The Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Inc. (RGI), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1959 and is located in Plantation, FL, just outside of Fort Lauderdale. RGI is committed to rapidly developing anti-cancer therapies, in conjunction with industrial and academic partners, using efficient models of cancer growth and metastasis with the aim of moving novel compounds to market in the shortest time possible. Additionally, RGI is investigating 1) why cancer becomes resistant to chemotherapy over time, 2) how this resistance can be overcome, 3) which chemotherapeutic agents are most likely to work in a particular individual and 4) what causes cancer to spread. The Institute’s main goal is to develop cancer therapies targeting tumors, with minimal cellular damage and toxicity to the patient. Its long-standing relationship with the National Cancer Institute and The National Institute of Health provides support for the advancement and development of these kinds of promising new investigational therapies.

RGI has excellent laboratory facilities, a dedicated research staff and a passion for getting new treatments to patients quickly. Our ability to move towards our research goals is facilitated by numerous generous donations, government grants and collaborations with academic and industrial partners. We are very proud to be supported by the Royal Dames of Cancer Research (royaldames.org). Since 1969, the Royal Dames of Cancer Research have generously supported RGI through their annual Tiara Ball and other events.

RGI plans to continue its ongoing basic research as well as anti-cancer drug screening. Particular emphasis will be placed on research conducted with its unique human xenograft model and cell line derivative that won RGI recognition from the National Cancer Institute and various academic institutions. The aims of the major research programs are to:

• Study mechanisms of metastasis and tumor growth
• Discover new anti-metastatic therapies
• Identify critical growth factors/receptors for breast tumor development
• Demonstrate anti-metastasis suppressor genes and enhanced expression of several metastasis associated proteins in breast tumor xenograft and cell lines
• Evaluate chemotherapeutic/biotherapeutic agents effective against breast cancer