Cancer Center at UCLA

I felt enormously wronged by Spiegel’s article. While “stars” always have been and will continue to be lured away from a cancer center as distinguished as is UCLA’s, the depth of expertise is such that high quality will not suffer in the least.

As a member of the UCLA Cancer Center and having just completed a seven-year term as a member of the National Cancer Advisory Board of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), I can truly attest to the fact that this center, which is one of only 24 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, is a national treasure.

Recruitment is strong at the Jonsson center. The few vacancies created by such moves do not significantly impact this premier institution’s proven record in state-of-the-art cancer treatment, basic and clinical cancer research, prevention and early detection research and applications, coupled with the medical and non-medical education and information programs well-known in the community.

I am truly sorry to see valued colleagues leave. I know and understand what lures them away from the public/private sector to the purely private. I wish them well and look forward to our continuing to serve in an intensive, caring and quality fashion.

HELENE G. BROWN, Director, Community Applications of Research, UCLA