Prof. Ronald Levy the Robert K. and Helen K. Summy Professor at Stanford and Chief of the Division of Oncology in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University, School of Medicine gave a seminar entitled “Using the Immune System to Treat Lymphoma” at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh on Monday 30 March 2009. The seminar was sponsored by Alfaisal University College of Medicine and King Faisal International Prize in collaboration with KFSHRC. About 200 people attended the seminar including twenty faculty, staff and students from Alfaisal University. Dr. Levy who was the winner of the King Faisal International Prize in Medicine (2009) gave a fascinating overview on the development of antibodies for treatment Lymphoma cancer. There was an extensive question and answer period at the end of the seminar.

For over 30 years, King Faisal International Prize has been awarded to dedicated men and women whose contributions have made a positive difference. The Prize is awarded to those who exceptionally serve Islam and Muslims, and the scientists and scholars whose research results in significant advances in specific areas that benefit humanity. This incentive also encourages expanded research that may lead to important medical and scientific breakthroughs. About 20% of the prize winners eventually go on to win Nobel Prizes.

On Monday, March 30, 2009, members of Mr. Stephen’s  Chemistry class and Dr. Soyfur’s AP Chemistry class attended a presentation by King Faisal International Prize winner, Professor Ronald Levy.  The 1:00-2:30 medical lecture was held at Price Salman Auditorium at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh.  Dr. Levy addressed the full auditorium on “Using the Immune System to Treat Lymphoma” and other cancers.  Dr. Levy’s presentation highlighted the development, testing and success his group has had in developing specific antibody defenses within his patients’ bodies to fight off cancer rather than using invasive and often destructive radiation and chemotherapy protocols. 

Students were particularly impressed with learning of the life-saving work of Dr. Levy.  Especially significant was the fact that the treatment greatly reduces the discomfort of the patient, and may be expandable to fight all types of cancers in the future.  A “pop-quiz”, administered to attendees following the talk, was successfully negotiated by almost all the attendees.  It showed that even beginning students can comprehend and apply high-level breaking medical technology when presented with the opportunity.

Activities such as this are at the heart of university education.  They enable students to make the connections between real-world professions and their current studies.