The Lurie Cancer Center is renowned not only for its exceptional patient care but also for its pioneering cancer research. As a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 28 of the world’s leading cancer centers, it helps develop guidelines for optimal cancer treatment both in the US and globally. Ranked among the top 10 academic comprehensive cancer centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the Lurie Cancer Center exemplifies excellence in cancer care and the quest to cure cancer.
Over the past five years, the Lurie Cancer Center has been a key player in the development of several FDA-approved cancer drugs, spanning multiple disciplines such as breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation, a leading supporter of the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, continues to champion Dr. Platanias and his outstanding research team, who are dedicated to academic excellence and success in the fight against cancer.
The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation (HCRF) is recognized as one of the most effective organizations at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. HCRF exclusively supports groundbreaking, innovative research designed to push the boundaries of conventional cancer treatment. The urgency of its mission is heightened by the alarming rise in cancer rates among younger populations in recent years. HCRF is committed to empowering an exceptional team of researchers to accelerate progress, maximize the impact of cancer research, and address this growing crisis by targeting the root causes of rising cancer rates in youth.
A Vision for Expanding Cancer Research
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Leonidas Platanias, Director of the Cancer Center at Northwestern Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center Hospital in Chicago, we have made remarkable strides in understanding and treating cancer, a disease that poses formidable challenges. Our mission has remained steadfast: to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer care and to eradicate cancer once and for all. Achieving this mission demands collaboration, innovation, and unwavering support.
This year marks a significant milestone for the HIPPOCRATIC CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION as we celebrate a decade of dedicated service. With the spirit of innovation and unwavering dedication, we have achieved breakthroughs over this remarkable decade. Our foundation serves not only as a beacon of hope but also as a leader in cancer breakthroughs, embodying the legacy of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. This legacy reflects our commitment to healing, compassion, and the principles that guide our mission.
Our goal is ambitious: to raise millions, as we have successfully done, to ensure that the excellence of Northwestern’s Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center is accessible to all and to accelerate efforts to eradicate cancer as a disease. This year is truly remarkable and entirely possible with your support and guidance.
Each year, our aim is to bring our vision to life, where eager and distinguished individuals who share our commitment to advancing cancer research and treatment will play a crucial role.
We offer our supporters an unparalleled opportunity to be directly involved in a health initiative that promises not only to advance cancer research but also to eradicate it and provide direct access to world-renowned medical experts like Dr. Leonidas Platanias and his team. This is more than an invitation to support a cause; it is an invitation to be part of a new initiative that values life and is dedicated to safeguarding the health of future generations.
With confidence, we anticipate that your support will catalyze the transformation of this vision into reality. Together, we shall forge a legacy of hope, innovation, and compassion that echoes not just throughout Chicago but across the entire world.
We trust that you are inspired to join a mission that beckons each of us. The eradication of cancer is a collective responsibility. We are committed to making a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals through this life-saving endeavor and welcome your partnership in this vital mission. Please join us as we believe that our foundation will be the one to eradicate cancer once and for all.
Eleni Bousis
Chairwoman
Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation
OUR WORLD RENOWN NORTHWESTERN TEAM
Dr. Leonidas Platanias
MD, PHD
Dr. Platanias leads the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago, a founding member of National Comprehensive Cancer Centers Network (NCCN). He is the Jesse, Sara, Andrew, Abigail, Benjamin and Elizabeth Lurie Professor of Oncology and Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. Since Dr. Platanias became director in 2014, the Lurie Cancer Center (LCC) has experienced dramatic growth, with doubling of its NCI funding and the recruitment of over 160 new faculty members. Under his leadership, LCC received the highest rating in its history, an overall exceptional and a near-perfect score on the last CCSG renewal and is ranked number 6 in the USA in the last US News World Report rankings.
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The Hippocratic Corpus
Much of what is known about these methods comes from a collection of more than 60 medical books known as the Hippocratic Corpus, considered the oldest writings on medicine. Compiled 100 years after his death, historians believe the documents may be the work of many different physicians practicing medicine during Hippocrates’ lifetime and later. However, a unique aspect of the writings is that they share basic assumptions about how the body works and the nature of disease. The books were written for different fields of medicine—physicians, pharmacists, and the layperson, not so much to practice medicine, but to be able to talk with the doctor.
According to the Corpus, Hippocratic medicine recommended a healthy diet and physical exercise as a remedy for most ailments. If this did not reduce sickness, some type of medication was recommended. Plants were processed for their medicinal elements. The Corpus also describes how joints could be repositioned, the importance of keeping records of case histories and treatments, and the relationship between the weather and some illnesses.
Though Hippocratic medicine believed disease was caused by natural forces—instead of the will of the gods as was commonly believed—it didn’t have a firm understanding of the nature of what makes people ill. Doctors at the time only observed sick people not the diseases themselves. Most descriptions of internal organs were based on what could be seen or felt externally. Dissections of animals were performed to make comparisons with the human body, but fifth century Greek ethics forbid dismemberment of humans.
The Hippocratic Oath
The very familiar “Hippocratic Oath” is a document on medical practices, ethics, and morals. Originally, Hippocrates was credited with composing the oath, however, newer research indicates it was written after his death by other physicians influenced by the medical practices in the Corpus. Though not applied in its original form today, the many modernized versions that exist serve as foundation for the oath medical graduates take at the start of their careers. Some of the basic tenets of the oath include practicing medicine to the best of one’s ability, sharing knowledge with other physicians, employing sympathy, compassion and understanding, respecting the privacy of patients and helping to prevent disease whenever possible.
Little is known about Hippocrates’ death or his age, though it is widely held that he died in the Ancient Greek town of Larissa, around 377 BCE. Many historians believe he may have lived into his 80s or 90s. What is known is that he made a major contribution to medicine and set a standard for ethical practices.