The Cancer Center S upport for biomedical research must begin in the Medical School, Dr. David Nathan told more than 50 University Medical School staff and professionals Wednesday at the Weisman Art Museum. Wednesday's event, which featured a presentation from Nathan, the president of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard University Medical School, marked the dedication of the University's new Center for Molecular and Cellular Therapy. The center will become one of the preeminent research facilities in the nation, bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical trials. Many times researchers have difficulties finding support to make the jump from laboratory research to clinical research.
Clinical research involves more human interaction.
He defines clinical research as patient-oriented research with direct interaction with human subjects. The center aims to make the transition for therapies developed in the laboratory to clinical trials faster, quicker and better, said Dr. Jeff McCullough, the center's new director. He added that the new center should draw more students and faculty to the University. Founder of the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry, McCullough directed the University's blood bank for 20 years. He is a professor of laboratory medicine and pathology.