About CR&T
Fact Sheet | History | Mission
Cancer Research & Treatment Fund, Inc.
Gateway to a Cure
Organization
The Cancer Research & Treatment (CR&T) Fund was founded in 1968 and leads the way in advancing the treatment of blood malignancies as well as breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers.
A non-profit group of physicians, nurses and other medical professionals dedicated to exploring blood diseases as the gateway to the cure for cancer.
Today's pioneering CR&T physician-scientists are instrumental in new molecule-targeting agents that focus on the genetic makeup of cancer itself, thus minimizing the side effects of more dramatic chemical treatments.
CR&T is a unique resource, one that brings together researchers, patients, physicians and policy makers in the common cause of cancer treatment.
Mission
The mission of CR&T is to provide the resources for state of the art research that leads to effective treatments for cancer.
Human and Economic Burden of Cancer
Every life is touched by cancer. Each year more than 11 million people are diagnosed with cancer and more than 6 million die world-wide. Greater than deaths from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined.
Cancer still remains a leading cause of death, second only to heart disease. Cancer accounts for 1 of every 4 deaths. Over 1.4 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer in 2008. This year about 565,650 Americans are expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day.
Medical and other costs of cancer were $219.2 billion in 2008.
With below-inflation funding in the public sector, scientists unable to secure government research grants, are pursuing other careers at a time when we need them the most.
The Work of CR&T
CR&T has no layers of personnel or committees and is unencumbered by restrictions of larger medical associations. As a result, more than 80% of all dollars spent goes directly to research and education.
CR&T supports prostate and breast cancer research at one of the world's great medical centers, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center.
CR&T funded grants to the William Waugh and Judy Olin Higgins Center for the Study of Leukemia and Myeloproliferative Diseases.
CR&T fills some of the gap in federal funding for cancer research.
CR&T conducts events and educational seminars and creates a community for people to share in the common goal of finding a cure.
CR&T fast tracks research funding to physician-scientists who make significant contributions in treatment instead of supporting general program disbursements.
CR&T Delivers Results
New targeted therapies have been developed, producing many new drugs that give hope to cancer patients.
Contributed to breakthrough discoveries in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and the evaluation of the new cancer marker JAK2 enzyme.
Identified the processes of blood cell formation, initiating a means of treatment for blood diseases and solid tumor cancers through anti-angiogenesis.
Established a Center for the Study of Leukemia and Myeloproliferative Diseases.
Participated in the development of new chemotherapies for Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Perfected the use of interferon alfa as a treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia and polycythemia vera.
Conducted national conferences on many health issues including Myeloproliferative Diseases, Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer.
Provided expertise in the creation of new protocols for MPD and evaluated cancer programs at some of the most prestigious treatment centers in the nation.
Summary
Successful outcomes from cancer research are the product of significant investments, financial, as well as those of time and professional dedication. With years of proven expertise, CR&T continues to define the best possible outcome, a more effective treatment for cancer patients. Cancer Research & Treatment Fund is dedicated to reducing cancer incidence, mortality and suffering. Please join us in searching for a cure.
