Varmus to Head Cancer Institute After All?

The Cancer Letter , a trusted Washington, D.C.-based newsletter, is reporting that the White House plans to name Nobel prize-winner Harold Varmus as director of the National Cancer Institute. Varmus, a former director of the National Institutes of Health (NCI's parent), told ScienceInsider 2 weeks ago that rumors of his possible appointment were "far-fetched." He also pointed to two recent actions—buying a new apartment and renewing his research grant—that suggest he has no plans to leave New York City, where he is president of Memorial Sloan‑Kettering Cancer Center. But The Cancer Letter reports (subscription required) that "multiple sources in the federal government and outside it confirmed that the announcement appears imminent" and is expected in the next few days. Varmus did not respond to an e-mail this afternoon seeking comment.