The Science Behind Addiction-SBP Cancer Center Open House

Science Behind Addiction. Meet the scientists working to better understand the science behind addiction and the relation to cancer. Ask a clinician about current treatment options and get an insider’s view on what’s coming in the future.

The Open House

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Meet and share experiences with other people affected by addiction.

• Learn about some of the most promising approaches for new treatments.

• Talk directly with a clinician.

Your Hosts

This open house is hosted by the Cancer Center’s Community Advisory Board. Its members strive to bridge the gap between biomedical science and the people who need it most: patients and the families and friends who love and support them.

Presenting Labs and Clinician

This open house is unique as labs from Scripps Research and UCSD School of Medicine will participate with SBP!

Dr. Nick Cosford’s lab (SBP) is focused on the discovery and optimization of compounds that have the potential to treat cancer, central nervous system (CNS) diseases, and infectious diseases. Within the CNS, they have a major focus on substance use disorders. Dr. Marisa Roberto’s lab (Scripps Research) focuses on identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms in the brain that contribute to addiction and how those discoveries are paving the way to help people heal from alcohol use disorder (AUD). Dr. Benjamin McKenna (UCSD School of Medicine) focuses on understanding the neurobiology and associated cognitive functions impacted by substances of abuse, and the interactions between addictions and other mental illnesses. The goals of these interests are aimed at improving treatments in patients with comorbid mental health and substance use diagnoses. Dr. Robert Anthenelli (UCSD School of Medicine) is a clinician whose research focuses on developing novel or improved treatments for cancer-causing tobacco and alcohol use disorders. He will share some of his insights as a physician-scientist working in this area over the past 30 years.

Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with cancer scientists, survivors, and research advocates during an informal evening reception featuring healthy nibbles and refreshing drinks. There will be poster presentations throughout the event, showing attendees the various approaches to the science behind addiction and the relation to cancer.

Event Location and Where to Park at for this Event?

The event takes place on Sanford Burnham Prebys' campus in Chairmen's Hall, Building 5. Park in the Sanford Burnham Prebys parking structure off Cray Court (accessible by turning onto John J. Hopkins Drive). Once in the structure, you may park in any space that is not makred reserved. For handicap parking, please drive to the top of the parking structure to locate handicap spaces. See this parking guide.

Current Community Advisory Board (CAB) members from left to right: Helen Eckmann, Anggie Becorest, Paul Kaufmann, Marie Schrup, Roy Wiley, Nina Fishman, Jerry Kent (and his wife Barbara); missing is Cindy Goodman.

Host or Publisher Sanford Burnham Prebys