Cancer

Discover what’s possible

Read these stories to find out more about the impact of University of Minnesota research, education, and care—and how you can help.

Fall 2009

Tapping the potential of natural killer cells

Clark Starr, Ph.D., was two months away from retiring in 1997 when he and his wife, Jane, got devastating news. Clark had myelodysplasia, a disease in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough healthy blood cells. It can progress and become acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

U of M researchers advance lung cancer prevention, early detection, and risk reduction

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made recent advances in early detection, prevention, and risk reduction related to lung-damaging conditions such as cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.

Girls’ snack-stand proceeds honor aunt, benefit brain cancer research

Curt O’Hagan is fond of remarking that seven years after his diagnosis of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a degenerative motor neuron disease similar to the fasterprogressing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), he is still a pest to his friends and family.

Great expectations

These leading researchers at the University’s Stem Cell Institute along with others performing stem cell research across the campus may hold in their Petri dishes the keys to unlocking the mysteries of diabetes, cancer, heart failure, brain injury — even aging.

From basic science to second chances

If you had met Duane Cramer in the spring of 2008, it would have been hard to guess that he had run out of options for treating his acute myelogenous leukemia. Even after four rounds of the strongest chemotherapy and full-body radiation, the Blaine resident didn’t feel sick.

Stimulating lessons

Efforts by University of Minnesota researchers Christopher Pennell, Ph.D., and Kola Okuyemi, M.D., M.P.H., engage the public in cancer biology merged seamlessly with the goals of St. Louis Park High School teacher Julie Schilz, who hoped to find a way to captivate the minds of her biology students.

A shot in the arm

A century ago, exposure to infectious diseases often meant serious illness and—too often— even death. But because of medical and technological leaps, vaccines have disarmed many of these infectious agents.

Grant from NIH funds study on chronic graft-versus-host disease

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a five-year, $9.5 million grant to Bruce Blazar, M.D., of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, and two researchers with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to further their research on chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

CETI: A jump-start for new cancer therapies

Promising cancer research often stalls out at the concept level because there’s no funding to complete it. That’s why the Masonic Cancer Center recently created the Cancer Experimental Therapeutics Initiative (CETI).

Finding answers

Clark Starr, Ph.D., was two months away from retiring when he and his wife, Jane, got devastating news. Clark had myelodysplasia, a disease in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough healthy blood cells. It can progress and become acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

The science of tobacco control

President Obama signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco products.

What does it mean to be a comprehensive cancer center?

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has renewed the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota’s designation as a comprehensive cancer center for another five years, the longest term possible.

Upcoming events

PSA: Issues in Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (Oct. 29)--Gopher football pre-game reception for breast cancer supporters (Oct. 31)

Center for Prostate Cancer welcomes new leader

The University of Minnesota welcomed Badrinath R. Konety, M.D., M.B.A., August 31 as director of its Center for Prostate Cancer and head of the Department of Urology. Konety will hold the Endowed Chair in Uro-Oncology.

Director’s note

With health-care reform debates happening across the country these days, I can’t help but think of cancer care as a health-care reform issue in many ways.

New programs address long-term health effects of adult cancer survivors

Because of advances in detection and treatment, people today often live many years after a cancer diagnosis. And as these survivors live longer, trends in “late effects” of cancer treatment are becoming apparent.

MCC launches improved clinical trials website

A new website offers accurate, up-to-date information about more than 250 clinical trials currently available through the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.

University researcher to jointly lead $9.5 million NIH study on chronic graft-versus-host disease

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a five-year, $9.5 million grant to Bruce Blazar, M.D., of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota and two researchers with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston to further their research on chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Risk of childhood cancer increases slightly with mother’s age, study finds

A baby born to an older mother may face an increased risk for some cancers that occur during childhood, according to research from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.

Spring 2009

Canine connections: From cancer to epilepsy, dogs are informing human medical care—and vice versa

Batman is one lucky dog. Rescued from the streets of Berlin a decade ago and brought to the United States by Anna Brailovsky and Eric Baker, the laid-back Belgian shepherd mix seemed to be living a charmed life—until he had a massive seizure.

Researchers discover new genes linked to colorectal and liver cancers

University of Minnesota researchers affiliated with the Masonic Cancer Center and Medical School have discovered 17 new genes linked to colorectal cancer and 15 linked to liver cancer. These cancers are the second—and third—leading causes of cancer death in the world.

U cancer study finds bone marrow transplant success defies age

A large-scale study from the University’s Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center demonstrated that older patients who receive a blood and marrow stem cell transplant fare just as well as younger patients—determining whether a patient receives this type of transplant.

National trial shows screening does not reduce prostate cancer deaths

Yearly screening tests do not appear to reduce deaths from prostate cancer, according to a recent major national study that tracked more than 76,000 men at 10 sites in the United States.. Masonic Cancer Center researcher Timothy R. Church, Ph.D.

Funding from Sparboe endowed chair allows ovarian cancer research to flourish

University of Minnesota cancer biologist Sundaram Ramakrishnan, Ph.D., and his colleagues are working on a way to stop ovarian cancer from spreading.

Putting ovarian cancer into remission

For women already diagnosed with ovarian cancer, University of Minnesota researchers are finding better ways to help control their disease.

Winter 2009

A powerful force: The Center for Magnetic Resonance Research is pushing the technology’s limits

Some scientists make strides in biomedical research by acquiring state-of-the-art equipment and then using it to answer questions about living systems. “Good research can be done in that fashion,” says Kamil Ugurbil, Ph.D., director of the U of M’s Center for Magnetic Resonance Research.

Prostate cancer researcher receives Young Investigator Award

Scott Dehm, Ph.D., a prostate cancer researcher at the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, has received a Young Investigator Award for 2008 from the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Cancer rates high among American Indians of Minnesota, Northern Plains

In the first national large-scale study of cancer rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives, researchers found that American Indians in Minnesota and the surrounding Northern Plains have a colorectal cancer rate 39 percent higher than non-Hispanic whites.

Paying it forward : A daughter honors her father with a scholarship that keeps on giving

After John Manning was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and told he had just a few months to live. “He had a lot of integrity and honesty. He would tell you how it was," Wick says of her father. He showed that integrity throughout his whole life—even when he was sick. He never wallowed. He was always upbeat and positive.

Fall 2008

An altruistic attitude: Health-care professionals and patients partner up to advance medical knowledge through clinical research

Some of the most important contributors to health research are the patients who participate in clinical research studies. They are learning about access to leading-edge medical treatments, says Linda Carson, M.D.,chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, these women are contributing to scientific knowledge.

Vigilantly ever after: U physicians help childhood cancer survivors manage their health challanges long-term

As they help more children conquer cancer, University physicians are also identifying and managing the spectrum of health challenges these survivors tend to encounter as adults.

Childhood cancer survivors face higher risk of serious heart problems as adults

A University of Minnesota team has discovered a link between childhood cancer survivorship and serious heart problems later in life. When compared with their healthy siblings, childhood cancer survivors are 5 to 10 times more likely to develop serious heart problems, the team found.

University’s children’s hospital ranks high nationally

University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview,ranked among the country’s best in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals 2008” edition, released in June.

Improving cancer outcomes: 5th District Eagles Telethon supports vital studies in smoking-related cancer

“You can draw a direct line between research spending and improved cancer outcomes,” says Douglas Yee, M.D., University of Minnesota. The more effort, research, and money we put into cancer research, the fewer people are affected by cancer or lose their lives to it.

Fighting breast cancer one stroke at a time

Michelle Macy grew up swimming. A competitive swimmer in college, she set a personal goal to swim the English Channel. When her mother, Kathleen Macy, was diagnosed with breast cancer—her goal became something bigger: a mission to raise money to fight the disease.

Spring 2008

Argenta’s passion for helping women with gynecologic cancers inspires research

On his first day of medical school at Duke University, he had to fill out a questionnaire about his professional interests. “I said the only things of question were ob-gyn and oncology. Here I am 15 years later as a gynecologic oncologist,” says Argenta.

‘If you’re given a gift’: Woman thanks her doctor by supporting his research

Emphasizing the positive is a credo with Jeanne McGahee. Diagnosed in May 2005 with advanced ovarian cancer, she had surgery that month and then again two years later, when the cancer returned. “Dr. Argenta said, Part of it is your outlook on life. You just haven’t gotten depressed.”

Small cells, big hopes: After 40 years, the University of Minnesota continues to lead the charge against cancer and other disorders with lifesaving blood and marrow transplants

Known as hematopoietic stem cells, or HSCs, these cells produce the blood cells that carry oxygen, keep you from bleeding to death, and defend you against incursions by bacteria, viruses, and other adversaries. HSCs are also the stars of blood and marrow transplantation, a lifesaving therapy that has given thousands a new source of blood cells.

Masons give $65 million for cancer research

The University of Minnesota has received its largest gift ever—$65 million from Minnesota Masonic Charities. The donation will be made over 15 years to support research at the University’s Cancer Center.

U receives funding for biomedical research buildings

Thanks to bipartisan support from the state legislature and Governor Tim Pawlenty, the University of Minnesota will construct four research buildings as part of the Minnesota Biomedical Research Program. The five-year project, backed by university-sold bonds, will cost $292 million.

U takes lead of studies linking taconite mining and cancer

The University’s School of Public Health (SPH) has taken the lead role in a research initiative examining the relationship between a rare form of cancer and taconite mining in northern Minnesota.

A historic gift: Masons pledge a record-breaking $65 million for cancer research

When the Minnesota Masons made their first gift to the University of Minnesota in 1955, cancer was a death sentence. So to provide a place for people with cancer to receive palliative care, the Masons gave $1 million to build the Masonic Memorial Hospital.

Winter 2008

Clohisy named head of orthopaedic surgery

After an extensive nationwide search, the University of Minnesota Medical Schoolnamed surgeon Denis Clohisy, M.D., head of its Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, effective November 1, 2007.

Study finds women with breast cancer are choosing unneeded surgery

Growing numbers of women in the United States are choosing to have both breasts removed when cancer is detected in one breast, but in many cases, a double mastectomy is unnecessary, according to researchers at the U of M Cancer Center.

U researchers find new way to combat pancreatic cancer

A discovery by University of Minnesota cancer researchers may help stop the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer in patients. The research team found that a natural compound called triptolide can kill pancreatic cancer cells.

Offering hope and comfort: New facility provides lodging for adult cancer patients

“If I were a guest, this is where you’d find me,” says Mary Wiles, pointing to a cozy nook furnished with overstuffed chairs facing a stone fireplace. This inviting space is one of several created to give a sense of home to the recently opened Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.

Fall 2007

Her ‘best chance’: A patient finds compassionate, innovative care

The moment Jill Paulus, of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, learned last December that she had ovarian cancer, she told her oncologist that she’d do whatever it took to get leading-edge care.

In Mary’s memory: Family supports research into earlier detection of ovarian cancer

After Mary Wiser was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she sat in the office of a male doctor and asked a pointed question. She asked, “If men had ovaries, do you think we’d know more about ovarian cancer?”

More than medicine: A family member’s experience with cancer influenced the direction of Judson’s career

When she was a medical student, Patricia Judson, M.D., was leaning toward a career in perinatal genetics and maternal-fetal medicine. Then in 1992—the year she graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School—her father was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Beyond the basics: Innovative program helps junior faculty break into the world of clinical research

For Daniel Mulrooney, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of pediatric oncology, it’s the classic Catch-22. To do biomedical research, you need time, funding, and know-how. To get time, funding, and know-how... you need research experience.

A legacy of leadership: Still committed to improving patient care, John Kersey, M.D., returns to research full-time after 15 years as Cancer Center director

For many years, John Kersey, M.D., has been the face of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center. Both as a groundbreaking researcher and as the center’s founding director, he played a key role in bringing together researchers and clinicians from across the U to transform research and patient care.

U gains in ‘Best Hospitals’ rankings

University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, made impressive gains in this year’s U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” edition.

Cord blood results surpass bone marrow transplant outcomes for leukemia

After analyzing clinical data from transplant centers around the country, University researchers reported in June that umbilical cord blood transplants may offer blood cancer patients better outcomes than bone marrow transplants, previously considered the gold standard.

CMRR researcher receives Gold Medal Award

University of Minnesota Medical School professor Michael Garwood, Ph.D., received the 2007 Gold Medal Award at the Joint Annual Meeting of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicineand the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biologythis summer.

Motivated by experience: Shavers raise money for cancer research, benefiting the community that supported them

Many families have been affected by cancer in some way. But it hit the family of KARE 11 sports anchor Randy Shaver especially hard. Within 11 months, Roseann Giovanatto-Shaver, Randy’s wife, was diagnosed with melanoma, and Randy was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Spring 2007

Yee to direct Cancer Center

Medical oncologist Douglas Yee, M.D., a nationally recognized breast cancer researcher at the University, has been named director of the University’s Cancer Center following a national search.

A pioneer in oncology: B. J. Kennedy promoted the creation of medical oncology as its own specialty

In the 1960s, cancer most often meant a dire prognosis. Cure rates for many cancers were in the single digits. But in the years that followed, a group of physicians and scientists was working to improve those numbers and prove that cancer didn’t have to be a death sentence.

A culture of collaboration: Endowed chair to honor longtime Cancer Center director

“John’s legendary skill is listening to what people are interested in and then pulling them together to work toward a common goal,” says Tucker LeBien, Ph.D., deputy director of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center, who has worked with Kersey for 30 years. “I’ve never witnessed anyone who is as good at that as he is.”

Winter 2007

Cancer researchers find that radiation treatment in children raises risk of brain tumors later

University researchers found that children who received radiation treatment for cancer face a greater risk for tumors of the brain and spinal column later in life. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, showed that radiation treatment for childhood cancer was linked to a higher risk for later developing brain tumors.

Mutual admiration: Patient-physician bond leads to major gift

When George Mairs, at age 72, went into surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, to remove a soft-tissue sarcoma, his hopes were fixed firmly on recovery. He wasn’t banking on emerging with a life-changing friendship as well.

Fall 2006

Asha, for hope: Childhood cancer survivor now looks forward to career as a doctor

But 13-year-old Asha Ali prefers to look at the bright side. Two years after Asha and her family immigrated to the United States from a Somalian refugee camp in Kenya‚ she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She’s just grateful the events occurred in that order.

Award-winning DVD offers education, support for ovarian cancer patients

Melissa Geller, M.D.,was a second-year fellow at the U of M when she first fully grasped the need for quality patient education materials for women with ovarian cancer. “There is so much unknown at the time of diagnosis‚ so much fear and anxiety that accompanies it.”

Robot-assisted surgery: One patient’s success story

When 77-year-old Nancy Lindberg was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2005‚ she took the news in relative stride. Her disease was at a low level—stage 1—and she felt she was blessed with “good genes and a good‚ strong body.” When surgical oncologist Peter Argenta‚ M.D.‚ suggested that she would be a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery.

From bench to bedside: New chair Selwyn Vickers, M.D., intends to build on the distinguished research tradition of the University’s Department of Surgery

Ask medical leaders what influenced their career paths, and you’ll receive many different responses. In the case of Selwyn Vickers, M.D., who in August took over as chair of the University’s Department of Surgery.

University hospital again ranks among nation’s best

The University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, ranks among the country’s top 50 hospitals in 11 specialties, according to the “Best Hospitals 2006” issue of U.S. News & World Report.

Researchers find new compounds to help shrink tumors

There’s good news on the way for people with cancerous tumors: Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed novel anti-cancer drugs to treat solid tumors. The new compounds effectively reduce blood flow to tumors, thereby inhibiting their growth.

Spring 2006

Clinical trial changes protocol for advanced ovarian cancer treatment

For women with advanced ovarian cancer, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) now encourages post-surgery treatment with anticancer drugs via two methods. These combined methods, which deliver drugs into a vein and directly into the abdomen, extend overall survival by about a year.

New head for Department of Surgery

After a year-long search, Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., has been named to head the Department of Surgery. Vickers will come to Minnesota from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he is chief of the gastrointestinal surgery section.

Winter 2006

Coming together to treat prostate cancer: New center focuses on multidisciplinary, collaborative approach

Tim Culbert had never been sick—had never been admitted to a hospital—until he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The news came as a complete surprise: Just 46 years old and otherwise in good health, he had no family history of the disease.

Researchers create ‘natural killer’ cells to fight cancer

Stem-cell researchers at the University of Minnesota have achieved a laboratory breakthrough that could pave the way for future treatments for some types of cancers. For the first time, they’ve been able to coax human embryonic stem cells to create cancer-killing cells known as “natural killer” cells.

Thalidomide shows promise for treating ovarian cancer

A drug long blamed for causing birth defects is now showing promise as a safe and effective treatment for women with recurrent ovarian cancer. A new study compared the effectiveness and safety of the drug thalidomide when used in combination with topotecan.

Study shows nicotine vaccine has promise

Smokers know that nicotine withdrawal can be extremely tough. But now there’s a promising new vaccine that may help smokers quit in an entirely new way. A new study led by University of Minnesota researcher Dorothy Hatsukami, Ph.D., indicates the nicotine vaccine appears to be safe.

30 years of hope: John Kersey, M.D., gave David Stahl his life back with the world’s first bone marrow transplant to treat lymphoma

To a teenager, being diagnosed with cancer is devastating. And 30 years ago, being diagnosed with cancer was even worse. “Back then, with the word ‘cancer’ you thought death,” says David Stahl, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1975 at age 16.