e-mail]

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SOURCE West Cancer Center