Dr. Larry Norton Named Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Breast Cancer Programs

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Saturday, 1 November 2003

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Larry Norton, MD as Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Breast Cancer Programs. Dr. Norton formerly served as the Chief of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology in the Department of Medicine.

"Larry will bring a new level of planning, coordination, and execution to breast cancer-related activities at all Memorial Hospital locations, including the regional sites, screening facilities, and any affiliations we may develop with other hospitals," said Dr. Robert E. Wittes, Physician-in-Chief of Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

In his new role, Dr. Norton will be involved in the development of closer interfaces between clinical research activities and relevant laboratory efforts, to increase the scope and intensity of translational research programs relating to breast cancer. He will continue to serve as the medical director of the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center and will have oversight over the annual budget process for breast cancer-specific components of the hospital. In addition, he will oversee the creation of close functional links between breast cancer activities and the Center's increasing emphasis on survivorship and aging.

"I am very pleased to have been given this opportunity to work with my colleagues to expand and further develop MSKCC's already strong program in breast cancer care and research," said Dr. Norton. "The creation of this new position is a sign of MSKCC's commitment to innovation and excellence in service of breast cancer patients and their families."

Dr. Norton is a leader in the advancement of better methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat breast cancer, including the development of new drugs, monoclonal antibodies that target growth factor receptors, and vaccines. He also was instrumental in the creation of an approach to therapy called "dose density." This new and more effective way of using anticancer drugs, based on a mathematical model, maximizes the killing of cancer cells while minimizing toxicity. It has recently been proven to decrease breast cancer mortality by over 30%. Dr. Norton, the Norna S. Sarofim Chair in Clinical Oncology, received his MD degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons did residencies at Bronx Municipal Hospital Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. He has served leadership positions in several national cancer-related organizations, including acting as President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology from 2001 to 2002.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is the world's oldest and largest institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research and education in cancer. Our scientists and clinicians generate innovative approaches to better understand, diagnose and treat cancer. Our specialists are leaders in biomedical research and in translating the latest research to advance the standard of cancer care worldwide.

For more information, or to contact Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, see their website at: www.mskcc.org