The Promise of Research

Our understanding of the basic cause of cancer is s recent and revolucionary as the personal computer and the internet. A generation ago we viewed cancer as a chaotic cell, propelled on a destructive journey to grow and spread. Now we have found that just as infections originate from germs and matter consists of atoms, tumors, are caused by a handful of samll, specific changes in the genetic blueprint of individual cells. We have gained knowledge of the whole lettering of the human genome and our ability to "read" cancer messages grows every day.

In the years ahead, two fundamental processes will come into clear focus, lead to accurate diagnostic and prognostic tests, and guide specific, effective, and safer therapies. Cancer arises when the normal signals for growth have gone into overdrive, and simultaneously the usual processes to stop cells from dividing or to weed out defective ones are broken. The molecular probes that track these processes are becoming rapidly automated and applicable to specific cancers and specific therapies. A principal goal of the San Diego Cancer Research Institute is to tailor and optimize treatment for each individual person.

We will accomplish this through the coordination, development, and adoption of emerging methods and technologies and have sought direct collaboration with basic research scientists, biotechnology companies and developers of new drugs, to connect each patient with the right medicine, often within carefully design clinical trial programs. It is our goal to optimize these processes in order to speed the implementation of the newest breakthroughs in the least time.

Cancer may be a formidable foe, but we are mounting an arsenal of sharply pointed, precisely aimed arrows. Our targets have never been clearer, our aim never more precise.

Mark J. Adler, M.D.
CEO, Institute Director

Letter from the Medical Director

The Science of Healing

Over many years of caring for people who face the challenges of cancer, I am left with the sense of awe for the strength of the human spirit.

Poets, philosophers and priests allude to it. Physicians depend upon it. The power of the human spirit, nevertheless, remains elusive. Indomitable it may be, but like fire for the ancients its qualities can not be quantified. The ways one human or group transforms another -"lifts the spirits", "renews the spirit", crushes the spirit"- these too are prowerful, and as yet unmesurable.

As doctors we learn to use things we can see and touch -pills, scalpels, stethoscopes. We know that healing requires much more. A goal of the San Diego Cancer Research Insitute is to distill the essential intangible elements of the healing relationship and thehealing environment.

How does one create an optimally healing environment? How does the healing environment go beyond making the patient feel good to making them well, beyond inspiration of the spirit to physical victories for the body.

At our sister organization, the San Diego Cancer Center we have already taken significant steps to mold a "group mind" incorporating every member of the staff -from receptionist, to lab technician, to medical assistants, nurses and doctors. All are trained on caring. All literally meditate together on the human condition and suffering of our patients on a weekly basis. Some may pray, all learn to touch, feel, reflect. our evolving internal structure includes an on site psychologist, a physician trained in palliative medicine (managing pain, fatigue, depression, psychosocial wounds), a full time social worker skilled in shaping cancer support groups, even a resident "thriver" who shapes our vision, along with a cadre of devoted "healers" that massage, fit wigs, render acupunture, herbs, vitamins and salves of many sorts for the soul.

The process of "group mind" acting within the "healing environment" doubtlessly leads to patient equanimity and hope. We watch as it lifts our patients. It works and we wonder why. Our goal is to know why, to measure, to optimize the model, and to spread the message.

Daniel Vicario, M.D.
Medical Director