Director's Letter

Nearly 6,000 cancer patients were treated at Duke in 2005…more than 150,000 outpatient visits…representing 47 counties in North Carolina, 44 states in the nation…and four countries.

Although patients often feel they are defined by numbers like these, at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, we know and understand that each patient is unique and that each person’s cancer is unique. By understanding the genetic signatures of a patient’stumor, physicians have begun to identify what therapies or combination of therapies will be most effective in fighting their disease.

We have made tremendous strides in personalized medicine and individualized care at Duke, and by doing so we have gained ground in this war. I want to take this opportunity to thank our friends—and there are many—who support our efforts through generous contributions. Philanthropic gifts are what make the difference between being good and being great, and your gifts enable our Cancer Center's members to dream big and reach higher in their efforts to conquer this disease.

H. Kim Lyerly, MD
Director,
Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center