New Cancer Cachexia Treatment Boosts Weight Gain and Patient Activity
Wilmot oncologist Richard Dunne, MD, helped to run the nationwide clinical trial to treat this common complication of cancer.
Stories
Research: How the Immune System Fails as Cancer Arises
Wilmot scientists discovered a molecule that reprograms immune cells and turns them into cancer promoters.
More Research Confirms the Value of Knowing the Whole Person in Geriatric Oncology
Cancer care for older adults improves when doctors use a tool called geriatric assessment.
RNA Biology Identifies Colon Cancer Subtypes; Research May Benefit Patients
Translational research at Wilmot focuses on identifying subtypes of colon cancer.
Measuring “Quality of Life” is an Important Trend in Cancer Care
Study shows that life improved for young cancer patients who received a newer treatment regimen.
IT Innovations Led by Wilmot’s Eric Snyder Capture National Attention
Eric Snyder says he’s “out to change the world” — and he’s only half joking. At the very least, the director of Informatics at Wilmot Cancer Institute wants to change the nation’s thinking around ...
Louis Constine’s Seminal Contribution to Radiation Oncology
Louis (Sandy) Constine, MD, FACR, FASTRO, has been a specialist in radiation and pediatric oncology for 50 years. This month, his career reached a high point when the premier journal in his field ...
The HPV Vaccine Reduces Risk of Cancer for All, not just Women, New Data Show
One of the big headlines from a major scientific meeting recently: The HPV vaccine not only prevents cervical cancer but reduces the risk of multiple other cancers and even pre-malignant lesions.
Make Life Count: One Longtime Cancer Survivor's Story
It was college spring break week at the University of Rochester in 1976 for John Saunders, but there would be no fun outings, no hanging out. He had just learned he had Hodgkin lymphoma. He shares ...
New Cancer-Related Fatigue Treatment Guidelines Urge Exercise, Talk Therapy, Mindfulness, Tai Chi
Karen Mustian, PhD, MPH, led a national panel to recommend what works best for cancer fatigue, a significant side effect for patients.
Can Diet Help with Advanced Breast Cancer? All Indications Are Positive, Researchers Say
Scientists showed important changes in blood work, and are doing further studies to discover if a plant-based diet can slow cancer growth.
Spotlight on Wilmot Cancer Institute's 50th Anniversary
Fifty years ago, the University of Rochester established its cancer center, around the time the nation's view of the disease began to change. Today, cancer research and treatment is in its most ...
Breast Cancer Screening: Finally, 40 is the New 50, Experts Say
A new decision officially allows individuals at age 40 to begin routine screening for breast cancer.
Wilmot's Dialogue Magazine: Celebrating 50 Years of “Unimaginable” Progress and a Bold Future
The latest edition of Dialogue magazine from the Wilmot Cancer Institute is about progress, gratitude, and achievement, as the cancer center reaches its 50-year milestone.
Cancer is a Disease of Aging, but Studies of Older Adults Sorely Lacking
A national review by a Wilmot member calls for research focused on reducing biases that impact older people with cancer.
Deep in the Bile Ducts, Researchers Explore How Cancer Arises
The latest Wilmot study on bile duct cancer shows how two known cancer genes cooperate to fuel it.
Cancer in Rural Upstate NY: Study Reveals Obstacles, Opportunities for Care
Farm life and transportation present unique challenges for Wilmot Cancer Institute patients in the region, where cancer incidence is among highest in the U.S.
Face to Face: Meet 'Upstate Girl' Jamie Flerlage, MD
Get to know Jamie Flerlage, MD, MS. She recently joined URMC as the new Chief and Academic Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Golisano Children's Hospital and Assistant Director of Clinical ...
Sharp Pain in Your Feet? Researchers Test Promising Therapy for Cancer Patients’ Neuropathy
TENS devices, which block pain and are readily available, may be useful for cancer patients, a new study shows.
Mendon Family Gifts Wilmot $50K in Honor of Daughter’s Extraordinary Care
Sarah Moore’s life over the past year has been mind-boggling and, at the same time, miraculous, after she spent more than 200 days in the hospital at Wilmot Cancer Institute.
NIH Awards $7.5M for UR Center to Help Shape Future of Drug Development
A large NIH grant funds UR team to develop drugs without animal testing.
Research Roundup: Research “Wunderkind” Finds Meaning in Cancer Diagnosis
Lauren Ghazal, PhD, FNP-BC, found out she had lymphoma at age 26 while working as a nurse practitioner in New York City. The experience ended up shaping her research career; today, she is part of ...
Wilmot Lab Receives NY State Funds for Research Upgrades
Wilmot Cancer Institute will receive $339,850 from Empire State Development (ESD) to help with renovations and new technology for their Biobank Shared Resource. The grant was awarded through the ...
Wilmot Investigators Showcase Research at National Hematology Meeting
From basic science to communications tools for cancer patients, Wilmot researchers are making an impact.
$13M Boosts a Growing Immunotherapy Research Project at Wilmot, Roswell Park, Kaiser Permanente
A collaborative clinical research project to understand racial disparities in the use of immunotherapy to treat cancer, taking place between UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute and Roswell Park ...
Pancreatic Cancer Discovery Opens the Door for New Clinical Trial at Wilmot
Studies are focused on pancreatic cancer that spreads to the liver.
From Patient to Philanthropist: How One Cancer Patient Gives Back to 'A Place that Gave Us Hope'
Gwyn Hankinson found out she had breast cancer more than two decades ago, while she was also pregnant with their first son. Today, she is doing well, and since then, Gwyn and her husband, Garth, have ...
Community Collaboration Fuels a Compelling Grassroots Perspective
The first time Karen Mustian, Ph.D., a Wilmot Cancer Institute research leader, met the Reverend Patrina Freeman and a group of community advisors, she was so moved that she wept. Freeman is part of ...
Hot Flashes, Vaginal Dryness: Is Endocrine Therapy Worth It for Breast Cancer?
Cancer treatment is riddled with pros and cons, trade-offs. During October, breast cancer awareness month, the spotlight shines on endocrine therapy or “hormonal therapy.”
Guided by Research, Wilmot’s Breast Cancer Program Comes of Age
From basic science to screening to care and survivorship, Wilmot’s growing and flourishing Comprehensive Breast Care program has an impressive list of new initiatives.
What Happens if Your Circadian Rhythms are Out of Whack?
If jet lag, nighttime snacking, lack of sleep, or irregular work schedules factor into your life, a recent study adds to the evidence of cancer risk.
Coping with Cancer: Webster Football Coach Practices What He Preaches
Scott Deuschle tapped strength he learned from sports, and community support, to tackle head and neck cancer.
Science Backs Mind-Body Tools Like Meditation and Music for Cancer-Related Anxiety
Science now supports several mind-body interventions - meditation, yoga, acupuncture, music therapy, for example- and a Wilmot faculty member was on the national panel.
A Fountain of Youth? These Researchers See It – Absent of Cancer
Groundbreaking research shows that a longevity gene can be transferred from one mammal to another to extend life and stave off aging-related diseases like cancer.
Karen Mustian Named Wilmot Cancer Institute's Associate Director for Population Science
Karen Mustian, PhD, MPH, tenured dean’s professor in the Division of Cancer Control, Department of Surgery, and a longtime leader at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, has been promoted to Associate ...
Dialogue Magazine: Breast Cancer Services Thrive — As Do the Grad Student Researchers at Wilmot
In the latest edition of Dialogue (Vol 1, 2023), read stories about breast cancer care and research at Wilmot Cancer Institute, a community collaboration that is benefitting cancer research, and ...
M. Patricia Rivera Shares Life Lessons as She Takes on Presidency of the American Thoracic Society
In an acceptance speech, Patricia Rivera, M.D., inspired colleagues and trainees with her powerful immigrant story of challenges and success.
Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment: Boosting New Options for Young People with Advanced Disease
Thanks to a groundbreaking nationwide study with Wilmot Director Jonathan Friedberg at the helm, a practice-changing treatment emerged for young people with Hodgkin lymphoma.
Breast Cancer Survivor Receives Inspiration Award, Talks About New Screening Guidelines
Christine Skivington was honored at Wilmot Cancer Institute’s annual Discovery Ball on May 6, 2023, for her inspiring story. She is the mother of three small children who faced an aggressive type of ...
Wilmot Researchers Discover How to Steer Army of Immune Cells toward Cancer
Life-extending immunotherapies, like CAR T-cell cancer therapy, sometimes migrate to places they shouldn’t go. A Wilmot team discovered the molecule that guides T cells toward tumors, setting the ...
More Proof that Too Many Medications Leads to Adversity for Older Cancer Patients
Polypharmacy is a buzz word for the use of multiple medications. A Wilmot Cancer Institute study shows it can have serious consequences for older adults with cancer.
Supriya Mohile Earns Spot in Top Medical Honor Society for Outstanding Work in Geriatric Oncology
Trailblazer in the treatment of the oldest cancer patients is elected to the distinguished ASCI.
Hereditary Breast Cancer Created a Mother-Daughter “Unbreakable Bond”
Melissa Selner, 38, and her mother, Alice Pena, 71, practically finish each other’s sentences and have been close throughout life. During the last two years, they added breast cancer to their shared ...
Face to Face: Anna Weiss Strives to Bring "Brightness," Vision to the Breast Cancer Program
Anna Weiss, MD, recently joined Wilmot Cancer Institute as a breast cancer surgeon and director of the Breast Cancer Service Line. A Syracuse native, she shares her vision for Wilmot's Breast Care ...
Pressing Issue: The High Incidence of Lung Cancer
The area around Wilmot Cancer Institute has a much higher rate of lung cancer compared to New York state and the rest of the U.S. Wilmot is working to address this statistic through prevention, ...
Wilmot’s Dialogue Magazine: Progress in Lung and Breast Cancer, Community Outreach
Lung cancer weighs heavy in the Rochester region and Wilmot Cancer Institute has multi-pronged strategies to meet the challenge. Read about the data behind lung cancer cases in the region, early ...
Study: Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors Show Signs of Dementia in Early Adulthood
In a new study, the majority of individuals treated as children for Hodgkin lymphoma who are now in their 30s, showed signs of being an average of 7.7 years older biologically than their peers.
Op-Ed: Mentorship Always Matters, Especially for Black Faculty in Academia
In The Hematologist journal, Wilmot investigator Nikesha Gilmore, Ph.D., discusses the challenges faced by Black faculty members.
How to Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence
Wilmot's Michelle Shayne, M.D., shares practical information anyone can use.
Do Colonoscopies Prevent Colon Cancer?
Recent reports raised questions about colonoscopy, but don't cancel your procedure because it's still the best way to prevent and detect colorectal cancer.
Skin Cancer Detection: New Device Seeks to Shorten Wait Time for Biopsies
A Wilmot investigator designed a device that can detect skin cancer from a biopsy in minutes.
Ovarian Cancer Detection Takes a Step Forward, Thanks to Wilmot
A simple blood test can predict cancer in people who have a lesion or cyst in the pelvic region, according to a new study in the Obstetrics & Gynecology "Green" journal. The non-invasive test, which ...
As ASBMR President-Elect, Laura Calvi Looks to Expand Connections Among Scientists
Laura Calvi, M.D., take the helm as president-elect of The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
In a World Full of 3D Models, Researchers Build a New One for Leukemia
The microchip-like device has more features than others and is intended to evaluate how leukemia responds to treatment.
Wilmot Researchers Bring in $13 Million in New, Peer-Reviewed Grants
The grants showcase growth and initiative at Wilmot's research enterprise.
Concerned about Breast and Ovarian Cancer? Research Brings Progress
New technology and new guidance from two studies help to identify cancer earlier, track it when it's already present, and clarify gray areas of concern.
Is Cachexia All Greek to You? It’s Common with Cancer
Three Wilmot investigators won a Cancer Grand Challenges grant and will work with a global team to study cachexia, a debilitating condition associated with cancer. The team awards were announced ...
First Graduate of New PhD Curriculum is Motivated to Impact Cancer Patients
During this graduation season, here's some nice "firsts" — Carlos Ortiz-Bonilla, Ph.D., is the first to complete a new cancer biology concentration and the first in his family to earn an advanced ...
Conquering Cancer: Wilmot Takes Part in ASCO Meeting
The latest on Wilmot faculty and trainees who are participating in the year's largest annual meeting for cancer specialists.
If You Take Several Medications, ‘Polypharmacy’ is a Word to Know
Taking multiple prescription drugs and supplements can be fraught with risk, a new study suggests - but it's hard for many people to part with their medications.
Study: Art at the Bedside of Cancer Patients is Good Medicine
A medical student married her love for art and a desire to help cancer patients by designing an art-appreciation study to ease anxiety.
“They Started an Avalanche” for Pancreatic Cancer Support
Twelve years ago, three women were separately in search of camaraderie as their families were shaken by pancreatic cancer. They had joined a popular nationwide online discussion forum, and to their ...
What is Ki-67 in Breast Cancer? It Can Spell the Difference in Treatment Options
Tumor biology and breast cancer-related genes are qualifying factors in newer CDK inhibitor therapies.
Can a Drug Derived from Magnolia Plants Impact Leukemia?
A trio of investigators are striving for a direct hit to acute leukemia.
Study Shows Misconceptions about Cure, Longevity, Among Cancer Patients Facing 'Terrifying News'
A Wilmot study shows that nothing in medicine is 100%, including how patients and doctors view chances of a cure.
Taking Diversity Seriously: Q&A with Ruth O'Regan
Building a more diverse workforce means reaching out to bright minds and persuading them to embrace the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Wilmot’s associate director for the Cancer ...
Women in Science Day: ‘Times are Changing’
It's International Day of Women & Girls in Science. Read about some of the talent at Wilmot.
New Beginnings: Wilmot's Five-Year Journey to the 'Blue Ribbon'
In September 2021, Wilmot Cancer Institute met a goal set five years ago: To apply to the National Cancer Institute for a P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). In the following Q&A story, Wilmot ...
Wilmot’s Dialogue Magazine Showcases Diversity and Quest for NCI "Blue Ribbon"
Read about the National Cancer Institute prize that Wilmot seeks in this issue of Dialogue magazine.
Thanks to Clinical Trials, Big Leaps in Lymphoma Treatment
Two major clinical trials are changing the landscape in the most common form of lymphoma.
Cancer Researcher Spins ‘Gold Dust’ from Courage and Collaboration
At 23 years old, Scott Gerber was a cashier at Dunkin Donuts and admittedly “lost” in a master’s program at the URMC. But he took a risk based on an interest in immunology - and it led to a ...
Wilmot Leaders in Geriatric Oncology on Stage at International Meeting
Researchers offered perspectives on digital technology, patient advocacy, and data science.
Less Chemotherapy, Personalized Care: Wilmot Study Reinforces Major Strides in Geriatric Oncology
Doctors can safely prescribe less chemotherapy for older adults without impacting survival, if personal circumstances call for it. A tool known as geriatric assessment helps to determine the correct ...
Wilmot Clinical Trials Office Steps Up Its Game
Many small business growth stories — whether it involves a food retailer, a fashion brand, or even Zoom, which was much less known until 2019 — have things in common with the Wilmot Cancer ...
“Junk DNA” is a Double-Edged Sword: The Good Side has Anti-Cancer Potential
Researchers are looking at news ways to leverage "junk DNA" to prompt the immune system to kill cancer cells.
Researchers Mobilize at Hospital’s “Front Door” to Expand Cancer Screenings
Are you behind on cancer screenings? Researchers are studying ways to motivate people to follow through.
Meet Wilmot's Pharmacists: Mostly Behind the Scenes, They Ensure Safety and Change Lives
By integrating pharmacists into the inpatient and outpatient clinical teams, Wilmot Cancer Institute is part of a national trend in oncology. Pharmacists act as watchdogs for treatment decisions and ...
Lymphoma and Chemo Brain: New Research Shows a Connection
Research shows that "chemo brain" is not limited to women with breast cancer - lymphoma survivors experience it, too.
Brilliant! Wilmot Researcher Makes Popular Science Magazine's List of Game Changers
Popular Science magazine has named Michael Giacomelli, Ph.D., a member of the Wilmot Cancer Institute, to its "Brilliant 10" list for 2021.
New Dialogue Issue Spotlights the People, Teams, Behind the Scenes that Help Wilmot Succeed
Read the 2021 edition of Dialogue, a magazine for community supporters of the Wilmot Cancer Institute. Filled with inspiring stories about patients and the talented people who work at Wilmot.
Building on Prior Research, Wilmot Makes Progress on Vexing Liver Cancer
New data provide a roadmap for targeting rare liver tumors with immunotherapy.
Women with Breast Cancer in ‘Fighting Shape’ Have Less Brain Fogginess
Being in good shape before cancer treatment may prevent brain fogginess during chemotherapy, a Wilmot study suggests.
What You Need to Know About COVID Vaccines and Imaging Scans
Tell your health care providers the date of your vaccine and what arm received the shot - especially if you have an imaging scan coming up.
Wilmot Shows its Face (Literally) at American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting
A roundup of Wilmot participants at the nation's largest gathering of oncologists.
Oncology Field’s "Advance of the Year" Thrives at Wilmot
Wilmot patients benefit from major improvements in treating gastrointestinal tumors - the "Advance of the Year" in oncology.
Leukemia Treatment Can Bait and Capture Cells in Hiding, Wilmot Research Shows
New research suggests that targeted leukemia treatment may be able to correct the faulty genes that fuel cancer at its root.
Wilmot and Roswell Park Collaborate on First Large Study of Immunotherapy in Black Cancer Patients
Researchers want to know why Black and white cancer patients may respond differently to game-changing immunotherapy.
Can’t Quit Smoking? Maybe You Haven’t Gotten the Right Message
What kinds of text messages work best to help smokers quit? Wilmot is using an innovative approach and reaching out to diverse communities.
New Treatment and Drug-Delivery System Shows Promise for Leukemia
Wilmot researchers tested an HIV drug and a new way to deliver it to leukemia cells, and are buoyed by what they found.
Frailty in Cancer Patients, Young and Old, is Linked to Inflammation
Wilmot investigators discovered that frailty is linked to inflammation in cancer patients, and wonder if reducing inflammation prior to treatment will help patients live better and stronger.
Breast Cancer and the COVID Vaccine: What you Need to Know
Women who are being treated for breast cancer, were recently treated, or have survived the disease, should get the COVID vaccine as soon they can, according to Carla Falkson, M.D. She addressed the ...
Wilmot Research Leads to Therapy for Vulnerable Hairy Cell Leukemia Patients
A new treatment regimen helped nine patients for this rare cancer who were running out of options.
Zinc: Not Just for Sun Protection or Common Colds, Researchers Study its Role in Cancer
Zinc is an essential mineral used as a sunscreen and to boost the immune system. At the cellular level, another form of zinc may help to prevent most cancers.
New Tool Helps Seniors with Breast Cancer Make Chemotherapy Decisions
Wilmot researchers helped to develop a risk tool that found eight key predictors of whether chemotherapy side effects were likely to be minimal or severe for older adults.
Avoiding Opioids After Surgery is Okay, Some Cancer Patients Say
Karen Kugel, R.N., a URMC oncology nurse for 30 years, recently released a small study, reported by the Oncology Nursing Society, that showed it is possible to control pain after gynecologic surgery ...
Wilmot Science Moves out of the Lab into a Clinical Trial
Laura Calvi, M.D., achieved what a lot of translational researchers only dream of: For years, she made important discoveries in the lab, but then she was able to turn the project into a clinical ...
Wilmot Oncologists Participate in American Society of Hematology Meeting
Congratulations to all Wilmot Cancer Institute physicians and researchers who were invited to present data at the ASH annual meeting, taking place virtually on Dec. 5 through 8, 2020.
Researchers Find Nationwide Links Between Vaping and COVID-19
Vaping and coronavirus cases are linked in states across the U.S., data shows.
Sometimes Tumors Vanish, but Improvements Still Needed for CAR T-Cell Immunotherapy
Patrick Reagan, M.D., looks at the data on his computer screen and a rare grin spreads across his face. His most recent study results for patients with end-stage mantle cell lymphoma show that an ...
CAR T-cell Therapy: 'Research and Amazing Medicine'
In autumn of 2017, Nicole Zaleski-Conine experienced side effects she chalked up to a host of reasons, but in January 2018, the definitive diagnosis came in: follicular lymphoma that transformed into ...