Sylvester Cancer Center: Latest Research & Awareness Updates – March 2024

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder of the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. While early detection remains crucial for effective treatment, growing awareness surrounds the role genetics can play in colorectal cancer development. At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, a specialized clinic is dedicated to identifying and supporting individuals at increased genetic risk.

Understanding Genetic Risk and Personalized Prevention

Daniel Sussman, M.D., leads the gastroenterology high-risk prevention clinic at Sylvester, focusing on individuals who may have a heritable predisposition to colorectal cancer. “We help identify people who are at increased risk for cancer,” explains Dr. Sussman, emphasizing the clinic’s role in facilitating genetic testing to determine if a genetic cause exists. Regardless of test results, the clinic develops personalized cancer prevention plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. This extends to providing information and guidance for family members, encouraging proactive clinical attention before cancer potentially develops. More information about Dr. Sussman’s work can be found on LinkedIn.

The increasing recognition of genetics in colorectal cancer isn’t limited to inherited predispositions. Researchers are too exploring genetic characteristics within tumors themselves, which can inform treatment decisions. This dual approach – examining both germline (inherited) and somatic (tumor-specific) genetics – is expanding the possibilities for precision oncology.

Advances in Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

Beyond genetic risk assessment, Sylvester researchers are making strides in immunotherapy, a treatment approach that harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Kevin Van der Jeught, Ph.D., has received a $72,000 Stanley J. Glaser Foundation Award to advance an experimental mRNA-based immunotherapy strategy for colorectal cancer. This research aims to enhance the body’s immune response to anti–PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors, potentially expanding the number of patients who benefit from immunotherapy. The project seeks to move this strategy toward an early-phase clinical trial at Sylvester in the coming years, reflecting a broader trend of utilizing mRNA technologies to train immune cells to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.

Similarly, Jashodeep Datta, M.D., a surgical oncologist and immunotherapy researcher at Sylvester, also received a Stanley J. Glaser Foundation Research Award. His work focuses on understanding and overcoming immune-driven treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer. Dr. Datta’s research centers on blocking the interleukin-1 (IL-1) inflammatory pathway, which tumors can exploit to suppress the immune response. The goal is to develop more precise therapies and deliver them earlier in the treatment course for patients eligible for surgery, with plans to translate this research into a clinical trial.

Improving Quality of Life During Breast Cancer Treatment

Sylvester researchers are also focused on improving the overall well-being of cancer patients, not just survival rates. A recent study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity demonstrated that exercise during chemotherapy for breast cancer significantly improves quality of life. The study, led by LaShae D. Rolle, MPH, CDH, showed that exercise not only rebuilds strength but also improves mood, energy levels, and overall well-being during treatment. “Chemotherapy places stress on every system in the body,” Rolle explains, highlighting the importance of prioritizing quality of life throughout the treatment process.

Novel Insights into Prostate and Pancreatic Cancer

Research at Sylvester is also shedding light on the complexities of prostate and pancreatic cancers. A new study utilizing serial liquid biopsies to track the evolution of metastatic prostate cancer under treatment pressure revealed that alterations in the androgen receptor (AR) consistently emerged and were linked to poorer outcomes. These findings, published in Clinical Cancer Research, suggest that a single genomic test at diagnosis may be insufficient for managing advanced prostate cancer and support the use of real-time molecular testing to guide personalized care.

Community Engagement and Expanding Access to Screening

Sylvester’s commitment extends beyond clinical research and patient care to encompass community outreach and preventative care. The Dolphins Cancer Challenge XVI recently surpassed $100 million raised for Sylvester, demonstrating the power of community support in advancing cancer research and patient care. This funding directly supports breakthrough research, innovative technologies, and personalized treatments at Sylvester.

Recognizing that access to screening is a critical barrier for many, Sylvester’s “Game Changer” mobile outreach program brings cancer screenings, education, and research directly to communities. This initiative, led by Erin Kobetz, PhD, MPH, aims to reduce cancer burden through preventive care, offering free screenings, educational programs, counseling, and referral services where people live and work.

Looking Ahead: Continued Research and Personalized Approaches

The ongoing research and clinical initiatives at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center reflect a commitment to advancing cancer care through a combination of genetic insights, innovative therapies, and community engagement. Future efforts will likely focus on refining personalized prevention plans based on individual genetic profiles, expanding access to cutting-edge immunotherapies, and further integrating mobile outreach programs to reach underserved populations. The continued support of the community, as demonstrated by the success of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, will be instrumental in accelerating these discoveries and improving outcomes for cancer patients and survivors.