Some news items mentioning MSK over the past few weeks;

• MSK joined with 14 organizations to launch the Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology. The initiative aims to use the science of nanotechnology to develop new vaccines and drug delivery systems, as well as improved imaging technology and disease detection.

• A study carried out under MSK’s Dr. Monica Morrow has shown that less than 42% of breast cancer survivors decide to undergo breast reconstruction following mastectomy despite mandatory coverage. Among the characteristics of patients who do not choose reconstruction are being older, being black and having a lower education level. Continue reading →

In an effort to reduce poor health among taxi drivers, many of whom suffer from cardiovascular disease, and cancer risk resulting from stress, diet, inactive life style, and exposure to the environment, the National Institutes of Health awarded a grant to MSK to improve the health of this population. One component of the initiative will be to launch a cardiovascular risk reduction exercise study.

Ten percent of patients who survive cancer still smoke 10 years after their initial diagnosis. The American Cancer Society study in which this was reported highlighted how difficult it is to quit, and pointed to the need for doctors to exert more influence on survivors. Dr. Jamie Ostroff, Director of MSK’s tobacco treatment program, weighed in saying, “there is scientific evidence that quitting smoking improves cancer patients’ prognosis.”

A study carried out by MSK and headed by Dr. Jennifer Ford of the psychiatry and behavioral sciences department, has shown that young women who are survivors of childhood cancer may suffer sexual dysfunction many years after their cancer treatment.  The women in the study reported less interest in sex, less desire and less satisfaction as compared to their sisters who never had cancer.

A comprehensive study of childhood cancer survivors has shown that one in four will develop coronary artery disease by age 50, brought on by radiation and/or anthracycline treatment. The encouraging news is that research carried out by MSK along with 6 other North American cancer centers, has demonstrated the effects of exercise on survivors of childhood Hodgkin’s lymphoma.   MSK’s Dr. Lee Jones reported that the more exercise patients did each week, the smaller their chances of developing cardiovascular problems.

• MSK together with the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) and the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) declared July 27^th as “World Head and Neck Cancer Day.” This occasion will launch an international initiative to promote awareness, education and training in the diagnosis, treatment, outcomes and research in head and neck cancer, said Dr. Jatin Shah, Chief of the Head and Neck Service at MSK.
• Research carried out by Sloan Kettering Institute and Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry in the UK, has shed light on how cells in the brain and nervous system turn into cancer. They studied a tumor suppressor named Merlin and discovered how the loss of Merlin leads to tumors in the nervous system. The discovery can lead the way to drug therapy which may combat the process.
• Sunitinib, a VEGF inhibitor, is the preferred first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma as compared with the mTor inhibitor, everolimus. RECORD-3, a phase two trial, evaluated progression of disease on everolimus vs sunitinib and found that progression free survival was longer for patients treated with first-line sunitinib, as reported by Dr. Robert J. Motzer of the MSK Dept. of Medicine.
• Patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma showed an improved response rate and significant duration of response when they received a higher than standard dose of carfilzomib in a study headed by Dr. Nikoletta Lendvai, of MSK’s Dept. of Medicine. At least a partial response was achieved in 55% of patients in the study.