New leadership appointed at Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center for crucial programs

The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has announced several key appointments aimed at advancing cancer science and improving patient care.

Dr. William Lowry, a renowned expert in cancer education and research, has been appointed as the director of the Cancer Research Training, Education, and Coordination (CRTEC)/Training & Education Program. In this role, Lowry will lead the center's broader cancer education, training, and mentoring initiatives, focusing on shaping the next generation of cancer researchers.

Lowry will also serve as the director of Cancer Education, Training and Mentoring, overseeing the development and implementation of innovative cancer-focused training programs. He will provide guidance and mentorship to trainees at all levels, ensuring a nurturing environment for the growth of future researchers.

Two new co-directors have been appointed for the CMINT Research Program. Dr. Christine Mona, PhD, and Dr. Amar Kishan, MD, will jointly lead this program. Mona's research focuses on chemistry, pharmacology, and nuclear medicine, with a particular emphasis on novel stroma-targeted radionuclide therapies and combination treatments for hard-to-treat cancers. Kishan, on the other hand, specializes in advanced radiation techniques for genitourinary cancers and leads an active translational research program aimed at improving treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. The CMINT Research Program team combines expertise in translational imaging, nanoparticle design, and theranostics.

Dr. Beth Glenn, PhD, and Dr. Mina Sedrak, MD, MS, will co-lead the Cancer Control and Survivorship (CCS) Research Program. Glenn's research aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer survivors through research on health policy, care delivery, and survivorship interventions. Sedrak studies the complex relationship between cancer treatment and the aging process to unravel the biological mechanisms underlying accelerated aging in people with cancer. The CCS Research Program focuses on cancer control from prevention and early detection to survivorship and end-of-life care.

The JCCC's research leaders are generally faculty members specializing in cancer survivorship and control, but specific current leaders' names are not publicly provided.

Dr. Caius Radu, MD, has been appointed as the director of the Cancer Molecular Imaging, Nanotechnology, and Theranostics (CMINT) Research Program. Radu's research focuses on the interplay of metabolism and signaling in cancer, leading to the development of new PET probes and therapeutic targets now in clinical use.

Dr. Michael Teitell, MD, PhD, is the director of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. Teitell stated that Lowry's appointment strengthens their ability to advance cancer science and translate discoveries into better care for patients. The JCCC aims to advance cancer science and improve patient care, and these appointments are a significant step towards achieving that goal.

The JCCC is also strengthening its initiatives in cancer education, training, and mentoring, reinforcing its collaborative approach to cancer research and care. The appointments of Lowry, Mona, Kishan, Glenn, Sedrak, and Radu are expected to have a profound impact on the future of cancer research and care at UCLA.