The infusion of funds from the Greenebaum family will predominantly support pioneering faculty research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), bolstering efforts to develop cutting-edge cancer therapies. A major focus will be on immunotherapies, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, which have revolutionized treatment paradigms in hematologic malignancies and are now being explored aggressively for efficacy against solid tumors. This strategy involves reprogramming a patient’s immune cells to recognize and eradicate cancer cells with heightened specificity, offering hope for treating cancers that have historically been resistant to conventional approaches.

Beyond therapeutic innovations, the endowment will also strengthen survivorship programs at UMGCCC. Emerging wearable technologies capable of continuous physiological monitoring will be integrated into patient care strategies to optimize quality of life for cancer survivors. Personalized supportive care, including tailored nutritional regimens and psychosocial resources, will form a crucial component in enhancing long-term outcomes and mitigating treatment-related toxicities. This holistic approach underscores the center’s commitment to not only prolong lives but also improve the lived experience of patients beyond their clinical treatment.

As UMGCCC prepares for a significant physical expansion with its relocation to the Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine scheduled for fall 2026, the family’s donation assumes added significance. The new facility’s lobby will bear the Greenebaum name, symbolizing their enduring impact on the institution. The Stoler Center will house state-of-the-art laboratories, patient care suites, and clinical trial infrastructure designed to facilitate seamless translational research and multidisciplinary collaboration, ultimately accelerating the bench-to-bedside delivery of novel therapies.

Michael Greenebaum, scion of the Greenebaum family and an influential philanthropist, articulated the familial dedication behind the gift. Marking the 30th anniversary of the original donation, he emphasized that the contribution empowers the center to meet the escalating demand for expert oncology care in Maryland and its surrounding regions. The family’s longstanding involvement exemplifies how philanthropy can catalyze scientific breakthroughs and foster comprehensive patient-centric cancer care.

The Greenebaum family’s involvement extends beyond financial support. Michael Greenebaum serves as Chair of the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Board of Visitors and sits on the UMGCCC Board of Advisors. He is also the founder of the Maryland Half-Marathon & 5K, which has raised over $8 million for the center, demonstrating an innovative approach to community engagement in cancer fundraising. This multi-faceted participation underscores the synergistic relationship between leadership, philanthropy, and research advancement.

The foundational success story of Marlene Greenebaum’s battle with breast cancer is intertwined with pioneering research at UMGCCC. She benefited from treatment with an aromatase inhibitor, a type of hormone therapy developed by Angela Brodie, PhD, a leading breast cancer researcher associated with the cancer center. Aromatase inhibitors function by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens to estrogens, thereby reducing estrogen levels that fuel hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. This therapeutic breakthrough has become a standard of care globally, emblematic of how translational science at academic centers can alter clinical practices.

Leadership at UMGCCC recognizes the critical importance of sustained philanthropic support. Dr. Taofeek K. Owonikoko, the center’s Executive Director, noted that continuous funding is imperative for maintaining the momentum of clinical trials, which now number over 450 and represent a doubling from earlier years. These trials explore next-generation agents, combination immunotherapies, precision oncology approaches, and modalities aimed at overcoming tumor microenvironment-mediated resistance pathways. Such a robust clinical pipeline positions the center as a leader in oncology innovation.

UMGCCC’s research budget exceeds $130 million annually, reflecting its stature as a premier academic and research institution. The breadth of oncology clinical and basic research encompasses molecular biology, genomics, immunology, bioinformatics, and population health studies. The center’s faculty conduct extensive investigations into tumor biology, mechanisms of metastasis, and the development of novel biomarkers to enable early detection and therapeutic responsiveness. This comprehensive research spectrum embodies a systems biology approach to conquering cancer’s complexity.

The clinical environment benefits enormously from integration with UMGCCC’s basic science enterprises. The reciprocal relationship facilitates rapid hypothesis testing and functional validation of emerging targets in vivo through patient-derived xenograft models and organoid cultures. Moreover, the multidisciplinary teams comprising oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and data scientists collaborate intensively to tailor individualized treatment regimens, reinforcing the precision medicine paradigm.

Maryland’s University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the flagship hospital in the 11-hospital University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), serves as the clinical anchor for UMGCCC. UMMC’s advanced infrastructure supports high-complexity procedures, including solid organ transplantation and sophisticated imaging modalities vital for cancer diagnosis and management. The integration of clinical care and research fosters an ecosystem that translates scientific discoveries swiftly into standard practice, benefiting thousands of patients annually.

The upcoming expansion into the Stoler Center also represents a strategic bet on the future of oncology, emphasizing seamless integration of digital health technologies, telemedicine capabilities, and patient navigation services to improve access and adherence to cancer care protocols. The center’s mission aligns with global efforts to reduce cancer mortality through innovation while addressing survivorship challenges in an aging population that increasingly confronts late effects of cancer treatment.

In conclusion, the recent $5.5 million gift from the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Family Foundation marks a significant milestone for the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. This philanthropic investment supports transformative cancer research, accelerates development of breakthrough therapies like CAR T-cell treatment for solid tumors, and enhances survivorship programs through advanced wearable technologies and tailored clinical support. The planned move to the Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine will bolster these efforts, situating UMGCCC to remain at the vanguard of cancer care and research. The Greenebaum family’s enduring legacy continues to inspire scientific innovation and exceptional patient care, reaffirming the profound impact of philanthropy in advancing the fight against cancer.

Subject of Research: Cancer research and treatment innovations at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, including immunotherapies and survivorship care.

Article Title: University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center Receives $5.5 Million Gift to Accelerate Cancer Research and Care Expansion

News Publication Date: Not specified in the source content.

Web References:

• https://www.umms.org/umgccc
• https://www.umms.org/about/leadership/mohan-suntha
• https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/profiles/gladwin-mark/
• https://www.umms.org/ummc/about/leadership/bert-w-omalley
• https://www.umms.org/find-a-doctor/profiles/dr-taofeek-kunle-owonikoko-md–phd-1578770871
• https://www.umms.org/ummc/about/leadership/heather-culp
• https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/
• http://www.umm.edu/
• http://www.umms.org/

Image Credits: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Keywords: Cancer research, Immunotherapy, CAR T-cells, Survivorship care, Philanthropy, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Translational medicine, Clinical trials, Oncology innovation, Comprehensive cancer center

Dr. Papagiannakopoulos’s research is pioneering in its examination of how cancer cells adapt metabolically to stressful environments, rewiring nutrient and energy utilization pathways to survive and evade immune destruction. His laboratory employs sophisticated genome editing tools and functional genetic screens in living models, an approach that allows precise dissection of the molecular drivers of tumor progression. This methodology is crucial in distinguishing which genetic aberrations are cancer’s true vulnerabilities, offering promising avenues for the development of targeted therapies.

What sets Dr. Papagiannakopoulos apart is his integrative focus that spans metabolism and immunology, fields traditionally studied in isolation. His work elucidates how metabolic rewiring in tumor cells not only supports survival but actively shapes the immune milieu within and beyond the tumor microenvironment. By understanding these dynamic interactions, his research opens the door to manipulating tumor metabolism and immune responses concurrently, a strategy that could revolutionize anti-cancer treatments.

A novel dimension of his research investigates the crosstalk between tumors and the nervous system. Dr. Papagiannakopoulos and his team explore how cancer cells influence brain and peripheral nerve functions to modulate tumor growth, metabolic pathways, and immune system behavior. These interactions have significant clinical implications as they contribute to the cachexia syndrome frequently observed in cancer patients—manifesting as fatigue, anorexia, and severe weight loss—and currently represent a major therapeutic challenge.

Dr. Papagiannakopoulos’s involvement in the InteroCANCEption project, backed by a prestigious Cancer Grand Challenges grant, aims to decode the mechanisms by which the nervous system senses and responds to cancer throughout the body. This systemic approach to cancer biology underscores the emerging paradigm that cancer should be understood not only as a cellular and genetic disease but also as a complex disorder modulated by whole-body physiological networks.

Commenting on the appointment, Salk Institute President Gerald Joyce highlighted Dr. Papagiannakopoulos’s talent for bridging fundamental cancer biology with innovative, interdisciplinary strategies. Joyce emphasized that this alignment with Salk’s culture of curiosity-driven research and collaboration exemplifies the Institute’s mission to pioneer foundational science with the potential to yield transformative clinical breakthroughs.

Dr. Papagiannakopoulos expressed enthusiasm about joining the Salk Institute, citing its unique environment where high-risk, high-reward science thrives. He underscored the significance of integrating his expertise with the existing strengths in cancer immunobiology, metabolism, and neurobiology at Salk, particularly collaboration opportunities with the NOMIS Center and neuroscientists focusing on how cancer intersects with systemic physiology.

Among his groundbreaking contributions, Dr. Papagiannakopoulos’s recent publications in Nature unveiled therapeutic potentials by targeting proteins involved in ferroptosis resistance and immune evasion in lung and pancreatic cancer models. Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, represents an Achilles’ heel for certain tumors—disabling mechanisms that prevent ferroptosis can trigger cancer cell death. Similarly, inhibiting proteins that suppress anti-tumor immune responses unveils new immunotherapeutic strategies that could complement existing treatments, broadening the arsenal against aggressive cancers.

Dr. Papagiannakopoulos’s academic journey is distinguished by rigorous training, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of Sussex, followed by a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His postdoctoral work at MIT sharpened his expertise in genome engineering techniques and in vivo cancer modeling. Throughout his career, his innovative research has attracted significant funding from federal and philanthropic sources, including the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society.

At the Salk Institute, Dr. Papagiannakopoulos aims to establish a multidisciplinary research program that emphasizes integrative cancer biology, emphasizing the complex interplay between genetic mutations, cellular metabolism, immune surveillance, and neural regulation. His work will further energize Salk’s Conquering Cancer Initiative, which coordinates researchers across diverse fields to develop innovative strategies targeting lethal cancers, with a focus on lung cancer among others.

Reuben Shaw, PhD, director of Salk’s NCI-Designated Cancer Center, praised Dr. Papagiannakopoulos’s rare blend of experimental prowess and biological insight. Shaw highlighted how his innovative use of in vivo genetic modeling combined with deep knowledge of tumor metabolism and immune responses, along with a novel focus on cancer’s brain-body interactions, will greatly enhance the Center’s mission to identify new cancer vulnerabilities. Beyond research, Papagiannakopoulos is also recognized as a dedicated mentor, poised to inspire the next generation of cancer scientists at Salk.

This appointment signals a bold expansion of Salk’s cancer research capabilities, poised to unravel the multifaceted nature of cancer biology. By converging metabolism, immunology, and neurobiology, Dr. Papagiannakopoulos’s interdisciplinary vision promises not only to accelerate basic scientific understanding but also to accelerate the translation of discoveries into novel, effective therapies, potentially transforming cancer treatment paradigms.

The Salk Institute itself, founded in 1960 by Jonas Salk—the developer of the first safe polio vaccine—continues its mission of pioneering foundational and high-impact biological research. Its commitment to risk-taking, curiosity-driven science remains a beacon for innovation, addressing some of society’s most urgent health challenges, including cancer. Dr. Papagiannakopoulos’s recruitment exemplifies the Institute’s ongoing leadership in marrying foundational science with translational prospects that can change medicine globally.

As Dr. Papagiannakopoulos embarks on this next chapter at Salk, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking discoveries that will emerge from his integrative and visionary approach to cancer biology. These efforts not only deepen our molecular understanding of cancer but also pave pathways toward innovative therapeutic interventions that may one day cure or effectively manage certain cancers that currently pose formidable clinical challenges.

Subject of Research: Cancer biology, tumor metabolism, cancer immunology, tumor-host interactions, cancer neuroscience

Article Title: Salk Institute Welcomes Dr. Thales Papagiannakopoulos to Advance Cancer Research Frontier

News Publication Date: April 2, 2026

Web References:

• Salk Institute: www.salk.edu
• InteroCANCEption Project: Cancer Grand Challenges

References:

• Papagiannakopoulos et al., Nature, recent studies on ferroptosis and anti-tumor immunity (specific citations not provided in source text)

Image Credits: Sim Singh

Keywords: Cancer metabolism, immunology, tumor microenvironment, ferroptosis, genome engineering, nervous system and cancer, tumor-host interactions, Salk Institute, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, cancer neuroscience, cancer therapy

The significance of Herbst’s leadership is underlined by the ambitions articulated by Joanne M. Conroy, MD, CEO and president of Dartmouth Health. Conroy highlighted DCC’s status as a cornerstone of Dartmouth Health’s mission to offer exemplary cancer care by harnessing a powerful network of clinicians and researchers. This network is poised for expansion through strategic initiatives under Herbst’s guidance, aiming to elevate the center’s patient care capabilities, increase participation in innovative clinical trials, and strengthen collaborations both regionally and nationally. The goal is audacious yet essential: to push toward a world without cancer through relentless scientific progress and clinical excellence.

Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock, PhD, echoed this enthusiasm by emphasizing the critical role DCC plays in addressing cancer care disparities, especially in rural northern New England. Herbst’s dual expertise in innovative research and clinical practice situates him uniquely to steer the center through an era characterized by rapid scientific breakthroughs and evolving treatment paradigms. His leadership is expected to invigorate DCC’s efforts to meet the complex needs of diverse patient populations and to extend the reach of sophisticated oncology services beyond traditional urban centers.

At its core, Dartmouth Cancer Center integrates cancer care, research, and education within a multi-institutional framework that spans Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine and a network of 14 hospitals, clinics, and care teams across Dartmouth Health. This integration facilitates translational research where laboratory discoveries are swiftly converted into clinical protocols, with the dual benefit of offering patients local access to experimental therapies and contributing to global oncological knowledge. Under Herbst’s direction, this translational engine is set to accelerate further, delivering more precise and targeted treatments tailored to individual patient biology.

Before joining Dartmouth, Herbst served as deputy director and chief of medical oncology and hematology at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital. His tenure at Yale was marked by leadership in high-impact clinical and translational research programs, fostering robust partnerships between academia and industry, and pioneering novel clinical trial designs that have reshaped lung cancer therapy. These contributions have not only led to broader access to life-saving therapies but have redefined the standard of care in thoracic oncology, underscoring his capacity to translate complex molecular insights into tangible patient benefit.

Herbst’s leadership philosophy is grounded in bold collaboration and innovation. He envisions DCC advancing as a national leader by fostering a culture of inclusive excellence that promotes equitable access to world-class cancer care. The ambition extends beyond treatment to early detection and prevention, areas where biomarker-driven research and personalized medicine hold transformative potential. By leveraging Dartmouth’s multi-disciplinary resources and partnerships, Herbst aspires to create a comprehensive cancer care ecosystem with both local impact and global influence.

Konstantin H. Dragnev, MD, the interim director of DCC, attests to Herbst’s profound understanding of the continuum from basic molecular science to clinical applications. Dragnev points out that Herbst’s prior successes in expanding oncology services and enhancing collaborative research networks will be instrumental in elevating DCC’s national profile. This includes fortifying existing programs and launching innovative initiatives that harness biomarker-guided therapies, thereby personalizing treatment regimens for improved outcomes.

One hallmark of Herbst’s career is his pioneering work as the founding principal investigator of the National Cancer Institute-funded Yale Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Lung Cancer. He has been instrumental in the conceptualization and execution of adaptive trial designs such as the Biomarker-integrated Approaches of Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer Elimination (BATTLE) study, which revolutionized lung cancer clinical trials by integrating biomarker data for real-time therapeutic matching. Complementing this is his stewardship of the Lung Master Protocol (Lung-MAP), a multi-arm biomarker-driven platform clinical trial that epitomizes precision oncology by aligning patient tumors with optimal investigational therapies.

Herbst’s scientific contributions have translated into the regulatory approval of multiple novel therapeutic agents now entrenched in lung cancer treatment guidelines, significantly altering the prognosis of what was once an almost uniformly fatal disease. His ongoing research endeavors focus on mechanisms of resistance, earlier disease detection, and the development of combination therapies designed to overcome tumor heterogeneity and improve long-term survival.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Herbst is renowned for his commitment to education and mentorship. His prolific scholarship includes over 500 articles that have shaped clinical protocols worldwide. He is also a vocal advocate for tobacco control policies, including regulations targeting e-cigarettes, which he views as critical public health measures in cancer prevention. His policy advocacy has extended to multiple congressional briefings, influencing legislative frameworks related to cancer risk reduction.

Herbst’s academic training is exemplary and multidisciplinary. He attended medical school at Cornell University and earned his PhD in molecular cell biology at The Rockefeller University. He holds master’s degrees in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale and in clinical translational research from Harvard. His clinical training includes fellowships in medical oncology and hematology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, respectively, institutions at the forefront of cancer care and research specialization.

Internationally recognized for his scientific excellence, Herbst has received prestigious awards including the Paul Bunn Scientific Award from the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and the American Association for Cancer Research Distinguished Public Service Award. These honors reflect not only his scientific prowess but also his leadership in shaping cancer science policy. Herbst will officially assume his directorial responsibilities at Dartmouth Cancer Center on July 13, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the institution’s illustrious trajectory.

The Dartmouth Cancer Center community also expressed appreciation for Konstantin H. Dragnev, MD, whose interim leadership has been instrumental in maintaining momentum and stability during this transition. Dragnev’s stewardship has ensured that the center remains on course for continued innovation and excellence as it welcomes its new director.

With Herbst’s appointment, Dartmouth Cancer Center positions itself at the nexus of scientific discovery and compassionate care, reaffirming its dedication to push beyond conventional boundaries in oncology. As the landscape of cancer treatment evolves rapidly—with advances in immunotherapy, genomics, and biomarker-guided therapies—DCC under Herbst’s direction is poised to harness these scientific breakthroughs to improve patient survival and quality of life, while reducing disparities through community-focused initiatives.

This leadership transition heralds a promising era at Dartmouth Cancer Center where translational medicine, empowered by an integrative institutional framework, drives a mission not just of survival but of thriving beyond cancer.

Subject of Research: Cancer research and translational oncology leadership at Dartmouth Cancer Center.
Article Title: Dartmouth Cancer Center Appoints Renowned Lung Cancer Expert Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, as Director, Ushering in a New Era of Innovation in Oncology
News Publication Date: Not provided
Web References: https://mediasvc.eurekalert.org/Api/v1/Multimedia/01f2c9c5-58a3-472a-9a49-fa1d23a10b0b/Rendition/low-res/Content/Public
Image Credits: Dartmouth Health
Keywords: Cancer research, oncology leadership, translational medicine, lung cancer, precision oncology, clinical trials, biomarker-driven therapy, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Roy S. Herbst, NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, clinical translational research, cancer care innovation, lung cancer clinical trials