Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

The Center for Implementation Research in Cancer in Later Life (CIRCL) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) will be holding a work-in-progress (WIP) seminar on Thursday, August 13 at 1pm (EST). Dr. Rebecca M Saracino, an Assistant Attending and Co-Director of the Psychotherapy Laboratory in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at MSK, will be presenting her work on adapting and evaluating the Do More Feel Better–Survivorship (DMFB-S) program, a peer volunteer-delivered behavioral activation intervention, for older cancer survivors with depression. Using trained cancer survivor volunteers from MSK, the pilot study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering this evidence-based program via phone or videoconference, with the goal of expanding access to depression treatment in survivorship care. The seminar will be moderated by MSK psychologist Dr. Kelly McConnell. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3TOfvQg

An effective new treatment for metastatic prostate cancer is now available to a much larger group of people with the disease. The FDA has expanded its approval of Pluvicto® (¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617) to be given in combination with hormonal therapy as an initial treatment for patients with metastatic prostate cancer, if a PET scan shows the cancer is positive for the PSMA protein. Pluvicto is a radioactive molecule that selectively seeks out and attaches to PSMA on the cancer cell surface. It delivers radiation that damages DNA and destroys the cancer cell. “This type of precision medicine has been a game changer for people whose prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate,” says Dr. Michael Morris, a genitourinary medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). The latest approval is based on results from a phase 3 clinical trial called PSMAddition. Dr. Morris was a key leader of the study in the U.S. Learn more about what this expanded approval means for people with metastatic prostate cancer: https://bit.ly/4bJ4W7f

"Sometimes we need to stop endlessly discussing a pilot project and simply begin." — Tracy Gosselin Healthcare naturally strives for perfection. But improvement requires learning, and learning begins with action. In this episode of the Habitual Excellence Podcast, Ken Segel and Tracy Gosselin, PhD, RN, AOCN, NEA-BC, FAAN from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explore what it means to lead today while preparing for tomorrow, from supporting the workforce and strengthening collaboration to embracing innovation without losing sight of patients. Listen now. https://hubs.li/Q04rTgyT0 #HealthcareLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #HabitualExcellence #ContinuousImprovement

We were proud to present Madalyn (Maddie) Turner, BSN, RN, PCCN, CNIII, a Clinical Nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Bergen Symptom Care Clinic (SCC), the DAISY Award. Maddie’s nominators wrote, "She exemplifies excellence in oncology nursing through her extraordinary combination of clinical expertise, compassion, and leadership. Maddie consistently fosters meaningful connections with patients and families during some of the most challenging moments of their cancer journey. Her ability to communicate complex care plans with clarity, empathy, and reassurance helps patients feel informed, supported, and empowered. In a fast-paced clinical environment, she demonstrates exceptional critical thinking, proactively identifies patient needs, and delivers safe, individualized care. Equally respected by her colleagues, Maddie is known for her collaborative spirit, professionalism, and willingness to support and mentor others." Congratulations and thank you Maddie for being a part of our team and for making a difference in the lives of others!

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have identified a protein called ZFP36L2 that connects the gut’s damage-sensing system to the ability of cells to change identities and repair an injury. The study, published in Nature, was led by MSK gastrointestinal medical oncologist Dr. Karuna Ganesh, MD, PhD and MSK postdoctoral researcher Dr. Quingwen “Karen” Jiang. When the gut is injured, ZFP36L2 helps mature cells return to a stem cell state and replace cells that have been lost. Colorectal cancer cells hijack this same process to spread and form new tumors in other organs. In laboratory models, tumors lacking ZFP36L2 largely failed to spread to distant organs. “For a long time, we studied the ways in which cells were changing identities — but this is the first time we've been able to explain the mechanism behind how it happens,” says Dr. Ganesh. The findings could point toward new ways to prevent metastasis and identify tumors at greater risk of treatment resistance. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qdji5J

👏 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has been recognized as the #2 cancer center in the nation, the #1 cancer center in New York, and #1 in the nation for urology care for the 4th year in a row by U.S. News & World Report in its annual Best Hospitals listing. Read more: https://bit.ly/4wW2WRL

Congratulations to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK)'s most recent awards and appointments, including Dr. Joan Massagué for receiving the Kennedy Award from the Institut d’Estudis Nord-americans (IEN); Dr. Daniel Heller for being named a Gray Foundation Grant Recipient; Dr. Alex Gitlin for being named a Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research; and more: https://bit.ly/4qeapJn

“No one wants to be a patient, but if you have to be, there’s truly no place I’d rather it be,” says William Wilson, a senior medical coordinator at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) Monmouth in New Jersey. Long before William wore an MSK badge, he walked through MSK’s doors, holding his grandfather’s hand and sitting beside him during treatment. Years later, William’s cousin was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood sarcoma at the age of 16. William saw firsthand the impact of extraordinary care. Today, those experiences shape how he cares for every patient who walks through the doors of MSK Monmouth, even five years into his career. From helping lead the rollout of the Epic platform on day one to supporting his peers through all major transitions, William consistently shows up with his best foot forward His teamwork and willingness to step in wherever he is needed have not gone unnoticed. William shares: "Knowing the people you're showing up for, seeing them day after day — that's what makes this feel like more than a job. It motivates me every single day.” Leave a 👏 in the comments for William!

The FDA has approved zidesamtinib (Jideytro) for patients with advanced ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer who have stopped responding to other drugs aimed at ROS1. Dr. Alexander Drilon, a thoracic medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), led the clinical trial that resulted in zidesamtinib’s approval. Overall, 44% of patients responded to the drug, and after one year, 69% of responding patients were still responding. Zidesamtinib was designed to work in patients whose tumors have learned to get around older drugs. It can also penetrate the blood-brain barrier, making it effective at attacking cancer cells that have spread to the brain, a common site of metastasis for lung cancer. “This was the most precisely targeted ROS1 inhibitor that science could create, while decreasing side effects at the same time,” says Dr. Drilon. “The results have been really good for many patients.” The FDA’s approval means that zidesamtinib will be available to patients throughout the United States, whether or not they have access to a clinical trial. Learn more about the MSK research behind the approval: https://bit.ly/44YpQeJ

The FDA has approved zenocutuzumab (Bizengri®) for adults with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma driven by a molecular change called an NRG1 gene fusion. The clinical trial that resulted in the drug’s approval was led by Dr. Alison Schram, a gynecologic medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). “Patients with bile duct cancer caused by an NRG1 fusion have very limited treatment options,” Dr. Schram says. “Zenocutuzumab can make a meaningful difference for these patients, shrinking their tumors with remarkably few side effects — preserving quality of life.” The study was a “basket trial,” in which patients can join based on specific changes in their tumor’s genes, not just where the cancer is located in the body. This type of trial is critical for finding treatments for rare cancers like cholangiocarcinoma. Learn more about the MSK-led trial and why comprehensive genetic testing, including RNA testing, can help patients find the right treatment: https://bit.ly/4cbAkv7