Newly Designated NCI Director Roundly Applauded by Cancer Community

The cancer community is expressing unanimous approvalof President George W. Bush’s appointment of Andrew von Eschenbach, MD, asdirector of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Dr. von Eschenbach was directorof the Genitourinary Cancer Center and Prostate Cancer Research Program at theUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. "[His] extensiveexperience in cancer research, treatment, and prevention has prepared himextraordinarily well to head the NCI," said Larry Norton, MD, president ofthe American Society of Clinical Oncology. "As both a recognized leader inthe oncology community and as a cancer survivor, Andy brings a distinctiveperspective to this position."

Dr. Von Eschenbach has also been active in the American Cancer Society (ACS).He served recently as president-elect of the ACS’s national volunteer Board ofDirectors. John R. Seffrin, the ACS’s national chief executive officer, said,"As the chair of our cancer control committee and numerous other postswithin the Society throughout the years, Dr. von Eschenbach has proven hiscompassion and commitment to eradicating cancer as a major health threat hereand now. The National Cancer Institute will do well by his leadership andpassion."