93-11-23 Dr. Charles E. Myers Jr.,named director UVA Cancer Cente

  RELEASE ON RECEIPT

                                                   Contact: Tom Doran
     CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Nov. 23 -- Dr. Charles E. Myers Jr., an
internationally known scientist and physician at the National Cancer
Institute, has been named director of the University of Virginia
Cancer Center.
     Myers is chief of the NCI's Clinical Pharmacology Branch and
former chief of its Medicine Branch, in which he still serves as an
attending physician. His appointment, announced by Dr. Robert M.
Carey, dean of the School of Medicine, is effective January 15
subject to his election to the faculty by U.Va.'s Board of Visitors.
     "This appointment is a major step in the development of our
cancer center to a position among world leaders in every area --
patient care, research and education," said Carey.
     "Dr. Myers has strong leadership qualities as well as impressive
credentials. He will be a tremendous asset as we build upon our
present strengths and acquire new resources to create an
interdisciplinary program far greater than the sum of its parts."
     Carey said a search committee was impressed with Myers'
"continuum" approach to medicine, which focuses on close teamwork to
employ research findings in patient care as rapidly as possible.  His
new role will involve coordinating and supporting the work of basic
researchers, practicing physicians and other health care
professionals.
     Myers has devoted equal attention to research and patient care
during his 21 years at the
NCI, which he joined at the age of 28. His special interests include
prostate, neurological and ovarian cancers.
     "I was attracted to U.Va. by the strength of its basic research
program and a commitment by Dean Carey and faculty and staff in the
cancer center to develop a strong comprehensive program," said Myers.
      "There are world-renowned researchers and clinicians here, and
the challenge is to build a highly effective transitional group
between our laboratory teams and our practicing physicians.
We have scientists who are eager to see their findings put to the
test in clinical trials of new drugs and other cancer treatments, and
physicians who want to use proven new therapies rapidly.
     "Our goal is to provide the highest possible quality of health
care, including better methods of treatment as soon as these are
tested and available, and to aggressively develop the new therapies."
     Dr. Peyton T. Taylor Jr., interim director, said the appointment
is "an electric event" for a cancer center that is poised for
dramatic growth and achievement in the coming years.
     "We've just spent nearly two years and enormous effort on a
renovation project that brought our cancer patient-care activities
together in one area for the first time," he said. "Meanwhile, our
basic research components have been brought into close proximity.
     "Now that we have a leader who is experienced at bringing
research and clinical activities together, the people and physical
resources we have can operate at maximum effectiveness. Moreover, Dr.
Myers' reputation and leadership will be great assets in recruiting
gifted new physicians and researchers."
     Myers said his objectives include the development of more cost-
effective ways of detecting and treating cancer, better methods for
locating and educating those at high risk for the disease, and more
user-friendly processes for providing patient care.
     "Managed care is a challenge to do more for less, but regardless
of that initiative we need to develop better ways of preventing
illness and providing good care while controlling costs," he said.
     "Research will supply many of the solutions. Basic research on
cells, such as that being done at U.Va., will eventually lead to
methods for targeting cancerous cells and eliminating them. At this
point we must rely on blunt, non-specific treatments. Much of the
cost is in repairing healthy cells that are damaged as side effects."
     Scientists are also developing tests to detect not only cancers
just beginning to form but genetic factors that make individuals
susceptible to cancer, he noted.
     "With these methods of detection, we will be able to offer
screenings and advise people on lifestyle changes that will reduce
the risk of cancer," he said. "We could offer screening programs to
individuals as well as to companies, for their employees."
     Myers has been elected to membership in the American Society for
Clinical Investigation, the American Association for the Advancement
of Science and the American Society for Clinical Oncology. His
medical degree was earned at the University of Pennsylvania and he
holds at bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University.

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[Submitted by: unknown (cab2j@dmt03.mcc.virginia.edu)
               23 Nov 93 10:38:17 EDT]