T H E C H R I S T U S S T E H L I N F O U N D A T I O N F O R C A N C E R R E S E A R C H M A Y 2 0 0 9

W I T H A D E A D L Y C A N C E RCANCER IS NEVER A WELCOME DIAGNOSIS, BUT COLON AND RECTAL CANCER ARE TYPES OF CANCER THAT

CARRY THE GRIMMEST OUTLOOKS. HIGHLY RESISTANT TO TREATMENT, COLORECTAL CANCER IS THE SECOND

LEADING CAUSE OF CANCER DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES AFTER LUNG CANCER.

AND WHILE THE RATE OF NEW COLORECTAL CANCER CASES AND DEATHS IS DECREASING IN THE U.S., STILL,

MORE THAN 145,000 NEW CASES ARE DIAGNOSED AND MORE THAN 49,000 PEOPLE DIE FROM THIS DISEASE EACH

YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. THE TRAGEDY IS THAT MOST OF THESE DEATHS

COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY EARLY SCREENING. continued on page 2

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BOOMERS, GET SCREENED!One reason for the discouraging prognosis associated with colorectal cancer is that it can progress without symptoms until it has

advanced to a critical stage. Screening is the only sure way to detect colorectal cancer in its curative stages.Unfortunately, people resist the necessary screening that can detect “polyps,” or growths inside the colon, which are known precursors

to the disease. According to Dr. de Ipolyi, attitudes about polyps have changed over the past 20 years. “We used to distinguish betweenpolyps of different types, but now we remove everything, even the microscopically small,” he remarked. “This greatly reduces the risk offuture cancer. It is now accepted that a large majority of colon cancers begin as benign polyps.”

Several major organizations, including the American Cancer Society, recommend colorectal screening every 10 years for people aged50 and over. Recommendations may increase for those with increased risk due to family history, related diseases such as ulcerative colitisor Crohn’s Disease, or a personal history of cancer.

The spectrum of best practice screenings include:

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) - which detects hidden blood in fecal material.

• Sigmoidoscopy - which uses a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope to examine the rectum and lower colon.

• Colonoscopy - which examines the rectum and entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope.

• Virtual Colonoscopy (Computerized Tomographic Colonography) - which uses special x-ray equipment to produce pictures ofthe colon and rectum which are assembled by computer into detailed images that show polyps and other abnormalities.

Your personal physician can recommend the screening that fits your health care profile. As most veterans of colorectal screening willtell you, it’s not a pleasant experience, but it’s not horrible either. And it truly can save your life!

Transverse colon

Descending(left) colon

Ascending(right) colon

Sigmoid colonAppendix

Cecum

Anal canal

Rectum

ANATOMY OF THE COLON

Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in thecolon or rectum become abnormal and divide withoutcontrol, forming a mass or tumor. Colorectal

cancer cells may also invade and destroy the tissue aroundthem. In addition, they may break away from the tumor andspread to form new tumors in other parts of the body.

When colorectal cancer spreads outside thecolon or rectum, cancer cells are often found innearby lymph nodes. If cancer cells have reachedthese nodes, they may also have spread to otherlymph nodes or other organs. Colorectal cancercells often spread to the liver and are one of themost common causes of death from this disease.

John Stehlin:Pioneer in Surgery & Screening

Dr. John Stehlin had established a reputation as a pioneerin the field of colorectal cancer when he founded theCHRISTUS Stehlin Foundation in 1969. His late 1950’sarticle entitled “Treatment for Cancer of the Colon,” con-tained detailed surgical techniques for effectively removingboth the affected parts of the lower intestine and the associat-ed lymph nodes in colorectal cancer patients (see illustration).

“Dr. Stehlin was a pioneer in organizing the information anddocumenting the complex surgical procedure — state of the artat the time — which improved the patient’s chances for recov-ery,” remarked Peter de Ipolyi, M.D., a surgical oncologist at theSurgical Oncology Consultants of Houston.

Summarized Dr. de Ipolyi, who was mentored by Dr. Stehlinand who serves on the CHRISTUS Stehlin Foundation Board ofTrustees, “John Stehlin was a great surgeon who studied under othergreat surgeons, and was entirely committed to teaching others.”

Even in this mid-20th Century article, Stehlin stressed the value

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of colorectal screening in enabling earlydiagnosis and treatment, which greatlyimproves a patient’s chances for survival.“Screening remains to this day the mosteffective weapon against colorectal can-cer,” commented Dr. de Ipolyi.

“This cancer is practically impossible todetect early without medical technology,”de Ipolyi continued. “When symptoms doappear, the disease is often at an advancedstate. There are many reasons why peopledon’t get tested, but here’s what we know:When patients get screened and we takecare of any polyps that appear early, survivaland recovery rates improve dramatically.”

Promising Research

Beppino D. Giovanella, Ph.D., LaboratoryDirector for the CHRISTUS Stehlin Foun-dation, calls colorectal cancer the “buga-boo” of cancers because of its firm rankingin the chemotherapy statistics as one of themost resistant to treatment. “That’s one ofthe reasons we became interested in theCamptothecins,” he recalls. “We knew thatif we found something that was effectiveagainst colon cancers, it would work withalmost any other.”

The first paper published in 1989 byDr. Giovanella and Stehlin staff in Sciencemagazine presented an early Camptothecinderivative, 9AC, showing remarkableresults in colorectal tumors growing inimmuno-suppressed mice. “People ques-tioned our results when we first started pub-lishing because the Camptothecins were soeffective,” said Dana Vardeman, LaboratorySupervisor. “Honestly, even we were sur-prised at the results. They showed so muchpotential.”

To date, the CHRISTUS Stehlin labo-ratory has collected 46 different strains ofhuman colon cancers, which are eitherfrozen or growing in one of the lab’s signa-ture nude mice. Research projects areongoing in the quest to determine the mosteffective compounds in the battle againstthe disease.

Animal testing with CZ48, the Camp-tothecin compound currently in clinical tri-als with the FDA, has been extremelypromising against colorectal cancers in the

nude mice, showing results in 4 out of 4 dif-ferent colon tumors. As of yet, its effective-ness has yet to be proven in humans.

“We have great hope that we will beable to thwart this deadly cancer withCZ48,” summarized Robert Anderson,Executive Director of the CHRISTUSStehlin Foundation. “We know that if wecan be effective against this disease, wehave reached a huge milestone.”

Middle colicnodes

Epicolicnodes

Left colicflexure

Left colicnodes

Left colicartery

ParacolicSuperior mesentericInferior mesentericIntermediate colicIleocolicLateral aorticEpicolicAppendicularCeliac

Inferiormesentericartery

Middle colicartery

Vermiformappendix

Cecum

Ileocolicartery

Right colicartery andnodes

Aorta

KEY TO LYMPH NODES

THIS DIAGRAM SHOWS HOW THE LYMPHNODES OF THE COLON FOLLOW THE BLOODVESSELS AND, THEREFORE, MAP OUT THESECTIONS OF COLON TO BE REMOVED FORCANCERS ARISING IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS.

T R A N S V E R S E

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IN

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S I G M O I D

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PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINESeveral lifestyle guidelines have been shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancers— perhaps the best solution of all to battling the disease.

DIET: Studies suggest that diets high in fat (especially animal fat) and low in calcium,folate, and fiber may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Also, some studies suggestthat people who eat a diet very low in fruits and vegetables may have a higher risk ofcolorectal cancer. Low fat, high fiber diets may have a preventive effect.

EXERCISE: Evidence suggests that a sedentary lifestyle may be associated withan increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. In contrast, people who exerciseregularly may have a decreased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

CIGARETTE SMOKING: A person who smokes cigarettes may be at increasedrisk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer.

Dr. John Stehlin

Human colon cancer growing in nude (athymic) mouse

Dr. Peter de Ipolyi

On November 15, 2008, the Friends of the Stehlin Foundation held its 28th annual fundraising gala and celebrated another

great success. The crowd of 550 danced to the beat of the Fab Four, a Beatles tribute band, and the Motown sound of Col-

lector’s Item. They also witnessed a mid-evening art spectacular put on by Dan Dunn.

Through contributions, ticket sales and auction proceeds, the event netted $530,000, raising the total donated by the

Friends of the Stehlin Foundation since 1981 to $10.8 million. All funds support the research and clinical projects of the

CHRISTUS Stehlin Foundation.

Andrea and Paul Stewart, chairs of the 2008 gala, are members of the Young Texans Against Cancer (YTAC), a dynamic

group that has been actively supporting the Foundation since 2002. A big “thank you” goes out to everyone who participated

in the gala, volunteered time and talent, and helped to support this worthwhile effort.

Once again, this gala was FUN!

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Dear Friends,

We wereso blesse

d and honored to s

erve as chairs

of the 28th annua

l Friendsof Stehlin

Gala! Wetruly

had a great time, a

s always,and we k

now all of you

did as well. The Fa

b Four, Dan Dunn

and Collector’s

Item continuedthe tradit

ion of unique and

unforget-

table entertainmen

t for which the gala

is known.

To be able to contr

ibute so much to th

e Stehlin

Foundation, espec

ially when the mo

ney goesdirectly

to the Phase I tria

ls, is sucha great h

onor. Weare

grateful for the ma

ny peoplewho cont

ributed

despite the difficult

economictimes and

the chal-

lenge of Hurricane

Ike just prior to th

e event.

The tireless work a

nd dedication of th

e doctors,

researchers and fo

undationstaff cert

ainly giveus

reason tocelebrate

! It is anexciting t

ime to be

involvedwith the

Stehlin Foundation

. We know

that youwill help

us continue to buil

d on the

success of last yea

r’s spectacular eve

nt.

Sincerely,

Andrea and Paul S

tewart

Yesterday:Friends’ 2008 Gala Celebrates the British Invasion with Style

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Major BenefactorCharline Dauphin

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club BandGreater Houston Community FoundationOnion Blossoms Boutique – Margaret Runion

and JoAnn McDougalThe Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of

the Incarnate Word Houston

Strawberry Fields ForeverAnonymousCHRISTUS HealthLuci Bonneau Striking Against Breast Cancer

– Donna ConnersMr. and Mrs. Earl L. MageeMrs. Beverly PevehouseGinger and Terry RathertMrs. Annette ScrantonSusan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally

(Susan’s Rally) – Bruce Roberson

Penny LaneAdministaffAtwood Oceanics Management, LPCHRISTUS Foundation for HealthcareHarry S. & Isabel C. Cameron FoundationMarek Family FoundationMrs. Denise RosenfeldS.J. Associated Pathologists, L.C.

Magical Mystery TourAlief Feed Store, Inc.Nancy Ames and Danny WardCynthia and Judson BowmanAllison and Michael BrandtCabot Oil & Gas CorporationCorrosion Resistant Alloys, LPWendy and Beppino GiovanellaGreater Houston Radiology Associates, P.A.Houston Contract InteriorsinVentive Clinical SolutionsDonna and Norman LewisMichelle and Constantine MarkidesMichael and Cathey MeagherRiviana Foods, Inc.Deborah L. Thompson, Attorney At LawVinson & Elkins L.L.P.Westside Lexus and Northside Lexus

Abbey RoadAvant Capital Management, LPEmmet Perry & Co. Fine Carpets and RugsJacki and Brian EvansFayez Sarofim & Co.Five Star Metals, Inc.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.Sally and David HarvinMs. Kelly HillMs. Marilyn W. HiltyHelen and Roger JenswoldKilyk & Bowersox, PLLCThe Lents FoundationJanet and Elton LipnickMike and Sheri McQuinnMr. John MendozaSouthwest Courts and Floors, Inc.Jim and Jeanette WoodsVicki and Fred Wright

Day TripperDianne and Ken AndersonLori and Craig AtkinsSue and Rusty BurnettEniteMary and Max EppersonMillicent and Robert ErwinFrost National BankArlene and Alan GergerJudy and Gary GondzurWanda Kimbrell, C.P.A.Teresa and John LangstonPatty and Keith MillerKaren and Bud NajvarDr. and Mrs. Ethan A. NatelsonAdam and Wendi OlszewskiJan and Tom PhippsReddy Oncology Associates, PASallie Gordon and Kenneth SchwenkeWilliam SaroskyMrs. Marguerite ShackelfordDawn and Eric SwansonDr. Thomas V. TaylorTexas General Offshore, Inc.TWSCO, Inc.Carleton and Karen WalkerJudy and Fred Welling

Good Day SunshineAllentown, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Jon AndersenMs. Ashley AndersonApartment Services Network, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. James BartlettMrs. Betty BellamyMr. and Mrs. Charles BesmehnBlackwell Foundation TrustThe Boyd FoundationMr. and Mrs. Henry BraggMr. and Mrs. Rodney BrooksMs. Anne L. Brownstein

Ms. Hailey B. BurdickMr. and Mrs. Alfio CandidoMr. and Mrs. Fowler CarterMr. and Mrs. Christopher CahionCarole and Gene Chambers FoundationMr. and Mrs. Glenn ChanceMr. and Mrs. Matt DavisMr. Guy C. DiccianiDr. and Mrs. Thomas EarthmanFirstax, L.P.Ms. Debbie FitzgeraldGrace M. FurmanMr. Craig GamokeMs. Kathleen GaryGraham and Kristiann GipsMr. and Mrs. Michael HannaMs. Patricia HarrisHuntsville Gardens, Inc.Jack Perry TrustMs. Meredith JamailJanitor’s WarehouseThe Keep on Trucking Company, Inc.Ms. Megan KoudelkaMr. Richard L. KunzeDr. and Mrs. Kenneth Eugene LehrerMrs. Winnefred A. LesandriniMs. Barbara MarchittoMemorial Dryclean, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Mark MullervyMr. and Mrs. Randy NicholsMr. and Mrs. Harvey OylerMr. and Mrs. Alan PatersonMs. C. Blair PatersonMs. Catherine H. PearsonMr. and Mrs. Joe M. PeddyRaymond Lamy ConsultingSAFC PharmaMs. Jamie SchafferMary C. StehlinDr. and Mrs. James A. StrohmeyerThomson Real EstateMs. Nancy ThompsonMr. and Mrs. David TriggMs. Lia G. ValloneMr. and Mrs. Larry VavraMr. and Mrs. Dudley Veal, IIIMs. Cyncee WebreMr. Geoffrey WernerMr. and Mrs. William Wheless, IIILaura and William Wheless, IVMr. and Mrs. Steve WirickMiss Margaret WooldridgeJohn L. Zipprich, II

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The CHRISTUS Stehlin Foundation wishes to thank the following contributors for theirgenerous support of the 28th Annual Gala. Our good works could not be accomplishedwithout “A Little Help from Our Friends!”

As part of its Educational ScholarshipProgram, the CHRISTUS Stehlin

Foundation for Cancer Research offers highschool and college students the opportunityto participate in cancer treatment andresearch first hand, previewing a career inthe medical or biological sciences.

In addition, the laboratory also employsrecent grads — some former interns — toprovide daily assistance with cancerresearch, often at times when they aremaking important life decisions.

This spring, the laboratory has threetop-notch assistants to help with every-thing from cleaning mice cages to con-ducting complex research experiments.In a twist on the popular TV series andmovie “Charlie’s Angels,” the staff jok-ingly and endearingly refers to them as“Stehlin’s Angels.”

Carey Koppenhaver is a recent graduateof the University of Texas at Austin with

a dual degree in biology and Spanish. Sheis trying to decide whether to pursue anadvanced degree in public health or as aphysician’s assistant. In the meantime,she appreciates the hands-on nature ofthe work at the Stehlin laboratory. “Thisis an ideal situation for me at this pointin my life.”

Alexa Olszewski graduated in May 2008from Emory University with a pre-medmajor in psychology. She came home toHouston to apply to medical programs anddiscovered the Stehlin organization, whoseTripartnership approach synced with herown philosophy. Now, working with Con-stantine S.A. Markides, Ph.D., she is help-ing to conduct CZ48 research; she wasrecently included as second author on herfirst scientific publication. “History is beingmade here, and yet everyone is so support-ive and encouraging of our goals. Stehlinhas truly affected the way I think about

medicine, my career and my life.”

Megan Foxworth, a graduate of the Uni-versity of St. Thomas and a former internfor the Stehlin lab, has submitted applica-tions for a competitive physician’s assistantprogram at Texas Tech University. In themeantime she is involved in severalresearch projects - and she’s proud of therole she and other interns played in thesummer of 2008 preparing the 2,800-pageFDA application for CZ48. “There’s a realsense of community here, and these aregreat people to work for.”

Young Texans Against Cancer (YTAC)was established in Houston in 2001 to

increase cancer awareness among 20-45year-olds. Each of the 44 founding mem-bers has either personally battled cancer orbeen inspired by loved ones struggling withillness. After its successful start in Houston,other YTAC chapters have been foundedin Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.

The smiling faces of YTAC havebecome regular features at Friends of theStehlin Foundation functions – and onceagain YTAC has voted the CHRISTUSStehlin Foundation to be the fundraisingrecipient for 2009.

Recently, Hope interviewed YTACHouston chapter president resident AmyDonovan on how the two groups worktogether:

Q. How did YTAC first become involvedwith the CHRISTUS Stehlin Foundation?A.We formed YTAC in 2001 and beganresearching local cancer fighting causesthat needed additional funding to carry ontheir important work. The Stehlin Founda-tion was brought to our attention by one ofour members, and we began our due dili-gence by making an onsite visit to theStehlin Foundation lab. During our tour wemet Bobby Anderson and forged a wonder-ful relationship motivated by the cause tofight cancer.

Q. What do you think are the synergiesbetween the two groups?A. Our first donation to the Stehlin Foun-dation was in 2002 and our enthusiasm forits great work and people grew into a long-term relationship that has included co-hosting the Stehlin Foundation/YTACblack-tie gala, volunteer events and intro-ducing the efforts of the Foundation toother interested individuals and institutions.

Q.How do you decide which groups toassist?A. Any cancer-related foundation orresearch hospital can fill out our grantapplication, and then the Charity Selec-tion Committee votes. We consider thisone of the “perks” of being a member of

YTAC: you can join the Charity SelectionCommittee and have a say in where ourmoney goes each year!

Q. What events are planned for this yearto benefit Stehlin?A.We have a full calendar:On Sat, May 30, we are having our 5thAnnual BBQ at Armadillo Palace from12-4pm. This event is a big hit with ourmembers; it’s an afternoon of live musicand great BBQ with all of our members,friends and supporters. Information is avail-able on our website, www.ytac.org

In August (date TBD) Capital Grillewill host a luncheon for YTAC whichwill host a speaker that no one will want tomiss! We’ll have more information on thissoon on the website.

Our largest fundraiser for 2009 is ourYTAC Golf Tournament, which is onMonday, October 19 at Wildcat GolfClub.We have sold out in the past, soanyone interested should be sure to signup early! The website is www.ytachouston.dojiggy.com. We are currently looking forsponsors as well.

If anyone is interested in any of ourevents or needs more information, theyare free to contact me, Amy Donovan atpres-houston@ytac.org.

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Stehlin’s Angels: Dedicated to Science

YTAC Brings New Energy to Stehlin

“Stehlin’s Angels,” left to right, Carey Koppenhaver, Alexa

Olszewski and Megan Foxworth are assistants in the Stehlin

Foundation laboratory this Spring.

YTAC President Amy Donovan, Bobby Anderson, and YTAC

Social Chair Kelly Hunsicker

The traditional launch party for the 29thannual Friends of the Stehlin Foundation

Gala was held May 7, 2009, and had a new twist.The event, hosted by Sherry & Ken Levy,

took place at their upscale boutique Dimensions,located at 6100 Westheimer (www.dimensions6100.com).

Strolling (and shopping!) amongst the latest

women’s fashions and accessories, guests sampleddelicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and heardabout gala developments as well as CHRISTUSStehlin Foundation news.

This year’s co-chairs, Ashley Anderson andSara Strohmeyer, have selected a country west-ern theme for this year’s gala.

Consider the 29th Friends gala launched!

St. Joseph Medical Place I1315 St. Joseph Parkway, Suite 1818Houston, Texas 77002713-659-1336www.stehlin.org

Address Service Requested

NONPROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Houston, TXPermit No. 2146

Board of Trustees

MR. RAYMOND KHOURY ,Houston, Texas

CHA IRMAN OF THE BOARD

MR. GEORGE CONKL INHouston, Texas

DR. PETER DE IPOLY IHouston, Texas

MR. A. GORDON FINDLAY , JR .Kingwood, Texas

DR. JOHN GILLEANI rv ing, Texas

DR. BEPP INO GIOVANELLAHouston, Texas

MR. JOHN HINE

Houston, Texas

MR. ROGER JENSWOLDCol lege Stat ion, Texas

MRS. DONNA LEWI SHouston, Texas

MR. KENNETH MCCANN, JR .Houston, Texas

MR. MICHAEL MEAGHER

Houston, Texas

MS. LIN MILLS

Houston, Texas

DR. ETHAN NATELSON

Houston, Texas

DR. MICHAEL ROSSHouston, Texas

SISTER ROSANNE POPP , M.D.Houston, Texas

DR. THOMAS ROYERI rv ing, Texas

DR. JOHN STEHL IN , JR .Houston, Texas

MR. KIM WHELES S

Houston, Texas

MRS. NANCY WHITE

Houston, Texas

VISIT

THE CHRISTUS STEHLIN FOUNDATION

ON THE INTERNET AT

www.stehlin.org

GALA KICK-OFF HAS NEW DIMENSIONS!

Save The Date!Mark your calendars – once again we’re gearing up for an event that will put the “fun” backin fundraising. Specifics are still TBD, but rest assured, the result will once again live up toits reputation as “the best party of the year!”

The 29th Annual Friends GalaNovember 14, 2009Westin Hotel, Galleria