April 23, 2025
Anthony Sung, MD, was formally invested as the A. Drue Jennings Professor in Medical Oncology at The University of Kansas Cancer Center on April 22, 2025. This honor recognizes Dr. Sung’s groundbreaking research in blood cancers and his dedication to improving care for cancer patients.
Established in 2016 by The Sunderland Foundation and Hall Family Foundation, the A. Drue Jennings Professorship honors a longtime KU Cancer Center supporter. A dedicated advocate for cancer research and care, Jennings co-founded and co-chaired the Cancer Funding Partners, which played a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support for the cancer center’s journey to NCI comprehensive cancer center designation.
"It is a tribute to our cancer center that we are able to recruit physicians and researchers of Dr. Sung's caliber,” said Jennings. “He is a wonderful member of a world-class team advancing what we know about and how we treat cancer."
Dr. Sung serves as director of the Center for Survivorship and Patient-Oriented Research. His research focuses on reducing stem cell transplant-related complications and improving survivorship. Dr. Sung’s research has been supported by many leading organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, American Society of Hematology and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Most recently, Dr. Sung received a five-year, nearly $4 million grant to study the impact of food insecurity on blood cancer patients. He also serves as a special government employee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and ad hoc member of the Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee.
“Dr. Sung’s visionary approach to survivorship and cancer care embodies the very spirit of this professorship. His research is changing the way we care for cancer patients, from diagnosis to survivorship,” said Joseph McGuirk, DO, division director of the Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics program.
“Dr. Sung’s work ensures that patients not only receive leading-edge treatment but also the long-term support they need to thrive,” said Roy Jensen, MD, vice chancellor and director of the cancer center. “We are deeply grateful to The Sunderland Foundation and Hall Family Foundation for their generosity in establishing this professorship, which allows us to recognize outstanding leaders like Dr. Sung.”