- A recent study has shown that male smokers have a greater number of cell mutations resulting in the loss of Y chromosomes in their blood cells. This is not experienced by men who do not smoke. MSK’s Dr. Robert Benezra has said, “This is an important study,” but that more research needs to take place. Identification of loss of Y chromosomes can bring about more rigorous screening of smokers at early points in their disease trajectory.
- MSK’s Dr. Nadeem Abu-Rustum, Chief of the Gynecology Service, reported at the International Gynecologic Cancer Society meeting that sentinel lymph node mapping significantly assists in the staging of early endometrial cancer. It decreases side effects, makes possible the selection of lymph nodes with a higher probability of containing disease and reduces the number of lymph nodes removed, thus diminishing the possibility of the development of lymphedema.
- Preliminary results of an MSK phase 1B clinical trial indicated that the PD-1 inhibitor, pembrolizumab used to treat pre-treated patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, brought about a response in 66% of participants in the study. The results were reported by MSK’s Dr. Craig H. Moskowitz, the lead investigator, who is clinical director in the Division of Hematologic Oncology.