Rutgers Establishes Chair in Genomic Science Named for Boraie Development Founder, Omar Boraie

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has officially established a new chair named after Boraie Development Founder, Omar Boraie. The Omar Boraie Chair in Genomic Science was established by Rutgers' "18 Chair Challenge" campaign, in which an anonymous donor provides a $1.5 million dollar match for all 18 chairs resulting in a $3 million endowment per chair. The goal is to propel groundbreaking research in the field of precision medicine at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

"Physician-scientists at Rutgers Cancer Institute are making significant advances with precision medicine for those patients whose cancers are no longer responsive. Imagine being able to apply that science to all cancer patients? I am hopeful this pledge will leverage the support of others so that this important work can satisfy and exceed that goal," says Boraie, who has a background in chemistry and a long-standing interest in cancer research. "Just as the anonymous donor for the '18 Chair Challenge' encouraged others to come forward, I hope my family's pledge will also inspire others to do the same."

The field of genomic science and precision medicine is revolutionizing how medical professionals approach cancer diagnosis and treatment. The innovative field involves analyzing and treating tumors on a genetic level and allows oncologists to prescribe individualized therapies for better outcomes. Attesting to its national significance during his most recent State of the Union Address, President Obama announced the launch of a national Precision Medicine Initiative focused on finding a cure for cancer and other diseases.

"Although several cancer centers are performing next-generation gene sequencing on tumors for research, Rutgers Cancer Institute was one of the first facilities in the country and the only one in the state to apply genomic sequencing as a precision medicine approach to patient care," Rutgers said in a statement.

About Rutgers Cancer Institute of New JerseyRutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (www.cinj.org) is the state's first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey is dedicated to improving the detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer, and to serving as an education resource for cancer prevention. Physician-scientists at the Cancer Institute engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice, quite literally bringing research to life. To make a tax-deductible gift to support the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, call 848-932-3637 or visit www.cinj.org/giving. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCINJ.

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides the highest quality cancer care and rapid dissemination of important discoveries into the community. Flagship Hospital: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. System Partner: Meridian Health (Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, Southern Ocean Medical Center, and Bayshore Community Hospital). Major Clinical Research Affiliate Hospitals: Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center and Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Medical Center. Affiliate Hospitals: JFK Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (CINJ Hamilton), and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.

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SOURCE Boraie Development LLC