Insight

Jan 4, 2025, 16:41

Yale School of Medicine has Received $1 Million Donation for Breast Cancer Research

The Yale School of Medicine Department of Surgery has been awarded $1 million donation from Raj and Indra Nooyi to create the Raj and Indra Nooyi Cancer Research Fund.

This fund, overseen by Dr. Mehra Golshan, a professor of surgery specializing in oncology, and Dr. Parisa Lotfi, an assistant professor in radiology and biomedical imaging, aims to advance innovative research focused on minimizing the toxicity and burden associated with cancer treatments.

“We have spent time together on numerous occasions discussing the challenges of conducting cutting-edge research when funding is limited through traditional grant mechanisms. Their desire to support both cancer research and surgery at YSM sparked this initiative. They are providing groundbreaking research funding that will allow for the most optimal, patient-centered care and decrease the burden of breast cancer treatment.” – Mehra Golshan, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Surgical Services at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center

Mehra Golshan

The initiative exemplifies YSM’s commitment to a multidisciplinary approach that encourages collaboration between various medical and surgical disciplines. Indra Nooyi, who graduated from Yale in 1980 with a Master of Public and Private Management, served as the chair and CEO of PepsiCo, while her husband Raj Nooyi has a background in supply chain management.

“Our team has spent more than two decades reducing the extent of breast cancer treatment by using innovative techniques. Our goal is to identify a subset of patients who may not need surgery and improve overall treatment strategies with a patient-tailored approach to a new cancer diagnosis.” – said Raj and Indra Nooyi

The establishment of this cancer research fund reflects the Nooyis’ forward-thinking philanthropic vision, recognizing the urgent need for pioneering research in oncology. Their generous contribution is intended to stimulate significant advancements in cancer treatment at YSM’s Department of Surgery.

“It’s important to listen to the patient and understand their goals. We offer treatment options that tailor to their cancer and improve their quality of life. Each year, 2.5 million people worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer. We must strive to do better—and sooner.” – said Raj and Indra Nooyi

Yale School of Medicine Raj and Indra Nooyi/ysph.yale.edu

Golshan expressed his gratitude:

“Raj and Indra Nooyi are a remarkable couple, always looking to advance and support those who are on the cutting edge of advancing the sciences. Parisa and I are grateful and humbled by their support and generosity.”

Further Reading:

New Paper Alert! HR+ Breast Cancer: Efficacy of Subsequent Treatments After CDK4/6 Inhibitor Progression

Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer: Types, Success Rate, Side Effects & More

Breast Cancer and Immunotherapy: What You Need to Know

Male Breast Cancer: What patients should know about