Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

Clinical Trial Promising for Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Jan. 18, 2017 | Eighteen years ago, Gail Clayton received news that changed her life. Looking back, she says finding out she had breast cancer marked the beginning of new perspectives.

“When I was first diagnosed with cancer, it wasn’t the end of life as so many people think. To me, it was the beginning of life.”

Clayton and her husband, Raymond, have been married 46 years. He calls UAMS one of Arkansas’ best kept secrets.

“I don’t think people realize how amazing this institution is,” Clayton said. “You become friends with your doctors and nurses. It takes a village and I believe that village is right within these walls at UAMS.

She had breast cancer twice and was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. That prompted Clayton’s oncologist, Laura Hutchins, M.D., to refer her to gynecologic oncologist Kristin Zorn, M.D.

“Anytime we see a patient with a new diagnosis of cancer in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the peritoneum (the internal lining of the abdomen), we think of a possible hereditary source for that cancer,” Zorn said.

Clayton and Zorn discussed genetic counseling and ultimately found Clayton had a mutation in one of the BRCA genes, commonly known as the breast cancer genes. Every person is born with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but women who inherit mutations of the genes have an increased chance of developing breast, ovarian, and other cancers.

Researchers’ knowledge about these genetic mutations has helped lead to development of a new class of drugs known as PARP inhibitors.

“PARP inhibitors capitalize on the genetic defect that’s already present in people who carry one of these mutations,” Zorn said. “It helps to kill the cancer cells that are accumulating DNA damage.”

There are three types of PARP inhibitors that have been FDA-approved over the past few years: olaparib, rucaparib and niraparib. Clayton is a part of a clinical trial that includes her taking olaparib.

“With PARP inhibitors, we first focused on people who carry a BRCA or similar mutation. We’re now finding many patients with ovarian cancer who do not have a mutation are responding to the drugs.”

Another advantage of this new class of drugs is that they can be taken orally rather than through intravenous infusion, making it more convenient for patients. This works especially well for Clayton who spends a great deal of her time seeing the world.

“If someone says go, we pack a bag and go.”

Since her first diagnosis, Clayton says she takes nothing for granted and began living in a way she may not have if not for the illness. She and Raymond Clayton have made lots of memories abroad. Sometimes their adult son Randy joins them.

“We’ve been to the Baltic States, Russia, Berlin, Sweden…”

She’s responded well to the clinical trial and shows no indications of slowing down.

“…England, Paris, the Caribbean, Ireland. It’s been a journey.”

“Part of the reason I’m so passionate about practicing at a place like UAMS, is that it helps us bring cutting-edge therapies to our patients,” Zorn said. “Sometimes we’re talking about a surgical advance, sometimes we’re talking about an advance in treatment.”

Zorn says genetic counseling and testing has become a standard of care in some of the most common gynecological cancers.

“While many parts of the country are having trouble keeping up with the change in the standard of care, UAMS has a genetic counselor embedded in our clinic so that we can accomplish that.”

“The way I see it,” said Clayton, “Even if the clinical trial didn’t work for me, maybe it would work for someone else. I’m grateful for the strides scientists have made in treating this disease.”

This clinical trial was developed through the NRG Oncology cooperative trial group of the National Cancer Institute. The only access to this trial in Arkansas is at UAMS.

UAMS to Offer 7-Week Freedom From Smoking Program Starting Jan. 23

LITTLE ROCK — Anyone ready to quit smoking is invited to participate in a free seven-week program sponsored by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

The small-group Freedom from Smoking program will meet from 5-6:30 p.m. for seven Tuesdays starting Jan. 23 at 900 John Barrow Road. There is no cost to participate.

To register, contact certified tobacco treatment specialist Pat Franklin, A.P.R.N., 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.

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.

Duo Named UAMS Cancer Institute Volunteers of the Year

Nov. 7, 2017 | Sometimes two is better than one. That was the case this year when the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary named a duo as Volunteers of the Year.

Henry Noor and Len Tanner can be found at the Cancer Institute every Tuesday morning greeting patients, offering directions and distributing snacks. They were honored at the auxiliary’s volunteer appreciation luncheon held Oct. 19 at the home of Miguel Newberg.

“Henry and Len are outgoing, friendly and wonderful at interacting with the patients. They are often described as the Dynamic Duo, or sometimes, in jest, Double Trouble,” said Janie Lowe, director of the Cancer Institute Department of Volunteer Services and Auxiliary, which presents the annual award.

Tanner developed a connection with the Cancer Institute during his career as a pharmaceutical representative. Following his retirement in 2007, he returned to the institute as a volunteer.

Noor began volunteering the following year, also after his retirement. Soon afterward, the pair joined forces. About a decade later, both men have individually logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours.

“We are fortunate to have Henry and Len at the Cancer Institute. Their dedication and willingness to serve others is an inspiration,” Lowe said.

The Cancer Institute Auxiliary has about 500 members, more than half of whom volunteer on a regular basis in the waiting areas and gift shop or help with special events throughout the year.

Funds raised by the auxiliary are distributed as grants benefiting cancer patients at the Cancer Institute and in northwest Arkansas. Tara Smith is auxiliary president.

UAMS Scientist Takes Lead in National Tobacco Control Publication

Nov. 6, 2017 | It’s hard to quit smoking. Ask anyone who has tried and failed and tried again, sometimes in a seemingly endless cycle.

This process of quitting is important for individuals and their personal health, but there are also bigger concerns at stake — specifically how smoking affects our society as a whole.

This complex issue is of vital interest to public health researchers who spend their time trying to understand why some population groups are more likely to smoke than others and what strategies will help them quit once and for all.

Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., M.P.H., is one of those researchers. Now entering her second year as director of the UAMS Center for the Study of Tobacco in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, Fagan has devoted her career to studying tobacco control and cancer prevention. Specifically, her interest lies in reducing tobacco-related health disparities among underserved populations.

That expertise has recently resulted in the publication of a six-year-long project she conceived of while serving as a health scientist in the Tobacco Control Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, Maryland.

“A Socioecological Approach to Addressing Tobacco-Related Health Disparities” is the 22^nd volume in a series of monographs addressing issues related to tobacco control. Monographs are detailed studies written about specific topics.

The NCI established the Tobacco Control Monograph series in 1991 to provide information about emerging public health issues in smoking and tobacco use control. Fagan served as scientific advisor, writer and editor for this monograph — the first to focus on tobacco-related health disparities.

After initiating the project, Fagan asked Linda Alexander, Ed.D., associate dean of academic affairs at the West Virginia University School of Public Health, to serve as editor. Together, they recruited more than 50 subject matter experts to write and contribute chapters on the impact, causes and trends in tobacco-related health disparities.

“What’s unique about this monograph, is that it’s the first comprehensive document to focus on tobacco-related health disparities since the publication of the 1998 surgeon general’s report on tobacco and minorities,” Fagan said, adding that while that report, titled “Tobacco Use Among U.S. Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups,” focused only on racial and ethnic minorities, this monograph encompasses a broader spectrum.

“We include a focus on how issues such as poverty, educational attainment and gender affect tobacco use. We also highlight some of the issues with the LGBTQ population, as recent studies have shown this group to have a higher use of tobacco than other groups,” she said.

For Fagan, the most significant conclusion derived from the monograph centers on the varying speeds in which some groups benefit from declines in tobacco use versus others.

“Overall, tobacco use has declined, and we have evidence that shows which practices have effectively influenced this trend. This includes such things as a cigarette taxes that increase the cost of the product or receipt of advice to quit smoking from a health provider such as a doctor or dentist, , as well as statewide policies that prohibit smoking in the workplace, restaurants and bars,” she said.

What remains to be answered is why some groups benefit from these practices — and gain the resulting health benefits — more quickly than others. The answer, Fagan said, may lie in part in the applicability of different interventions for various cultural groups and the social context in which the interventions occur for different groups.

“While we know the practices that help people quit smoking, it remains to be seen if these practices work the same way for all groups or if they need to be adapted in order to be effective across cultures,” she said.

One of the groups significantly affected by smoking and tobacco-related disease is those who live in poverty. Research outlined in the monograph shows that social factors play a major role in this correlation and can run the gamut from cigarette ads at gas stations to the lack of primary care physicians in rural areas.

“In the rural Delta, for example, access to primary care providers is quite limited. People in the Delta don’t have doctors to advise them to quit or prescribe nicotine replacement therapies. This could influence why they are not benefiting from these practices at the same rate as other groups,” Fagan said.

Arkansas, and other states, also have a long way to go in implementing comprehensive clean air policies for public places, as well as encouraging families to restrict smoking in the home. These in-home practices are particularly important for African-American families, as they are twice as likely to be exposed to second-hand smoke in the home as other groups.

“We have a lot of progress to make in helping people understand that when they prohibit smoking in their home they are protecting their children from asthma, as well as protecting themselves and their children from lung cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases caused by tobacco,” Fagan said.

In addition to the dangers of smoking, the monograph also highlights the changing landscape of tobacco control, including the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes and other new products that heat, rather than burn, tobacco.

For Fagan, the main takeaway message from all of the combined research is that regardless of any of other factors, tobacco use is dangerous.

“There is no safe use of tobacco. That’s the most important message to communicate to all groups,” she said.

Annual Gala for Life Raises $942,000 for UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

Oct. 11, 2017 | The bright lights of New York City shone on Little Rock on Sept. 15 when the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute hosted its 22^nd annual Gala for Life.

The black-tie event, held at Little Rock’s Statehouse Convention Center, brought together 740 supporters from throughout Arkansas and raised about $942,000 for the fight against cancer. A portion of the net proceeds will directly benefit the UAMS Cancer Genetics Program, which includes Arkansas’ only board-certified geneticists who diagnose, manage and treat complex cancer syndromes.

Arkansas native and three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Remmel T. Dickinson served as event chair. KTHV news anchor Craig O’Neill was master of ceremonies.

“We are so thankful for the leadership of Remmel Dickinson and for our generous sponsors who make this event possible. All of the money raised by the Gala of Life stays in Arkansas and is used to help us advance our ability to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer,” said Peter Emanuel, M.D., Cancer Institute director and professor in the UAMS College of Medicine.

Gala for Life presenting sponsors were the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation Inc. and Highlands Oncology Group.

Donations made by guests that evening were matched by Nan Ellen and Jack M. East; Peggy and Haskell Dickinson; and Mary Kay and Dr. F.E. Joyce and family. View a complete list of sponsors here.

Dinner entertainment included performances by Michael Buble tribute artist Scott Keo; a musical revue by Broadway performers Dan’yelle Williamson and Kevin Massey; and a special performance by “America’s Got Talent” finalist and sand story artist Joe Castillo.

Guests also enjoyed a cocktail reception featuring the sights and sounds of New York City’s Rockefeller Center and Times Square, complete with ice skaters, food carts, street performers, digital caricature artists and a virtual graffiti wall.

UAMS Treats Pediatric Cancer Survivors to a Day at the Zoo

Sept. 14, 2017 | Five-year-old Lilly Johnson may dream of going to Madagascar, but on a recent sunny Saturday she was happy to enjoy some wild animals a little closer to home.

As a patient of the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center (ROC), Lilly and her family were invited to enjoy a day at the Little Rock Zoo for the center’s ROC Star Kids event. The sixth annual gathering held Sept. 9 brought together childhood cancer survivors and their families from across the state. The UAMS Radiation Oncology Center is the only facility in Arkansas that provides radiation therapy for children.

Lilly’s parents, John Paul and Jennifer Johnson, drove their five children two hours from the south Arkansas town of Hermitage to participate. “Lilly dreams of going to Madagascar or Australia just to see the animals, so this was the perfect place for us to come and enjoy the day together,” said Jennifer. It also was perfect timing for Lilly, a Ewing sarcoma survivor, who had both celebrated her birthday and was declared to be in remission within the past two weeks. Ewing sarcoma is a tumor that forms in the bone or soft tissue and most often occurs in children and young adults.

“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the entire family. We are happy to provide this event each year for these special families to make memories and enjoy some relaxation together,” said Peter Emanuel, M.D., director of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and professor in the UAMS College of Medicine.

A total of 82 pediatric cancer survivors and family members joined in the fun, which included unlimited time viewing the animals; train and carousel rides; and lunch. The event is hosted by the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary.

For the parents, however, these events are more than just a fun family outing.

“Coming to ROC Star Kids reminds us we’re not alone. We share a camaraderie with the other families that helps us keep things in perspective,” said Steve Chamness, whose son, Zach, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma shortly before his second birthday. Although considered a rare cancer, medulloblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed malignant brain tumor in children.

Upon his diagnosis, Zach’s cancer had already spread to his spine and required both regular and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplants at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, in addition to one month of radiation treatments at the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center.

Now 5, Zach is cancer free and attending kindergarten in his hometown of Cabot. “We’re just so grateful,” said his mom, Jill Chamness.

Jamie Weaver echoed that gratefulness about her daughter, Kaylee, and the care she received at UAMS. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age 3, Kaylee underwent 10 rounds of radiation therapy at ROC during her 15 total months of treatment. Now in second grade, Kaylee plays soccer, attends Sunday school and is “doing great,” her mom said, adding that she received clear scans earlier that week.

Prior ROC Star Kids events have been held at the UAMS Cancer Institute, an Arkansas Razorbacks football game, Little Rock’s Museum of Discovery and Dickey-Stephens Park. This is the first year to host the event at the Little Rock Zoo.

The program began with the encouragement and support of Arkansas’ former First Lady Ginger Beebe. Beebe’s granddaughter, Alexandria, was diagnosed at 11 weeks old with a tumor encircling her spinal column and was treated successfully at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Free Skin Cancer Screening Offered at UAMS Cancer Institute on Oct. 14

LITTLE ROCK — People concerned about spots on their skin are invited to participate in a free skin cancer screening from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). The screenings will take place on the second floor of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis and are encouraged to arrive no later than 1 p.m. Free parking is available in UAMS Parking 3 at Cedar Street and Capitol Avenue. For information, call (501) 686-5960.

Signs and symptoms of skin cancer include new spots on the skin or spots that change in size, shape or color. Potential signs also include bumps, patches or sores that don’t heal after two to three months.

UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a northwest Arkansas regional campus; a statewide network of regional centers; and seven institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, the Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, the Myeloma Center, the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, the Psychiatric Research Institute, the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging and the Translational Research Institute. It is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 2,870 students, 799 medical residents and six dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 10,000 employees, including about 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS and its regional campuses throughout the state, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or www.uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.

UAMS Cancer Institute Partners Card Offers Shoppers and Diners 20 Percent Discount

LITTLE ROCK –More than 250 shops and restaurants in central and northwest Arkansas and Conway will offer discounts Oct. 27 – Nov. 5 with Partners Card, a fundraising project of the volunteer auxiliary of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

To purchase a Partners Card or view a complete list of participating shops and restaurants visit www.uamspartnerscard.com. Cards also may be purchased by calling (501) 686-8286 or at participating locations indicated on the website.

For 10 days, shoppers and diners who purchase the $50 cards will receive a 20 percent discount at more than 250 area stores and restaurants. All proceeds from the sale of Partners Cards benefit the Cancer Institute Auxiliary and are used to fund projects that support cancer patients in Arkansas. Past projects have included such things as free wigs for patients who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment; housing and transportation assistance; oncology massage; patient and caregiver yoga classes; and cancer screening events.

The mobile-friendly Partners Card website, www.uamspartnerscard.com, features an interactive map highlighting the location of each participating merchant, in addition to an option to search by type of merchant.

This is the 14th year for the Cancer Institute to offer Partners Card in central Arkansas, the 12th year in northwest Arkansas and the second year in Conway. During that time, the fundraiser has raised more than $1 million for programs and services benefiting cancer patients in Arkansas.

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.