FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 1, 2009

CONTACT: Kelly Powell
571-483-1365
kelly.powell@asco.org

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The ASCO Cancer Foundation (TACF) named Martin J. Murphy, Jr., PhD, DMedSc, as the new Chair of TACF board of directors. Dr. Murphy will assume his new role on the Foundation board in January 2010.

“Dr. Murphy has demonstrated his support and commitment to ASCO and The ASCO Cancer Foundation for over a decade, volunteering his time on various committees throughout both organizations,” said Allen S. Lichter, CEO of ASCO. “We are pleased to have him serve as Chair of the Foundation board of directors and are confident that his strategic mind and collaboration expertise will help progress the organization’s important mission.”

As the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the Foundation awards grants to cancer researchers at all phases of their careers, supports international programs to improve patient care around the world, funds professional education programs for cancer caregivers, and provides funding for Cancer.Net (ASCO’s patient Web site) to provide patients with the best, most reliable cancer information. Over the past 26 years, ASCO and TACF have awarded more than $55 million in research grants.

“We are excited to have the leadership of Dr. Murphy as Chair of the Foundation board of directors,” said Nancy Riese Daly, MPH, Executive Director of TACF. “His energy, foresight and expertise will be a valuable asset to the Foundation as we work to make a difference in the lives of all people affected by cancer.”

Dr. Murphy founded the Hipple Cancer Research Center in 1977, known today as the Cancer Prevention Institute. Under his leadership, Dr. Murphy developed a research program that raised more than $30 million. Dr. Murphy also co-founded AlphaMed Press, which currently publishes two high-impact cancer journals: The Oncologist and Stem Cells. He has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and been the principal investigator of $21 million of peer-reviewed National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants – making him a sought after speaker in the field of oncology.

“It is a high honor and a considerable responsibility to accept the role as Chair of The ASCO Cancer Foundation,” said Dr. Murphy. “Working together with the terrific expertise of our wonderful Foundation staff and the dedication of our board of directors, we pledge to garner increased support from new and existing benefactors so that ASCO may continue to improve patient care and advance clinical oncology research.”

Joining Dr. Murphy are two new Foundation board members: Richard L. Schilsky, MD, and Thomas A. Marsland, MD.

Dr. Schilsky is an internationally recognized gastrointestinal cancer expert. He is currently a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Section of Hematology-Oncology at the University of Chicago. He has served as the Chairman of Cancer and Leukemia Group B since 1995. Dr. Schilsky previously served as Director of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center for eight years and as Associate Dean for Clinical Research for eight years.

Dr. Marsland established oncology practices in Orange Park and Palatka, Florida, and currently practices at Orange Park Cancer Center. He serves as Vice President of the Integrated Community Oncology Network, an organization that provides integrated radiation, medical oncology and imaging studies to patients in northeast Florida. Throughout his career, Dr. Marsland has been active in regional oncology organizations of both the American Cancer Society and ASCO.

All three doctors have had active roles on ASCO and TACF committees. Dr. Murphy is currently on the Foundation Board of Directors Committee until 2011 and most recently served on the Foundation Nominating Committee. Dr. Murphy has also served on ASCO’s Publications and International Affairs Committees. Dr. Schilsky is the Immediate Past-President of ASCO and currently resides on ASCO’s Board of Directors Executive Committee. He has also served on ASCO’s Cancer Communications Committee, Cancer Research Committee, Nominating Committee and Special Awards Committee. Also a member of ASCO’s Board of Directors Committee, Dr. Marsland serves on ASCO’s Clinical Practice and Cancer Research Committees and previously served on ASCO’s Finance Committee.

Dr. Murphy earned his doctoral degree from New York University in 1969. He completed fellowships at the Institut de Pathologie Cellulaire in Paris, the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research in Manchester, England, and the John Curtain School of Medical Research in Canberra, Australia.

In 1975, Dr. Schilsky earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital. Dr. Marsland earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 1974 and completed both his internship and residency at Temple University Hospital.

###

About The ASCO Cancer Foundation
The ASCO Cancer Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The Foundation harnesses the knowledge of ASCO’s more than 27,000 oncology and healthcare providers to improve the treatment and survivorship of people living with cancer. Our funding of breakthrough research, education, and quality improvement programs in cancer care gives patients and caregivers powerful resources to address the disease. Through these efforts, we improve the lives of those impacted by cancer.

About ASCO
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With more than 27,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.cancer.net.