Charlie Rose Science Series Explores Developments in Cancer Research

Charlie Rose Science Series Explores Developments in Cancer Research

Episode Four of Science Series to Examine Cancer, its Genetics, Prevention and Treatment With Co-host Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel Laureate, President of Rockefeller University and Leading Experts

NEW YORK, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Charlie Rose announced the latest installment of his 12-part Science Series, focusing on the importance of scientific research in human health. Episode Four is an in-depth discussion of the latest research in cancer, including the ongoing evolution in our understanding of the disease and its genetics, and consequently, the potential for research to improve cancer prevention, screening and early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Charlie has assembled a group of experts who have pioneered research programs in cancer genetics, broad-based prevention, detection, and diagnosis programs, targeted therapies, and the delivery of cancer care. The Charlie Rose Science Series is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

"With the mapping of the human genome, researchers have made significant discoveries about the different genes involved in specific cancers," said Charlie Rose. "The process of understanding cancer is exponentially faster than it has been, to the point that we can identify the genes responsible for different types of cancers and figure out how to target them. These exciting breakthroughs hold the promise of newer and better medicines that will impact the future of cancer treatment."

Special guests will include: Dr. Harold Varmus, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Dr. David G. Nathan, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Dr. Martin Abeloff, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins; and Dr. Deborah Schrag, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The program will air on more than 200 PBS stations across the country, beginning on Wednesday, April 18th during Charlie Rose's regularly scheduled program.

Pfizer's support for The Charlie Rose Science Series and its exploration of the advances being made in scientific research, their contribution to our understanding of the world around us, and how these breakthroughs may be applied to improving human health is part of Pfizer's commitment to expanding scientific understanding.

The series' first episode focused on the research and growing understanding of the human brain, the second episode examined the contributions that have been made to science through the discovering and mapping of human DNA, and the third episode explored longevity and aging, and the social and economic implications of an increase in human life span.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that cancer will claim the lives of more than half a million Americans in 2007 - more than 1,500 people a day. The good news is that according to a recent report by the American Cancer Society, Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2007, the death rate from all cancers has decreased more than 13 percent from 1991 to 2004 due to better treatments, lower rates of tobacco use, and early detection.

"While we have made significant advances in understanding, diagnosing, and treating cancer, the need for new therapies remains great," said Charles Baum, M.D., of Pfizer Global Research and Development. "Hundreds of Pfizer scientists and physicians are working to advance the discovery and development of innovative therapies for treating breast, colorectal and other cancers. We are also collaborating closely with the academic, medical and health care community to transform the treatment of cancer from a catastrophic illness to a chronic disease patients can manage."

Charlie Rose is joined in this series by his co-host, Sir Paul Nurse, PhD, Nobel Laureate and President of Rockefeller University.

"While there have been enormous advances in the last several decades in our understanding of cancer, we need to look beyond just treatment," said Sir Paul Nurse, PhD. "Improved diagnostic tests that spot cancer earlier and individuals taking a more active role in quitting smoking and avoiding other risk factors play important roles in decreasing cancer deaths. We need to attack cancer from scientific, medical, and social angles if we are going to continue making advances in our fight against the disease."

For more information about The Charlie Rose Science Series or to watch clips from past episodes, please visit http://www.charlierose.com/.

Source: Pfizer

CONTACT: Maria Konnikova, Charlie Rose, +1-212-617-1633,
maria.konnikova@gmail.com; or Rexy Legaspi, Widmeyer Communications,
+1-212-260-3401, rexy.legaspi@widmeyer.com, for Pfizer

Web site:

http://www.charlierose.com/

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