Chemistry and the war against cancer
Humankind has suffered the ravages of cancer for thousands of years, with no end in sight. That is, until the beginning of the 20th Century, when the principles of the scientific method were seriously and rigorously applied to discovering the cause(s), diagnosis, treatment, and more recently even the prevention and eradication of this devastating disease. The important role that chemistry has played, and is playing, in achieving these goals cannot be overemphasized. The objective of this symposium is to celebrate the role of chemistry in the fight against cancer, and to bring together several professionals who have contributed significantly to this effort.
Specific topics to be discussed will include chemical carcinogenesis, an account of the chemistry involved in devising the first blood test for the detection of cancer, radio-imaging techniques for cancer developed by a SUNY-Potsdam Chemistry alumnus, development of the first vaccine to prevent cancer, and an account of a chemical that effectively prevents breast cancer. It might be of interest to note that the majority of the chemists involved in making these advances are all members of the NERM Region of the American Chemical Society.
Confirmed speakers
Dr. William Bonnez, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, will give a presentation called “A Cancer Vaccine Is Born”.
