Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

We’re looking forward to hearing from the incredible physicians and scientists from MSK who are presenting at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting on May 31-June 4 in Chicago. Here’s a preview of some of the top speakers: https://bit.ly/4bPwqWb #ASCO24

Thank you to every business, shopper, and donor who participated in #NYCforMSK.💙 New York City has been our home since 1884, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have your support. The funds raised will help MSK unlock new discoveries and improve the lives of people with cancer worldwide. If you didn't have a chance to participate on May 31, you can still make a tax-deductible donation here: https://bit.ly/3KAznyA

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that uses routine clinical data, such as that from a simple blood test, to predict whether someone’s cancer will respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy drug that helps immune cells kill cancer cells. The machine-learning model may help doctors determine if immunotherapy drugs are effective for treating a patient’s cancer. “Working together, we were able to develop a new predictive model for immunotherapy response across many different cancer types using only six simple variables," says Dr. Luc Morris, a surgeon and research lab director at MSK. "We’re excited that this model will be able to improve clinical decision-making and better identify patients who are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy.” Learn more: https://bit.ly/3yO6kEN

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are testing a new prostate cancer surgery imaging technique that could reduce side effects. Men having prostate cancer surgery often fear side effects which are a result from damage to the nerves when a tumor is removed. MSK researchers have found a new way to light up nerves during the operation which may help surgeons avoid this damage, preserving the patient’s quality of life. “This imaging approach could provide a huge benefit to men needing prostate cancer surgery,” says Dr. Timothy Donahue, a urologic surgeon at MSK who is leading the phase 1 trial. “We have urgently needed a better way to see nerves during procedures. We’re very excited about the potential of this technology, not just for prostate cancer surgery but possibly many other operations.” While the initial testing is in prostate cancer surgeries, Dr. Donahue and colleagues are thinking about how to expand its use to other cancers, such as surgery for head and neck cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer — including reconstruction. Future trials might include non-cancer-related procedures, like hand surgery. Learn more about this promising new development: https://bit.ly/4bQ9MNQ

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are making strides against cancer every day. New research includes measuring unscheduled healthcare interactions in multiple myeloma patients receiving T cell redirection therapies; investigating oral bacteria's link to gut microbiota depletion; and showing how a universal opt-out approach could help more cancer patients quit smoking. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cbs2kO

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader, receiving a maximum overall score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign on its 2024 Healthcare Equity Index (HEI). “We’re proud to receive this continued recognition, which reflects the pride we all share in working at MSK,” says Beau Amaya, Director of Patient and Caregiver Education at MSK and co-leader of MSK’s LGBTQ+ Pride ERN. “Our staff celebrates diversity, and our leaders exemplify inclusion and health equity. This honor motivates us to keep driving change and making significant progress for the LGBTQ+ community.” Learn more about how MSK is fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for LGBTQ+ individuals: https://bit.ly/3yMLcPn

Meet Steve Dotson, Derick Barnett, and Kenya Webster, three Radiology Aides at MSK that transitioned into their positions from MSK's Environmental Services (EVS) team. “We first met Steve when he was assigned as our midday EVS staff member,” says Tom Mair, Manager of Diagnostic Radiology at MSK. “Steve was such a kind EVS team member who always took an interest in the patients’ needs." When the opportunity came up for a role in Radiology, Tom encouraged Steve to apply. Derick, along with another colleague, Kenya, were recommended by Steve. By December 2023, they all successfully transitioned from EVS to the Radiology team. Steve, Derick and Kenya have all discovered how multifaceted patient care can be and have fully embraced their interactions with patients at MSK. “I am here for the patients because it is all about them,” Derick says. “I love what I do and taking care of these people the same way that I would want to be treated."

An innovative radiation treatment using a greatly reduced dose that is typically given to patients after surgical removal of human papillomavirus(HPV)-positive head and neck tumors may now help some of those patients avoid surgery altogether. The low-dose approach, pioneered by radiation oncologist Dr. Nancy Lee, reduces side effects from treatment that make eating and swallowing difficult. “This has been an absolute game-changer for treating certain people with throat cancers” caused by HPV, Dr. Lee says, and it can be extended to all other types of HPV-positive head and neck cancers. “The difference in toxicity is dramatic.” Learn more about Dr. Lee’s research that she presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting: https://bit.ly/45iJe5t #ASCO24

Dr. Robert Daly, a thoracic oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), presented clinical trial research delivering high quality cancer care at home by integrating telemedicine into both immunotherapy treatment and integrative medicine at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. “The next frontier is delivering safe and effective treatment at home, which can help patients and care givers by making care less stressful and reducing concerns like time and financial toxicities that limit people’s access to high quality care,” Dr. Daly says. Learn more about both of these research projects: https://bit.ly/3XbDAjw #ASCO24

Presentations by MSK researchers Drs. Bob Li, Helena Yu, and James Isbell at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting revealed encouraging clinical trial results and promise of a more sensitive “liquid biopsy,” all of which could improve lung cancer treatment. Learn more about their research: https://bit.ly/45cmKmB #ASCO24