Memorial Sloan-Kettering patient Jennifer Goodman Linn co-founded Cycle for Survival, an indoor cycling event that started as a single-gym fundraiser with a five-figure goal but has now raised more than $14 million for cancer research. Her oncologist, Gary Schwartz, was quoted.
8H9, a promising new treatment that targets neuroblastoma cells, is helping two-year-old Lilly MacGlashan beat cancer. Lilly’s pediatric oncologist, Kim Kramer, said, “We have made great progress and have treated plenty of children who have beaten this and gone on to live good lives without the cancer coming back anywhere in their bodies.”
Christopher Sarro, whose daughter was diagnosed with leukemia last year, is participating in this year’s Cycle for Survival to raise funds for cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. The indoor cycling event, co-founded in 2007 by Jennifer Goodman Linn, who lost her battle with cancer last year, is Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s most successful patient-run fundraiser to date. Ms. Linn’s oncologist, Gary Schwartz, was quoted.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering patient John O’Mara and his oncologist, Daniel Danila, spoke about the investigationaloraldrug MDV3100, which is improving outcomes in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Mr. O’Mara, a clinical trial subject who is receiving the drug, said, “I do look at the future, even though I’m quite an old man, with a great deal more confidence.”
Cycle for Survival started in 2007 with the goal of raising $10,000 for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. The event was held exclusively in New York that first year, bringing together 50 teams that raised $250,000. Since then, it’s grown in number of cyclers, donations, and locations. In 2012, more than 2,000 teams rode over the course of two weekends.
The investigational oral drug MDV3100 significantly improved overall survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer, according to results presented by lead investigatorHoward Scher at a recent medical meeting. Lab work conducted by Charles Sawyers and colleagues was instrumental in the development of this novel therapy.
Breast Surgical Chief Monica Morrow said that a new study might help push professional groups to develop guidelines for lumpectomysurgery, the most common operation to treat breast cancer. According to the study, nearly half of women who had lumpectomies for breast cancer had second operations they may not have needed.
Infectious disease specialistKent Sepkowitz authored this opinion on cancer screening tests. Enthusiasm for routine mammography and PSAscreening has waned recently, as the US Preventive Services Task Force has changed its recommendations for such screening measures. “Perhaps what is lacking,” Dr. Sepkowitz said, “is a respect for the calm pace required for true innovation.”
Gynecologic oncologist Mario Leitao argued that doctors shouldn’t give up on robots despite a new study that found similar complication rates among women treated for endometrial cancer with robotic surgery versus traditional laparoscopy.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering patient Jennifer Goodman Linn co-founded Cycle for Survival, an annual cycling event to raise awareness for rare cancers. Katie Kotkins, who heads the initiative, said that more than $12 million has been raised since the organization’s inception.
When asked which profession they think is the most honest and ethical, Americans rank nursing No. 1. Nurses consistently have topped Gallup’s annual poll since the profession was first included in 1999. Ann Culkin, a nurse on the ThoracicOncology Service, weighed in on why she believes nursing is so trusted by Americans.
Epidemiologist Stephen Dusza led a study that found that most children do not regularly use sunscreen. Dr. Dusza and his team of investigators surveyed 360 fifth graders over three years and found that half of the children who routinely used sunscreen at the beginning of the study no longer did so three years later.
A new survey found that only a handful of indoor tanning salons reported a drop in clients after a 2010 federal excise tax was implemented to deter customers from using indoor tanning services. Steven Wang, head of dermatology in Basking Ridge, was quoted.
Registered dietitian Margaret Ziegler offered tips and nutrition information for people living with cancer. She said that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach because the experience of cancer is so individualized and every person with cancer has a unique experience.
Two women whose lives have been touched by cancer started an online campaign urging toy manufacturer Mattel to produce a bald Barbie doll to help kids cope with hair loss. Child psychiatrist and pediatrician Abraham Bartell was quoted.
Surgery Chair Peter Scardino commented on the discovery of a new genemutation linked to a higher risk of developing hereditaryprostate cancer. Dr. Scardino said that with further research, the new gene mutation might be one of many in a panel that clinicians could screen for in order to determine which men should receive prostate cancer testing at a younger age.
Dave Linn, co-founder of Cycle for Survival, talked about his wife, Memorial Sloan-Kettering patient Jennifer Goodman Linn, whose tireless efforts to raise awareness for rare cancers led to the establishment of one of the world’s fastest-growing athletic fundraising events. Cycle for Survival has raised more than $12 million in support of lifesaving research on rare cancers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Esquire Magazine named Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Paul Chapman as one of the 77 reasons to celebrate in 2011 for his work with the drug vemurafenib. In clinical trials for treating melanoma, the drug proved so successful that the trial was halted early, so all patients could benefit from the therapy.
Memorial-Sloan Kettering’s Carol Aghajanian discussed a study that showed that for women with advanced cases of ovarian cancer, the drug Avastin adds about four months to the time it takes for the cancer to worsen.
A drug used to treat glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer) and certain types of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Avastin binds to a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It is a type of antiangiogenesis agent and a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called bevacizumab.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
breast (brest)
Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
cancer screening
Clinical testing designed to identify the presence of a specific cancer in an asymptomatic individual or population thought to be at risk of that specific cancer. The intent is to find cancers at the earliest possible stage in their development, in order to improve the chances for disease cure.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
complication (kom-plih-KAY-shun)
In medicine, a medical problem that occurs during a disease, or after a procedure or treatment. The complication may be caused by the disease, procedure, or treatment or may be unrelated to them.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
cope (kope)
To adjust to new situations and overcome problems.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
dietitian (dy-eh-TIH-shun)
A health professional with special training in nutrition who can help with dietary choices. Also called nutritionist.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
endometrial (EN-doh-MEE-tree-ul)
Having to do with the endometrium (the layer of tissue that lines the uterus).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
epidemiologist (EH-pih-DEE-mee-AH-loh-jist)
A scientist who studies the patterns, causes, and control of disease in groups of people.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
ethical (EH-thih-kul)
Having to do with beliefs about what is right and wrong in terms of how people behave. Also called moral.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
gene (jeen)
The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
gynecologic (GY-neh-kuh-LAH-jik)
Having to do with the female reproductive tract (including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
hereditary (huh-REH-dih-tayr-ee)
Transmitted from parent to child by information contained in the genes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
investigational (in-VES-tih-GAY-shuh-nul)
In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug, dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered investigational in other diseases or conditions. Also called experimental.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
investigator (in-VES-tih-gay-ter)
A researcher in a clinical trial or clinical study.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
laparoscopy (LA-puh-ROS-koh-pee)
A procedure that uses a laparoscope, inserted through the abdominal wall, to examine the inside of the abdomen. A laparoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
leukemia (loo-KEE-mee-uh)
Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
lumpectomy (lum-PEK-toh-mee)
Surgery to remove abnormal tissue or cancer from the breast and a small amount of normal tissue around it. It is a type of breast-sparing surgery.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
mammography (ma-MAH-gruh-fee)
The use of film or a computer to create a picture of the breast.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
mutation (myoo-TAY-shun)
Any change in the DNA of a cell. Mutations may be caused by mistakes during cell division, or they may be caused by exposure to DNA-damaging agents in the environment. Mutations can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect. If they occur in cells that make eggs or sperm, they can be inherited; if mutations occur in other types of cells, they are not inherited. Certain mutations may lead to cancer or other diseases.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
nurse (nurs)
A health professional trained to care for people who are ill or disabled.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
nutrition (noo-TRIH-shun)
The taking in and use of food and other nourishing material by the body. Nutrition is a 3-part process. First, food or drink is consumed. Second, the body breaks down the food or drink into nutrients. Third, the nutrients travel through the bloodstream to different parts of the body where they are used as "fuel" and for many other purposes. To give the body proper nutrition, a person has to eat and drink enough of the foods that contain key nutrients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
oncologist (on-KAH-loh-jist)
A doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment. For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
oncology (on-KAH-loh-jee)
The study of cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
oral (OR-ul)
By or having to do with the mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
pediatric (pee-dee-A-trik)
Having to do with children.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
A doctor who specializes in treating children with cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
preventive (pree-VEN-tiv)
Used to prevent disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
prostate (PROS-tayt)
A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
PSA
A protein made by the prostate gland and found in the blood. PSA blood levels may be higher than normal in men who have prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or infection or inflammation of the prostate gland. Also called prostate-specific antigen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
psychiatrist (sy-KY-uh-trist)
A medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
screening (SKREE-ning)
Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Since screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (breast), colonoscopy (colon), and the Pap test and HPV test (cervix). Screening can also include checking for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease by doing a genetic test.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
specialist (SPEH-shuh-list)
In medicine, a doctor or other health care professional who is trained and licensed in a special area of practice. Examples of medical specialists include oncologists (cancer specialists) and hematologists (blood specialists).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
sunscreen (SUN-skreen)
A substance that helps protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunscreens reflect, absorb, and scatter both ultraviolet A and B radiation to provide protection against both types of radiation. Using lotions, creams, or gels that contain sunscreens can help protect the skin from premature aging and damage that may lead to skin cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
surgery (SER-juh-ree)
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
thoracic (thor-A-sik)
Having to do with the chest.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
vemurafenib (VEH-myoo-RA-feh-nib)
A drug used to treat advanced melanoma that has a mutated (changed) form of a cell protein called BRAF. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Vemurafenib blocks this mutated protein, which may stop the growth of cancer cells. It is a type of kinase inhibitor and a type of targeted therapy agent. Also called BRAF (V600E) kinase inhibitor RO5185426, PLX4032, RG7204, and Zelboraf.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms (http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
