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25 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 2018 2018 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 25 Lighting the Way The Yale Cancer Center is changing the way the world's physicians fight disease By Cara Rosner Researchers at the Yale Cancer Center know it's not just about making breakthroughs – though, certainly there are plenty of those. The real impact of their work comes in the form of lives saved or prolonged, once ground-breaking discoveries make their way into clinical trials and treatments that give patients relief and hope. "This is an extraordinary place," said Dr. Charles Fuchs, director of the Yale Cancer Center. He also is physician-in- chief at Smilow Cancer Hospital as well as the Richard Sackler and Jonathan Sackler Professor of Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. The center is based at Smilow, in downtown New Haven, and operates 12 satellite locations throughout the state. Those who work there are dedicated to performing cutting-edge research "and science that is transforming the landscape of cancer care," said Dr. Fuchs. One example is the research done by Dr. Lieping Chen, who is co-director of the cancer immunology program at the center; United Technologies Corporation Professor in Cancer Research; and a professor of immunobiology, of dermatology and of medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Chen, an international leader in immunology, made the landmark discovery of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway – essentially, he derived the transformative target by which a patient's own immune system can be used to attack cancer. His findings subsequently were tested in clinical trials, and today they are part of clinical care, having been incorporated into U.S Food and Drug Administration-approved medications. In 2013, his work was cited as the No. 1 breakthrough of the year by the leading international journal, Science. "Not only are we so proud of the phenomenal basic laboratory science [at the center], but of our commitment to moving that into the clinical setting," said Dr. Fuchs. Researchers strive to keep broadening the reach of their breakthroughs, he said. One goal: to ensure no one in Connecticut has to travel more than 30 minutes to access top-notch oncology care. Yale Cancer Center is one of just 49 comprehensive cancer Dr. Charles Fuchs, director of the Yale Cancer Center " " "This is an extraordinary place." - Dr. Charles Fuchs, director of the Yale Cancer Center EDUCATION & RESEARCH