Media Coverage

Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Breast Cancer Programs Larry Norton authored this post about the new MSKCC-IBM collaboration to develop a decision-support tool based upon IBM’s Watson computer. He said, “The human is never left out of the conversation. And that humanity—never before captured in guidelines or lists of therapeutic options—is what makes this project unique: It goes beyond mere knowledge, as important as that is, by entering the realm of human wisdom.”

Thoracic Oncology Service Chief Mark Kris said the new MSKCC-IBM collaboration to develop a supercomputer to support oncologists is “like having a Memorial Sloan-Kettering trained colleague for any doctor on earth.” Built upon IBM’s Watson computer, the new tool will combine Watson’s advanced analytics capabilities with Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s clinical insights.

Physician-scientist Ross Levine discussed his study that found that a mutation in the gene known as TET2 contributes to the development of some leukemias. The discovery provides a key insight into what first goes wrong in the development of many leukemias and shows that genetic testing can guide doctors in how best to use current therapies as well as identify new drug targets.

Urologic surgeon Harry Herr talked about current treatment options for bladder cancer and the research under way to bring new treatments to patients.

Pain and Palliative Care Service Chief Paul Glare commented on a study that found that one in three older cancer patients are not taking opioids to treat their pain. Dr. Glare said that if patients feel their pain is not being addressed by their doctor, they should ask to see a pain specialist for treatment.

Medical oncologist Jedd Wolchok and his patient Valerie Esposito spoke about the rare medical phenomenon she experienced when local radiation to just one tumor caused other tumors in her body to shrink. Dr. Wolchok said, “We’re very excited about this result because we treated just one tumor with radiation therapy in this patient, and as a result, distant tumors regressed.”

Psychiatry Service Chief William Breitbart discussed his study that found that talk therapy sessions focused on spirituality and finding meaning improved quality of life and well-being in terminally ill cancer patients. Dr. Breitbart said, “What’s critical for cancer patients is for them to understand that even with advanced cancer, there is always the possibility for the experience of meaning, even in the last days of life.”

A new study led by epidemiologist Ann Zauber and gastroenterologist Sidney Winawer found that removing polyps by colonoscopy not only prevents colorectal cancer from developing, but also prevents deaths from the disease. Although many people have assumed that colonoscopy must save lives because it is so often recommended, strong evidence has been lacking until now.

Chemotherapy can dramatically affect a patient’s appetite, tastes, and diet. Executive Chef Pnina Peled talked about a growing trend among hospitals to revamp their kitchens and offer more-personalized menu items for patients with a variety of nutritional needs. Food and Nutrition Services Director Veronica McLymont was also quoted.