Extraordinary Research Depends on Philanthropy

Louis M. Weiner, MD, describes himself as "more impatient than ever." He is impatient about finding new treatments for advanced cancers of the gastrointestinal system. This passion is reflected in his choice of laboratory experiments and patient-care delivery.

"My patients deserve it," says Weiner, who is chairman of the department of medical oncology and vice president of translational research at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Weiner feels fortunate not only to investigate cancer in the lab but also to confront it head on in patients with gastrointestinal, colon and esophageal cancers.

"My research has improved by seeing patients," Weiner explains. "I am reminded every week by patients' experiences of the terrible impact cancer has on them and their families."

Ellen Heim was one of those patients. Although she exhausted every treatment option, her colon cancer, which had spread to her lungs, did not waver.

Losing a patient is much more difficult for physicians than some may think. It can be crushing.

"Ellen was an unbelievable force of nature with an incredible zest for life," says Weiner. "She was always upbeat, charismatic and had a huge circle of friends."

But Weiner turned tragic loss into a force of motivation. And with that came faith from a grieving family.

Upon Ellen's death, her husband, Jim, encouraged friends and family to make donations to Weiner's research at Fox Chase—a gesture Weiner highly respects.

"Cancer research has come to a critical crossroads with better opportunities for progress because of the molecular biology revolution," Weiner says. "But, cruelly, we face a sustained reduction in national funding for cancer research."

With this reduction comes a threat to progress, Weiner adds. "When money gets tight, innovation and daring ideas are curtailed. The only way to compete for scarce resources is to play it safe."

But this is the wrong time to "play it safe," Weiner says, when golden scientific opportunities are within reach. Unfortunately, exploratory and experimental work is not what the funding agencies will approve in the current state.

"Philanthropic support for cutting-edge scientific research is the best and only way we can keep the momentum going."

Philanthropy helps Weiner and other researchers hire and retain scientists who work on high-reward, high-yield projects and purchase necessary, high-tech equipment.

Currently, Weiner is the principal investigator for a new research study using an antibody that is known to show dramatic anticancer effects for 10 percent of colon cancer cases. But 90 percent of cases do not experience these positive results.

With a superior new technology Weiner's lab has invested in, he will study the relationship between gene expression by cancer cells and how those cells respond to treatment with the antibody with the hope of linking specific genes with cell death, function and resistance.

There's no question Weiner will think of Ellen Heim as he moves forward. "Rest easy," Weiner posted on her Care Page, knowing he will do nothing of the sort.