ALK Positive Announces Formation of Distinguished Scientific Advisory Board
ATLANTA, February 13, 2025 – ALK Positive Inc, a patient-driven organization that seeks a cure for ALK-positive cancer, today announced the establishment of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprised of renowned experts in ALK-positive cancer to guide the organization's research initiatives and strategic direction. The formation of the SAB underscores ALK Positive’s commitment to funding the highest quality research and educational programs for its patient community.
ALK Positive, and its medical and research committees, will lean on the SAB for a range of activities including emerging research, clinical trial guidance and scientific trends, evaluation of collaborative projects, networking, and educational content. The SAB represents a panel of renowned experts with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise across clinical oncology and cancer research.
"We are honored to have such a distinguished group of physician-scientists on board to provide invaluable expertise as we work towards our vision of a future that includes cures for this disease,” stated Dr. Ken Culver, ALK Positive’s Director of Research and Clinical Affairs. "Their experience, energy, generosity, and ingenuity will be crucial in advancing our understanding of ALK-positive cancer and developing impactful solutions to push new research frontiers for our patient community.”
Watch ALK Positive’s Ken Culver, Director of Research & Clinical Affairs, and Kirk Smith, President, speak about the establishment of our Scientific Advisory Board:
ALK Positive Announces Formation of Scientific Advisory Board | Docwire News
Members of the Scientific Advisory Board consist of:
Dr. Mark Awad, Chief of the Thoracic Oncology Service within the Solid Tumor Oncology Division, Department of Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK)
Dr. Ross Camidge, Professor of Medicine/Oncology, Joyce Zeff Chair in Lung Cancer
Director, Thoracic Oncology, Faculty, Developmental Therapeutics Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center
Dr. David Carbone, Professor of Internal Medicine, Director of the James Thoracic Oncology Center at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, and holds the Barbara J. Bonner Chair in Lung Research
Dr. Shirish Gadgeel, Chief, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Cancer Institute/Henry Ford Health System
Dr. John Heymach, Chair of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center and holds the David Bruton Endowed Chair in Cancer Research
Dr. Vincent Lam, Director, Thoracic Oncology Clinical Research Program, Johns Hopkins Cancer Center; Associate Professor of Oncology
Dr. Jessica Lin, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Attending Physician, Center for Thoracic Cancers, Massachusetts General Hospital
Attending Physician, Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies, Massachusetts General Hospital
Dr. Christine Lovly, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center
Dr. Ignatius Ou, Clinical Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California-Irvine School of Medicine, Hamoui Salous Endowed Chair in Thoracic Oncology Research
Dr. Angel Qin, Clinical Associate Professor, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan
Dr. Alice Shaw, Chief of Strategic Partnerships at Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Dr. Alex Spira, Co-Director, VCS Research Institute, Director, Thoracic and Phase I Program; Clinical Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins. Director, Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCS) Research Institute and the Phase I Trial Program
Kirk Smith, ALK-positive patient, patient advocate and President of the ALK Positive Board of Directors, explains the motivation for the establishment of the SAB, "ALK Positive was founded on the principle that innovative, cutting-edge research is the only way to improve patient outcomes and ultimately transform ALK-positive cancer into a curable disease. The formation of this advisory board is a major advancement for our organization.”
The inaugural members of the Scientific Advisory Board bring a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to advancing patient-centered research and care. Here’s what they have to say about joining this important effort:
“I’m so honored to be a part of this community of researchers as we strive to increase the cure rates for our patients with ALK-positive cancers.”
- Mark M. Awad
“Progress partly comes from science and from clinical trials, but also from changing how we think. It is only together, as a team, including all those whose lives touch and are touched by this disease, that we can do that.”
- Ross Camidge
"ALK Positive has really pulled the ALK community together and formed it into a powerful force for progress. It is crucial to pair the enthusiasm and energy of patients and caregivers with top experts to optimize progress, and I am very happy to be part of an exceptional team they have assembled for the Scientific Advisory Board.”
- David Carbone
“Patient-driven initiatives are essential in shaping meaningful scientific progress, and I am excited to contribute my expertise to support innovative research that directly impacts those affected by ALK+ lung cancer. Together, we can bridge the gap between scientific discovery and patient needs, driving forward new treatments and improved outcomes.”
- Christine M. Lovly
“I am thrilled and honored to join the ALK Positive Scientific Advisory Board and to help guide the scientific direction of this important patient organization. While tremendous progress has been made the last decade, more research is urgently needed to further improve on patient outcomes. Guided by the ALK Positives, this board will be charged with thinking boldly and creatively – “outside the box” – in order to advance new and potentially curative approaches to ALK-positive lung cancer.”
- Alice Shaw
"I am honored to be part of such an illustrious team and group and support the advancement of science for our ALK-positive patients. While we have made huge strides over the last few years, there is a lot more work to be done to improve the lives of our ALK-positive patients and I'm humbled to be part of this group."
- Alexander Spira
About ALK Positive, Inc.
ALK Positive is a 501(c)(3) a patient-driven organization that seeks a cure for ALK+ cancer and works to improve patients’ quality of life and life expectancy worldwide. ALK Positive is committed to raising funds for research proposals that will transform ALK-positive cancer into a chronic or curable condition for all patients living with this disease.
For media enquiries, contact:
For general questions about the SAB, contact
Kenneth W. Culver, M.D.
Director of Research and Clinical Affairs
ALK Positive Inc.
ken.culver@alkpositive.org