Ann and John Doerr Establish Directorship at Newly Opened Stanford Cancer Center; World-Renowned Radiation Oncologist to Take Reins of Center.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

STANFORD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 4, 2004

Ann and John Doerr have given a generous gift to Stanford University Medical Center to establish a directorship at the new Stanford Cancer Center. Steven Leibel, MD, a world-renowned radiation oncologist, has been named the first Ann and John Doerr Medical Director of Stanford Cancer Center and will spearhead all cancer programs in patient care and clinical research.

John Doerr is a partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a leading Silicon Valley venture capital firm, and board member of ABC2, a foundation to accelerate the development of brain cancer cures. "We're impressed by the commitment of Steve Leibel and the center to translate new discoveries into improved cancer care," Doerr said.

"Ann and John Doerr have demonstrated their commitment to the future of cancer care and discovery through their extraordinary gift," said Philip Pizzo, MD, dean of the Stanford School of Medicine. "The Doerrs' support will help our clinicians and scientists make major contributions to cancer treatment."

"We are very excited to have the Doerrs' generous support at Stanford's new state-of-the-art cancer center," added Martha Marsh, president and CEO of Stanford Hospital & Clinics. "The combination of the Doerrs' gift and Dr. Leibel's leadership ensure our continued excellence in heath-care delivery for patients with cancer."

Leibel, who comes to Stanford from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, is widely recognized for his work in developing more precisely targeted therapies for treating cancers of the brain and prostate. At the center he will direct an enterprise of some 200 cancer specialists, including physicians in medical, surgical and radiation oncology, research nurses and social workers, who collaborate as a team in treating patients.

"It's an exciting time for the oncology program with the opening of the new facility," Leibel said. "It's the perfect time to be assuming this leadership position at the medical center. I look forward to the challenge and opportunity of making the new Stanford Cancer Center one of the most significant treatment facilities in the world."

Stanford has long been recognized as an international leader in cancer research as well as the development and use of innovative cancer therapies. The new, state-of-the-art Stanford Cancer Center should pave the way for further advancements by grouping faculty experts according to specialty so that surgeons, oncologists and radiologists who focus on a single type of cancer -- such as breast, brain or blood cancers -- interact on a daily basis. By consolidating Stanford's cancer clinics and resources under one roof, the new center also provides a more seamless experience for cancer patients.

Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers has helped start dozens of biotechnology and medical device companies, beginning with Genentech, 25 years ago. Many have contributed to progress in cancer diagnosis and treatment, including IDEC Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacyclics, and most recently Genomic Health.