- MSK has partnered with IBM to introduce a new Skin Cancer Detection System. The system can categorize images of skin lesions into those that are melanoma, atypical and benign groups. Tests found the system 95% accurate in detecting cancerous lesions as compared to the accuracy of doctors which is 75 – 84%.
- A study carried out at MSK in which the drug AG-221 was given to patients with acute myeloid leukemia achieved an overall response rate of 56%. 15 patients reached complete remission and 10 reached partial remission and the response is ongoing. The study’s lead investigator, Dr. Eytan M. Stein, stated that the medication “has the potential to transform treatment of leukemia.”
- A review co-authored by MSK’s Dr. Babak J. Mehrara, a plastic surgeon, found that less than 40% of U.S. women who have mastectomies opt for immediate reconstruction. Some of the reasons include fear of complications and fear that immediate reconstruction will postpone the initiation of chemotherapy. Another concern is that reconstruction can heighten the risk of recurrence. In reality, reconstruction can improve the quality of life for some women.