Dr. Larry Kwak, MD PhD

Dr Kwak is currently Professor and Chairman of the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

He has been recognized for his 20-year commitment to the science of cancer vaccines by Time Magazine in 2010 as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. The magazine recognizes people who are using their ideas, visions, and actions to transform the world and have an effect of a multitude of people.

Kwak's research, a vaccine for follicular lymphoma, could someday lead to a cure for cancer. His vaccine was put to test in a Phase III clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. This trial gave his vaccine a "foot in the door" It still needs to be approved by the FDA but has exciting promise.

Kwak credits his educational opportunities growing up in Lawrence for his success. "I felt I got a great education going through LHS. I even tell my kids about my English teacher and how painful it was, but how well she prepared me for the rest of my life. She really taught me to write.”

Title & Affiliation

Primary Appointment

Professor, Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Chairman, Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Justin Distinguished Endowed Chair in Leukemia Research, Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX