Fox Chase Cancer Center Scientist To Receive 1999 La Salle University Holroyd Award

PHILADELPHIA (April 19, 1999) -- For his outstanding contributions to the medical profession, Baruch S. Blumberg, M.D, Ph.D., a Fox Chase Cancer Center Distinguished Scientist, will be La Salle University's 1999 Holroyd Lecturer at the Holroyd Awards ceremony Friday, April 23, at 7pm at the La Salle Student Union.

The Holroyd Award recognizes distinguished contributions by a La Salle University Alumnus to the medical profession. This year's recipient is William F. X. Coffey, M.D., vice president and medical director of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.� The Holroyd lecture provides an opportunity to hear an expert in the field address a topic of timely importance.

Dr. Blumberg was awarded the 1976 Noble Prize in medicine for his 1967 discovery of the hepatitis B virus and devising a vaccine for hepatitis B, the first vaccine capable of preventing human cancer. He later helped to establish the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer.

Dr. Blumberg has received many subsequent honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society and the National Inventors Hall of Fame.� From 1989 until 1994, he was master of Balliol College at Oxford University.� He has been a member of Fox Chase Cancer Center's staff since 1964, and he is now senior advisor to the Center president and a Distinguished Scientist.

Fox Chase Cancer Center is one of 35 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation.� Fox Chase activities include basic and clinical research; prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer; and community outreach programs.