New Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Named

The Indiana University School of Medicine has named a new director of the IU
Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, while also marking a $15
million gift from the Walther Cancer Foundation.

Dr. Kelvin Lee will succeed Dr. Patrick Loehrer, who has served as cancer
center director since 2009. Lee will assume the role in January 2021.

Lee has served as the Jacobs Family Chair of Immunology at the Roswell Park
Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York since 2006.

In addition to his directorship, Lee will also hold the titles of senior
associate dean of cancer research at IU School of Medicine and the H.H.
Gregg Professor of Oncology.

“We are very pleased to welcome one of the country’s top cancer
physician-researchers to IU Health,” said Dennis Murphy, president and chief
executive officer, Indiana University Health. “He joins an already respected
program and will play a critical role in advancing our efforts, through the
IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and our new Cancer Institute, to expand
access to cutting-edge cancer care to patients across and beyond Indiana.”

IUSM says Lee’s research interests are both laboratory and clinical based
where he focuses on multiple myeloma. He is also the principal investigator
on active clinical trials of immunotherapy in myeloma in New York.

To help support the Cancer Institute, the Walther Cancer Foundation will
contribute $15 million to establish a fund for investments in areas of
cancer research and laboratory improvements that Lee thinks shows the most
promise.

“This incredible gift from the Walther Cancer Foundation will be a
tremendous asset in the years to come, offering the flexibility to add
resources and attract talent to areas where there is a need,” said Lee.

Nearly 250 researchers at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center conduct
all phases of cancer research, from laboratory studies to clinical trials to
population-based studies that address environmental and behavioral factors
that contribute to cancer.

Source: Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick