CPRIT Scholar James Allison, PhD Awarded Nobel Prize in Medicine

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Oct. 1, 2018 – James P. Allison, a native of Alice, Texas, son of a country doctor, eminent scholar of the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and pioneer of cancer immunotherapy, has been awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine jointly with Tasuku Honjo. For Dr. Allison, the Nobel Prize recognizes his breakthrough work in studying a protein known as CTLA-4, proving that it behaves like a brake on immune responses. In November 2011, Dr. Allison was recruited back to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to study CTLA-4 with the help of a $10 million CPRIT grant.

CPRIT Calls for All Texans to Take Action Against Cancer, Releases Blueprint for Reducing Cancer Burden in Texas

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) today announced the release of the 2018 Texas Cancer Plan (“Plan”), a guide outlining actionable, achievable goals, objectives and strategies to reduce the burden of cancer for communities and individuals across Texas.

“Since its creation in 2007, CPRIT has helped make great strides in our fight against cancer, providing access to cancer prevention services for millions of Texans who have never had them before, and investing $2.15 billion in cancer prevention and research programs to reduce the cancer burden,” said Wayne Roberts, CPRIT CEO. “The Texas Cancer Plan is a road map in ongoing efforts to eradicate cancer and it sets goals for what Texans can accomplish when we set our minds to the betterment of our communities and our state.”

CPRIT launches new liver cancer initiative to address growing Texas public health concern

SAN ANTONIO – Today, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) announced a new statewide initiative aimed at reversing the rising rates of liver cancer. Texas has the highest incidence rate of liver cancer among all states. Texans of Hispanic ethnicity living along the US-Mexico border have more than twice the incidence rate of liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular cancer (HCC), than non-Hispanic whites.

“CPRIT is uniquely positioned to foster collaboration between clinical liver cancer research and community stakeholders,” said James Willson, MD, CPRIT Chief Scientific Officer. “By encouraging new partnerships across the state, we can better identify risk factors for cirrhosis and HCC and implement more effective evidenced-based interventions among high-risk populations.”

CPRIT Surpasses $2 Billion Milestone with 64 New Grants

AUSTIN – Today, with the approval of 64 new research, product development, and prevention grants totaling more than $177 million, the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has awarded $2.15 billion of the $3 billion approved by Texas voters in 2007 to fight cancer.

“CPRIT has reached a significant milestone, which is only possible due to the support of Texans, their elected representatives, and our partner institutions and grantees,” said Wayne Roberts, CPRIT Chief Executive Officer. “As a result of this historical undertaking, Texas is developing into a world class center of cancer research and prevention as our state’s institutions grow in international prominence.”

Roberts receives Administrator of the Year Award from the Texas State Agency Business Administrators

AUSTIN – The Texas State Agency Business Administrators’ Association (TSABAA) has named Wayne Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), its Administrator of the Year. The award was presented at the TSABAA Annual Conference in San Antonio.

“Wayne Roberts exemplifies the qualities we look for in state administrators – integrity, sound leadership and proven expertise in public policy,” said Rebecca Trevino, TSABAA President and Chief Financial Officer of the Texas Water Development Board. “Today, we recognize not only Mr. Roberts’ outstanding leadership since he took over the helm at CPRIT, but also his 40-plus years of service to the state of Texas where he has distinguished himself as an example for all administrators in the public sector.”

CPRIT Announces New Early Translational Research Award RFA

CPRIT announces a novel and collaborative programmatic approach aimed at the development of innovative technologies at Texas research institutions, which demonstrate great promise to impact the cancer burden in Texas and elsewhere.