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Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation is dedicated to helping people live longer
and better lives through basic, comparative, and clinical research. Founded
in 1993 as the Pacific Northwest Cancer Foundation by Gerald P. Murphy, MD,
the
Foundation has enjoyed a rich pioneering tradition in advancing the early detection
and treatment of prostate cancer. This legacy continues under the leadership
of executive director David Waters, DVM, PhD. |
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Gerald P. Murphy, MD
Throughout
his career, Gerald P. Murphy distinguished himself as an innovative
thinker and advocate
of humanity. In 1972, Dr. Murphy was appointed by President Richard
Nixon to the first National Cancer Advisory Board and from 1988-1993
he served
as the Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society. His honors
include the Papal Medal for Distinguished Service and eight honorary
doctoral degrees. Throughout his career, Dr. Murphy pursued a central
objective of decreasing cancer-related suffering and mortality, which
led to the development of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood
test for early prostate cancer detection. Importantly, when the scientific
evidence was sufficient, he persuaded the American Cancer Society and
other governing bodies to take action to institutionalize the PSA blood
test as part of routine clinical practice. Because their prostate cancers
were detected early and were cured, thousands of men owe their lives
to Dr. Murphy’s forward thinking and absolute commitment to this
cause.
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David J. Waters, DVM, PhD
After Dr. Murphy’s untimely death in January 2000,
the Foundation appointed a new Executive Director, David J. Waters, reaffirming
its commitment to excellence in biomedical research. Dr. Waters is nationally
recognized for his work in the field of comparative medicine and prostate
cancer research. Trained as a comparative oncologist and veterinary surgeon,
he offers a unique perspective to the field of cancer research. In 1997,
Dr. Waters was one of 120 scientists summoned to Washington DC by the
Director of the National Cancer Institute to plot the Prostate Cancer
Research Agenda of the United States. In 1999, he was the recipient of
a prestigious Brookdale National Fellowship in recognition of his potential
as a leader in the field of gerontology. In 2001, at the age of 42, he
became one of Purdue University’s youngest Full Professors when
he was promoted to Professor of Surgery and Comparative Oncology. He
has served on study sections for the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer
Research Program and the California Cancer Research Program. As Executive
Director of the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation, Dr. Waters serves
on the U.S. National Committee of the International Union Against Cancer
(UICC). His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health,
American Cancer Society, Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research
Program, and industry. Dr. Waters’ research findings have been
published in a variety of prestigious scientific journals including Prostate, Journal
of the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers
and Prevention, Journal of Gerontology, and Cancer.
Dr. Waters currently holds joint appointments as Executive Director of
the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation and Professor of Comparative Oncology
at Purdue University. |
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| Under Dr. Waters’ direction, the Murphy Foundation is committed
to conducting basic, comparative, and clinical research that will have
impact on the human cancer epidemic. To conduct this research, Murphy Foundation
scientists have developed a rich collaborative network of top-notch scientists
from many disciplines including pathology, genetics, gerontology, cancer
biology, nutrition, and drug discovery. Ultimately, the Foundation’s
goal is to improve cancer prevention, detection, and treatment by pursuing
promising new research approaches in the field of cancer and aging. |
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