HOUSTON — Pharmacologist V. Craig Jordan, Ph.D., a Houston pioneer in the fight against breast cancer, has died at the age of 76, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Jordan discovered SERMs – or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modules – and developed breakthrough treatments for women in their fight against cancer. He proved that the drug tamoxifen, originally designed to block estrogen and prevent pregnancies, could also be used to stop cancer. He became known as the “father of tamoxifen.”
“Dr. Jordan leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to influence cancer research and treatment for generations to come,” said MD Anderson President Peter WT Pisters, M.D., in a posting on the cancer center’s web site. “Craig’s passing is a profound loss to the scientific community and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
A native of New Braunfels, Jordan spent time at the University of Leeds, Switzerland's Ludwig Institute, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern University, Fox Chase Cancer Center and Georgetown University before coming to MD Anderson.
You can read more about Dr. Jordan’s accomplishments in breast cancer treatment, his background in the military and more on the MD Anderson website.
