UPSTATE CANCER CENTER
NEWS SUMMER
2013
Rehabilitation curbs cancer side effects Bob Rigdon, who farms beef cattle and sells used cars in Red Creek, was not one to lay around. He was a strong and physically active 65-year-old until doctors found a tumor and removed it, along with part of his left lung, in May 2012. The surgery left Rigdon, 65, struggling to breathe and unable to walk across a room. So, like a growing number of cancer patients, Rigdon joined the Upstate Cancer Rehabilitation Program. Rehabilitation programs for cancer patients have grown out of the recognition that side effects can greatly impact a patient’s quality of life, whether brought on by cancer or cancer treatment. Doctors have long prescribed exercise to help reduce fatigue and physical therapy for lymphedema, swelling that may occur after cancer surgery and/or radiation. Now those therapies are part of a comprehensive, personalized service.
Physical therapist Matt Bowman works with Bob Rigdon, a lung cancer patient.
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New system targets tumors more precisely The Upstate Cancer Center will add an advanced treatment and imaging technology system designed to more safely deliver higher doses of radiation to tumors, thanks in part to a $250,000 donation from SEFCU, one of the nation’s 50 largest credit unions. The donation will help purchase the $5.5 million Vero Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy system, which will be a therapeutic option for some cancer patients who have been deemed inoperable. Vero “integrates several state-of-the-art capabilities and technologies into one machine and is designed to locate tumors and direct radiation precisely where it is needed,” said Jeffrey Bogart, MD, who leads the Department of Radiation Oncology. Upstate will have only the third Vero in the United States. The system is used in several
hospitals in Japan, Italy, France, Belgium and South Korea, plus Dallas, Texas and Jacksonville, Fla. Bogart said Vero will allow for a more tightly focused beam of radiation, which is essential when aiming at a tumor that is located near critical structures such as the spinal cord. The system’s advanced imaging capabilities allow providers to locate and track tumors, confirm the location at any point in the treatment process and account for even slight anatomical movements that occur each time a patient takes a breath. Also, once patients are settled into place, they will not have to be moved because Vero allows for beam delivery from almost any angle.
the brain, and VERO will greatly add to our armamentarium of advanced technologies to help successfully battle cancer,” Bogart says. SEFCU has branch locations in Syracuse and Cicero and dozens of other sites in Upstate New York. It has more than 230,000 members. ■
“Upstate physicians already have extensive experience with stereotactic radiotherapy for complex tumors in both the body and
Syracuse New York
Welcome From the Medical Director: We Are Outstanding! The leaders of the Upstate Cancer Center experience many proud moments as we care for the patients and families of Central New York. We were honored to serve more than 16,000 cancer patients in our system last year. Our staff and programs are dedicated to providing the best care possible for cancer patients, and to supporting their families. One of our proudest moments came recently when we were notified that the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted its 2012 Outstanding Achievement Award to a select group of 79 accredited cancer programs throughout the United States, including Upstate! Award criteria were based on qualitative and quantitative surveys conducted last year. “These 79 cancer programs surveyed in 2012 currently represent the best of the best…when it comes to cancer care,” said Daniel McKellar, Chair of the Commission on Cancer. “Each of these facilities is not just meeting nationally recognized standards for the delivery of quality cancer care, they are exceeding them.” That made me very proud!
The purpose of the award is to raise the bar on quality cancer care, with the ultimate goal of increasing awareness about quality care choices among cancer patients and their loved ones. In addition, the award is intended to: •Recognize those cancer programs that achieve excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients. •Motivate other cancer programs to work toward improving their level of care. •Facilitate dialogue between award recipients and health care professionals at other cancer facilities for the purpose of sharing best practices. •Encourage honorees to serve as quality– care resources to other cancer programs. The 79 award–winning, cancer care programs represent approximately 19 percent of programs surveyed by the commission in 2012. Established in 2004, the commission’s Outstanding Achievement Award is designed to recognize cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients. Programs are evaluated
on cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services and quality improvement. Upstate has achieved commendation at every survey since the award began.
Leslie J. Kohman MD
Facilities that are commission-accredited diagnose and/or treat more than 70 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer patients each year. Upstate is the only cancer program in Onondaga County to earn the commission accreditation, and we are proud of our dedicated cancer team who has helped us obtain the Outstanding Achievement Award once again! Leslie J. Kohman, MD Medical Director Upstate Cancer Center
From the Associate Administrator The Saint Agatha Foundation recently bestowed upon Upstate Medical University a generous gift to provide bridge funding for a breast cancer patient navigation position for our nationally accredited Multi-Disciplinary Breast Cancer Program. Nurse Navigators, registered professional nurses whose clinical expertise in the field of oncology, assist patients and families in understanding their diagnosis, treatment options, and the resources available to them. They promote screening, education and emotional support throughout the continuum of care. For the past 20 years, Upstate University Hospital has provided comprehensive breast care. We have Central New York’s first breast cancer program with a multidisciplinary approach. Our program brings together Upstate’s most experienced breast cancer specialists and advanced diagnostic technology into an integrated treatment team. Upstate’s Breast Program enjoys full
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accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. This is a program administered by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, of which the Upstate Cancer Center is accredited through as well. Both programs exemplify the notability of patient navigation services to its standards for cancer program accreditation. The criterion standard currently exists for the accreditation program and will be phased in by 2015 for the commission. In an effort to further demonstrate and build upon the validity and diverse role of the nurse navigator, Upstate Cancer Center’s nursing director, Rose Valentino, recently published an article in the peer-reviewed journal, Oncology Nurse Advisor. “The services of a patient navigator are becoming increasingly necessary to assure the continuity of care within the complex disease course inherent to cancer treatment,”
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stated Valentino. This breast cancer navigator position will complement our current navigation services provided by Richard J. Kilburg MBA our nurse practitioners and will help us to further improve patient satisfaction and outcomes for cancer patients. We are very grateful for the support afforded to us from the Saint Agatha Foundation for this position. With the nationwide success of breast cancer navigation models, our next step will be to develop and implement the same concept in other cancer diagnoses for our patients in the new Cancer Center. Richard J. Kilburg MBA Associate Administrator Upstate Cancer Center
Summer 2013
F o un d at ion f or Up s tat e
Jody Sima, MD, seated, of the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, is surrounded by children at the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Handprint event June 12 in front of the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Hyundai supports Survivor Wellness Center for children Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital has received a $75,000 Hyundai Scholar Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels including Syracuse-area Hyundai dealers. The grant is for Jody Sima, MD, to expand the Survivor Wellness Center to include patients treated in Upstate’s Pediatric Brain Tumor Center and address late effects of therapy from the time of diagnosis. The Survivor Wellness Center provides long-term, follow-up care for cancer survivors of all ages. The children’s hospital is one of 40 recipients of a Hope On Wheels’ 2013 Hyundai Scholar Grant, which supports principal investigators known as Hyundai Scholars. Hyundai Scholars pursue research and implement clinical programs aimed at improving the lives of children battling cancer. Upstate has received $275,000 from Hope On Wheels since 2004. “We’re grateful to Hyundai for their continued support of our childhood cancer program, and for their commitment to saving the lives of children affected by this disease,” said Richard Sills, MD, chief of Hematology/Oncology at the children’s hospital. “This grant will fund an important program that would not be possible without this kind of generosity. The Foundation for Upstate has worked closely with the Hope on Wheels organization to insure we received this gift.” Sima received her grant during a Hope On Wheels Handprint Ceremony at the children’s hospital June 12. During the ceremony, children who are treated at the children’s hospital’s Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders placed their handprints dipped in colorful paint on a white 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
Sport, the official vehicle of Hope On Wheels. Every Handprint Ceremony celebrates the courageous lives of the children faced with cancer and brings Hope On Wheels’ community of supporters together. “Kids who have been treated for cancer of the Richard Sills, MD brain or spinal cord often have long lasting and serious treatment complications,” said Sima, director of the Survivor Wellness Center and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Upstate Medical University. “Identifying and managing their medical, emotional and social complications requires a tremendous amount of effort from Gloria Kennedy, MD through our brain tumor center. This grant will help us train additional personnel and develop resources to improve patient care.” Kennedy is director of Upstate’s Pediatric Brain Tumor Center. “Hyundai and its dealers are committed to helping children in the fight against pediatric cancer,” said Toni Gary, director of community relations and development for the children’s hospital. “They are truly dedicated to providing crucial research dollars that will lead to finding cures and better treatment protocols for these precious children impacted by cancer. While cure rates approach 80 percent for some forms of pediatric cancer, far too many children and families are devastated by the disease. The Foundation for Upstate is proud of our longstanding relationship with Hyundai Hope On Wheels, and with our local Hyundai dealerships.” ■
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Members of the Salt City Road Warriors gathered to celebrate the club’s highly successful running and fundraising season.
Running club Salt City Road Warriors Raise $32,000 The Salt City Road Warriors running club raised $30,000 again this year in support of various causes at Upstate University Hospital including pancreatic and ovarian cancer, stroke, and the Daniel C. Weaver Memorial Endowment, a pediatric family assistance fund. This brings the club’s three-year total to $86,000. The running club meets every Saturday morning from January through June; a prerequisite for joining the club is that members must commit to donating or raising a minimum of $200 for charity. Upstate University Hospital has been the recipient the past three years with money being allocated in support of breast, lung, colon and prostate cancer programs, cardiac care, pediatric services including cystic fibrosis, and the new Upstate Cancer Center. “It is clear that we have many members who go above and beyond what is required of them,” said Maureen Clark, club organizer and
coach. “They are motivated to make an impact on the organization we choose to support.” “They are a dynamic group of people,” said Michele Estabrook, of the Foundation for Upstate Medical University. “The Salt City Road Warriors have raised an impressive amount of money the past three years under Maureen’s leadership. Maureen is to be commended for her hard work.” Estabrook added that the money generally supports programs and services for which other sources of funding are unavailable, such as Shumsky therapeutic heart pillows for cardiac patients and lung cancer awareness outreach activities. A portion of the donation will also be used for a naming opportunity in the Upstate Cancer Center, permanent testimony to the club’s dedication and generosity. ■
Former Syracuse Mayor: We Need Your Help! A few years ago, communities across the state joined us in supporting the capital campaign to build a new children’s hospital. As we approach the fourth anniversary of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, we all can take great pride for taking part in making this historic project a reality. Now I am again seeking your help as we are constructing the new Upstate Cancer Center. Upstate is the only place in a 17-county region where children are treated for cancer and blood disorders. As wonderful as the Children’s Hospital is for our community, it was only the first step in enhancing the overall quality of care for some of our region’s most seriously ill children — those suffering with cancer or blood disorders. The new hospital offers state-of-the-art inpatient care, but most cancer care, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, occurs on an outpatient basis. At the moment, outpatient care, just like pediatric care before our new hospital, is provided in outdated facilities located throughout the Upstate University Hospital campus.
the-art patient- and family- friendly outpatient care for children and adults in one central location. Our capital campaign has raised $14.7 million toward a $15 million goal, and we need everyone’s help to finish what we started with Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital! I hope you will join me in supporting this Tom Young vital community project. As you consider this request, please remember that every gift matters and a gift of any amount would be greatly appreciated! For more information, please call 315-464-4416 or email umufound@upstate.edu, or visit our website at www.foundationforupstate.org Tom Young Foundation for Upstate board member and Cancer Cabinet Executive Committee member
When the new Upstate Cancer Center opens, it will provide state-of-
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award-winning care
Posters showcase methods of infection control By Bonnie Chapman
How to search for cancer information By Clare Rauch Health and wellness tips are featured everywhere these days, from the morning news to a city bus advertisement, but where should a cancer patient look for wellness information? Many first turn to the internet. When searching online for health and wellness information, try to avoid major search engines including Google or bing, where looking through the overwhelming amounts of search results can seem like the Wild West, with inaccurate information everywhere. Instead, look to websites that provide specific health information that is supported by medical research and maintained by health professionals and medical librarians. Four places to start: • Upstate Medical University Health Sciences Library: http://library.upstate.edu
When searching online or at the library, use terms such as “wellness,” “complementary medicine,” “alternative medicine,” “integrated (integrative) medicine,” and if you have a specific question, use those key terms, such as “exercise,” “yoga,” or “nutrition.” Complementary and alternative medicine is the medical community’s term for what is popularly referred to as health and wellness activities. Also be aware of who is funding the information and how recent the information is and whether the information is reviewed before being posted online. Look for medical research and focus on studies rather than opinions. After you find information, consult your health professional, so you are sure to make the best medical decision for yourself. For more help searching, contact one of the Upstate Medical University Health Sciences Librarians for free and confidential assistance, at 315-464-7091 or library@upstate.edu. ■
• Medline Plus (a service of the US National Library of Medicine NIH National Institutes of Health): http://MedlinePlus.gov • American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org • National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: http://nccam.nih.gov
Clare Rauch is a clinical reference librarian in the Health Sciences Library.
Holly Briere of the Bone Marrow Transplant unit traveled to the Oncology Nursing Society annual Congress in April to present two posters. The posters each summarized a quality initiative that the unit had been working on over the past year. One poster highlighted both the benefit to patients and their ability to tolerate bathing and cleaning with antibacterial cleaning products. Since returning home, Briere has received several inquiries from nurses as far away as Washington state asking to know more about how this initiative was accomplished and measured. This has provided an excellent opportunity for learning and collaboration. The second poster was equally well received. Nurses on the unit found that if they applied a specific clinical measurement to blood culture results, they could determine the general source of a patient’s infection. If it was found that the source of the infection was likely not in the patient’s central line, then the line was usually kept and the patient was spared an invasive procedure. As a result of this innovative quality improvement project and artful poster display, this poster was one of 12 posters to be entered into a contest held by the Oncology Nurse Advisor. Briere’s poster won the Reader’s Favorite Award. ■
Bonnie Chapman is director of quality for the Upstate Cancer Center.
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Award-winning C are
Upstate experts field questions about news items Medical experts say the human papilloma virus is to blame for a steep rise in the number of head and neck cancers, an issue brought to light recently by actor Michael Douglas. Dr. Joseph Domachowske, MD spoke with YNN about the virus’ connection to oral sex. “I give him a lot of credit for doing that,” Domachowske said of Douglas, “and the reason I say that is because there’s not a good awareness among the general population of the other kinds of cancers that HPV can cause.” Domachowske, an expert in infectious diseases, is a professor of Pediatrics and of Microbiology and Immunology at Upstate.
NewsChannel 9 interviewed Dr. Jayne Charlamb, MD, about actress/director Angelina Jolie’s disclosure that she underwent a double mastectomy to reduce her chances of developing breast cancer. The Syracuse television station focused on Andrea Riccelli, another woman who chose to have her breasts removed because of an 87percent risk of breast cancer. “I decided I’d rather choose the preventive mastectomy rather than illness, I’d rather choose that – than have my kids see me sick, or not be here in a decade or so,” Riccelli told NewsChannel 9’s Caitlin Nuclo. Charlamb said that many patients in the same situation also choose surgery. “It’s not perfect. We can never say you won’t get breast cancer, but it’s the most effective way. Again though, it has to be the right decision for the woman involved.” ■
r e h a b i l i tat i o n – Continued from page 1 “It’s individualized,” said physical therapist Cassi Terpening. “One person may have nausea and fatigue, and another might have weight loss and weakness. It depends on how they’re being treated, too. Drugs have different side effects.” A physical therapist works with the patient’s doctor and medical providers to create an individualized rehabilitation plan. It may focus on improving muscle strength, balance and/or aerobic capacity, decreasing pain or preventing bone loss. Therapy may include a variety of exercises, range of motion activities, relaxation, splinting and other strategies. Fitness-minded patients may prefer meeting with a physical therapist once for guidance; exercise novices may require more regular sessions. “It depends on the person,” said Rigdon’s therapist Matt Bowman. Rigdon’s therapy began two days after surgery, while he was still in the hospital. The first sessions focused on mobility and endurance and soon began emphasizing flexibility and strength. Rigdon was discharged, on supplemental oxygen, after a five-day hospital stay. He sees his oncologist every three months for blood work and a computerized tomography scan. He sees Bowman twice a week at the Institute for Human Performance. “His endurance was extremely lacking when he first came in,” Bowman recalled. Rigdon was able to walk a treadmill for 10 minutes at about 1 mph. Four months later, he walks for a half hour at about
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2 mph. He wears jeans and a camouflage cap, and chats with Bowman as he walks. How long does physical therapy last? That, too, depends on the patient. It depends on whether the patient is making progress and how his or her ability compares with healthy people of similar age. It can be a long process. Certainly patients have to be in the right mindset to do this. And, they have to realize it’s not going to change overnight,” Bowman said. “Building endurance and working with fatigue takes time. You need two or three weeks just to start to see a change.” Medical research is indicating that exercise can combat fatigue. Terpening said that starting a rehabilitation program before, during or even after cancer treatment can lead to lower levels of fatigue, improved quality of life and overall function. ■
Call 315-464-6543 to schedule appointments at any of the four outpatient rehabilitation services for the Upstate Cancer Center: • Institute for Human Performance, 505 Irving Ave., Syracuse • Physical Therapy at Manlius, 102 West Seneca St., Suite 200 • Upstate Bone & Joint Center, 6620 Fly Rd., Suite 201, East Syracuse • Upstate University Hospital, 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse (for lymphedema services)
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Award-Winning C are I
The construction workers building the Upstate Cancer Center toiled through a heat wave in the middle of July. Project superintendent Robert Noble of LeChase Construction Services LLC, says workers were encouraged to take breaks when needed. Water bottles are kept on ice in coolers on the construction site, and on-site trailers are air conditioned. The final beam was lifted into place on a bright, chilly day in March. Construction is expected to be complete in spring 2014.
What our patients are saying about… “The new Breast Care Center is beautiful and comforting.” “The care I received was amazing. In a situation that was all new and very unsettling, the staff made me feel calm, to the best of their ability.” “The doctors, nurses, technicians and clerical workers are all second to none. Thank you all for caring so much.”
“The infusion nurses (in the Regional Oncology Center) were exceptional. They were both very knowledgeable and they made me feel comfortable. I can’t say enough about them. A great group of nurses.” “The Ambassador Program is fantastic when getting to appointments on time. How fortunate to have these individuals.”
“I was scared to death to have the (gamma knife) procedure done, but the staff made everything so much easier and reassured me and helped me through it all. Doctors, nurses and anyone I dealt with were all terrific. They made my family comfortable and reassured them too.”
EmPloyEES RECENTly SiNglEd oUT iN PATiENT SATiSfACTioN SURvEyS: Receptionist Jessica Armstrong Dr. Sam Benjamin, MD Dr. Jeffrey Bogart, MD Patricia Brady, NP Gail Cali, RN Dr. Lawrence Chin, MD Lisa Cico, NP Radiation therapist Johanna Foge Radiation therapist Simeon Garvin Dr. Kara Kort-Glowaki, MD Julie Grimsley, RN Dr. Seung Shin Hahn, MD Receptionist Meaghan Kazmirski Dr. Satish Krishnamurthy, MD Dr. Sheila Lemke, MD Radiation therapist Annett Marcarian
Clinical research associate Dena Martin Barbara McEvers, RN Peggy McPhillips, RN Dr. Dorothy Pan, MD Colleen Regan, RN Receptionist Pam Romer Lynn Siriswasdi, RN Darlene Schick-Waller, RN Radiation therapist Amanda Spence Kathryn Spinek, RN Sharon Sterriker, RN Radiation therapist Patricia Tooley Social worker Amy Williams Receptionist Annette Williams Rich Williams, RN Dr. Jonathan Wright, MD
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WElComE Margo Valler joined the Department of Radiation Oncology as a patient service clerk in May. CoNgRATUlATioNS Nurse Jenn Vann, who works on 11G, pediatric hematology oncology, received a Clinical Advancement Program award for the first quarter. This program was created to recognize and reward nurses for enhancing clinical and professional practices
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Academic Difference Kohman addresses Oswego graduates Dr. Leslie Kohman, Medical Director of the Upstate Cancer Center, delivered the commencement address at the 152nd SUNY Oswego Commencement Ceremony in May for the graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and School of Communication, Media, and the Arts. Kohman, a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor, has been a passionate advocate of the SUNY education system and has spent the past 30 years of her career at SUNY Upstate educating students while caring for patients and performing research. Kohman advised the graduates to be flexible and keep an open mind. She said that sometimes the most unpredictable situations can lead to a lifetime of success. ■
Surgeon from Japan learns robotic skills at Upstate As professor and chair of urology at Upstate, Dr. Gennady Bratslavsky, MD is used to teaching medical students, residents and fellows the intricacies of robotic surgery. His operating room recently included a special visitor from Japan.
Gennady Bratslavsky, MD and Seiji Matsumoto, MD, Dr. Seiji Matsumoto, MD, one of the American Urological Association’s Academic Exchange Program Scholars this year, selected Upstate’s Bratslavsky as a mentor during his time in the United States. Matsumoto attended the association’s annual meeting in San Diego, then spent several days at the University of California at San Diego before traveling to Syracuse for a week at Upstate University Hospital. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Renal and Urological Surgery at Asahikawa Medical University.
Upstate specializes in blood disorders Upstate University Hospital received recommendation for approval as a New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center Newborn Screening Program for Hemoglobinopathy Specialty Center. Upstate University Hospital has proven to have the facilities, services and personnel to meet the standards for diagnosis and treatment of children with hemoglobin disorders. Hemoglobin is the protein in the blood that transports oxygen. Hemoglobin disorders are inherited, or passed down through families, and they involve the abnormal production or structure of the hemoglobin molecule. Sickle cell anemia is one example of a hemoglobin disorder. ■
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Matsumoto said he was happy for the opportunity provided by the association to learn from experts such as Bratslavsky. ■
New grants pay for lung cancer research The Michael E. Connolly Lung Cancer Research Grant was divided among two research projects this year. Each research team receives $30,000. The grants were awarded in May by the Cancer Research Institute review committee.
Tajanae and her mom, Tureah, at the annual sickle cell walkathon, organized by the People’s AME Church of Syracuse to raise money for Upstate’s sickle cell program
Bratslavsky said his colleague observed multiple robotic surgical procedures involving the prostate, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries and lymph nodes. Japan recently approved the use of “robots,” such as the DaVinci Surgical System during surgery, so it’s a new technology for surgeons in that country. Matsumoto said his hospital will purchase the robotic tools soon.
Guirong Wang, PhD, an associate Professor of molecular biology from Upstate’s Department of Surgery, will collaborate with Pong-Yu Huang, PhD and Gretchen Mahler, PhD, from SUNY Binghamton. They will examGuirong Wang, PhD ine the effect of air pollutants on epigenetic regulation of the genes expressing surfactant proteins that line the air sacks in the lungs to see whether the effects are different in lung tumor tissue than in healthy tissue. Understanding these molecular mechanisms could lead to new ways of diagnosing or treating lung cancer. Wang joined Upstate in 2010. Robert Cooney, MD, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery, called Wang “an outstanding molecular biologist who has contributed more than 50 manuscripts to the best peer-reviewed journals on various lung
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disease related topics. His background and expertise in surfactant biology represents an important dimension of the multi-disciplinary lung disease research team we have assembled here.” Yulong Chen, PhD, an assistant professor of biological sciences at SUNY Binghamton, will collaborate with David Kakhniashvili, PhD, director of the Proteomics Core facility at Upstate. They are studying small cell lung cancer, which is deadly. About 90 percent of people with this type of cancer see it spread and die from it within five years of diagnosis. The standard treatment is chemotherapy and radiation, but many patients develop resistance. This study will look for novel molecular targets that may help reduce drug resistance and/or slow metastasis. The grant is named for Michael E. Connolly, a non-smoker who died of lung cancer in 2002 at the age of 39. He was a husband and father, volunteer coach and a star Binghamton North High School football and baseball player. His wife, Penny and son, Ryan established the Connelly endowment and have raised more than $600,000. They intend to build a $1 million endowment that will generate funding for more research. ■
summer 2013
Academic Difference CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Study searches for biomarkers to identify colorectal cancer A National Cancer Institute study underway at Upstate is looking for biological markers, or biomarkers, that signal the development of colorectal cancer the way pregnancy hormones signal a baby is growing. Upstate researchers are looking for at least 100 Central New York participants, who will be asked for stool, urine and blood samples before undergoing colonoscopy. To be involved, a participant must: • Be age 60 or older; • Have no symptoms of colorectal cancer;
• Have no history of colorectal surgery; and • Have no cancer within the last five years.
Call 315-464-1852 or email ellinwol@upstate.edu for details. The Salt City Road Warriors generously donated money to provide parking to participants and pay for some promotional expenses for this important study.
Lung cancer screening program - Lung cancer kills more people in the United States than any other cancer, claiming almost 160,000 lives each year — more than breast, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancer combined. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued a preliminary recommendation that everyone at high-risk for lung cancer and age 55 to 79 should get a yearly low-dose CT scan. - You are at high-risk for lung cancer if you are 55 to 79 years of age, currently smoking at least a pack per day and have done so for 30 years or more or a past smoker who has quit within 15 years.
From left to right: Dr. Leslie Kohman, Medical Director of the Upstate Cancer Center; Linda Veit, Project Manager of the Upstate Cancer Center; Albert Goldfain, Senior Researcher for Blue Highway; Mary Ann Tyszko, VP for Strategic Business Development for Blue Highway.
- Make the decision to get screened for lung cancer with our low dose chest CT scan program at Upstate University Hospital.
Partnership explores managing cancer care
- Call 315-464-6303 or email Linda Veit at veitl@upstate.edu for details
The Upstate Cancer Center partnered with Blue Highway, Inc. to receive a $25,000 Proof of Concept grant from CenterState CEO’s “Grants for Growth” in May. The winning project calls for producing the prototype for a system to manage after-care for cancer survivors. The process will be accelerated by building upon an existing production framework developed by Blue Highway and leveraging the operational and domain expertise of the Upstate Cancer Center. The “Grants for Growth” program supports innovative applied research projects. It is underwritten by a grant from State Senator John DeFrancisco and award recipients must have a commercial and academic partner. ■
- Although not currently covered by insurance, for only $235 you can take control of your health.
Symposium focuses on women’s cancers The 2013 Upstate Cancer Symposium for Healthcare Professionals, “Cancer Concerns in Women,” takes place Friday, Sept. 27. Registration is free for all healthcare providers. Call Upstate Connect at 315-464-8668 to register. The symposium takes place from 7:30 a.m. to noon in Weiskotten Hall on the Upstate Medical University campus at 766 Irving Ave., Syracuse. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Janice Cormier, MD, MPH from the University of Texas’ MD Anderson Cancer Center. She will discuss the increasing rates of melanoma in women. Additional presenters include faculty from Upstate, on the following topics: Dr. Scott Albert, MD, pancreatic cancer; Dr. Rinki Agarwal, MD, uterine cancer; Dr. Frederick Sengstacke, MD, oncofertility; and Dr. Deepa Masrani, MD, imaging for women’s cancers. ■
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Events
relay for life
Miracle ride
Upstate’s Colleges Against Cancer chapter pulled an all-nighter during the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at the Carrier Dome – and raised $2,100 for the society in the process. Among the participants were respiratory therapy students Roneisha Williams, Alexi Gumuka and Lesa Ward, and medical technology student Matt Sullivan, who took turns walking laps inside the dome all night. They also staffed informational tables so other relay participants could learn about cancer prevention and treatment. ■
Participants in this year’s Miracle Ride, hosted by the Foundation for Upstate, helped raise $50,000 for sick and injured children treated at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The ride, established in 1993, begins and ends at the Spinning Wheel Restaurant in North Syracuse. Money raised at the event will help pay for a new pediatric outpatient cancer center, which will be the new home of the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders. ■
Paige’s butterfly run Upstate researcher Bill Kerr, PhD — a professor of microbiology and immunology and biochemistry and molecular biology and recipient of the Paige Yeomans Arnold’s Research grant — gets a massage after finishing Paige’s Butterfly Run. The 17th annual event, hosted by the Foundation for Upstate, was held on June 8, and raises money to support pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Paige’s Run had over 2,000 runners participating and raised more than $250,000. Race director and Paige’s dad, Chris Arnold is confident the amount will go even higher. You can still donate at www.paigesbutterflyrun.org ■
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‘Magical Day’ celebrated among survivors National Cancer Survivor’s Day is a time for people living with a history of cancer to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way. The annual celebration was held June 2 at the Holiday Inn, Electronics Parkway in Liverpool. More than 500 cancer survivors and their guests attended. Each year, the National Cancer Survivor’s Day celebration adopts a different theme. This year’s was “Magical Day,” and everyone was invited to dress as their favorite animated cartoon character. The celebration included a sit-down lunch, door prizes, and entertainment provided by DJ, Russ Lee. ■
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Events
Council crafts personal care bags Members of the Sandy Creek Middle School Student Council created 60 “chemo care packages” for patients of the Regional Oncology Center. They were inspired by the experience of Brandy SnyderVanRy, a special education teacher who was at the center with a family member. The bags include small bottles of water, hard candy, hand sanitizer, notebook, pen, lotion and puzzle or crossword books to help pass the time. Each also contained a personal note from a student, tied to the bag. Members of the Student Council include Alex Paschall, Emily Smith, Brianna Snyder, Faith Bachar, Makenzie Lococo, Taila Hatch, Emily Kehoe, Nicky Radford, Abbey Fitzpatrick, Esther Brafman, Timothy Snell, Morgan Bristol, Riley MacDuffie and Haylie Roberts. ■ Newsletter Staff: Leslie Kohman MD, Medical Director Richard Kilburg MBA, Associate Administrator Jeanmarie Glasser FACHE, Assistant Director
Scouts provide boxes full of comfort A Girl Scout troop from Manlius working toward a bronze award decided to make gift boxes for patients with cancer. The boxes were hand-decorated by the scouts, who included a special message in each one. The boxes contained blankets, along with hand lotions, lip balms and tissues. Recipients were patients from Upstate, many of whom wrote letters of thanks to the scouts. “It made my day,” wrote one. “What a lovely surprise, a lovely gift, which you put time and love into,” said another. And a third: “The words written on the box offer such resounding words of hope.” Girl Scout Troop 10392 comprises 4th graders from Enders Road Elementary School and 5th graders from Eagle Hill Middle School. ■
Linda Veit, Project Manager, 315-464-6303, veitl@upstate.edu Heidi Chapman, Staff Assistant, 315-464-6065, chapmanh@upstate.edu Upstate Medical University Marketing and University Communications, Design and Editorial Support, 315-464-4836
Save the Dates Sept. 22: Carol M. Baldwin Golf Tournament, Turning Stone Casino Sept. 27: Upstate Cancer Symposium,* in Weiskotten Hall (see page 9 for details) Sept. 28: Carol M. Baldwin “Paddle for the Cure,” Old Forge Oct. 2: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society “Light the Night Walk,” Clinton Square, Syracuse Oct. 13: Carol M. Baldwin “A Run For Their Life,” Syracuse University’s Manley Field House Oct. 17: “Shop, Spa & Style,” Carol M. Baldwin event, Landmark Theatre, Syracuse Oct. 20: American Cancer Society “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk,” Clinton Square Nov. 14: The Lung Cancer Alliance “Shine A Light on Lung Cancer” Vigil, Upstate University Hospital
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Ba l d w i n F o un d at ion Baldwin Gala Raises Money for Research The annual Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund gala, held at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, raises money that helps support research underway at Upstate. This year the event brought in more than $130,000 while recognizing sponsors, researchers, volunteers and other supporters. Last year the gala brought in $124,521.
Upstate researcher David Amberg, PhD Upstate’s David Amberg, PhD, attended this year’s gala and wrote a letter to Beth and Carol Baldwin to express that he “was touched by the testimonies of the people whose loved ones died of breast cancer.” Amberg is a professor in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department. His lab has received Baldwin grant money that allows for the testing of new drug targets to treat cancer. “At this point I can’t say
we will succeed, but we have to be willing to try new ideas to move the ball forward. In any case, I feel privileged to be supported by the Baldwin Foundation,” he wrote. “Thank you so much for all of your hard work.” The gala includes dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets were $175 per person. Next year’s gala, called A Night to Remember, is scheduled for May 10 at Turning Stone. Look for details at findacurecny.org ■
Melanie Rich (at the podium) received this year’s Humanitarian Award. She served as Upstate’s director of marketing and university communications for 18 years before retiring in December. She was a liaison between the foundation and Upstate, whose clinical research arm is the beneficiary of Baldwin funds. Rich, a breast cancer survivor herself, has seen first-hand and heard countless second-hand accounts of the life-changing effect of the Baldwin foundation.
Scientists focus on breast cancer solutions
Upstate researcher Stewart Loh, PhD Scott Blystone, PhD, from the Cell and Developmental Biology department, is looking for ways to prevent the spread of breast cancer. In order for cancerous breast cells spread, or metastasize, they first must form filamentous actin structures within the cell. One of the proteins that organizes actin into filaments is called formin. Blystone’s study will determine the role of the formin in allowing breast cancer cells to move through complex tissues, and look for ways to block the formin.
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Stewart Loh, PhD, from the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department, is exploring potential genetic solutions. Almost a third of American women who have breast cancer have mutations in a gene known as p53. Loh and his co-investigator from the
Five new breast cancer research activities at Upstate will receive grants this fall from the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. Since 2002, the fund has awarded Upstate researchers $3 million to further their studies into the cause of breast cancer. Money that the fund raises in Central New York stays in this region. The fund also sponsors two annual endowed lectureships focused on breast cancer developments.The Baldwin family dedicates their research grants and the endowed lectures in memory of women who have been affected by the disease. Here are this year’s grant recipients: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey are looking at whether a new class of drug, thiosemicarbazones, can affect the mutation. M. Saeed Sheikh, MD, PhD, from the department of Pharmacology, is researching ways to reduce tamoxifen resistance. The anti-estrogen drug, tamoxifen is used to treat some types of breast cancer, but about half the patients who take the drug develop resistance to it. Sheikh and colleague Steve Landas, MD, will study a mitochondrial protein that upon further investigations might help determine which people would develop resistance. Steven Taffet, PhD, from the Microbiology and Immunology department, is studying cancer immunotherapy. Scientists have wanted to induce the body’s own lympho-
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cytes to destroy breast cancer tumors, but this has not worked as well as expected. Taffet and colleague Michael Princiotta predict the anti-tumor immune response will increase if they can improve communication between the tumor cells and immune cells that stimulate lymphocytes, which would allow for greater natural resistance to breast cancer and better treatment options for people with breast cancer. Richard Wojcikiewicz, PhD, from the Pharmacology department, is investigating a potential new target at which to direct breast cancer drugs. Breast cancer cells contain a protein called Bok, which can be regulated by certain anti-tumor drugs. This study looks at Bok’s role in breast cancer cells and whether it could be used as a novel drug target. ■
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