Markey, Nanjing Medical University in China Sign Cooperation Memorandum

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 29, 2014) – The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center has 
signed a memorandum of cooperation to collaboratively study lung cancer with the Nanjing 
Medical University in the Jiangsu Province, China.

Earlier this month, Dr. Mark Evers, director of the UK Markey Cancer Center, and Daret St. Clair, associate director for basic research, visited Nanjing Medical University to sign the memorandum with Nanjing Medical University Chancellor Shen Hongbin agreeing to collaborate on future projects in cancer research.

The initial contact between the two institutions developed with the exchange of researchers and clinicians between St. Clair’s laboratory and Nanjing Medical University Affiliate Hospital, the first Nanjing Hospital. Markey's strength in basic research was a collaborative match with Nanjing Medical University investigators who have specific expertise in the genetic and epigenetic analyses of lung cancers.

Kentucky has the highest mortality rate of lung cancer in the U.S., but lung cancer is also a common disease in China.

“Cancer is a global problem,” Evers said. “This partnership with Nanjing Medical University will establish collaborative ties with their talented investigators as we work together to fight cancers that have a high incidence in both Kentucky and China.”

In addition, there may be opportunities to share clinical trial expertise between the two institutions.

“This is an excellent example of how the Markey Cancer Center continues to expand its network and reach, not only regionally but globally as well,” Evers said.