Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Eminent Global Oncologist, Dr. Steven Larson, to Speak About Radioactive Drugs for Treating Prostate Cancer, at Perrot Library’s April 10th Lecture

Old Greenwich, CT - On Wednesday, April 10, at 7 pm at Perrot Memorial Library, Dr. Steven Larson, eminent global oncologist from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), will speak about the use of radioactive drugs or “Smart Bombs” to diagnose and successfully treat prostate cancer. Late in 2023, there was a $4.1 billion investment to develop these radioactive targeted drugs reflecting the great hope that cancer will be conquered soon using artificial intelligence and precision medicine.

Barbara Hertz, daughter of Dr. Saul Hertz and curator of the Dr. Saul Hertz Archives, will briefly highlight her father’s work as the originator of the first targeted cancer therapy.

Over the past half-century, Dr. Larson, an emeritus member of the Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service of the Department of Radiology and of the Endocrinology Service within the Department of Medicine at MSK, has been one of the most important pioneering figures in the field of nuclear medicine. His work has focused on clinical and research applications of the tracer principle for molecular imaging and targeted therapy in oncology. Dr. Larson developed key insights into the pathophysiology of disease and successfully translated cutting-edge or breakthrough discoveries into clinical applications supporting not only the diagnosis of disease, but also the use of targeted radiotherapy in humans. He is a luminary in his field, and his work has had a profound impact on the expansion of nuclear medicine and the care of patients with cancer around the world.

Dr. Saul Hertz (1905-1950) originated the medical uses of radioactive iodine (RAI). Hertz introduced combining diagnosis with therapy in a single or paired chemical substance(s). Since 2000, Dr. Hertz's daughter, Barbara Hertz, has led an effort to document the contributions of Hertz to medicine through the Dr. Saul Hertz Archives.

In 2021, United States Senator Richard Blumenthal entered into the congressional record March 31st as "Dr. Saul Hertz World Nuclear Medicine Radiopharmaceutical Day" for Dr. Hertz having pioneered the medical uses of RAI. The 31st of March was chosen because Dr. Hertz administered the first therapeutic use of RAI on March 31, 1941. RAI remains the gold standard of targeted precision oncology today.

Ms. Hertz, a local resident and retired teacher, will bring some items from the Dr. Saul Hertz exhibit to Perrot Library on April 10th for lecture attendees to view. Light refreshments will also be provided.

This is a free lecture; however, please register in advance. If you have any questions about any upcoming Perrot Library adult programs, please contact Judy Sgammato at 203-637-1066 x15 or at lending@perrotlibrary.org.
For more information about Perrot Memorial Library, including how to become a member of the Perrot Memorial Library Association, please visit www.perrotlibrary.org.