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UH Innovations in Cancer

Innovations in Cancer provides examples of our efforts to integrate novel technology and treatments for patients at the University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center now University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center.

Fall 2011 – Volume 2 • Issue 2

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Radiation Technology for Neuro-Oncology Patients
More accurately targeting tumors of the brain and spine
Contributing Author: Simon Lo, MD

In the past, radiation oncology relied on somewhat rudimentary methods to verify the fields to treat, but with newer, image-guided techniques, radiation oncologists can now more clearly visualize a tumor and verify precise positioning of radiation beams.

Leading the Way in Radiation Oncology Research
RTOG encourages multidisciplinary, prospective research trials
Contributing Author: Mitchell Machtay, MD

The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) asserts that hypothesis-driven, multidisciplinary, prospective trials are the superior way to advance knowledge of cancers and their cures.

Improved Treatment Outcomes in Cervical Cancer
A novel agent sensitizes tumors to radiation and cisplatin
Contributing Author: Charles Kunos, MD, PhD

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, through Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), has been developing the novel radiation sensitizing agent triapine as a clinically useful tool in the treatment of cervical cancer.

A Time for Trials
Four clinical studies offer prostate cancer patients new options for treatment
Contributing Author: Rodney J. Ellis, MD

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, located at UH Case Medical Center, and through our affiliation with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, participates in many clinical trials that offer our patients novel options for cancer therapy.

Previous Issues

Winter 2011 – Volume 2 • Issue 1

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Progress in Understanding Barrett’s Esophagus
Basic research and clinical expertise combine to provide new insights
Contributing Author: Amitabh Chak, MD

Clinicians and scientists at Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center are investigating the genetics, surveillance and treatment of Barrett’s esophagus, in which abnormal columnar epithelium containing goblet cells replace the normal squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus.

Unraveling the Secrets of Colorectal Cancer Genes
Recent research investigates their importance in diagnosis and treatment
Contributing Author: Sanford Markowitz, MD, PhD

According to the most recent data from the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for men and women combined.

A Personalized Strategy
Advances made in selecting therapies and designing clinical trials for colon cancer
Contributing Author: Neal J. Meropol, MD

Colon cancer is rapidly becoming a model for the personalized approach to cancer therapy. A “one size fits all” strategy to treatment selection is no longer appropriate.

Interdisciplinary, Multimodality Cancer Treatment
Patients are benefiting from the coordinated care of a team of experts
Contributing Author: Conor P. Delaney, MD, PhD

At Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, patients with colorectal cancer are treated by multidisciplinary teams that offer individualized, multimodality approaches to cancer treatment.

Fall 2010 – Volume 1 • Issue 2

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Clinical Trial forAdvanced GBM
A collaboration of basic research and clinical expertise
Contributing Author: Charles Nock, MD

Very recent scientific advances have revealed the existence of both tumor cells and a small number of cancer stem cells in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

A Promising Approach
Improving tolerance and effectiveness of chemotherapy for malignant brain tumors
Contributing Author: Andrew Sloan, MD

At the Ireland Cancer Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, we are investigating a new approach to improve efficacy of chemotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) while circumventing the dose-limiting bone marrow toxicity that often accompanies such therapy.

The Future of Clinical Trials Research
Evolving trial designs require skilled investigator workforce
Contributing Author: Neal J. Meropol, MD

Clinical trials, which are essential to improving cancer care, represent the highest quality care that we have to offer. We live in an era with an unprecedented number of new agents and technologies undergoing clinical testing, and we must take great care in designing and conducting clinical trials to make certain we are offering the patients who participate the most innovative treatments and the best possibility for success.

A Search for Answers
Developing vaccines to treat difficult cancers
Contributing Author: Julian Kim, MD

Several clinical trials are under way at the UH Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Case Medical Center to evaluate new vaccines that may prove useful in treating a variety of difficult cancers, including metastatic melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma.

Winter 2010 – Volume 1 • Issue 1

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We are experiencing rapid change and growth. We are recruiting cancer surgeons with expertise in minimally invasive techniques, and expanding the number of novel therapeutics available to our patients through the NCI-supported early phase clinical trials program. Along with our focus on technology, our commitment continues to provide patient- and family-focused care and to ensure continuity of care through excellence in communication with our referring physicians.

In this edition of Innovations in Cancer, we will introduce you to our cancer care teams and highlight a few examples of novel therapeutics (PDF). These include video-assisted surgery for lung cancer (PDF), directed by Philip Linden, MD, and laparoscopic surgery (PDF) for colorectal surgery, directed by Conor Delaney, MD, MCh, PhD, as well as innovative clinical trials led by Afshin Dowlati, MD, and Joseph Baar, MD, PhD.

At UH Seidman Cancer Center, we provide coordinated cancer care through our disease specific teams that evaluate every patient, collaborating family physicians to treat patients. As a tertiary referral center, we can help patients review routine and complex case management, including multimodality care and neoadjuvant treatments. With a call to the UH Seidman Cancer Center referral line, an expert can see patients within 24 hours or they can receive advice anytime. By staying involved in all treatment decisions, patients quickly return to care in their hometown.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Innovations in Cancer.

Warm regards, Stanton L. Gerson, MD
Director, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center