GUMC Update

Fornace Honored as Molecular Cancer Chair

March 6, 2007

Washington, D.C.—Most of us are all too familiar with the effects that psychological stress can have on our bodies. But GUMC's Albert J. Fornace, MD, professor of biochemistry and molecular & cellular biology and oncology, is committed to researching how environmental stresses can cause normal cells to become cancerous—and is developing ways to stop this from occurring. Fornace’s innovative work in the area of cellular response to radiation and other environmental toxins has earned him the Molecular Cancer Research Chair at Lombardi. Fornace was formally presented with the Chair at a ceremony in Riggs Library on February 28.

"Lombardi and its researchers are strong in so many areas," said Fornace, noting that he was looking forward to collaborating with his new colleagues on topics ranging from cancer susceptibility and risk factors to medicinal chemistry. The experts at Lombardi, he said, will help him "continue to figure out the wiring in cancer cells and ways to short-circuit these pathways."

The Molecular Cancer Research Chair is given to a distinguished researcher in the field of DNA repair and cellular stress response. Designed to support laboratory operations, the Chair recognizes a leader in the field, providing support for original research that will provide a greater understanding of the molecular processes that lead to the development of cancer. This understanding will lay the foundation for new methods of preventing and curing cancer.

The Chair was endowed through a generous bequest from Charlotte G. Gragnani. Grateful for Lombardi's in-home care and support during her husband's treatment for prostate cancer, Gragnani supported Lombardi's research initiatives and patient care programs throughout her life. Her vision was to see Lombardi continue to develop and improve cancer care.

Richard Schlegel, chair of the Department of Pathology, did his residency with Fornace at Harvard Medical School. At the Chair ceremony, Schlegel said that he and his fellow sudents used to call Fornace, "Flash" because of his ability to get through his clinical responsibilities quickly in order to return to his research. "I am so glad that Al is here and I look forward to collaborating with him in the years ahead," said Schlegel. "He has an amazing ability to get to the core of an issue and get things done."

Read the full release here.

Submit your news at any time to the GUMC Office of Communications at gumccomm@georgetown.edu.

Copyright Georgetown University Medical Center 2007

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