The Livingstone Chair in Surgical Oncology Research

"One of the greatest challenges in the fight against cancer is securing enough money for research. Without alternative sources of financing, such as philanthropy, it is unlikely that U.S. medical schools will maintain their position as the world's leaders in medical research."
  — Alan S. Livingstone, M.D.

Although advances in research have offered significant strides in the fight against cancer, more than one in four Americans will develop the disease, and more than one in five will die from it.

For the past 20 years, Alan S. Livingstone, M.D., chairman of the Department of Surgery, has dedicated his career to advancing the knowledge of cancer. As a surgeon, researcher and teacher, Dr. Livingstone's extraordinary vision and remarkable leadership have resulted in major medical contributions to the University of Miami School of Medicine and the University of Miami/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Under the leadership of Dr. Livingstone, UM/Sylvester's surgical oncology team has created a pathway of treatment for esophageal cancer that is being adopted by surgical oncologists across the country. The team is at the forefront of breast-conserving surgery that can ease the physical and emotional impact of breast cancer. Additionally, physicians are using the exciting technology of cryosurgery, a freezing technique, to destroy otherwise inoperable liver tumors.

The Livingstone Chair in Surgical Oncology Research provides an ongoing source of income for further research and innovative approaches in the treatment of cancer. The chair supports translational research (taking laboratory discoveries to the patient) as an improved therapy and treatment option for patients. The primary areas of focus include:

• Translational research for breast cancer
• Novel preoperative chemotherapeutic protocols to reduce tumor size and improve surgical outcomes
• Innovative treatments for pancreatic and metastatic colon cancer

A fully endowed Livingstone Chair in Surgical Oncology Research will guarantee the University of Miami/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center's ability to support ongoing research by training young investigators as both researchers and clinicians. A contribution to the chair's endowment will reflect the donor's concern for cancer research, education, prevention and treatment as well as his or her commitment to helping find a cure.