Category Archives: MSK in the News

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Early Study of New CAR-T Cell Shows Promising Results

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A study by MSK researchers in Nature Chemical Biology describes the development of a new class of cell that may boost treatment options for certain cancers and other diseases, one of a number of new advances in the field of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) therapy.

CAR-T cells are engineered from a patient’s own cells and used to activate an immune response against cancer. As described by Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News and The Science Advisory Board, the new synthetic enzyme-armed killer (SEAKER) cells described in the study overcome many of the limitations of current CAR-T cell therapies. In an animal model, the researchers successfully engineered the cells to produce AMS, a natural anti-cancer compound, at the cancer site.

The researchers plan to further develop SEAKER cells for use in human clinical trials in two to three years.

From Outer Space to Patient Homes: The Cutting Edge of Exercise Research

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Jessica Scott, PhD

Jessica Scott, PhD. Photo by Ethan Kavet.

Today recently spoke to MSK’s Dr. Jessica Scott about her research on whether vigorous exercise can alleviate chemotherapy side effects. Prior to working at MSK, Dr. Scott studied the impact of exercise on NASA astronauts. She has found similarities in the way space flight and chemotherapy impact the heart, brain, and musculoskeletal system.

Dr. Scott’s study participants used to visit MSK to take part in her research. To allow her work to continue during the pandemic, she and her team sent participants treadmills, blood pressure cuffs, heart monitors, and iPads to enable remote, monitored workouts—similar to how astronauts in space are monitored back on earth. Study results should be out next year.

What Patients Can Learn from Breast Cancer Staging

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Yolanda Bryce, MD

Yolanda Bryce, MD. Photo: Richard DeWitt

In a recent Insider article, MSK’s Dr. Yolanda Bryce discusses the benefits and drawbacks of breast cancer staging.

As Dr. Bryce explains, staging informs treatment plans and helps doctors educate patients about their diagnosis. But the clinical picture for each individual is much more complicated than overall breast cancer stage survival statistics, especially in an era of rapid medical advancement. Dr. Bryce also notes that different cancers progress at different rates.

Read the article to learn more about breast cancer stages, and visit the Library’s Patient and Health Care Consumer Education Guide to find out how the Library can help provide resources to supplement the information from your health care team.