2023 University Hospitals Clinical & Research Highlights

UH Alumni News | January 2024

The following clinical and research highlights are just a reflection of the exciting work taking place by our physicians and physician-scientists at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. We welcome you to stay connected with what's taking place at UH through the UH Alumni Association or stay up-to-date by visiting Articles & News.

Seidman Cancer Center

Case Western Reserve University and UH Researchers Awarded Major Federal Grant to Study Esophagus Cancers
With a new five-year, $11.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), researchers at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals hope to learn what causes—and how to reduce and treat—esophagus cancers, an increasingly common and deadly disease.
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UH Seidman Team Identifies New Subgroup of Small Cell Lung Cancer
Clinical trial borne from new findings showing promising results
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New Study Published in NEJM Evidence with UH Seidman Cancer Center Researchers and ArteraAI
Data from a new study published in NEJM Evidence shows promise for personalized use of short term ADT in men with predominantly intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The study involved ArteraAI, a developer of multimodal artificial intelligence-based predictive and prognostic cancer tests, and other researchers including those from University Hospitals (UH) Seidman Cancer Center. The information validates the first-ever predictive AI biomarker of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) benefit in prostate cancer.
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U.S. Department of Defense Funds Promising UH/CWRU Pancreatic Cancer Research
Collaboration exploring the possible synergy of important individual discoveries
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Study in journal Nature Communications Finds High Blood Glucose Levels Sensitizes Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Chemotherapy
Researchers from University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University see finding leading to potential adjunct agents for improved outcomes with chemo
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Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute

UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute Leads Pivotal Study of LimFlow Therapy for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia
Findings published in The New England Journal of Medicine show new therapy saves most patients from amputation
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University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute Grows to Become Nation’s 4th Largest MIDCAB Program
The novel grafting technique provides an alternative to open-heart surgery for a narrow subset of patients who require revascularization of the anterior wall of the left ventricle.
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LAAC Effective for Patients with HCM and AF New University Hospitals Study Shows
A research team from University Hospitals (UH) Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute has conducted the largest study to date on the benefits of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients who have both atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
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University Hospitals Recognized for Exceptional and Quality Care of Patients in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Only cardiac unit in Ohio designated a Gold Beacon Unit of Excellence by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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Diabetes & Metabolic Care

Breakthroughs in the Management of Type 1 Diabetes
Two first-in-class advancements in the management of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) are inspiring hope for delayed disease progression and improved glucose control.
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The Complexities of Inpatient Glucose Management
Glycemic management of hospitalized patients requires a nuanced, multidisciplinary approach. While glucose goals may vary depending on the individual’s condition and hospital protocols, it is crucial to stabilize blood sugar, avoid hyper- or hypoglycemic episodes and prepare the patient to successfully transition to an outpatient or subacute care setting.  
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Digestive Health Institute

UH Physician-Scientists Study Genetic Markers of Resistance in Helicobacter pylori
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center physician-scientists collaborated with colleagues at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine to conduct the first known study of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antimicrobial susceptibility testing as the standard of care. Findings from their retrospective study were recently published in the American Journal of Gastroenteology (AJG).
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Research Discoveries Boost Personalized Treatment for IBD
Fabio Cominelli, MD discusses how his team of researchers discovered the specific blockade of interleukin-18 can reduce disease severity in colitis and new personalized therapies to put IBD in permanent remission.
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UH Seidman Team Innovates to Boost Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Power of IT will support greater communication and integration of effort.
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Ear, Nose & Throat Institute

Advancements in Facial Reanimation Bring New Hope to Patients Living with Paralysis
Individuals living with facial nerve disorders require a multidisciplinary continuum of care. “If somebody comes to me with facial nerve paralysis, that is often not their primary issue,” says Cyrus Rabbani, MD, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. “They are often coming to me after being told they have cancer or one of a plethora of diseases, primarily Bell’s Palsy. I tell people we are not just treating their facial nerves; we are here to provide comprehensive facial care.”
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UH Seidman Cancer Center Launches Biotech Collaboration to Discover Cellular Immunotherapies for Head and Neck Cancer
Novel therapies identified through the collaboration will be manufactured at the cell therapy facility at the Wesley Center for Immunotherapy – one of only a few of its kind in the nation.
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Trial of Next Generation Implantable Hypoglossal Neurostimulator to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
University Hospitals is the only health system in Northeast Ohio participating in the OSPREY trial, an international study of the LivaNova aura6000™ System, an implantable hypoglossal neurostimulator (HGNS) intended to treat adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
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Neurological Institute

International Review Raises Concerns Over Studies of Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment
Sepideh Amin-Hanjani, MD, PhD, recently joined an international team to conduct a meta-analysis of scientific studies evaluating emerging intracranial aneurysm (IA) treatments. Published in the Sept. 1 JAMA Network Open, their findings raise concerns over endovascular devices labeled “safe and effective” that lack rigorous evidence or sufficient control groups. 
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International Study of Endovascular Thrombectomy Demonstrates Improved Functional Outcomes in Large Ischemic Stroke
A groundbreaking international study of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients experiencing large ischemic stroke was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine to coincide with its presentation at the American Heart Association’s International Stroke Conference 2023.
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University Hospitals Enrolls First U.S. Patient in International Phase 3 Clinical Trial for ‘autoimmune Encephalitis
CIELO is a randomized, double-blind study evaluating the safety and efficacy of satralizumab, an interleukin-6 inhibitor, versus placebo. Satralizumab is currently FDA-approved for the treatment of adults with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a rare inflammatory disease most often affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord.
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Obstetrics & Gynecology

University Hospitals Is Personalizing Infertility Treatment to Meet Patients’ Religious Needs
The first baby conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF) was born in 1978, and many ethical and religious concerns arose in the wake of this leap forward in medicine. Today, many of these concerns persist in the diverse patient population that seeks infertility treatment.
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Innovative Surgery Improves Fetal Outcomes in Women with Cervical Insufficiency
Patients with refractory cervical insufficiency are often unable to sustain a pregnancy past the second trimester and frequently experience spontaneous preterm births. Vaginal cerclage is typically the first-line treatment for these patients. However, for those women who fail vaginal cerclage, a laparoscopic abdominal cerclage may improve fetal outcomes and reduce maternal morbidities.
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Orthopaedics

The Expanding Role of Biometric Sensors in Sports Medicine
Sponsored by The Aircast Foundation, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) recently awarded a prestigious Playmaker Grant to James Voos, MD, chair of University Hospitals Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Charles H. Herndon Professor and chair at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and head team physician for the Cleveland Browns.
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UH Orthopaedic Surgeons First in Ohio to Operate with Cleveland-Based ArthroFree™ Surgical Camera
Orthopaedic surgeons at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center were the first in Ohio and among the first nationally to operate using the pioneering ArthroFree™ wireless surgical camera system.
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UH Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute at UH Ahuja Medical Center Offers World-Class Care
Celebrating its grand opening in June 2023, the University Hospitals Drusinsky Sports Medicine Institute is part of a $236 million expansion at UH Ahuja Medical Center. The world-class facility offers expert, multidisciplinary sports medicine, rehabilitation and performance training to athletes of all ages.
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UH Receives $20 Million Gift to Launch Haslam Sports Innovation Center
A visionary $20 million gift from Dee and Jimmy Haslam will establish the new University Hospitals Haslam Sports Innovation Center led by James E. Voos, MD, Chair, UH Department of Orthopedic Surgery, President-elect of the NFL Physician’s Society and Head Team Physician, Cleveland Browns. The new center will strategically identify, support and invest in the world’s best innovations in sports medicine, providing a catalyst to improve performance, reduce injury risk and promote healing for stronger, healthier professional and recreational athletes.
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Pediatrics | Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital

UH Rainbow Gastroenterology Chief Plays Pivotal Role in FDA Approval of C. difficile Drug in Kids
Clinical trial results support extrapolation to the pediatric population of bezlotoxumab efficacy and safety established in adults
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EDIC Brain Studies Validate Importance of Glucose Management in Type 1 Diabetes
Modern technology can set patients on a different course and avoid brain changes
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NCI Funds UH Rainbow Team to Study Drug Aimed at Protecting Cancer Patients from Treatment-Related Brain Effects
Pediatric oncologist John Letterio, MD, has spent years witnessing and worrying about the late effects of cancer treatment on children and teens – and searching for ways to prevent them. It’s well established that treatment aimed at eradicating cancer in a young patient often has harmful effects on the developing brain and other organ systems, even with the most modern protocols. One study, for example, documented rates of hearing loss, abnormal cholesterol levels, hormonal dysfunction and abnormal lung function at more than 60 percent among adult survivors of childhood cancer, to say nothing of cancer-induced cognitive impairment.
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UH Rainbow Infectious Disease Specialist Provides National Leadership on Long COVID
When the National Institutes of Health launched its $1.2 billion RECOVER initiative to study long COVID in early 2021, University Hospitals pediatric and adult infectious disease specialist Grace McComsey, MD, was first out of the gate, enrolling the first patient. She was one of just 15 successful applicants for the federal funding, out of more than 300 who applied.
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UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Conducts First-Ever Stem Cell Trial in Cystic Fibrosis
Pilot shows therapy is safe and well-tolerated
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Pulmonology, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine

Custom 3-D Printed Airway Stents Markedly Improve Pulmonary Patient Outcomes
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center early adopter of this approach
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Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters (PICCs) in Cystic Fibrosis
Chest infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are treated with intravenous antibiotics, sometimes for several weeks. Peripherally inserted central venous catheters, or PICCs, provide a convenient way to administer IV antibiotics; however, they do have limitations, including risk of venous thrombosis, bloodstream infections and catheter occlusion, explains Alex Gifford, MD, Director, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.
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Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters (PICCs) in Cystic Fibrosis
Chest infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are treated with intravenous antibiotics, sometimes for several weeks. Peripherally inserted central venous catheters, or PICCs, provide a convenient way to administer IV antibiotics; however, they do have limitations, including risk of venous thrombosis, bloodstream infections and catheter occlusion, explains Alex Gifford, MD, Director, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program,  University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.
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Urology Institute

JAMA Study Finds Patients with Prostate Cancer Are Increasingly Choosing Active Surveillance Over Treatment
Active surveillance (AS) is increasingly recognized as the standard of care for low- and some favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancers (PC).
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Social Determinants of Health Analysis Reinterprets Race-Linked Cancer Outcomes
Physician-researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center recently released a compelling meta-analysis of prior studies of over 1 million men with prostate cancer. Published in the JAMA Network Open of the Journal of American Medical Association, their findings revealed that insufficient accounting for social determinants of health (SDOH) resulted in Black men appearing to have significantly higher prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) than White men.
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Novel EMPOWER Study of Female Urinary Incontinence Reaches Halfway Point
Now at its one-year mark, University Hospitals’ EMPOWER study is reimagining the management of female urinary incontinence (UI) in the primary care setting.
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UH Cutler Center for Men Research Initiatives to Revolutionize Men’s Health
Experts at the University Hospitals Cutler Center for Men are collaborating with Case Western Reserve University to launch several studies approved by the Institutional Review Boards (IRB) that are aimed at broadening the understanding of men’s health needs and improving outcomes.
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