Breakthrough F A L L 2 0 0 7 |||||

NVCI
Genetics
Powerhouse
Battling Cancer at
the Cellular Level
||||||||||||||||||||||||

Living with
Melanoma
NVCI Physician
Scientist Brings New
Hope to Patients
||||||||||||||||||||||||

Hope on
Wheels
NVCI Extends
Breast Cancer
Dr. Sheri Holmen Screening and
Prevention Mission
 FIRST WORD

Dear Friends,

Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) enters its third year of operations with
remarkable achievements and ambitious goals designed to bring ever-new and
more research-based cancer therapies to Nevadans.

Through June 2007, more than 3,750 patients have been touched by the
expertise of the dedicated, knowledgeable physician-researchers who are
calling Nevada–and NVCI–home. Patients are coming to the Institute from
across Nevada and from around the country. Similarly, the Institute continues
to attract talented and committed faculty from all over the world. We are
most excited that we are building our depth of specialties with new faculty
in the areas of melanoma (one of our state’s leading cancers), breast cancer,
population health and genetics. And, there are more to come.

We’ve been proud to introduce researchers to Nevada by hosting several

scientific symposia, including the first international conference on radiation
biology, an area of research we hope to develop further through a collaboration
with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. We are also working to foster and
expand the role of nurses through a series of nursing scholarships made
N VC I D i re cto r
N i c h o l a s J.
possible by our collaboration with the Siemens Foundation. Additionally, we
Vo g e l z a n g , M .D. are paving the way for young people interested in pursuing careers in health
and science through an internship program. Other ongoing innovations
include bringing life-saving digital mammography to the community through
a custom-designed, state-of-the-art mobile digital imaging laboratory and
developing and introducing the newest therapies in the form of clinical trials.

WHOM TO CALL FOR WHAT: All of this would not be possible without the support of the communities
we serve. We are excited, for example, about our collaboration with the
Main NVCI Northern Nevada Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease, the University
(702) 822-LIFE Offices: of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada School of Medicine. This
(702) 822-5433 Elko partnership will enable the three entities to work together in a new Center for
New Patients (775) 738-4673 Molecular Medicine in Reno.
(702) 822-5433 Fallon
(775) 423-7060 NVCI is advancing in so many important ways. Yet, with all of these
Development
(702) 821-0014 Sparks achievements, we are reminded of the basics … where there is life, there is hope.
(775) 356-8800
Volunteers
Sincerely,
(702) 822-5433
Lance Armstrong
Foundation
Survivorship
(702) 822-5218 Nicholas J. Vogelzang, M.D., F.A.C.P. Sandra Murdock, FACHE, Dr.P.H.
Director Chief Operating Officer
Nevada Cancer Institute Nevada Cancer Institute VOGELZANG, AL P O: BR AN BROWN

NVCI acknowledges the generosity of Greenspun Media Group in the production of this publication.

NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
 BREAKTHROUGH
FALL 2007

VICE PRESIDENT OF
COMMUNICATIONS/
BREAKTHROUGH
EDITOR
Lisa Stark

NVCI CONTRIBUTING
WRITERS
Rod Drake
Hena Gomez
Lauren Knight
Jennifer McDonnell
Linda Stratton
Danette Tull

CONTRIBUTING

8
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Brian Brown
Peter Harasty
Barry Johnson
Michael Plyler
Patrick Wirtz

COPY EDITOR
FEATURES DEPARTMENTS
Rod Drake

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR 12 LIVING WITH 2 MEDICINE CHEST 24 IN FOCUS

Suzan DiBella MELANOMA News, notes and the latest A wide variety of NVCI
Former TV reporter Stacey happenings. services nurture patients.
MAILING ADDRESS
Escalante’s story underscores
One Breakthrough Way
10441 West Twain Avenue the importance of NVCI to 6 DAY IN A LIFE 26 NORTHERN NEVADA
Las Vegas, NV 89135 Nevadans. Learn how Dr. Sheri Holmen Northern Nevadans
brings discoveries from the demonstrate the many ways
16 CLINICAL TRIALS bench to the bedside. to support the fight against
GREENSPUN MEDIA SUCCESS STORIES cancer.
GROUP
Innovative therapies renew 8 RESEARCH &
CHAIRMAN hope for NVCI patients. DISCOVERIES 30 DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Daniel A. Greenspun
New equipment supports A caring couple, committed to
PRESIDENT 20 GENETICS research activities. philanthropy and NVCI.
Michael T. Carr POWERHOUSE
EXECUTIVE VICE Drs. Hong Sun and Hui Zhang 10 MEET THE DOCTORS 32 INSIDE NVCI
PRESIDENT/CHIEF bring world-class expertise to Dr. Karen Milligan brings NVCI attracts staff from across
OPERATING OFFICER
NVCI’s research team. a special brand of care to the globe.
Daniel E. Aks
patients.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
22 NVCI EXPANSION
DIRECTOR
New facilities will enhance the
Deedy Palmer
Institute’s clinical and research
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
capabilities.
Scott Lien
ART DIRECTOR
Shannon Carpenter

ON THE COVER: Dr. Sheri Holmen photographed by Peter Harasty

FALL 2007 NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 

 MEDICINE CHEST
Hope Coach
NEW MOBILE DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT TAKES MAMMOGRAPHY
ON THE ROAD FOR FASTER, EASIER ACCESS
STORY BY C L A R K D U M ON T P HOTOG R A P H Y BY P E TE R H A R ASTY
Question: What weighs 17 tons, has six wheels and brings hope
wherever it goes?
Answer: It’s Nevada’s newest weapon in the fight against breast cancer.
H
ope Coach–a custom-designed, state-of-the-art mobile
digital mammography laboratory–will soon be hitting the
streets and towns all over Nevada. Its purpose is to make
it easier for women to access the life-saving tools that help
detect breast cancer in its earliest stages.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in
Nevada. It is estimated that there will be 1,620 new cases of breast
cancer diagnosed in Nevada in 2007. Approximately 300 Nevada
women with breast cancer succumbed in 2006.
If this disease is detected early, it is estimated that 95 percent of women
2 BREAKTHROUGH
{
will survive five years beyond a breast cancer diagnosis. Mammography
screening for women ages 40-49 can reduce mortality by 17 percent, and
for women 50 and older it reduces mortality by 30 percent.
Mammography can detect approximately 85 percent of breast
cancers and can detect it an average of one to three years before a
woman can feel a lump. It is clear that early detection and access to
current treatments can dramatically influence outcomes.
The acquisition of the Hope Coach was especially important to
Nevada Cancer Institute, as research indicates that the incidence of
breast cancer in Nevada is significantly above the national norm and
that screening rates are significantly lower. Research also indicates
that inadequate basic health literacy and insufficient knowledge of and
access to health screenings are barriers to optimizing early detection
and prevention.•
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
 CONFERENCE ATTRACTS
INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS
ON RADIATION BIOLOGY
P
hysicians and scientists from
around the world gathered in
Las Vegas recently to attend the
first international Conference on Normal
Tissue Radiation Effects, hosted by
Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI).
The conference provided a forum
for international and national radiation
biology experts to discuss the latest
developments in the field. Conference
participants discussed a variety of
topics associated with the effects of
both low-dose and high-dose radiation
on normal tissue, according to NVCI
Deputy Director David Ward, Ph.D.
Low-dose exposure to radiation can
come from environmental sources or
from medical testing, such as CT or PET
scans, Ward says. High-dose radiation
is what cancer patients receive when
undergoing radiation therapy.
“Given that 60 percent of cancer
patients receive radiation therapy,
the short- and long-term effects of
this treatment are of great interest
to us,” Ward says. “There are more
than 10 million people in the United
States alone who are cancer survivors.
Naturally, physicians and scientists are
working to learn how to diminish the
side effects of this therapy.”
The conference attracted program
speakers from a number of prestigious
institutions and agencies in Europe,
Canada and the United States, including
the University of Pittsburgh; the
University of California, San Francisco;
Duke University; the Ontario Cancer
Institute; and the International Atomic
Energy Agency in Vienna.
“This conference was a wonderful
opportunity for NVCI,” Ward says. “We
were able to exchange information and
theories with pre-eminent researchers
in this field from all over the world; they,
in turn, learned about Nevada Cancer
Institute and our research.” Ward says
the conference, which he believes is the
first of its kind to be held, will now be
convened biannually in Las Vegas. • that produce CD26 will be affected by this
FALL 2007
Dr. N a m Da n g in
his laboratory.
From Bench to Bedside
DR. NAM DANG TO CONDUCT FIRST-IN-HUMAN
PHASE I CLINICAL TRIAL
STORY BY SUZA N DI B ELLA PHOTOGR A PHY BY B R I A N B ROWN
A
Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) a therapy would be administered.
physician researcher recently Dang and his colleagues, Dr. Stuart
received a patent for a drug Schlossman, now professor emeritus at
therapy he discovered with two former Harvard Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,
colleagues. Dr. Nam Dang, NVCI chief of and Dr. Chikao Morimoto, professor and
Hematological Malignancies, was granted a chairman of the Department of Clinical
patent in April for a novel drug that targets Immunology at the University of Tokyo, are
CD26, a protein that plays a significant role looking forward to starting clinical trials on
in the growth of the rare T cell lymphoma the new drug in early 2008.
as well as other cancers. NVCI will be one of only a few major
“Our data demonstrate that by targeting cancer centers in the country to participate
CD26, we can potentially prevent tumor in the trials, which will also explore whether
growth and possibly make the cancer cells the drug is effective in the treatment of
more sensitive to chemotherapy
in certain types of cancer,”
Dang says, noting that the new “Our drug is an example of
drug must be tested in clinical
trials before it is approved for
targeted therapy that searches out
use. The drug targets cancer cancer cells while having no effects
cells by using an antibody (a
specific protein) that seeks out
on normal tissues.”
CD26, Dang says. Cancer cells – Dr. Nam Dang
that have CD26 on them are
expected to be killed by the antibody drug other types of cancers that express CD26,
while other normal tissues will be spared. including mesothelioma and kidney cancer,
“Our drug is an example of targeted among others.
therapy that searches out cancer cells “I am delighted to be able to give NVCI
while having no effect on normal tissues,” cancer patients the opportunity to be
Dang says, adding that only cancer cells treated with a unique drug that may benefit
them,” Dang says. “This drug is the result of
therapy. Patients’ cancers must be screened my life’s work, involving more than 20 years
to determine if CD26 is present before such •
of research, so I find it truly exciting.”
NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 3
 MEDICINE CHEST
Just Move It
CAMPAIGN HELPS NEVADA’S AMERICAN
INDIAN TRIBES BECOME MORE ACTIVE
STO RY BY JENNIFER M cD O NNELL
N
evada Cancer Institute’s (NVCI) Just Move It campaign is
already making a difference in the lives of American Indians
across the state of Nevada.
The campaign is part of a national program created by
Indian Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control to promote
physical activity among American Indians. NVCI adapted the program
to include an additional goal: increasing cancer awareness.
NVCI launched the Just Move It campaign in the Summer of 2006
with the Las Vegas Paiute tribe. Following the success of that pilot
program–and with the support of Nevada’s tribal communities–NVCI
launched Just Move It in six more American Indian tribes throughout
Nevada this summer.
“NVCI has partnered with Nevada tribes to provide the program
as an opportunity for tribal communities to make an active choice
to change unhealthy lifestyle behaviors,” says Patient Navigator/
American Indian Liaison Barbara Lawson-Risso, who leads the NVCI
campaign and coordinates its cancer education workshops. “It’s been
a rewarding process. Our ultimate goal is for the tribes to sustain their
physical activities and for NVCI to provide programming in all of
Nevada’s 26 tribes.”
The campaign’s statewide goal is to increase the physical activity
levels of 2,200 American Indian participants. Already more than 350 of
Nevada’s American Indians have enrolled in the program.
The seven Nevada tribes that have joined the campaign include the
Las Vegas Paiute, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Duckwater Shoshone Tribe,
Battle Mountain Band, Elko Te Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone and
the Wells Band.
Sponsors of the program include the National Indian Health Board,
National Congress of American Indians, National Diabetes Program,
NVCI and Nike, which is providing equipment at wholesale cost. • Nevada Cancer Registries. Coming this fall, external pharmacies
C h i l d re n fro m the Las Vegas
Pa i u te Tri b e par ticipate in
p hys i c a l a c t i v ity thro ugh
th e J u st M ove I t c amp aig n.
4 BREAKTHROUGH
IT Saves Time
SYSTEM ENSURES GREATER
EFFICIENCY AND ACCURACY
STORY BY LI N DA STR ATTON
W
hen you’re treating cancer, time is precious, and
that’s why Nevada Cancer Institute’s (NVCI)
Information Technology system is designed to save
every second possible.
NVCI is one of the few cancer centers in the country where
data management systems are fully integrated. All key pieces of
information from medical records to billing details to clinical trials
data are fed into the other systems automatically. The results:
greater efficiency and better patient care.
“Everything ties together, no matter where you are, no matter
what system you’re using,” says Richard Faircloth, NVCI chief
information officer. The central hub is the Electronic Medical Records
system; it is linked to all other NVCI patient care operations. For
example, if a clinical trials patient has a blood test, that test is
simultaneously ordered through the Electronic Medical Records
system and an external laboratory. The results of the test are
automatically sent back to the Electronic Medical Records system and
also to the Clinical Trials Office (CTO). Patients don’t have to wait for
each department to deliver the data or enter it into its own system.
“It allows our staff to retrieve information quickly and create
patient specific calendars,” says Jennifer Hofecker, regulatory
coordinator for the CTO, where patients are treated with
developmental cancer drugs. The CTO recently received a new
software program that will streamline the process even more.
“We can feel more confident about the information we are
submitting to the pharmaceutical companies because it keeps track
of data, such as adverse reactions, more accurately,” she says.
The applications are also securely integrated for diagnostic
imaging, electronic billing, business systems and the NVCI and
will also be tied into the system. When an NVCI physician writes
a prescription, it will be filled automatically at the patient’s
preferred pharmacy.
“It’s amazing the amount of time we are saving by entering
data only once,” says Siddharth Sharma, director of IT Application
Systems Support. “We are doing our best to make it totally
automated for the user.” And that means reduced risk of error as
well. A patient’s contact and demographic information is entered
only once at registration. He or she receives only one identification
number throughout his/her care at NVCI.
“If your information is integrated into every system, it’s going
to be there, and it’s going to be correct,” says Joe Gandiosi, NVCI
director of IT Operations.
Most important, all information is protected. “Patient records can’t
get lost because they are electronic, and they are always backed up,”
Gandiosi says. •
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
 A Passion for Nursing
SCHOLARSHIP ENABLES STUDENT
TO FOLLOW DREAMS
STO RY BY LISA STARK

W
hen Siboney Zelaya was just 8 years old, her best friend
Nicole died from leukemia. The loss was devastating
to her, but out of the tragedy young Zelaya found
meaning: She so admired the nurse who had cared for
Nicole that she knew it was her destiny to join the profession of nursing.
Decades later, Zelaya has dedicated her life to the pursuit of this
passion. “Being able to serve others is what drives me,” she says. “I
enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that at the end of the day I have done
something good for someone and made a difference in someone’s
life.” This commitment, along with her knowledge, compassion
and professionalism, make Zelaya an ideal recipient of the Siemens
Oncology Scholarship, an award given to four Nevada college students.
Three of the scholarships are for nursing students and one is for N u rsin g stu den t
students in the basic sciences. Sibon ey Zelaya is on e
The scholarship is sponsored by Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) of fou r recipien ts
of N VCI’s Siem en s
and Siemens, one of the world’s largest electronics and engineering On cology Sch ola rsh ip.
companies. Founded nearly 160 years ago, the company is a leader in
the areas of medical, power, automation and control technologies. The
scholarship was established through the Siemens Foundation, which These experiences shaped the person she is today–passionate, driven
provides nearly $2 million in college scholarships and awards each year and persevering. After she finished high school, Zelaya and her family
to talented high school students in the United States. moved to the United States. Zelaya put herself through college, working
Siemens made a four-year, $100,000 commitment; NVCI three jobs while earning her bachelor of science degree in nursing at the
conducts the competition, selects the winners and provides a College of New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York.
40-hour volunteer In addition to working and going to school, Zelaya also managed
experience that allows
the scholarship winners
“There are no words to to find time to volunteer, something she admired in her two heroes,
Florence Nightingale and Mother Theresa. “They were both educated
an opportunity to express my gratitude for and well-situated socially, yet they chose to help the poorest of the poor,”
observe oncology
research and nursing.
the scholarship.” Zelaya says. “To me, this is what nursing is all about.”
Already a practicing nurse when her family moved to Las Vegas,
Along with Zelaya, –Siboney Zelaya Zelaya recognized a need in her profession for greater education of
this year’s winners young nurses. Zelaya is a natural teacher, instinctively instructing
include Gayla Preece of Elko; Debra Dannog, currently employed by other nurses on the floor. She enrolled in a master’s program at the
NVCI as an oncology nurse; and Andrea Jydstrup. Jydstrup is the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, (UNLV) with the goal of teaching
recipient of the John R. Murren, M.D., Scholarship, established in honor nursing someday.
of NVCI founder John R. Murren, who succumbed to melanoma in Part of her personal mission is to recruit young Hispanic women to
December 2005. the nursing profession, especially those, who like herself, may not have
“All of the winners exemplify the best qualities in the professions of been encouraged to pursue a career. She enjoys mentoring these students
nursing and research,” NVCI Chief Nursing Executive Cheryl Martin, and hopes to instill in them a standard of excellence. “A good nurse is
S BONEY ZELAYA: FRANC S GEORGE

R.N., M.S.N., says. “We are thrilled with the caliber of the recipients
and their drive to excel.”
Zelaya’s ambition, guts and determination have helped her
overcome a cultural barrier that might have prevented someone less
dedicated from pursuing her dream. In her hometown of Lima, Peru,
Zelaya grew up in an environment where women were encouraged to
marry and have children rather than pursue a career. But Zelaya held
tightly to her aspirations. She defied the societal norm and set out to
reach her goals.
FALL 2007
compassionate, empathetic and knowledgeable,” Zelaya says. “Good
nurses treat every patient with respect and as a unique human being.”
The Siemens scholarship is for $5,000 and will pay for Zelaya’s
tuition and books in her final semester at UNLV. Her next goal is to earn
a Ph.D. in nursing and go into education and curriculum development.
“There are no words to express my gratitude for the scholarship,”
Zelaya says, but the sparkle in her eyes speaks for her. “I am extremely
grateful to Siemens and Nevada Cancer Institute for helping me reach
my dream.” •
NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 5
 DAY IN A LIFE

All in a Day’s Work

NVCI RESEARCHER TRANSLATES DISCOVERIES
INTO THERAPIES FOR PATIENTS
STO RY BY LISA STARK
P H OTO G R AP H Y BY P ETER H ARASTY

A
s a researcher who spends most of her time in the lab, Sheri Holmen, Ph.D., has
little interaction with patients. But there is one case that is always with her.
Sheri’s mother, Faye, has battled cancer four times–breast cancer twice, lung
and skin cancer once each. Her mother’s struggle is what first inspired Holmen to study
the disease and still motivates her today.
“Chemotherapy can bring people to the brink of death,” Holmen says. “My goal is to
help develop more targeted drug therapies that wipe out cancer cells but leave healthy
cells unscathed, which would mean less suffering for the patient.”
At Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI), Holmen and her team identify proteins that
develop from genetic mutations or mistakes in skin cancer cells. These proteins can then
be targeted with drugs that will shut them down. Holmen’s lab is the bridge between basic
science and the clinic.
“We ask questions with practical applications in mind,” Holmen says.
Holmen first fell in love with science in her 10th grade biology class, thanks to a
teacher who inspired her. The subject also suited her competitive personality.
“I wasn’t always the smartest one in the class, but I was the most determined,” Holmen
says. “I love a challenge.”
After graduating with a B.S. and M.S. in biomedical science from Western Michigan
University, Holmen earned her Ph.D. in tumor biology at the Mayo Clinic College of
Medicine. She went on to serve as a Pfizer postdoctoral fellow of the Life Sciences
Research Foundation at the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI).
But Holmen became restless, seeking a faster way to bring her research directly to
patients. She found that way at NVCI, which had initiated more than 50 clinical trials
in just two years, compared to only one at VARI. The opportunity to pursue her dream,
plus her admiration for NVCI Director Nicholas Vogelzang, M.D., convinced her to
make the move.
“Dr. Vogelzang is one of the most respected leaders in the oncology world,”
Holmen says. “I knew I would learn a great deal working with him, and I have not
been disappointed.”
Holmen arrived at NVCI in January 2007 and immediately made an impact by
obtaining the Institute’s first grant awarded by the National Institutes of Health–an
impressive achievement, especially given the current federal research funding climate.
“What I love about my research are the discoveries–the one day out of many
when you identity a new mechanism or find the answer you have been looking for,”
Holmen says.
Holmen’s vision and NVCI’s vision are one and the same–to bring new therapies from
the laboratory bench to the bedside as quickly as possible.
“The research I am doing in the lab doesn’t mean anything if we can’t bring these
discoveries to patients and to future generations,” Holmen says.•
6 BREAKTHROUGH
Dr. Sh e r i Hol m e n,
a ssist ant m e m be r
of t he Dr ug
D eve l opm e nt
Di v i s i on

NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 7

 RESEARCH & DISCOVERIES

Pat hol ogy Re s e arc h

A ss i st ant Z ai da
A l i pi o wi t h t he i CY T
ce l l s or te r.

Building the Arsenal

FOUR NEW INSTRUMENTS STRENGTHEN NVCI RESEARCH EFFORT
STO RY BY R OD DR A KE PHOTOGR A PHY BY B R I A N B R OWN

N
evada Cancer Institute (NVCI) is employing some of the most sophisticated technology
available in the fight against cancer. Four state-of-the-art, computer-driven instruments
were recently purchased by NVCI with funding assistance from the Nevada State
Legislature. The equipment will aid researchers in the laboratory in a number of ways.

ARCTURUS LASER CAPTURE MICROSCOPE

This complex microscope is the first of its specific type in the world. It enables researchers to isolate a
particular cell (such as a tumor cell) from a tissue sample for more precise study.
Using either infrared or ultraviolet light, the microscope can “cut out” a particular cell and capture it.
A special dye is used to locate what type of cell is sought, and the laser capture microscope isolates it from
other tissue sections of either normal or a mixture of normal and cancerous tissue.
After cutting the cell out, the machine uses heat supplied by the laser to adhere the captured individual
cell to a thin plastic strip, moving it from the glass slide.
This process is important because there is significant heterogeneity–meaning to consist of dissimilar
or diverse constituents–in cancer tissues. This technique allows the separation of specific cell types, which

8 BREAKTHROUGH NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
can then be used in either biochemical or
genetic studies.

IKONISCOPE
This fully automated microscope system,
one of only 10 in the world, is used for rare
cell detection or to analyze special genetic
characteristics of cells or tissue samples.
The microscope can be loaded with up
to 175 slides to minimize time and effort,
searching each slide for a programmed
target. This automated analysis decreases the
time it takes NVCI staff to find a definitive
diagnosis and reduces technician burnout.
The Ikoniscope helps researchers find
extremely rare tumor cells circulating in
a patient’s bloodstream. The number of
circulating tumor cells can potentially
indicate the aggressiveness of the cancer,
so it is particularly useful for clinical trials.
By checking the blood before and after
administering a new drug, researchers
can see how the cells respond and, thus,
how effective the drug proves in battling
cancer. In future studies, the genomic
composition of cells can be analyzed by
L ab Te c hni c i an
the Ikoniscope scanner. J as on G onz al e s
The Ikoniscope has an interesting feature: and Me di c al
Any software defects can be repaired online Te c hnol ogi st B e t h
Grobas k i wi t h t he
by the manufacturer in New Haven without Ikoni s cope.
having to “go back to the shop.”

THE ICYT CELL SORTER

This state-of-the-art laboratory
device examines blood cells or tumor
cells in blood or any body fluid. A blood
sample is passed through a tiny tube,
and the instrument’s sorter creates
microscopic-sized drops (tiny blood
H isto lo gy &
I mmuno histo c hemistr y
S up er v iso r M ar k
Tarang o w ith the
Arctur us laser c apture
mic ro sco p e.
samples) from the flow. The micro
drops are then passed under a laser that
“shines” on the stream, searching for a
drop with a specific dye-tagged cell in
it. Upon spotting it, the instrument adds
an electric charge to the cell, which then
moves it to a “catch basin,” where all of
these types of cells are collected.
This device sorts extremely large
quantities of cells with great speed and
accuracy. It can read 300,000 cells a second,
or 18 million per minute. There are only 15
instruments of this type in the world.
One use for this equipment at NVCI
is to examine blood samples to detect
and identify leukemia cancer stem cells
so that researchers can work to engineer
proteins that will shut down the growth
of these stem cells. The goal is to
develop new therapeutic treatments that
will prevent leukemias from recurring
months or years later.
THERMO FINNIGAN ORBITRAP MASS
SPECTROMETER
This mass spectrometer identifies
proteins and peptides based on their
masses–and it does so with incredible speed
and accuracy on a subatomic level.
The machine can measure the atomic
mass of biological molecules in complex
mixtures. (Cells can contain 20,000-30,000
different proteins.) It can also shed light
on potential changes on each protein that
can rapidly alter how the cell functions
and replicates itself. NVCI researchers
examine the characteristics of these
proteins and peptides to determine what
clinical trial drugs will be most useful to
fight cancer cells.
This particular device is often referred
to as the “Ferrari of mass spectrometers”
because of its high-tech operation and
abilities. There are only six of them currently
•
in use in the world.

FALL 2007 NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 9

 MEET THE DOCTORS
Taking
Care
of Her
Patients
DR. KAREN MILLIGAN JOINS
NVCI TO STRENGTHEN BREAST
CANCER PROGRAM
STO RY BY LISA STARK
P H OTO GRAP H Y BY BARRY JO H NS O N
W
ith her warm blue eyes and sweet southern
charm, Karen Milligan, M.D., personifies
the image of a caring doctor. She exudes
empathy, compassion and sincerity. Talking
with her, you immediately sense the deep
connection she has with her patients.
“They are the reason I am here,” Milligan explains. Growing up
in Wilmington, North Carolina, Milligan always knew she wanted
to become a doctor. She admired the dedication of her father,
Terry Stewart, M.D., a community obstetrician/gynecologist still
practicing today.
During her residency and fellowship programs, including the two
months she trained at Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI), Milligan
received rave reviews for her patient care skills. But that was only part
of the reason she was recruited for a faculty position at NVCI.
10 BREAKTHROUGH
Dr. Kare n
Mi l l i gan
cons i de r s he r
i nte rac t i ons wi t h
patients and
t he i r fam i l i e s to
be t he be st par t
of he r j ob.
“Dr. Milligan is what we call a triple threat,” NVCI Director
Nicholas Vogelzang, M.D., says. “She sees patients, conducts
research and is heavily involved in our Outreach & Education
programs.” One program in particular that Milligan is
excited about is the Hope Coach, a high-tech, mobile digital
mammography lab traveling to women all across the state
(see story page 2). The Hope Coach taps into two of Milligan’s
greatest passions–minority and rural populations gaining better
access to treatment and screening, and her commitment to
community involvement.
“It is extremely exciting and daunting what Dr. Vogelzang has
envisioned for me,” Milligan says with a smile. “I couldn’t do all of this
anywhere else. It is an awesome challenge.”
Milligan joins the breast cancer team of NVCI Chief of Clinical
Oncology Phillip Manno, M.D., and NVCI Director of Radiation
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG

of Clinical Oncology Research Anita
Pomerantz, M.D. This trio provides the
best in research-based, clinical care to
NVCI’s breast cancer patients.
As she settles into her new Las
Vegas home, Milligan sat down with
Breakthrough Editor Lisa Stark to share her
thoughts on her decision to specialize in
breast cancer, her desire to reach out to the
community’s doctors and her long-term
dream for NVCI.
You say being a doctor is your only
true calling and that you have never
considered any other profession. What
do you love most about the job?
The best part of my job is the
continuity with the patients and
families. You follow them through the
course of their disease, and you can have
a real impact on their lives, no matter
what the outcome is. I get attached to
my patients. I find something to connect
with them so they are more than just
“Patient X.”
What are the most difficult aspects of
oncology care?
The hardest part of the job is telling
patients bad news. You never learn the
“right” way to do it. I hold hands with
them, I cry with them and I try to comfort
them any way that I can. On the academic
side, keeping up with the research is also
a challenge. Our field is so dynamic and
things change on a daily basis.
You had many other job offers both
in private practice and in academic
medicine. Why did you choose this
position at Nevada Cancer Institute?
I trained for two months at NVCI
during my fellowship, and that experience
opened my eyes to the wide array of options
offered here. At NVCI, clinicians have
unparalleled access to Phase I clinical trials.
I relish the chance to bring cutting-edge
therapy to my patients. I felt joining NVCI
was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at a
place where exceptional patient care and
academic pursuits are melded together.
FALL 2007
KAREN MILLIGAN, M.D.
VITAL STATISTICS
Why did you decide to specialize in
breast cancer? Family: Husband Michael
It may sound simplistic, but being a Milligan, M.D., a sports
woman, I understand what these women medicine fellow at
are going through. I can help them accept University of Nevada
the disease, including the changes in their School of Medicine, treats
UNLV athletes
physical appearance. I am also fascinated
by the new research and the new standards Education Highlights:
of care emerging in this field. University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill, Brody School
of Medicine at East Carolina
You have done a lot of research in the
University, Internal Medicine
area of minority women and access
Residency at University
to clinical trials for breast cancer Health Systems of Eastern
treatment. Why do you feel that this is Carolina/Pitt County
such an important issue? Memorial Hospital, Fellowship
Back home in Greenville, North Carolina, in Hematology Oncology at
we had large rural and minority populations, University Health Systems of
much like we do here in Nevada. We need Eastern Carolina/Pitt County
to reach these communities and give them Memorial Hospital
access to preventive screening and clinical Research and Clinical
trials. These populations are also not well- Interests: Barriers to
represented in national clinical trials, so it accrual to clinical trials for
is hard to determine what treatments work breast cancer in minority
best for them. women. Targeted therapies
in breast cancer
Why have you made it a priority to reach Favorite TV Shows: I am a
out to community doctors in Las Vegas? CSI fan. I love the science
I think establishing a strong relationship in the show. I also like the
with the community doctors is a key to medical drama House. The
main character does things
developing a good program. I am looking
you would never do, but he
forward to getting out and meeting with the comes up with the answer.
primary care physicians and oncologists. I I’m also an HGTV junkie.
want to let them know that we are here as
Duke or Carolina? I was
a resource for their patients and that we are
born in Durham, but I’m a
available to consult with them. Tar Heel all the way. I bleed
Carolina Blue.
What is your long-term goal for Nevada
When I Am Not Working:
Cancer Institute?
I am sewing. Right now I
My dream is to develop a cutting-edge, am working on window
comprehensive breast cancer program that treatments and bedding for
embraces the multi-disciplinary approach my new home.
employed at NVCI. This program will
My Motivation: Giving total
include a breast cancer pathologist, care to my patients
radiation oncologist, medical oncologist,
radiologist and a surgeon so that, as a My Dream for Nevada
Cancer Institute: To help
team, we can work through every patient’s
build a state-of-the-art
case from the first step to the last step.
breast cancer program
This way, every patient would have a that includes all aspects of
diverse group of educated, experienced treatment experience
medical minds focused on his or her
cancer, ensuring the best care possible. •
NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 11
 Living
with
Melanoma
WITH THE ARRIVAL OF RENOWNED PHYSICIAN SCIENTIST
WOLFRAM SAMLOWSKI, NEVADANS NO LONGER HAVE TO TRAVEL
OUT OF STATE TO ACCESS NEWEST TREATMENTS
STORY BY LI SA STA R K
O
n June 22, 2005, television reporter Stacey
Escalante was working a story in the bustling
KVBC-TV newsroom when she received a phone
call that changed her life.
The voice on the other end of the line
confirmed that she had malignant melanoma and
that she needed treatment right away. She had cancer, and it was serious.
The following weeks were a nightmarish whirlwind of activity.
Like many other Nevadans at that time, Escalante went out of state
for treatment. This took her away from her husband and two small
children–2-year-old Will and 6-month-old Gabriella–at a time when
their love and support were so critical to her recovery. Her story
underscores the reason why Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) was
created: to enable Nevadans to receive research-linked, patient-
centered medical care in their home state.
Two years later both Escalante and NVCI have come a long way.
Escalante is cancer-free, out of the television news business and
actively involved in educating kids about melanoma awareness. She
is also a patient at Nevada Cancer Institute. NVCI has grown into an
academic medical center of excellence, recruiting esteemed faculty and
researchers from other prominent cancer centers around the country.
One recruit who has special significance to Escalante–as well as
the hundreds of other Nevadans diagnosed each year with melanoma–
arrived at NVCI this summer. After more than two decades at the
Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Wolfram Samlowski,
M.D., joins the NVCI faculty as the Head of the Section of Melanoma,
Renal Cancer and Immunotherapy. His successful recruitment is a
major milestone for the Institute.
“Wolf has an international reputation as one of the original
medical oncologists to work on immunotherapy for renal cancer
and melanoma,” NVCI Director and melanoma survivor Nicholas
12 BREAKTHROUGH
Vogelzang, M.D., says. “We are thrilled to have him join our team.”
Melanoma is the fastest-growing cancer in the United States,
killing one American almost every hour. Currently, white Americans
have a one-in-64 chance of developing melanoma in their lifetime. It
is the most common cancer in young adults ages 20-35.
At NVCI, these statistics hit close to home early on. NVCI
Founder John R. Murren, M.D., died of melanoma in December
2005. His commitment and vision still guide the Institute today; his
memory strengthens the resolve of NVCI faculty and staff who are
dedicated to finding new and better ways to conquer the disease.
OUT OF THE BLUE
As a television news reporter and the mother of two young
children, Stacey Escalante was extremely busy–too busy, in fact, to
worry about the funny-looking spot growing on her back, let alone
find time to see a doctor about it.
Finally, at the urging of her husband Matt, Escalante made an
appointment with a dermatologist. Despite being a self-admitted sun
worshipper for most of her teens and 20s, Escalante, 34 at the time,
made her first visit to a dermatologist.
The next few weeks were a blur. First, a biopsy indicated
malignant melanoma. The surgery that followed revealed that the
melanoma had spread from her lower back to a lymph node in her
groin. Her diagnosis was now Stage III malignant melanoma.
With no research-based cancer institute care available in Las
PHOTO: BR AN BROWN
Vegas, Escalante and her family made the difficult decision to uproot
their lives and have her seek treatment at the John Wayne Cancer
Institute in Santa Monica, California. She was also treated at The
Angeles Clinic & Research Institute.
Escalante had a second, more invasive surgery during which
doctors removed the cancer from the lymph node in her groin. She
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
M e l a n o ma sur v ivo r
Stacey Escalante with
h e r s o n , Will, and
d a u g h te r, G abr iella.

Her story underscores the reason why

Nevada Cancer Institute was created.

spent seven weeks recovering at her parents’ home in Los Angeles,
lying on her back with her leg elevated 23 hours a day. Matt and
the kids came to visit on a few weekends, but each goodbye was
devastating to Escalante.
“When they had to go back home, I was so sad that my heart
physically hurt,” Escalante recalls. “If this happened today and I was
being treated at NVCI, I could be with my kids. I could read my son a
bedtime story and give my daughter her bottle. It would have been so
different and so much less daunting.”
TWO YEARS LATER
As a result of her surgeries and two years of immunotherapy,
Escalante is now cancer-free–and as busy as ever. She speaks at Clark
County schools about melanoma awareness. This spring, she testified
before the state legislature in Carson City on behalf of a bill aimed at
making sun safety a part of the state’s educational curriculum.
As for her medical condition, Escalante stays on top of her
cancer as a patient at NVCI. Prior to the arrival of Dr. Samlowski,
she was a patient of Phillip Manno, M.D., chief of Clinical
Oncology, who also has expertise in melanoma treatment. She
14 BREAKTHROUGH
Dr. Wol f Sam l ows k i
br i ngs m ore t han 20
ye ar s of ex pe r t i s e
i n t he re s e arc h
and t re at m e nt of
m e l anom a to N VCI.
PHOTO: BARRY JOH NSON
looks forward to having both doctors involved in her care.
“When NVCI opened I was so excited,” Escalante says. “There is a
certain aura of professionalism. You have every confidence that you are
getting the best care possible. Nevadans are lucky to have a place like this.”
BIG CATCH FOR NVCI
Step into Dr. Wolf Samlowski’s office and you see stacks of
unpacked boxes. After spending more than 20 years at Huntsman
Cancer Institute, he had plenty of belongings to move. Along
with those boxes, Samlowski brought his research and expansive
knowledge of melanoma and immunotherapy to NVCI and Nevada,
a state in dire need of his expertise. Nevada ranks seventh in the
nation for incidence of melanoma and 11th in mortality rates.
Samlowski was attracted to NVCI because of its robust clinical
trials program and the opportunity to do translational research,
which means physician researchers are able to bring the newest
discoveries from the lab to the clinic.
“NVCI values clinical trials of promising new drugs,” Samlowski
says. “Equally important is the Institute’s ability to streamline the
process and bring these agents to patients in a timely fashion.”
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
 For all of his innovative discoveries and scientific creativity,
Samlowski is an old-fashioned straight shooter. He possesses the
toughness and conviction needed to fight an elusive, difficult-to-treat
disease. Although he is quick with a joke, his determination is apparent.
“When I first started treating malignant melanoma 20 years ago,
it was hopeless once it had spread to vital organs,” Samlowski says.
“Now, 5 percent of these cases are curable. In two years I believe the
cure rate will be 10 percent. I like a challenge, but I also like to win.
This is a hopeful challenge.”
TREATING MELANOMA
Samlowski commends Escalante on her efforts to educate people
about melanoma, noting that early diagnosis can save a patient’s
life. If confined to the primary site, melanoma is almost 100 percent
curable. If it has spread beyond the primary site, there are two
standards of care after surgical removal of the growth: chemotherapy,
which is generally not very effective, and immunotherapy, which
activates the body’s own immune system to fight the disease.
As one of the pioneers in the field of immunotherapy, Samlowski
treats his patients with Interferon Alpha and Interlukin-2 (IL-2).
Only a small percentage of patients respond, but those who do
respond dramatically. Unfortunately, the treatment often comes with
many grueling side effects. Samlowski’s lab is working on developing
drugs to counteract these side effects.
Samlowski is most excited about an emerging type of
immunotherapy involving two CTLA-4 antibodies. Two of these
drugs are currently in clinical testing but are not yet approved by the
Food and Drug Administration. These antibodies have demonstrated
THE ABCs OF MELANOMA
NORMAL MOLE MELANOMA SIGN CHARACTERISTIC
A when half of the
mole does not match
Asymmetry the other half
when the border
B (edges) of the
mole are ragged or
Border irregular
C when the color of
the mole varies
throughout
Color
Subcutaneous
Tissue
if the mole’s
D diameter is larger
than a pencil’s eraser
Diameter
Photographs Provided Courtesy of National Cancer Institute
Illustration Right: KO Studios, Steve & Myriam Oh
FALL 2007
the ability to produce long-term responses or remissions in 10-
15 percent of patients–a substantial percentage given the largely
ineffective past performance of melanoma treatments.
“I am highly enthusiastic about the potential of these two
antibodies,” Samlowski says. “I have had outstanding results, plus the
treatment produces relatively few side effects.”
These CTLA-4 antibodies are currently being tested in clinical
trials. Thanks to Samlowski’s presence, NVCI will soon be one of
only four sites in the United States offering one of these trials.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Two years after her initial diagnosis, Escalante has learned to
live with melanoma–with an emphasis on “live.” Spending time with
her family is still her biggest joy; her son Will is now 4 years old
and daughter Gabriella is 2 years old. Escalante has a new job as a
publicist for a public relations firm but still finds time to speak at
schools about melanoma; she also serves on the advisory committee
for the Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation. Additionally, she is
training for the Phoenix Marathon in January.
“I don’t just live my life. I truly love it,” Escalante says. “I am trying
to do everything–I pack it in, and I don’t miss a moment.” As for
Samlowski, he looks forward to many exciting collaborations with
his new colleagues at NVCI. He is also cautiously optimistic about an
improving prognosis for patients.
“We are making tremendous progress in understanding
melanoma and developing new agents that show promise in
controlling it,” Samlowski says. “We are providing hope to patients
who were previously told they had none.” •
Melanocyte Melanoma
Epidermis
Dermis
E CHARACTERISTIC
expanding or enlarging quickly
Evolving
NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 15
 Clinical Trials
Success Stories
NEVADA PATIENTS RECEIVE INNOVATIVE THERAPIES
AND AID CANCER RESEARCH
STORY BY LI SA STA R K
PHOTOGR A PHY BY FR A N CI S GEOR GE
W
hen Dr. Sunil Sharma dreamed
of building a clinical trials office
at Nevada Cancer Institute
(NVCI), his vision was humble yet
incredibly important.
Sharma, who serves as NVCI chief of Gastrointestinal
Oncology and of the Clinical Phase I Unit, hoped to
bring newer and better treatment options to cancer
patients in Nevada.
Clinical trials offer patients innovative therapies resulting
from the latest discoveries in cancer research. They provide
patients with the most promising experimental treatments;
during these trials, researchers carefully monitor participant
progress to evaluate the therapy’s effects. For this reason,
clinical trials are not only extremely valuable to patients, but
also vital to cancer research.
Prior to the creation of NVCI, there were no Phase I
clinical trials available in Nevada. (These are the first studies
in humans to evaluate a given treatment.) Patients had to
leave the state to access these novel drugs or other therapies.
All of this changed when NVCI’s Clinical Trials Office
(CTO) opened nearly two years ago. If numbers define
their success, then Sharma and his team have achieved–and
surpassed–their goals. In that time, more than 400 NVCI
patients have signed on to participate in clinical trials. The
office has opened 64 trials, including 24 Phase I trials. More
than 15 percent of NVCI patients have enrolled in clinical
trials–five times the national average.
Although these statistics are impressive, they tell only
part of the story; the people behind the numbers offer the
most compelling case for clinical trials. NVCI patients are
benefiting from these trials in a myriad of ways. Miracle
cures are still the exception, but many patients find they
have gained more and better quality time with the people
16 BREAKTHROUGH
they love. Their stories demonstrate not only their clinical
progress but also their personal journeys of commitment
and courage: They take a leap of faith when they try new
treatments that may or may not improve their conditions.
Yet, they know that they are contributing to scientific
discovery and helping future generations.
At NVCI, there are many clinical trials success stories of
hope and triumph. Here are four that touched our hearts.
JOHN MATTESON
Back in 2001, doctors told John Matteson that he had
three months to live. Matteson suffers from mesothelioma,
an often fatal cancer sometimes linked to asbestos exposure.
Typically, mesothelioma is hard to diagnose and even
harder to treat.
Yet, here he is, six years later, defying the odds and still
going strong. The feisty 80-year-old works out every morning
for 75 minutes. And he doesn’t let cancer get the best of him.
“My motto is, ‘I have cancer–so what?’” Matteson says.
Matteson first heard about NVCI after reading an article
in Breakthrough Magazine about Travis Bales, a young
mesothelioma patient who was seeing NVCI Director
Nicholas Vogelzang, M.D. He learned that Vogelzang was a
leader in the field of mesothelioma research and treatment.
True to his pioneer spirit, once he arrived at NVCI,
Matteson embraced the idea of enrolling in a clinical
trial. Since February, he has been on a Phase I Trial,
CBP501, sponsored by the Japanese pharmaceutical
company CANBAS. Sharma is also the principal
investigator for this trial. So far, the results have been
very positive, showing a 13 percent reduction in the size
of Matteson’s tumor.
“For me it was an easy to decision to go on a clinical trial,”
Matteson says. “The way I see it, what do I have to lose?”
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
M e s o th e l i o m a sur v ivo r
John Matteson works
o u t eve ry day fo r 75
mi n u te s . H e is enro lled
i n a P h a s e I clinic al
trial at NVCI.

NVCI patient
Afriquita Peterson
h a s p a rt i c i pated in
two c l i n i c a l tr ials,
b o t h s u cce ssful
at stablizing her
k i d n ey c a n cer.
AFRIQUITA PETERSON
Afriquita Peterson is an NVCI veteran. She has been a patient
at the Institute since August 2005. In that span she has been on two
clinical trials, both successful at stabilizing her kidney cancer.
Before coming to NVCI, Peterson was told by her doctor that
she shouldn’t seek any more treatment–that she was “going to die
of cancer anyway.” After her experiences at NVCI, Peterson has a
more optimistic outlook.
“My mother died at 97,” the 78-year-old Peterson says. “Dr.
Vogelzang promised me I would reach 97, too. He gives me hope.”
Peterson is currently enrolled in a Phase III Novartis Trial,
RAD001-2240. She has been on the trial since January, which is
a major achievement given that many patients are removed from
trials after six to eight weeks if the disease progresses.
“They are the best people in the world,” Peterson says of the
CTO staff. “I get healing hugs from Karen and Christine (CTO
Clinical Research Assistants Karen Welborne and Christine Zades).
They are my guardian angels.”
18 BREAKTHROUGH
“I would advise anyone to go on a
clinical trial. It opens the door to hope.”
– NVCI patient Arthur Dufore
EVARISTO MEZA
Evaristo Meza has cancer of the salivary gland, which has
spread to his liver and a lung. It is a very rare cancer with no known
standard of care.
Sharma first treated Meza in February 2007, recommending the
same trial he prescribed for Matteson–the CANBAS Phase I Trial.
The results are encouraging. Meza’s disease is stable and
throughout treatment, he has been able to continue working at his
job as a cook at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino.
“It is important to recognize that even stable disease is a victory
when you are battling this kind of cancer,” Sharma says.
Meza speaks very little English, but he shared his thoughts on
his clinical trials experience at the Institute through NVCI Data
Manager Jackie Osorno.
“The clinical trials office staff has treated me so well,” Meza says.
“All I can do now is wait and see what happens. I am grateful for
NVCI and the chance to participate in a trial.”
ARTHUR DUFORE
In the fall of 2006, Arthur Dufore was grasping for a lifeline. His
metastatic prostate cancer had spread to his lung and abdomen. His
previous doctor had told him he had nothing left to offer.
“That infuriated me,” Dufore says. “I thought, what am I
supposed to do now?”
Rather than just give up, Dufore sought a second opinion at
NVCI. He met with Vogelzang, also a noted prostate cancer expert,
along with Sharma. They explained to Dufore that he had many
options on various clinical trials. For Dufore, hope was alive.
Sharma enrolled Dufore in a Phase I Novartis Trial, LBH 589
A2101, and his response was dramatic: A 40 percent decrease in
tumor activity was noted.
Dufore’s treatment was so successful that Sharma presented
an abstract about his case at the annual meeting of the American
Society of Clinical Oncology. Because of the success of the drug in
Dufore’s case and others like his, Novartis is re-opening the trial for
further investigation.
“It’s hard for me to believe that little old me was presented as a
case study, but it makes me feel great to know I am helping future
generations,” Dufore says. “I would advise anyone to go on a clinical
•
trial. It opens the door to hope.”
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
 OUT OF STATE

A Journey to Health
PATIENTS TRAVEL MANY MILES—SOMETIMES FROM DISTANT
LANDS—TO RECEIVE TREATMENT AT NVCI
STORY BY JEN N IF ER M cD ON N EL L P H OTO G R A P H Y M I C H A E L P LY L E R

O
nce a week, Michael Schlins heads to Nevada Cancer Nelson Bernard, diagnosed in 1995 with prostate cancer, was
Institute (NVCI) for his appointments, be it a routine referred to NVCI by his oncologist after being told there was nothing
blood draw or an EKG. But Schlins’ commute is longer more that could be done for him in his small community of Bloomfield,
than most patients’–he drives four hours one way to meet New Mexico.
with NVCI physicians and staff. Bernard and his wife of 60 years, Rose, decided that a commute to
Schlins lives with his wife, Rochelle, in Glendale, Utah, where they Las Vegas wasn’t for them, so they sold their ranch house and moved to
own and operate the Historic Smith Hotel, a quaint bed and breakfast Las Vegas. They now live just a short drive from NVCI.
that attracts visitors from around the world. He was diagnosed with “Bloomfield has about 2,500 to 3,000 people, so Las Vegas is a little
prostate cancer in 1999 and has been fighting it ever since. bit different in size,” he says. “But we’re getting used to it and starting to
Schlins was referred to NVCI after his Prostate-Specific Antigen find our way around.”
(PSA) level started climbing again and he was told his treatment options Bernard has also enrolled in a clinical trial and hopes that the results
were limited. He met with NVCI Director Nicholas Vogelzang, M.D., to will not only help him but also help researchers find a cure. Bernard’s
discuss what options to pursue. Schlins started treatment this summer family has a history of prostate cancer, and his father died of the disease.
through a clinical trial. “I have grandsons,” Bernard says. “I don’t want them to have to
“I don’t mind the drive at all,” Schlins says. “It’s just part of what I suffer. I hope what they find out from my experience will help them
have to do to get better.” down the line.”•
Schlins is just one of many patients who travel long distances to
seek the expertise and care of NVCI’s world-class physicians and
researchers. In fact, 8 percent of NVCI’s patients are from out-of-state;
they come from almost every state in the union and from as far away as
the Philippines and the Virgin Islands.
“To have so many patients seeking out Nevada Cancer Institute
for treatment is a testament to the strength of the team that we have
thus far assembled,” says Vogelzang. “Also, our ability to offer patients
novel therapies not available elsewhere helps drive patient and
physician referrals.”
NVCI patient Cecelia Johnson, of The Dalles, Oregon, had originally
planned to see a Las Vegas oncologist just for a limited time–during her
visit to southern Nevada in the winter months. Her Oregon oncologist
referred her to NVCI.
“He said, ‘I’ve found you one of the very best doctors–I went to
school with him,’” says Johnson, who has kidney cancer, which has
metastasized to her lungs. She now flies into Las Vegas from Portland
about once a month to see Dr. Vogelzang and his staff.
Another patient, Ret. Lt. Col. Timothy Varian, of Austin, Texas,
followed his NVCI physician from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in
Houston. Varian, who has lymphoma, continues to receive treatment
at M D. Anderson, but he regularly flies to Las Vegas to see Nam Dang,
Prostate cancer survivor Michael Schlins, seen
M.D., one of the foremost experts on blood cancers. h ere with h is w i fe, Roc he l l e, re gul ar l y dr i ve s
But for some patients, a commute just isn’t possible. four hours one way to seek treatment at NVCI.

FALL 2007 NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 19

RESEARCH & DISCOVERIES

Dr. Hong Sun (l e f t ) and

he r hus band, Dr. Hui
Z hang (r i ght ), j oi ne d
NVCI at the urging of
De put y Di re c tor Dav i d
Ward, Ph.D (ce nte r ).
Oppos i te page : Sun and
Z hang rev i ew re s e arc h
re s ul t s wi t h Ward.
 Genetics
Powerhouse
HUSBAND AND WIFE MEDICAL TEAM USE GENETICS TO FIGHT
CANCER AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL
STO RY BY LI SA STA R K PHOTOGR A PHY BY B R I A N B R OWN

I
magine fighting an enemy without knowing his location or what “The leadership at NVCI is dynamic and visionary,” Sun says. “There is
weapons he was using. Defeating such an elusive force would be a close connection between basic research and the clinic. We can quickly
nearly impossible. see our research move from the laboratory bench to the bedside, where it
But what if you knew exactly where the enemy was and what can help cancer patients.”
tools he was deploying against you? Then, all you would have to At Yale, Zhang worked closely with NVCI founder, the late John
do is develop a counterattack to conquer him. Murren, M.D. Together, they wrote papers and grant proposals,
In the war on cancer, Hong Sun, M.D., Ph.D., and Hui Zhang, Ph.D., conducted research and performed experiments.
target the enemy, cancer cells, at their core and help scientists discover “John was one of my best friends at Yale,” Zhang says. “We were active
ways to wipe them out. collaborators in lung cancer research. I learned a lot from him. He was
Sun, along with her husband and fellow geneticist Zhang, bring very passionate about research and spoke often of the Institute he was
a proven track record and tremendous potential to Nevada Cancer helping to create in Nevada.”
Institute (NVCI). Their arrival will open new paths of discovery that will The move also reunited the pair with their former boss Ward, a man
in turn lead to new treatments for patients. who earns high praise from his protégés.
“We are very lucky to have them,” says NVCI Deputy Director David “Dr. Ward is one of the most creative, original scientists we have ever
Ward, Ph.D., who first recruited the pair at Yale University 10 years ago. met in our careers,” Sun
“Both are among the top five or 10 in the world in the kind of research says, “and we have studied
they conduct.” and worked at world-class
Sun’s research is focused on signal transduction–how cells respond to institutions such as Harvard,
environmental stimuli. The stimuli instruct the cells when to grow, when Johns Hopkins, Cold Spring
to rest and how to become special cells. Cancer cells grow because they Harbor Laboratory and Yale.”
do not receive proper signals or instructions. Ward is equally
“I love the mystery of it,” Hong says, her eyes shining. “I feel like a enthusiastic about Zhang
detective searching for clues.” and Sun. Although they
Zhang, who lost his father to lung cancer, focuses on the regulation of have already established
the cell cycle. There are checkpoints along the way in the life of a properly themselves as important
functioning cell that ensure its growth process is unfolding correctly. players in cancer research,
Cancer cells circumvent the checkpoints and escape the regulation of the he feels their best work is yet
cell cycle. These abnormal cells wreak havoc in the body, multiplying and to come.
forming tumors. “They have only
“Drs. Sun and Zhang are world-class, internationally renowned scratched the surface of their
geneticists with tremendous insight into the inner workings of basic potential,” Ward says. “They
cellular machinery,” NVCI Director Nicholas Vogelzang, M.D., says. “Both will also help us recruit other
will play key roles in our new drug discovery.” scientists who want to work
When Sun and Zhang were at Yale, they made seminal discoveries alongside them.”
on three major proteins now known to be extremely important in cancer Sun is already involved in a groundbreaking research program
research. These proteins are PTEN, p16 and p27. Throughout the last involving protein-membrane interactions. Her work in this area may lead
decade scientists and pharmaceutical companies have been working to to a major paradigm shift in the way we treat cancer.
develop drugs based on these discoveries. “From our research we have identified the critical mechanisms and
When the doctors decided to leave Yale, they had many job offers pathways involved in cancer,” Sun says. “We are close to finding answers
at prestigious institutes across the country. NVCI represented a new to some of our core questions that will lead to breakthroughs in cancer
frontier, which fit their spirit of adventure. •
treatment for patients.”

FALL 2007 NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 21

 EXPANSION
NVCI to Expand
Summerlin Campus
NEW FACILITIES TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR PATIENT
CARE, RESEARCH AND OTHER SERVICES
STO RY BY LISA STARK
NVCI Expansion
One of NVCI’s new buildings, seen here in an
artist’s rendering, will contain 101,000 square
feet of space that will house the departments
of Development, Outreach and Education,
Population Science, Clinical Trials, Biostatistics and
Communications. The new building will be located
just west of the current NVCI building.
22 BREAKTHROUGH
I
f you build it, they will come.
This now-familiar line from the film Field of Dreams may
have once seemed a fitting way to describe the creation of
Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI).
But a variation on the adage may be more appropriate
these days: “They are coming, so NVCI must build it.”
“They” are patients, researchers, doctors and staff from across
Nevada, the United States and the world, and they are arriving
at NVCI in such numbers that the Institute must expand to
accommodate them.
Since opening in September 2005, NVCI has seen 2,000 new
patients in its medical and radiation oncology divisions. In less
than two years, patient visits, including diagnostic imaging, have
totaled 125,000.
To meet this rapidly growing patient volume and to reach one
of the Institute’s primary strategic goals, NVCI plans to recruit
60 new researchers and physicians–all requiring space to work–
during the next five years.
Given the need for additional space, an exciting multistage
expansion plan has taken shape and will usher in the future of
NVCI, according to Chief Operating Officer Sandra Murdock,
FACHE, Dr.P.H.
“This is a very exciting time for Nevada Cancer Institute,”
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
 EAST ELEVATION
Murdock says. “We are translating the vision of the strategic plan
into concrete reality.”
The first phase is a renovation of the flagship building that will
enhance NVCI’s clinical and research capabilities. In the clinic,
four new patient exam rooms will be added, bringing the total to
14. On the research side, 5,000 square feet of new lab space will
increase the number of labs to 12.
In October and November, NVCI will break ground on two
new buildings. Located just west of the flagship building, a new
three-story building will provide 101,000 square feet of space.
Among the departments located there will be Development,
Outreach and Education, Population Science, Clinical Trials,
Biostatistics and Communications. The top level will be a state-of-
the-art conference center.
About a month later, construction begins on another building,
used exclusively for research. This building will provide space for
cutting-edge technology–a component critical to the recruitment
of top-flight physician-scientists and their teams.
Additionally, a new upscale extended-stay hotel will soon be
built onsite at NVCI, offering patients traveling to Las Vegas for
care an ideal place to stay. The 125-room Elements Hotel, which
is being constructed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts, is said to be
inspired by the company’s Westin Hotels. •
FALL 2007
Lori Goodwin e
Ch ief Experien ce Officer
Preserving the Culture
A
s Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) grows to
meet the needs of Nevadans, it will inevitably
become a larger, more comprehensive
Institute. Yet, no matter its size, NVCI will remain
committed to a basic core value: Patients come first.
To ensure that this fundamental principle is
preserved, NVCI has expanded the role of Lori
Goodwine, the former NVCI director of Hospitality,
Reception and Volunteer Services. In her new role as
Chief Experience Officer, she will build on the services
previously offered, developing an innovative patient
experience model driven by the goal of helping staff
improve the outcome of care.
“My role is to create an environment that provides
every patient with the opportunity to thrive
throughout the cancer treatment experience,”
Goodwine says.
One of her first priorities is developing a
seamless infrastructure that anticipates patients’
and families’ needs and preferences before,
during and after treatment. Goodwine also hopes
to emphasize patient education to ensure an
understandable and supportive process that makes
the cancer journey easier.
“What distinguishes Nevada Cancer Institute from
other health care facilities is its commitment to
service,” Goodwine says. “No matter how much we
grow, we never forget why we are here–to take care
of patients and their families.” •
NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 23
 IN FOCUS
The Total NVCI Experience
A WIDE ARRAY OF SERVICES SUPPORT AND NURTURE PATIENTS
STO RY BY LISA STARK P H OTO GRAP H Y BY PETER HA R ASTY
A
nne Ebert was first diagnosed with breast cancer
in January 2006. She underwent seven weeks of
radiation therapy. A second, separate incidence
of cancer occurred 11 months later, requiring
chemotherapy this time, followed by another round
of radiation. She is still in treatment.
While these clinical facts describe Ebert’s medical condition,
they tell only part of her story at Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI).
Ebert is grateful for the wonderful medical care she has received
at NVCI, but she considers her diagnosis and treatment at the
Institute just the first two of many steps on her path of healing.
One of the founding principles of NVCI is that the whole
person–mind, body and spirit–must be treated. Ebert embraces
this vision and takes full advantage of the depth and breadth of
the support services available at NVCI.
Helping her along this path is a group of caring, dedicated
women who have touched Ebert’s soul in a number of different
ways. “Whenever I need them, they are there for me,” Ebert says.
“All of these women have made it their passion to help patients. I
never feel like I am alone.”
At NVCI, this group is collectively known as the quality of
life team. Listed below are some of the programs they lead that
Ebert has utilized–and valued. And the best part, Ebert says,
is that she can tap into all that NVCI has to offer without ever
leaving the building.
NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING
To help her cope with side effects from the chemotherapy,
Ebert turns to NVCI Nutritionist Amy Patton, R.D., C.N.S.D.
Patton explained to her that weight gain and nausea were very
common and advised her how to counteract these problems. She
also reminded Ebert to stay well-hydrated and gave her recipes to
stimulate her taste buds. “Amy never tells me to go to a website
to look up information,” Ebert says. “She takes the extra step and
prints out the information for me.”
MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER
When the emotional burden becomes overwhelming, Ebert
seeks counsel from NVCI Medical Social Worker Margo Otto,
M.S.W., M.A.L.S.W. Otto’s soothing demeanor is a calming
influence on the difficult days. “Margo helps me stay focused,
reminding me of what is important,” Ebert says. “She helps me
deal with my problems in a logical way. I always feel better and
more in control after our sessions.”
24 BREAKTHROUGH
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Otto also facilitates the bimonthly breast cancer support
group held at NVCI. The support group is open to the public and
many of the participants are not NVCI patients. Ebert has formed
a special bond with these women, who share stories and offer
insight and wisdom. They exchange phone numbers and reach out
to one another in times of need.
YOGA
Many studies, including one conducted last year at M.D.
Anderson Cancer Center, have shown that breast cancer patients
who participate in yoga during treatment have improved their
quality of life compared with those patients who do not.
Recognizing the importance of yoga to cancer patients, NVCI
offers classes once a week. Ebert has always enjoyed the practice,
but it has been her lifeline during chemotherapy. “It is a very
centering experience,” she says.
Part of what makes the classes so therapeutic is the
enlightening and encouraging presence of Yoga Instructor Anne
Schadler, who volunteers her time to NVCI. Ebert says Schadler is
very intuitive; she is in touch with what cancer patients are going
through spiritually and tailors the class to fit their needs. “You
go in fearful, having lost contact with inner self,” Ebert says. “You
leave feeling relaxed and inspired to do better.”
ILLUMINATIONS BOUTIQUE
After losing her hair during chemotherapy, Ebert made an
appointment with NVCI Boutique Manager Louise Hill, who
helped fit her with two wigs that matched her eye and skin
coloring. Hill, a certified prosthetic fitter and medical skincare
consultant, also recommended products to soothe Ebert’s dry skin.
INFORMATION AND RESOURCE CENTER
Ebert also spends quality time in the NVCI Information and
Resource Center–a free consumer health library filled with the
latest information on cancer care, prevention, support, wellness
and general health.
With her husband, Bill, and daughter, Amanda, by her side,
Ebert is coping with her cancer. In fact, she says her life is actually
better now in many ways than it was before she was diagnosed,
thanks in large part to the quality of life team and vision.
“They have restored my image of myself and helped me
recreate myself,” Ebert says. “When people ask me how I am
doing, I tell them I’m doing great.”•
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
 NVCI patient Anne
Ebe r t (r i ght ) has t ake n
advant age of m any of
t he Inst i t ute ’s s uppor t
s e r v i ce s for pat i e nt s ,
i nc l udi ng yoga c l ass e s
of fe re d by i nst r uc tor
A nne Sc hadl e r (l e f t ).

FALL 2007 NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 25

Rallying for Wellness
BIKE RALLY HELD IN CELEBRATION OF LIVESTRONG DAY

M
ore than 400 residents of Fallon and surrounding communities turned out May 19 to celebrate LIVESTRONG DAY with an all-ages
community bike rally. Participants ranged in age from 3 months to 81 years and came from Fallon, Reno, Yerington and Fernley. The
free celebration included a two-mile bike rally that followed the city’s parade route. A bike rodeo, hosted by the Kiwanis International,
included an obstacle course for riders seeking to challenge their skills. Many advanced riders signed up for the 30-mile bike ride.
The first 200 participants received free bike helmets, and approximately 60 bikes were given away to area children. Goodie bags containing an
event T-shirt, water bottle and other freebies went to participants. The Fallon Bike Rally is the culmination of a series of wellness events offered
through Nevada Cancer Institute’s Healthy Fallon program. Through the generous support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, NVCI developed
Healthy Fallon to meet the specific needs of Churchill County residents and to encourage healthy lifestyle changes. •
26 BREAKTHROUGH NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
 NORTHERN NEVADA

Hope Jam 2007

RENO ROCKS FOR NVCI FUNDRAISER
STORY BY L ISA STA R K

R
eno’s Bartley Ranch Regional Park and the
Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater rocked
to the sounds of the classic soul group,
The Commodores, for the third annual Hope Jam
on June 8.
More than 400 supporters attended the event,
which was hosted by NVCI donors and event
chairs Rhonda and Don Carano. Reno Mayor Bob
Cashell served as master of ceremonies, with food
and drink supplied by the Silver Legacy Resort and
Casino and the Eldorado Hotel/Casino.
“Cancer does not discriminate; no one
is exempt. It touches us all–family, friends,
neighbors and colleagues,” says breast cancer
survivor Rhonda Carano, explaining how
supporting the work of the Institute is helping to
make a difference in communities across Nevada.
It was a sweet night. • To p photo : N eva da Gov. Jim Gibbo ns , N VCI Chi e f Exe c ut i ve
Officer Heath er Mu rren (cen ter), a nd F i r st L ady Dawn Gi bbons .
Above: The Commodores performed at Hope Jam.

RV CLUB GOES ON THE ROAD FOR RESEARCH

T
he Nevada chapter of the Good Sam Club, the international organization of recreational vehicle owners who strive to
promote the safe use of RVs, has adopted Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) as its official state charity. The 15 Nevada
chapters of the Good Sam Club come together twice a year for rallies to raise money for charity. This year, hundreds
of families have joined in the statewide effort, which now directly benefits NVCI.
The idea to support NVCI started when the late Bob Richardson, who had served as the president of the Ruby
Mountain Sams (the Elko chapter of the Good Sam Club), rallied support from his fellow RV club members to
focus their fundraising efforts on NVCI. “Bob’s eagerness to help people during their journey with cancer started
a grassroots effort to support the Institute,” says Danylle Hitchen, NVCI director of development. “It’s a wonderful
philanthropic endeavor that shows how creative Nevadans can be in their fund raising efforts.”
“The work we do here at NVCI would not be possible without the help and generosity of donors like the
members of the Good Sam Club,” says Shelley Gitomer, NVCI vice president of development. “We encourage other
civic groups and organizations to consider supporting NVCI. Their time and efforts go a long way and make a big
difference in helping those going through very tough times.”
Richardson’s widow, Carol, says she knows that if her late husband were here today, he would be encouraging other
groups to adopt NVCI as the focus of their fund raising efforts. “Bob would be so pleased to know that his dedication
and hard work are helping people and could possibly encourage other groups to support NVCI,” she says. “It makes me feel
wonderful to know that Bob’s legacy of caring and helping others is being carried on.” • Story By Lauren Knight

FALL 2007 NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 27

 NORTHERN NEVADA
Joining Forces
CENTER FOR MOLECULAR MEDICINE UNITES PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE PARTNERS
STORY BY L ISA STA R K
Th e s o o n - to - b e- b uilt
Ce n te r for M o lecular
M e d i c i n e w ill ser ve as
t h e n o rther n Nevada
h u b fo r N VC I .
W
hen the founders of Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI)
set out to build a world-class cancer center, they knew
that collaboration with the state’s universities would be
critical to their success.
Nowhere is this collaboration more evident than at the soon-to-
be-built Center for Molecular Medicine at the University of Nevada
School of Medicine in Reno.
This 100,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will serve as
the northern Nevada hub for NVCI, as well as the home of the
Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease. The
facility will be located on the campus of the University of Nevada,
Reno (UNR).
“We think this kind of public-private partnership is essential
if we are to achieve our collective goal of improving the health of
Nevada,” says UNR President Milton Glick. “Bringing together
these three partners gives us a chance to build a critical mass to
have a more integrated approach to medical research.”
The Center for Molecular Medicine is the first building on
the UNR campus ever built specifically for medical research. It
will double the medical school’s research and laboratory space,
enhancing the research productivity and funding opportunities of
the school’s scientists. The $78 million project was partly funded
28 BREAKTHROUGH
by $10 million
from the state
designated
by the 2005
Nevada legislature.
The 9,000 square feet designed for NVCI will serve
as the center of operations for the Institute’s northern Nevada
education and outreach activities and as the data hub for clinical
trials conducted there.
“The new center will allow us to broaden our mission of
bringing new patient-tailored clinical trials to more of the state in
support of the state’s Comprehensive Cancer Plan,” says Heather
Murren, chief executive officer of Nevada Cancer Institute. “We
look forward to making these potentially life-saving measures more
accessible to all Nevadans.”
The Center for Molecular Medicine also extends NVCI’s
Outreach and Education mission by housing northern Nevada
staff who educate patients and families about their diseases.
Additionally, quality of life services and products, such as wigs and
breast prostheses, will be available.
The Center for Molecular Medicine is expected to open its
•
doors in late 2009.
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
 DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Finding
Inspiration
in Art
STORY BY HEN A G OM EZ

A
s part of a holistic approach to healing and health,
Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) has implemented
a fine art program with the goal of providing hope
and inspiration to Institute patients.
In addition to several works by Andy Warhol and Dale
Chihuly currently on display at NVCI, a number of new
works have been added. The recent installation features an
eclectic mix, ranging from photographs to prints to works
by Aborigine artists who were inspired by dreams and the
way the land supports life. Artists represented include Frank
Stella, Richard Long, Han Lei and Emily Kame Kngwarreye.
The pieces are on loan from a generous donor.
“Innovation and creativity in art build upon the
imagination. They enable us to live in a world where
anything is possible,” says Michele Quinn, NVCI art curator.
“Art has the inherent healing ability to bring hope and peace Emily Kame Kngwarreye
to the individual.” Awelye, 1990
She commends NVCI for helping patients look beyond Synthetic polymer paint on linen
traditional boundaries to find alternative avenues of inspiration. 59 7/8 x 47 5/8 inches
For more information on NVCI’s art program or to
schedule a guided tour, call (702) 822-5207. Additionally,
the NVCI art program art catalog is available for purchase in
Han Lei
the Illuminations Boutique. • Yellow Mountains Series
(Landscape with cliff in left
foreground), 2001
Photograph
21 1/4 x 19 3/8 inches

Han Lei
Wang Jinsong Yellow Mountains Series (Peak
100 Signs of Demolition, 1999 framed by trees), 2002
Photograph Photograph
18 x 48 inches 23 x 19 1/2 inches

FALL 2007 NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 29

N VC I s u p p o r ter s
S a n d y a n d Mo r t S affer

Love, Loyalty and
Lasting Commitment
A PATIENT AND HIS WIFE DISCUSS THEIR DEVOTION TO NVCI
STORY BY L ISA STA R K P HOTOG R A P H Y BY B R I A N B R OW N
Editor’s Note: At the age of 79, Mort Saffer died just a short time
after the following story was written. He died peacefully, in his
favorite chair in his Las Vegas home. Nevada Cancer Institute
wanted to share the story with our readers as a tribute to Mort, a
wonderful man, whom we dearly miss.
W
hen you visit the home of Mort and Sandy
Saffer, you feel like you are catching up with
old friends, even though you met them just
a few minutes before. Sandy offers food and
drink regularly throughout the visit, while
Mort charms with his silly jokes.
Simply put, the Saffers are the kind of people you want by your side,
and Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) is blessed to have them as allies.
From day one they have been steadfast supporters, contributing their
time and money but, more significantly, their hearts and minds. They
have seen NVCI grow from a noble idea to a world-class cancer center.
And they have experienced the Institute from the inside out, as Mort
became a patient last year.
The Saffers’ story is one of love, loyalty and a lasting commitment to
each other and to the things they hold dear. Their affection is palpable;
they finish each other’s sentences, they enjoy spending time with family
and they love to laugh. It was their shared sense of humor that first
bonded them when they met on a blind date 35 years ago.
“We spent all night trying to find places that were still open so we
could keep the date going,” Sandy recalls.
Together they built a business from scratch, raised three kids and
stayed madly in love. And together they have supported their community.
SUPPORTERS FROM THE START
When the Saffers relocated from Denver to Las Vegas five years
ago, they brought with them their strong belief in philanthropy. They
came looking for a worthy cause and found one in the fledgling, yet-
to-be-built Nevada Cancer Institute. From the very beginning, they
were hooked.
“I couldn’t get rid of them,” jokes Shelley Gitomer, NVCI’s vice
president of Development. “They came to events, Sandy volunteered
and they supported us financially. They were wonderful supporters.”
When the doors to the research and care center opened, Sandy was
leading tours and encouraging others in her community to give as well.
“We want to help Nevada Cancer Institute any way we can,” says
FALL 2007
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Sandy, “whether it is stuffing envelopes or donating money.” In short,
they were there for NVCI. Soon, NVCI would be there for them.
MORT’S CANCER JOURNEY
Mort’s first brush with cancer was in 1997, when he was diagnosed
with leukemia. Chemotherapy was given, along with a stem cell
transplant, a risky choice for a 70-year-old who had suffered a heart
attack the year before.
But Mort insisted, and the treatment worked. He was cancer-free
when they moved to Las Vegas and began supporting the Institute.
A few years later, Mort was under the watchful eye of NVCI Chief of
Clinical Oncology Phil Manno, M.D., when Dr. Manno discovered a
relapse in his disease. Mort was treated and did very well.
Mort later developed a second malignancy, which recently required
treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.
The Saffers were concerned, but at the same time relieved to know
that Mort would be treated at NVCI, a place they knew offered the best
care possible.
“Everyone is so cheerful,” says Mort. “When I am with Dr. Manno,
he makes me feel like I am his only patient.”
True to their optimistic nature, Mort and Sandy used humor to
get them through, emailing pictures of a balding Mort to friends
and family. Along with the laughs, came a renewed commitment to
invest in NVCI.
LEGACY OF GIVING
Through the years, the Saffers made traditional monetary
contributions but they also donated in creative ways, using appreciated
securities or stocks and making NVCI part of their estate planning.
“Estate planning is a wonderful option,” Gitomer explains. “It is a
win-win situation that enables the donor to get the most out of his or
her estate without losing substantial dollars on estate taxes.”
“We know that Nevada Cancer Institute will invest in research to
find new cures so we can wipe out cancer once and for all,” Mort says.
Many patients make donations after they have been treated at
NVCI as a way of expressing their gratitude. With the Saffers, it
worked in reverse.
“They were with us long before Mort became a patient,” Gitomer
says. “What is also significant is that they will have given in their lifetime
and beyond, leaving a true legacy of giving. This speaks volumes about
the kind of people they are and the depth of their commitment.” •
NEVADA CANCER INSTITUTE 31
 INSIDE NVCI
Gl ad ys Cortes Ma ritza Cotto Madhavi Bathina S id d ha rt h S ha rm a Alina F ries Yag an g Wan g
Cuba P u e r to R i co I nd i a I nd i a Russ i a China

Kate Warric k Yolande Muc harbac h S is ay Kid a ne P hung Ng uyen Z a id a Alip io Ya s uyo U ras ak i M o h amme d Is h aq
Unite d Kingdom Leba non E t hi o p i a Vi et na m P hi l i p p i nes J apan Fi j i

United Against a Global Disease

FIGHT AGAINST CANCER BRINGS STAFF MEMBERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO NVCI
STO RY BY DANETTE TU LL P H OTO GRAP H Y BY PATR I CK WI RTZ

T
he Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) has attracted expertise
from around the world–and then some.
Despite its relatively small size–about 280 employees–the
Institute seems almost as diverse as the United Nations itself.
NVCI’s multicultural first-generation staff represents five of the seven
continents and 20 individual countries. Collectively, the staff speaks a
dozen languages natively, including all six official languages of the United
Nations (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish).
Though the terms describing cancer may vary from country to
country, NVCI staff members know that the illness is truly universal.
This global disease knows no boundaries and transcends racial,
ethnic, religious and gender boundaries. It is the cause that unites all
NVCI staff members in one way or another.
32 BREAKTHROUGH
Many of them have personal ties to this disease. Some are cancer
survivors themselves; others have lost loved ones to the disease, while
others simply have an affinity for science and research, and have
dedicated their lives to finding a way to eliminate it.
Whether they work with patients in the clinic, perform research in
the lab, assist administrators in the office, collect data, fix computers
or deliver mail, it is their compassion for others and passion for
fighting cancer that brought them to NVCI. Japanese Postdoctoral
Fellow Yasuyo Urasaki, who joined NVCI only three months ago,
shares her perspective.
“It’s a wonder to see everyone–doctors, nurses, staff and patients,
smiling and sharing the passion to fight cancer,” she says. She sums it
up best by adding, “I like NVCI’s smile.” •
NEVADACANCERINSTITUTE.0RG
Mission Statement
Nevada Cancer Institute reduces the burden of cancer for Nevada, the nation and the world through innovative and
collaborative research, education and patient care.

Vision
Nevada Cancer Institute will be one of the premier clinical and research cancer centers in the world.

Core Values
• Discovery • Compassion
• Excellence • Integrity
• Collaboration • Stewardship

Executive Staff
Heather H. Murren, CFA–Chief Executive Officer
Sandra S. Murdock, FACHE, Dr.P.H.–President and Chief Operating Officer
Nicholas J. Vogelzang, M.D.–Director
David C. Ward, Ph.D.–Deputy Director
Giuseppe Pizzorno, Ph.D., Pharm.D.–Vice President of Operations, Division Head of Drug Development
Lisa Stark–Vice President of Communications
Shelley Gitomer–Vice President for Development
Richard Faircloth–Chief Information Officer

Institute Board Operating Board Scientific Advisory Board

of Directors of Directors David S. Alberts, M.D.
Stephen J. Cloobeck Javaid Anwar, M.D. Frederick R. Applebaum, M.D.
Gary N. Jacobs Stephen Cloobeck Jerry Glickson, Ph.D.
Ikram U. Khan, M.D. Jack Kolosky, M.B.A. Michelle M. Le Beau, Ph.D.
Luther Mack, Jr. Jack Mace, Esq. Frank L. Meyskens, Jr., M.D. F.A.C.P.
Alfred E. Mann Sharon Martin, M.Ed. Mack Roach III M.D., F.A.C.R.
Claude Mann Brian Springer, M.H.A. Jonathan W. Simons, M.D.
Heather H. Murren, CFA Mary B. Todd, M.D. Donald L. Trump, M.D.
James J. Murren, CFA
Robert M. Poole, CFA
Philip G. Satre, Esq.

We hope you will join us in this historic endeavor to establish a world-class, comprehensive cancer center in
Nevada. Your contribution will resonate for decades to come in the fight against cancer. For information, please
contact Shelley Gitomer, vice president for Development, at (702) 821-0000 or nevadacancerinstitute.org. NVCI is
a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) designation. Contributions are tax-deductible as provided by law.
 HEADER MY STORY: Teri Livengood

I t was October 12, 2005, when I was informed that the five-
centimeter mass on my chest X-ray was lung cancer; my mind
immediately went to planning for my death. When my general
practitioner referred me to Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI), I
reluctantly went, expecting confirmation of my belief that I was
going to die. I also expected that they would offer some new drug–
which I would equate with unnecessary torture–and that I would
then politely refuse it, go home and prepare to die.
Entering NVCI was a warm and welcoming experience, and
my first meeting with Dr. (Sunil) Sharma (chief of Gastrointestinal
Oncology and of the Clinical Phase I Unit), began to change my
attitude. He informed me that more testing had to be done to
determine the type and stage of the cancer before appropriate
treatment could be prescribed. He also promised to be completely
honest with me. After the testing was completed, he recommended
a Phase I clinical trial as the course of treatment.
Though frightened, I decided that for my family, I would do
whatever Dr. Sharma recommended, including quitting smoking, for
one year. If at that point I didn’t see significant progress, treatment
would be over. Chemotherapy reduced the tumor by about 59
percent. I was then placed in the care of Dr. Dave Pomerantz
(director of Clinical Radiation Oncology) and received seven weeks
of radiation, which reduced the tumor to one centimeter. A second
PHOTO: FR ANCIS G EORG E

round of radiation was recommended and completed in June 2007.

Dr. Dave feels that the possibility for a cure is very good.
NVCI patient
Cancer has given me a new appreciation for life. I took a
Te ri L i ve n g o o d wonderful trip to Europe in August, and I’m feeling good. I know
re ce n tl y that my survival is due to the care that I’ve received from the staff at
celebrated her
s u rv i vo rs h i p
NVCI in an environment of comfort, healing and safety. Together
w i t h a t ri p to with my wonderful network of loving and supportive family and
Eu ro p e. friends, they have brought me hope. •

NON PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID
LAS VEGAS NV
PERMIT NO. 602

One Breakthrough Way

10441 W. Twain Ave.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89135
www.nevadacancerinstitute.org

ZBC_MAILINGBKCVR.indd 2 9/17/07 9:57:39 AM