April 8, 1966
Dear Mrs. Lasker:
I was very pleased to have had the opportunity to discuss with you some of the recent progress as well as several of the current problems in the general area of carcinogenesis. Your specific interest in research that might be initiated or expanded were additional funds made available was particularly gratifying. Attached is a brief description of six research activities which I believe are ready for exploitation. You will note that they are directed to and primarily emphasize the use of human populations for the study of cancer in man with appropriate supporting laboratory-experimental studies. I believe that recent advances in both areas have provided a firm base for expansion of research in which both approaches can be simultaneously pursued in a cooperative and complementary manner. This interdigitation of the experimental laboratory and the human population laboratory to the end of increasing the effectiveness of our cancer control efforts offers hope of significantly shortening the time when we may see demonstrable benefits as measured by improved morbidity and mortality data. Although the research areas are sketchily outlined, I trust they have been prepared so that they are clear and coherent. Please feel free to make any comments, ask any questions or indicate a need for further elucidation. I will be very pleased to reply.
Finally, in accordance with your request concerning the extra funding necessary for these programs, I would estimate that a realistic schedule of successively phasing the various studies would require additional funds in the amounts of:
1967 $9,000,000
1968 15,000,000
1969 20,000,000
1970 25,000,000
1971 25,000,000
These funds are separate from and additional to all others currently ongoing and would require parallel increase in logistical support including such items as adequate laboratory space and sufficient position ceilings. Dr. Endicott and his associates are already engaged in efforts to provide these necessary items. Specifically, they do not include the area of viral oncology which is, as you know, funded in large measure by a special Congressional appropriation. We are in the midst of planning protocols with detailed budgets for each of the areas. These should be ready in two to three months. All good wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Paul Kotin, M.D.
Scientific Director for Etiology
National Cancer Institute