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Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD, Director
Vanderbilt-IngramCancer Center
and B.F. Byrd Professor of Oncology

An analytical thinker, Jennifer Pietenpol was always drawn to the sciences. Although she may have selected her career path at a young age, it is unlikely she imagined the route she would follow from her laboratory to leading one of the nation’s most respected cancer centers.

“Cancer research is all about using analytical tools to make biological discoveries,” she said of her field’s appeal, adding, “I know far too many people who have suffered from cancer. It’s what’s always propelled me. Yes, we’ve made great progress. Still one in two men and one in three women will have cancer. That’s a huge motivator.”

She added the abstract beneficiary of her research has become much more real over time. Her father was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, and recently Pietenpol lost a childhood friend to renal cancer … the young mother died just days before her daughter’s first birthday.

“So it’s personal, and I feel a great sense of urgency and passion to make real progress against cancer.”

While Pietenpol continues to lead research in the study of tumor suppressor genes in the p53 family … particularly focused on breast cancer and squamous cancers of the head, neck and skin … her focus now extends to the much larger program.

“I am most excited to be in a position to bring together a broad and diverse group of very talented, dedicated people and focus our efforts where we can make the most impact toward a very important goal –– preventing, curing and reducing the burden of cancers on people here in Tennessee, across the country and around the world.”

She added the best options for success are to work in concert with equally committed collaborators including local and regional partners, advocacy organizations and other National Cancer Institute-designated centers.

“We have a new opportunity through our membership in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which includes 20 other of the world’s leading centers, including MD Anderson, Hopkins and Sloan-Kettering,” she continued. “That collaboration is about improving the quality of clinical care and developing guidelines for the best, evidence-based treatment. I’m proud that Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center has a place at that table.”

For all the progress that has been made and the promise research holds, Pietenpol is keenly aware of the challenges born of securing funding in a tight financial landscape and battling a foe that disproportionately impacts this geographic region. As one of only two NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the Southeast, Pietenpol said Vanderbilt has a unique obligation to understand that burden and find a way to turn it around.

Passionately driven at work, Pietenpol also appreciates the opportunity to unwind. She said with a laugh that some people might be surprised to learn she and husband Dr. Mike Higgins, chair of anesthesiology at Vanderbilt, love to take their RV and explore with their young son, Gavin.

“We enjoy taking off, seeing the country up close, hiking and camping,” she noted. “We’re enjoying sharing that with Gavin … he loves the RV and outdoors.”

Although she calls juggling a hectic career, spending time with her husband and chasing after a happy, active toddler “controlled chaos,” Pietenpol can’t imagine stepping back on either front. She said when asked to pass on advice, she often returns to the words of the late Dr. B.F. Byrd, Jr., who said, “If you don’t take your turn being involved, you don’t really have a right to complain about it. Some things take time, some take money, some take concern –– you do each when you need to.”



May 2008

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