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Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

lung cancer

Lung-MAP: A Master Screening Protocol for Previously-Treated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung Map

This screening and multi-sub-study randomized phase II/III trial will establish a method for genomic screening of similar large cancer populations followed by assigning and accruing simultaneously to a multi-sub-study hybrid Master Protocol (Lung-MAP). The type of cancer trait (biomarker) will determine to which sub-study, within this protocol, a participant will be assigned to compare new targeted cancer therapy, designed to block the growth and spread of cancer, or combinations to standard of care therapy with the ultimate goal of being able to approve new targeted therapies in this setting. In addition, the protocol includes non-match sub-studies which will include all screened patients not eligible for any of the biomarker-driven sub-studies.

Learn more at clinicaltrials.gov

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung Cancer Screening

Lung Cancer Prevention

Five Grants Presented to UAMS Cancer Researchers

Jan. 29, 2018 | Five newly awarded grants will assist scientists at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute in their search for new and innovative cancer treatments.

The grants of $10,000 each were presented to young investigators by the Envoys, a volunteer advocacy group of the Cancer Institute Foundation, during their “Doctor is In” reception and research poster showcase Jan. 25.

The grants are made possible by the Envoys’ annual RockStar Lounge fundraiser. This year’s event is set for April 13 at Cajun’s Wharf in Little Rock and will feature a performance by Bon Jovi tribute band Slippery When Wet.

“In an era when research funding has become more and more scarce, we are grateful to the Envoys for providing this essential support for our scientists,” said Cancer Institute Director Peter Emanuel, M.D. “With these start-up funds, they are able to establish the preliminary data needed to secure additional larger grants in the future.”

Recipients of the grants were:

Burdine’s project focuses on a novel approach to regulating a protein known as ATAD2 that is highly expressed in several types of cancer, including breast, pancreas, colon and liver, as well as in metastatic disease. If successful, regulation of the protein could lead to new therapies for these types of cancer.

  • Brendan Frett, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UAMS College of Pharmacy

Precision lung cancer treatment is often effective only for the short term due to significant differences that appear in individual cases of the disease. Frett’s objective is to improve the long-term outcomes of precision lung cancer therapy by simultaneously targeting multiple facets of the disease. He will synthetically engineer single molecule drug candidates capable of impairing multiple tumor survival pathways.

  • Samantha Kendrick, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UAMS College of Medicine

Kendrick’s project focuses on understanding how and why certain genes repeatedly mutate and contribute to the aggressive nature of B-cell lymphoma. Her research examines the frequency of DNA structures in these specific gene targets and whether the structures contribute to an increased susceptibility to mutation. Uncovering this process can facilitate the design of new therapies to minimize the risk of chemotherapy resistant disease.

Although advances in immunotherapy have offered great promise for several types of cancer, outcomes for an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma remain grim. Rodriguez’s project uses the surgical technique laser thermal ablation in combination with immunotherapy to alter the immune microenvironment, cause cancer cell death and open the area around the tumor in an effort to improve outcomes for patients with this disease.

Tian’s research addresses the role of two alias proteins produced by the gene MYC in the outcome of patients with multiple myeloma. He seeks to understand how one of these proteins affects the other in regard to cell proliferation and will use this knowledge to deliberately induce a different translation and modification of the gene that could ultimately lead to preventing uncontrollable cancer growth.

Little Rock Man Beats Cancer Twice with Help of UAMS

Dec. 18, 2017 | After 40 years, Jerry and Sharon Moskwiak were ready to leave the cold Michigan winters behind.

They considered a move to their favorite vacation spot in South Carolina, but there was one catch: The nearest academic health care center was at least one hour away.

Because Sharon had worked for 35 years at the University of Michigan, including several years in their medical school, the couple was familiar with the advantages of receiving health care in an academic research setting.

And, because Jerry was a 25-year lung cancer survivor and lived with other chronic illnesses, access to quality health care was one of their top requirements when searching for a new place to call home.

That’s when they turned their sights to Little Rock.

“I grew up in Little Rock and knew the health care was exceptional. That was one of the main reasons we decided to move back here,” Sharon said.

After getting settled into their new home, the Moskwiaks set about finding a primary care physician. Their first and only stop was at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Arkansas’ only academic health care center. During one of his initial appointments, Jerry received some unexpected news that convinced them they had made the right move at the right time.

“The doctor noticed a spot on my chest X-ray, and the next thing I knew we were discussing a plan for chemo,” Jerry said.

The spot was diagnosed as a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma known as mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This type of lymphoma can be fast growing and is most commonly found in men older than 60.

He was referred to Appalanaidu Sasapu, M.D., a hematologist oncologist at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, who scheduled him for six rounds of chemotherapy to occur every 28 days. Sasapu also is an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine in the UAMS College of Medicine.

“Dr. Sasapu was very clear and told us exactly what his course of action would be. He was confident that what he was prescribing would work for me, and he was right,” said Jerry.

In fact, after Jerry’s fifth round of chemo in October 2016, Sasapu gave the couple good news: The treatment was successful, and he did not need to receive the final round.

“I’m very happy with Mr. Moskwiak’s progress. He is a wonderful gentleman who always has a smile on his face, and his wife is a great caregiver for him,” Sasapu said.

Unfortunately, the good news was short lived when a follow-up scan revealed that Jerry was now facing another challenge: His lung cancer had reappeared after 25 years.

“The first time Jerry was diagnosed, he had surgery to remove the upper lobe of his right lung. This time the spot was in the lower lobe of his left lung, and he wasn’t a candidate for surgery due to his other health concerns,” Sharon said.

After an unsuccessful attempt to freeze the tumor with cold gases in a process called cryoablation, Jerry began a course of radiation therapy under the direction of Sanjay Maraboyina, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology in the UAMS College of Medicine.

“Just like Dr. Sasapu, Dr. Maraboyina had a very positive attitude and prescribed an aggressive treatment plan. They both kept the ball rolling in the right direction,” Jerry said.

Maraboyina recommended a highly precise treatment known as stereotactic body radiotherapy at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center targeting the spot on his lung. This was again good news as only three treatments were required instead of a daily course over several weeks.

“Dr. Maraboyina was a godsend. The care I have received has been exceptional,” Jerry said.

Although both cancers are now in remission, Sasapu recommended Jerry undergo maintenance therapy with the immunotherapy drug Rituxan every two months for two years to keep the lymphoma at bay. With about one year left on that regimen, he is proud to say he feels great. “I’m more than happy with this outcome,” Jerry said.

 

Faith in Cancer Care Team Keeps New Mexico Woman at UAMS

Dec. 1, 2017 | Tina Farber arrived in Arkansas with one thing on her mind — meeting her two new grandbabies. Her son’s third child had arrived in April, and her daughter was expecting her third about one month later.

“I was planning to stay about two months,” said Farber, a native Arkansan who now lives in New Mexico. “I had a PET scan scheduled for July 7 and needed to return home in time for that.”

A stage 3 lung cancer survivor, Farber was considered to be in remission following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in 2016. The PET scan was a routine follow-up to ensure the cancer had not returned.

Her plans were about to change, however, when she soon developed a cough, headache and fever, prompting a trip to the urgent care clinic. After returning to her daughter’s house with a diagnosis of pneumonia, Farber’s fever shot up to 102.4 degrees and the family took action.

“My daughter, Brittney, said to pack my bags. She was taking me to the hospital,” said Farber.

About a year earlier, while still undergoing chemotherapy, Farber also had made a visit to Arkansas. A bout with dehydration during her stay landed her in the UAMS Emergency Department, where she was impressed with the doctors and nurses who attended to her.

“Everything was in sync. They got me all taken care of. I told my kids that if I’m ever visiting again and need to see a doctor, don’t take me anywhere but UAMS,” she said.

After making the hour-long drive from her daughter’s home in Malvern, Farber again arrived at UAMS where she was quickly admitted and given the attention of a team of health care providers.

“Before I even got my wristband, they called me to triage and then immediately put me in a room where six people were waiting to take care of me. I was blown away,” she said.

After a series of tests, the doctor arrived with unexpected news. Lesions were found in her brain and bones that likely meant the lung cancer had spread.

“Once we found out the tumor had progressed to the brain and bones, we immediately got Mrs. Farber’s team together to carefully review her case and formulate an overall treatment plan,” said Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology in the UAMS College of Medicine.

That team included Xia, who specializes in radiation therapy for brain cancer; medical oncologist Konstantinos Arnaoutakis, M.D., who specializes in lung cancer; and orthopedic oncologist Corey Montgomery, M.D., who specializes in bone cancer. Other specialists in neurology and neurosurgery also were consulted as the treatment plan took shape.

“Having a team of physicians who work together efficiently and in a timely manner is particularly critical in cancer patient care. At the UAMS Cancer Institute, our doctors and nurses communicate instantly and continuously to coordinate our patients’ care at every step, from diagnosis and care management planning to treatment delivery,” said Xia, who also works closely with nurse practitioner Nikki Baxter, A.P.R.N., at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center.

Because radiation therapy requires daily treatments, Baxter is available to assist patients with symptom management and other issues that arise on a day-to-day basis.

“Communication and accessibility are the top priority with our patients. We all work together to provide the best care possible,” Baxter said.

That emphasis on communication and coordination have lightened the load for Farber and convinced her to postpone returning to New Mexico in favor of continuing treatment in her home state at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

“It’s hard to be away from my husband, but God put me here for a reason,” said Farber, who added that her family and long-time friends have offered endless support and encouragement during her extended stay in Arkansas.

“The doctors and nurses at UAMS have taken the time to get to know me. They all know my story, which is really important to me. I’m going to stay here and fight this battle because I know I’m in good hands,” Farber said.

Thoracic Surgeon Jason Muesse, M.D., Joins UAMS

LITTLE ROCK — Fellowship-trained thoracic surgeon Jason Muesse, M.D., has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). He sees patients in the Surgical Oncology Clinic at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and is an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery in the UAMS College of Medicine.

Muesse specializes in the surgical treatment of diseases involving the chest, including the lungs, esophagus and chest wall.  Muesse’s clinical interests include lung cancer, esophageal cancer, benign esophageal diseases including achalasia and paraesophageal hernias, chest wall resection and reconstruction, hyperhidrosis, and mediastinal tumors.  He has strong interest in minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery.

Muesse, a native of College Station, Texas, obtained his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Texas A&M University.  He earned his medical degree at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine in College Station and Temple, Texas. After serving his internship and residency in general surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital, he completed fellowship training in thoracic surgery at Emory University in Atlanta.  He also completed the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Graham Foundation Surgical Robotics Fellowship in 2017.

He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a candidate member of both the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and Southern Thoracic Society.  He enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

UAMS to Offer No-Cost Freedom From Smoking Program Starting May 10

LITTLE ROCK — If you’re ready to quit smoking, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is ready to help.

The small-group Freedom from Smoking program will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. for seven Wednesdays beginning May 10 in room 10104 on the 10th floor of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. There is no cost to participate.

To register, contact certified tobacco treatment specialist Pat Franklin, APRN, at (501) 944-5934 or plfranklin@uams.edu.

Participants receive one-on-one support, hear first-hand stories from former smokers, and get information on nicotine replacement therapies, healthy eating habits and stress management.

Since it was introduced by the American Lung Association (ALA) almost 30 years ago, the Freedom From Smoking program has helped more than a million Americans end their addiction to nicotine. The program is offered by the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and uses materials provided by the ALA.