Prominent M.D. Anderson cancer doctor dies at 63

Source: Houston ChroniclePublished: June 22,2013By: Todd Ackerman  OCF sadly reports the death of one of its founding board members and good friend, Dr. Kian Ang. Dr. Ang was Brian Hill's personal radiation oncologist when he was treated at MDACC for his oral cancer. The two developed a strong friendship over the years. Brian often refers to Dr. Ang as one of his most valued mentors in the treatment of oral cancers, and in critical thinking when reviewing scientific papers. He will be greatly missed as a strong contributor and advisor to OCF, having helped set its direction for many years.   Dr. Kian Ang, a prominent cancer doctor who helped popularize the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center tradition of ringing a bell at the end of radiation treatment, died Wednesday. He was 63. Ang, who pioneered practice-changing treatment for head and neck cancers, succumbed to cancer at M.D. Anderson, surrounded by family. He was diagnosed recently with the disease. "Dr. Ang was the true triple threat - outstanding clinician, accomplished investigator and educator par excellence," said Dr. Randal Weber, chairman of head and neck surgery at M.D. Anderson. "He was the guy who could do it all, what many of us aspire to be but fall short of." Colleagues at the University of Texas cancer center said Ang's greatest achievements included pioneering work treating head and neck cancers with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, particularly targeted therapies; and determining that cancers of the throat are more sensitive to treatment if caused by the [...]