Others Follow Where Roy Jensen, MD, Leads
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (February 24, 2011) – There’s no doubt in Roy Jensen’s mind that The University of Kansas Cancer Center is uniquely poised to become one of the country’s top facilities for cancer research and patient care. In fact, much of what is currently taking place already puts the cancer center at that level.
“Our unique combination of world-renowned cancer researchers and clinicians who work collaboratively to develop new and better therapeutic approaches is unmatched,” says Dr. Jensen. “This combination of highly specialized expertise and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams is more than the sum of its parts. It’s what allows us to build upon the legacy at KU and achieve the best results possible.”
Drug Discovery Focus
When Dr. Jensen made the decision to return to his Kansas City area roots in 2004 to lead the cancer center in its efforts toward obtaining National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, he did so because he believed this was the best place in the country to build a cancer center with a strong focus on drug discovery.
“We are building a drug discovery program that is the envy of every cancer center in the United States,” says Dr. Jensen. A February 2011 article in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that a total of 40 cancer drugs have been developed during the last 40 years. “KU researchers, under the direction of Dr. Scott Weir, have discovered six cancer drugs in the last three years,” he says.
Community Commitment
During a difficult economic climate, the support of the community has remained steadfast. The KU Endowment campaign for the cancer center has already raised more than half of its $92 million goal, providing necessary funding for research and clinical care. The passing of the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle tax (JCERT) in 2008 is something Dr. Jensen says will make a significant difference in the cancer center’s ability to make cancer drugs available to patients much more quickly. The JCERT tax will help fund a new University of Kansas Clinical Research Center, scheduled to open in early 2012, that will focus entirely on early phase clinical trials.
“Nowhere else has the tremendous support from the community, state and local government, and private philanthropy that we have here,” says Dr. Jensen. “It is humbling how the community has rallied around this effort to directly benefit patients in our region by allowing them better access to cutting-edge clinical research and cancer drugs.”
NCI Brings Benefits
Pursuit of NCI designation remains the top priority for Dr. Jensen and the cancer center. The benefits of NCI designation will be realized throughout the region from grants and research dollars to jobs and overall economic impact.
“We are already developing a culture and understanding of what it means to be worthy of NCI designation,” said Dr. Jensen. “This integrated, coordinated effort will continue to translate into the best possible results for patients.”
Roy A. Jensen, MD, is a nationally recognized breast cancer pathologist. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan. in 1980 and Medical Degree from Vanderbilt University in 1984. His training includes a residency in anatomic pathology at Vanderbilt, a visiting residency at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and fellowships with the American Cancer Society and NCI. His research focus is on the function of specific proteins that inhibit the growth of tumors in breast cancer and has led to patents for methods of detection, diagnosis and treatment of pre-invasive cancer.