St. Jude CEO to deliver 2009 Rennebohm lecture

William E. Evans, chief executive officer of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and an expert on the treatment of pediatric cancer, and a research leader in the effect of genetics to the response to drugs, will deliver the 2009 Rennebohm Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 10.

At 9:45 a.m. he will speak in 2002 Rennebohm Hall on “A 30-year Evolution, from Pharmacokinetics to Pharmacogenomics: Where to next?”

He will also deliver a second lecture of special interest to those in the cancer community, “Pharmacogenomics of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: from Discovery to Clinical Practice.” That lecture will also take place at 1 p.m. in Room 2002 Rennebohm Hall.

A reception will be held immediately following the final lecture in the Rennebohm Hall Commons.

Evans is well known for his 30 years of research focusing on the effect of chemotherapy in children with cancer, particularly for the individualization of treatment. His research on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics of anticancer agents in children looks at the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying differences in drug effects among children.

Evans has been honored for his contributions to the field, including three consecutive MERIT Awards from the NIH and several national and international awards. He has also published more than 300 research articles and book chapters and has been invited to speak at more than 200 universities.

The Oscar Rennebohm Foundation supports the Rennebohm Lecture, which has invited an outstanding scientist, practitioner, or educator to the School of Pharmacy every year since 1955.