Cancer 101: Where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going

Brian Druker, M.D., director, Knight Cancer Institute

Druker revolutionized the treatment of cancer through research that resulted in the first drug to target the molecular defect of a cancer while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Marketed under the name Gleevec®, his discovery turned a once-fatal cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, into a manageable condition.

Bree Mitchell, Ph.D., executive director of the Knight’s Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR)

Mitchell leads strategic planning, scientific program development, organizational development, operations, and scientific collaboration at CEDAR. She’s held leadership roles at Stanford University’s Canary Center for Early Detection and biotech companies. While at Intel Corp., Mitchell led a collaborative project with Cedar-Sinai Medical Center focused on cancer biomarker discovery research.

Chris Corless, M.D., Ph.D., executive director of the Knight Diagnostic Laboratories

Corless is a professor of pathology in the OHSU School of Medicine. He serves as vice chair of research and executive director of the Knight Diagnostic Laboratories, which specialize in oncology, rare genetic disorders, and infectious disease. He oversees the development of novel molecular and proteomic tests for solid tumors.

Hai Pham, D.M.D., a pediatric dentist and cancer survivor

Hai Pham, D.M.D, is a pediatric dentist who understands first-hand what it means to be a patient. While going through his pediatric residency training, he was also battling cancer. He serves as Oregon’s delegate for the American Dental Association, presents about pediatric dentistry to health care professionals, and is an avid humanitarian.