Category Archives: MSK in the News

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MSK Recognized for Outstanding Cancer Care for Children and more…

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  • In a recent article, MSK is recognized as a top hospital for treating children with cancer. Its team approach for rendering care to children is highlighted. The team includes researchers, pediatric oncologists, teachers, therapists and child life specialists. A unique feature of MSK’s pediatric cancer care is that most of the time, patients are treated on an outpatient basis, except in emergency cases. From the outset, the entire team monitors the children. Some cancer treatments can delay the growth and development of babies and small children. To offset these effects, the physical and occupational therapists step in to keep the delays to a minimum. A state-of-the-art playroom with all sorts of features and gadgets provides an enchanting non-hospital environment where the children feel safe and comfortable.
  • The results of a randomized phase III trial which studied the use of docetaxel together with androgen deprivation therapy for patients with metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, demonstrated practice-changing results. In comparison to standard treatment with androgen deprivation therapy alone, an almost 14 month survival benefit was achieved for patients receiving the combination treatment. The groundbreaking report was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting by Dr. Nicholas J. Vogenzang, MD, who was involved in designing the study. MSK’s chief of the Breast Cancer Medical Service and current ASCO president, Dr. Clifford A. Hudis, commented that for prostate cancer, the degree of improvement in survival achieved in this study has not been seen before.

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    MSK Collaborates with Quest Diagnostics to Test Patients’ Cancer Genes and more…

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    A few interesting articles selected and posted!

    • MSK will work with Quest Diagnostics to screen patients’ cancer genes in an effort to pinpoint the most appropriate drugs to treat their conditions. About 34 genes which have the greatest potential to have drugs that can target their mutations, will be tested. MSK will supply information about the tumor and the most promising drugs and clinical trials will be initiated.  It is hoped the initiative will be widened to 341 genes next year.
    • To help young breast cancer patients retain their fertility, which may be lost as a result of chemotherapy, a study from the Cleveland Clinic showed that temporarily stopping women’s monthly cycles may provide protection. In addition, it might result in lengthened survival. MSK’s Dr. Clifford Hudis, Chief of the Breast Cancer Service, believes this finding may be utilized for other tumors as well. Dr. Hudis, who is president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), made his comments at the annual meeting of ASCO taking place in Chicago. The drug which brought about the shutdown of the ovaries, Goserelin, was given to half of the 257 women in the study. Continue reading →

    MSK Receives $100 Million Donation for Cancer Research and more…

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    • MSK announced its receipt of a $100 million gift from Henry R. and Marie-Josée Kravis.  The Kravises are giving similar donations to the foremost institutions in the country which carry on cancer treatment and research.   The announcement coincided with the introduction of MSK’s new Center for Molecular Oncology.  The Center will be named for the Kravises.  The concentration of the Center will be to investigate the DNA of patients and their tumors with the goal of developing drugs which will be directed to genetic mutations at the root of their disease.
    • MSK has joined together with Rockefeller University and the Weill Cornell Medical College to announce the inception of a yearly prize which will support future life scientists.  To be called the Tri-Institutional Breakout Awards for Junior Investigators, up to six exceptional postdoctoral life science students will be awarded a $25,000 cash stipend each.  Every year, one recipient will come from each of the founding institutions and the rest of the prizes will be awarded to the most outstanding students regardless of their affiliation. Continue reading →