Arnold S. Leonard Cancer Research Fund

Arnold S. Leonard, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Leonard was Professor of Surgery at the University of Minnesota and Head of the Pediatric Surgery Department. He has devoted himself entirely to cancer research in genetic engineering, boosting the immune system with human interleukin-2 gene. An Endowed Scholar Chair has been placed in Dr. Leonard’s name in the Surgery Department at the University of Minnesota, and he has also received the Wangensteen Award for Academic Excellence. Dr. Leonard belongs to the major surgical societies, and continues to lecture throughout the world on the importance of the immune system and its relationship to cancer. He has written over 260 articles and books.

Arnold S. Leonard, M.D., Ph.D.

2014 Lab Update

IMG_1437 copy Bioengineering Lab Update

As they learn more about how cancers develop and spread, the bioengineering cancer research lab at the University of Minnesota has focused on the tumor microenvironment where cancers can grow and flourish.

Using genetically altered Salmonella to deliver a cocktail of immune modulating proteins right to a cancerous tumor (into the tumor microenvironment), the immune system is stimulated to make cancer killing immune cells.

In addition, the lab uses engineered salmonella to carry proteins that block the cancer’s ability to suppress the immune system.

Thus, they are altering the cancer’s microenvironment by simultaneously stimulating the immune system to kill cancer and stop the cancer cell’s ability to spread and grow.

The lab still needs to determine how much and how often to give the Salmonella, and if there is a different combination that would be more effective.

Also, the FDA will require several studies once the lab determines which combination is most effective for the Investigational New Drug (IND) application.

Funds are currently being used to study a variety of cancer types.

Thank you to our 2014 Corporate Sponsors:

Bridgewater Bank, Associated Mechanical, Mathews, Cabelas, Minnesota Vikings, Parallel Sales, Mossy Oak, Frerichs Construction, Eagle Building Company, Pella Windows, NSSF, and Medina Electric.

We can turn your unwanted new or used household stuff into cash for cancer research!

Do you have anything stuffed into your closet or garage that you can donate? We would love your new, used, vintage or collectible household items, tools, building materials, tractors, clothes, furniture, boats, property, hunting/fishing/outdoor gear, vehicles, electronics, tackle, nature prints, artwork, resort stays, jewelry, watches, dishes, memorabilia, sporting goods, or any items you think could … More

Donation Acknowledgements

Did you know that when you donate to the ASL Cancer Research Fund, you can make your donation in honor of someone, or in memory of someone, and we will send them or their family a nice acknowledgement letter personally signed by Dr. Leonard stating who the donation was given by? This is a great … More

Dr. Leonard signing books at the Amplatz Children’s Hospital

Click here for a great video explaining the genetic engineering in the lab:

Dr. Leonard’s New Book

“Through the Portals of Pigs and Manure, The Story of the Minnesota Influence on American Surgery” Dr. Leonard’s book is now available and can be purchased here for $14.99. All proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Arnold S. Leonard Cancer Research Fund. $14.99, pay via PayPal Check out the book’s … More

Mission Statement

The Arnold S. Leonard Cancer Research Fund raises funds to directly support cancer research in genetic engineering taking place at the University of Minnesota bioengineering lab.

Laboratory and Clinical Trial Update

July 2013 Progress in the lab continues to go extremely well. They have now constructed 18 new salmonella fighting cancer strains and are in the process of testing which one will contain the most powerful anti-cancer effect. We really appreciate your interest in this project and research. We are extremely hopeful that we will have … More

Arnold S. Leonard Cancer Research Fund