George Calin: Honored to Join MD Anderson as Charles B. Backer Chair

Sometimes, pivotal moments arise—instances that alter the course of our journey. For Dr. George Calin, one of the world’s foremost cancer researchers, such a moment came with his appointment as the Charles B. Backer Chair at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. His path is a testament to scientific discovery, perseverance, and the belief that basic science can change lives.

George Calin/LinkedIn

George Calin: Early Passion for Science

Growing up with a deep curiosity about the natural world, George Calin always sought to understand the unseen mechanisms that drive life. His academic journey led him from medical school to a PhD program, where he began unraveling the complex role of genetics in cancer. Little did he know then that his discoveries would someday reshape the future of cancer research.

George Calin: A Breakthrough Discovery

In the early 2000s, Dr. Calin made a groundbreaking discovery: non-coding RNAs, long dismissed as “junk,” actually play crucial roles in cancer development. His work revealed that microRNAs could regulate oncogenes and tumor suppressors, opening a brand-new field of study.

This moment was not just career-defining—it was science-defining. His research gave scientists a new lens through which to view cancer, and today, non-coding RNAs are considered essential players in cancer biology.

Photo from MD Anderson

George Calin: Honored with Chair Appointment

Now, as the newly named Charles B. Backer Chair, Dr. Calin is poised to push the boundaries of research even further. The endowed position is a recognition of his extraordinary contributions and provides critical resources to fuel his ongoing investigations.

In announcing the honor, Dr. Calin shared:

“Very thankful for this recognition that basic science makes a difference in medicine.”
He emphasized that this achievement is a reflection not just of his work, but of the collaborative spirit shared by his lab team, MD Anderson colleagues, and international partners who believed in the transformative power of non-coding RNAs.

George Calin: Advancing Cancer Research

Dr. Calin’s work reminds us why investing in basic science is vital. Every breakthrough in the lab has the potential to turn into a lifesaving treatment. His discoveries have paved the way for innovative therapies, diagnostic tools, and a deeper understanding of how cancer can be detected and fought earlier and more effectively.

As co-director of MD Anderson’s RNA Interference and Non-coding RNA Center, and a leader within the Departments of Translational Molecular Pathology, Leukemia, and Experimental Therapeutics, Dr. Calin is at the forefront of translating basic discoveries into real-world cures.

George Calin: Building a Lasting Legacy

Dr. George Calin’s story is not just one of scientific achievement—it’s about the unwavering belief that curiosity and hard work can change the world. His new position as the Charles B. Backer Chair serves as both recognition of a brilliant past and an investment in an even brighter future.

“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Calin often reminds his team. And for patients around the world who will benefit from the next generation of cancer breakthroughs, it’s a future filled with hope.

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By: Md Foorquan Hashmi, MD, Sr. Editor, OncoDaily: India Bureau