Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Physician-scientists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are meeting an urgent, unmet need for treating patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). “Today, there is growing excitement in bladder cancer research given the recent approvals of new treatment options for patients with unresectable or metastatic disease after decades of no advances," says Bernard Bochner, a urologic surgeon at MSK. "We are at the beginning of a new era in bladder cancer research. Many of these new agents are now being tested in patients with earlier-stage disease." Learn more about these five NMIBC-related clinical trials at MSK: https://bit.ly/3K8H0vC

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in a patient's life through treatment, recovery, and life after cancer by helping restore their strength and function. Our OTs care for patients across both inpatient and outpatient settings and of all ages. Some of their most meaningful work is with pediatric patients, says Brianne Brown, an Advanced Clinician OT. “We’ve had many parents share that we are the bright spot in what can be a very dark and isolating time,” says Brianne. “We meet them where they are with compassion and a collaborative approach to address their children’s goals.” Thank you to our dedicated OTs who work with compassion and creativity every day to restore people to their lives, and learn more about our rehabilitation services: https://bit.ly/4bG3v73

Congratulations to the 10 scientists who graduated from the Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSK) this year. GSK offers the next generation of biomedical investigators a unique curriculum in cancer biology. This year GSK also launched a first-of-its-kind PhD program — the Pat and Ian Cook Doctoral Program in Cancer Engineering. The commencement address was given by Dr. Elaine Fuchs a professor of mammalian cell biology and development at The Rockefeller University and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. GSK graduate Chi Nguyen acted as student speaker with remarks for her fellow classmates and the faculty. https://bit.ly/3wAwyKr

Applications are now open for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK)'s Department of Radiation Oncology 4-Week Rotation Program. Medical students are fully integrated into the Radiation Oncology department and will receive dedicated instruction in the history of general radiation oncology, radiation biology and physics, clinical workflow, and radiation oncology emergencies. Below are testimonials from two recent participants: "As a fourth-year medical student, I had the opportunity to rotate through the MSK Department of Radiation Oncology for one month, “says Revathi Ravella, an incoming resident for the 2024-2025 academic year. “The time that I spent working with attendings and residents at MSK reinvigorated my interest in the radiation oncology field." “From my rotation, I was able to learn from co-residents and attendings who were on the cutting edge of radiation oncology all while in an environment that is collaborative and inspiring,” says Chris Jackson, chief resident rotated within Radiation Oncology in 2019 in his fourth year of medical school. “It helped me to become the radiation oncologist that I am today. Fast forward five years, I am so grateful I made the decision to rotate at MSK.” Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ehkUYu_C

A recent study led by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) testing an experimental cell therapy called afamitresgene autoleucel (afami-cel) found that it significantly shrank sarcoma tumors in more than one-third of patients. “Some patients in the trial had their tumors completely disappear and have not had the cancer come back for several years,” says Dr. Sandra D’Angelo, a sarcoma specialist and immunotherapy expert at MSK. Read more about the study: https://bit.ly/3wv6hgC

Cheryl Co, a senior clinical nurse overseeing night shift operations at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), ensures the smooth running of her unit and plays a pivotal role as a mentor to her colleagues. “When our patients see us, they feel a connection; they feel at home and at ease. They instill their trust in us," says Cheryl. "Knowing that I make a difference in their lives, I can't find a more fulfilling job." Her dedication to patient care also extends beyond her nursing responsibilities. Cheryl serves as the chair of the MSK Night Shift Council, advocating for resources that enhance patient care and to ensure the efficiency of night shifts. As we mark Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we asked what this month means to Cheryl: “AANHPI symbolizes a community that has navigated both challenges and triumphs, deserving recognition, respect, and support for its diverse voices and experiences,” says Cheryl. “This month is an opportunity to honor the rich array of cultures encompassing Asian heritage...Being a nurse at [MSK] provided me with many perspectives on what's important in the world today.”

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK)'s Interventional Radiology (IR) clinics nursing team has developed an innovative approach that has transformed patient care at MSK. In May 2023, a team of visionary nurses launched a new program aimed at decreasing wait times for biopsies. “A delay in getting a biopsy means a delay in treatment, which can have devastating consequences,” says Eileen Collins, a clinical nurse at MSK. “I have been a nurse at MSK for 27 years and a patient. I know firsthand how scary the waiting process is. When I heard about this project, I wanted to be involved.” Before the program's inception, the wait time for an IR biopsy at MSK was two weeks. Now, the new initiative not only improves patient access but also allows doctors to focus on more complex cases. The number of consultation slots increased from an average of 10 to 13 a day to 30 to 38 a day. “The most beautiful thing about this project is that MSK nurses came together as a team to identify a problem and expedite patient care,” says Elizabeth Farrat, a clinical nurse at MSK. “It proves that when nurses link arms and attack a problem, it gets solved.”

Last week during Nurses Week, we celebrated the 2024 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) recipients of The Robbins Family Awards for Nursing Excellence. This recognition highlights the achievements of nurses and nursing support staff and their contributions to MSK’s mission. We honored the following award winners in nine categories for their outstanding contributions to nursing at MSK, including: - Anne Longfritz, BSN, RN, PCCN, OCN, Clinical Nurse IV - Maryann Canavan, MSN, ANP-BC, Advanced Practice Provider II - Jaclyn Andronico, MSN, RN, OCN, AOCNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Eleni Kalandranis, MSN, RN, NE-BC, OCN, CMSRN, Nurse Leader - Jaime Granieri, DNP, RN, CCRN, Nursing Professional Development Specialist - Margarette Goold, Patient Care Technician - Bayley Sharma, MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, PCCN, Nursing Professional - - Development Specialist - Luke Paolantonio, Patient Representative - MSK's Non-Chemotherapy Extravasation Working Group

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is launching the Ratner Early Detection Initiative (REDI), an innovative set of projects to support underserved communities in Queens and Brooklyn, who lack access to cancer screening and early detection. REDI will focus on three main project elements, including lung cancer screening among underserved communities, patient navigation services through a robust co-learning program, and support for the development of dynamic Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to spur early detection technology. “For many people, especially underserved populations, cancer screenings may seem inaccessible, and coping with a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming," says Dr. Francesca Gany, Chief of MSK’s Immigrant Health and Cancer Disparities Service. “The Ratner Early Detection Initiative will invest in building the presence of patient navigators, who will support patients’ needs across the entire care continuum.” Learn more about this exciting initiative: https://bit.ly/44Eqc9h

Last week, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) celebrated Patient Experience Week with events across our locations to thank MSK staff for their significant role in creating experiences that help center our patients, their caregivers, and our community.