Dr. Karen Burke is a clinical professor and research scientist in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) has announced that New York dermatologist Dr. Karen Burke and two others will be joining the board.

NFCR was founded in 1973 to support cancer research and public education relating to the prevention, early diagnosis, better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for cancer. In 2019, the organization also established the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, to accelerate the translation of cancer drug discoveries by funding start-up oncology companies that commercialize innovative laboratory breakthroughs which can potentially save cancer patients’ lives.

“We are honored that three highly knowledgeable and esteemed individuals, in their respective fields, have agreed to join the NFCR board,” says NFCR President and Chief Executive Officer Sujuan Ba, Ph.D, in a news release. “They bring great perspectives and expertise to help guide our transformation in the new era of innovative cancer research and breakthrough new therapies, and aid in our effort to improve outcomes for those affected by cancer around the world.”

Dr. Burke is an Honorary Life Governor of the New York Academy of Sciences, serves on the boards of directors of the New York Stem Cell Foundation and the Parkinson’s Foundation, and is a member of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Surgery Device Advisory Panel.  “It is an honor to join this board, and I am thrilled to do so alongside two remarkable leaders in their fields. Through the innovative research made possible by NFCR, I am certain that our shared hope and vision for cancer treatment and cure will indeed become a reality in the near future,” she says.

Dr. Burke is also Clinical Professor and Research Scientist in the Department of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, with a private practice in dermatology. Her past research has focused primarily on topical and oral antioxidants to prevent and reverse photoaging and to prevent skin cancer. Dr. Burke’s current research relates to new cellular immunotherapies, collaborating in a clinical Phase I study first to treat stage IV melanoma, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, before including multiple other types of cancer.

Other new NFCR board members include:

• Lance Kawaguchi, CEO of Australian charity the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation
• Brian Leyland-Jones, MBBS, PhD, a breast cancer oncologist

“We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Kawaguchi, Dr. Leyland-Jones and Dr. Burke will be adding to the collective expertise of the board. These appointments demonstrate the importance of collaborating globally, creating strong partnerships and looking to the future of cancer research. Together, we will make a real difference in the world,” says NFCR’s Chair of the Board Judith Barnhard,.