We have all felt the impact of cancer on our lives, whether directly or through the experience of a loved one. CPRIT (Cancer Prevention and Research in Texas), a state agency created by voters in 2007 to expand Texas research capabilities, create and expand Texas life science infrastructure, and expedite innovation in cancer prevention and cures, has advanced tremendous progress in cancer care in our community and across the state.

A constitutional measure for voters to consider approving another $3 billion bond package for CPRIT to continue funding cancer research, prevention and product/therapy development is on the ballot on November 5, giving Texans a direct opportunity to join together in supporting future advancement.

Locally, CPRIT has provided vital resources to help expand and improve cancer care and research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, benefiting North Texan families. Funding from CPRIT has enabled the recruitment of 66 stellar researchers to the area, including 50 researchers who are now at UT Southwestern Medical Center, working towards improving cancer care through increased accessibility and enhanced treatment and diagnosis.

Infographic of the impact of CPRIT

Programs funded by CPRIT have led several breakthroughs and improvements in cancer care, including:

  • Doubling national benchmarks for survival rates of state IV patients kidney cancer patients
  • 18,400 screenings and 4,000 diagnostics annually to underserved communities, including rural areas, using a Mobile Cancer Center
  • Granting $452 million for research to five Metroplex institutions, which includes $429 million in research grants to UT Southwestern
  • Awarding $48 million to nine area institutions for prevention efforts, $33 million of which awarded to UT Southwestern, which has enabled more than 30,000 North Texas residents to receive services in 35 counties
  • Helping three biotech companies start, expand, or move to the DFW Metroplex
Kathleen Gibson quote and photo
Lyda Hill Quote and photo
James Huffines quote and image
Tom Luce quote and image

The Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram recently published an op-ed written by James Huffines, our Chairman, and Tom Luce, a Trustee.

Excerpt:

“When Kathy Martin’s doctor suggested that, as a longtime smoker, she be tested for lung cancer, the 62-year-old resident of Graham didn’t have to travel far to be screened.

Thanks to a program that the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas funded in 2018, Martin was able to have the necessary scans at her hometown hospital at no cost to her. To her surprise, the screening revealed that she had early-stage cancer, and she underwent surgery to remove a tumor.

Martin is one of thousands of North Texans who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer through programs funded by the cancer institute, a state agency voters approved in 2007. Authorized to issue $3 billion in bonds, the agency, known as CPRIT, has funded groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs in Texas, making our state a leader in the fight against this deadly disease.

CPRIT has awarded more than $2.4 billion to 108 academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and private companies in Texas. Its balance is running down, but an initiative on the Nov. 5 ballot ballot would provide fresh funding. This worthy investment in the health of Texans deserves your support.”

Read the full article

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