Top Cancer Researcher Moves from Sanford to Avera

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A researcher that Dakotas-based Sanford Health hired to be the point man in an effort to find a cure for breast cancer has moved to the Avera Health network.

Brian Leyland-Jones and 10 of his Sanford colleagues moved to Avera Jan. 2. Leyland-Jones tells the Argus Leader Avera is a better fit — but he wishes Sanford and Avera could work together.

Sanford vice president Cindy Morrison says Sanford's work on breast cancer continues.

Sanford in 2011 announced a $100 million effort to find a cure for breast cancer. Officials plan to break ground this year on a multimillion-dollar breast cancer facility in Sioux Falls, S.D., to bring the initiative under one roof. Sanford also plans to expand the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, N.D., by 2017.

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