LEXINGTON, KY – On January 25, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation received a $1,000,000 gift to create the world’s first distinguished professorship in Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Research. The gift comes from the Amanda W. Lockey Foundation in support of University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center oncologist Dr. Lowell Anthony, a specialist in neuroendocrine tumor treatment. The revolutionary treatments being developed and tested by Dr. Anthony and his colleagues have been central in extending both the duration and quality of life in patients with neuroendocrine tumors, which can develop anywhere endocrine cells are present.
This gift, which is the second large gift given to the Markey Cancer Foundation from the Amanda W. Lockey Foundation in the last three years, comes to the Foundation as a part of a campaign in support of the Markey Cancer Center’s application for obtaining National Cancer Institute (NCI) comprehensive status. NCI comprehensive status is the highest level of recognition a cancer center can receive.
The distinguished professorship in NET research will support Dr. Lowell Anthony’s work by allowing him and his team to focus on clinical, translational research, and the development of a radiotherapeutic program. “This generous gift is recognition of our expertise in neuroendocrine tumors and will allow the center to advance our understanding of NET biology,” says Dr. Lowell Anthony.
A distinguished professorship is an endowed position, wherein the money donated is permanently invested and generates annual spending distributions in order to build permanent and sustainable funding, which is then used to support the goals and objectives of its named role. Endowed positions are highly-coveted achievements and play a central role in retaining and attracting the highest level in clinician scientists and researchers.
Markey Cancer Foundation president & CEO, Michael Delzotti, CFRE, FAHP, says, “Markey was so fortunate to obtain such a high-level recruit in Dr. Anthony from LSU. He is an internationally recognized NET researcher and physician scientist. This generous philanthropic support by the Lockey Foundation will further accelerate the life-saving and cutting-edge research he is doing at Markey Cancer Center.”
To learn more about NET research being done at the Markey Cancer Center or for ways in which you can support the Markey Cancer Center’s drive for NCI Comprehensive status, please contact the Markey Cancer Foundation at HelpBeatCancer@uky.edu.