UPMC Cancer Institute

THURSDAY, July 25, 2024 -- A nudge intervention in the electronic health record (EHR) targeting surgeons can reduce sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) among women who meet the Choosing Wisely criteria for SLNB omission, according to a study published online July 17 in JAMA Surgery . Neil Carleton, Ph.D., from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, and colleagues examined whether an EHR-based nudge intervention targeting surgeons in their first outpatient visit with patients can reduce the rates of SLNB. Data were obtained for female patients meeting the Choosing Wisely criteria for omission of SLNB (aged ≥70 years with cT1 and cT2, cN0, HR+/HER2− breast cancer ); a column nudge was embedded into the surgeon's schedule in the EHR for these patients. The study compared a 12-month preintervention control period with a 12-month intervention period. The researchers found that unadjusted rates of SLNB decreased by 23.1 percentage points in the intervention period compared with the control period (decrease from 46.9 percent pre-nudge to 23.8 percent after). Following nudge deployment, there was a reduction in the rate of SLNB (adjusted odds ratio, 0.26). The intervention was scored highly by surgeons on acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. The intervention helped remind surgeons of potential Choosing Wisely applicability, without the need for additional clicks or actions at the patient visit, which facilitated use. "Based on these findings, an EHR nudge is an evidence-based solution to deimplement SLNB and may be extended to other practice settings," the authors write. One author has a patent for application-specific processing of a disease-specific semantic model instance pending with Caldex.

Founder and 12-Year Survivor, Flora Migyanka, Announces Significant Funding to Propel Research and Collaboration with University of Michigan, UPMC, and Leading Researchers. PLYMOUTH, Mich., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dynami Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and treatment for lobular breast cancer, is proud to announce the presentation of a $300,000 grant to support ongoing research and prevention efforts. This grant will fund critical studies and foster collaboration among top researchers at the University of Michigan, UPMC, and other leading institutions. Continue Reading Pictured here, from left: James M. Rae, PhD, Daniel F. Hayes M.D., F.A.S.C.O., F.A.C.P., Flora Migyanka, Founder of Dynami Foundation, Jacqueline Jeruss, MD, PhD, and Versha Pleasant, MD, MPH Founded by Flora Migyanka, a 12-year survivor of lobular breast cancer, The Dynami Foundation is committed to changing the landscape of breast cancer research. Despite being a common subtype of hormone-positive breast cancer, lobular breast cancer receives less than 1% of the total research funding. This substantial grant aims to address this disparity and drive forward the understanding and treatment of this disease. "I founded The Dynami Foundation with a mission to improve the statistics and outcomes for lobular breast cancer patients," said Flora Migyanka, Founder and President of The Dynami Foundation. "As a survivor, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and gaps in research that patients face. This grant is a significant step toward moving the research needle and ensuring that lobular breast cancer receives the attention it deserves." The $300,000 grant will be utilized to support a range of initiatives, including: Innovative Research Projects: Funding groundbreaking studies that explore the unique characteristics and treatment responses of lobular breast cancer. Collaborative Efforts: Fostering partnerships between leading researchers at the University of Michigan, UPMC, and other top institutions to share knowledge and accelerate discoveries. Clinical Trials: Supporting the development and implementation of clinical trials that test new therapies and treatment protocols tailored specifically for lobular breast cancer. Dr. Jacqueline Jeruss, Associate Vice President for Research - Integrity and Compliance at the University of Michigan, Associate Dean for Regulatory Affairs and Professor of Surgery, Pathology, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan Medical School expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "This grant from The Dynami Foundation provides a critical opportunity to deepen our understanding of lobular breast cancer and develop more effective treatments. We are incredibly grateful for the support and look forward to making significant strides in our research." UPMC's Dr Steffi Oesterreich, Professor at University Pittsburgh, Co-Leader of Cancer Biology Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Co-Director of the Women's Cancer Research Center a collaboration between UPMC, HCC, and Magee Womens Research Institute echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of dedicated funding for this under-researched subtype of breast cancer. "Lobular breast cancer has unique challenges that require targeted research efforts. The Dynami Foundation's commitment is crucial for advancing our knowledge and improving patient outcomes." The Dynami Foundation's dedication to changing the statistics for lobular breast cancer is unwavering. This grant represents a major investment in the future of breast cancer research, offering hope and progress for the thousands of patients affected by this disease. For more information about The Dynami Foundation and its mission, please visit or contact [email protected]. Media Contact: Jill Giacomino [email protected] Flora Migyanka Founder and President The Dynami Foundation SOURCE The Dynami Foundation

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Robert L. Ferris, MD, PhD, a head and neck surgical oncologist, leading expert in cancer immunotherapy and cancer center chief executive, has been named the executive director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and UNC system chief of oncology services, effective October 1st, announced UNC School of Medicine Dean Wesley Burks, MD. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Robert L. Ferris, MD, PhD, has been named the executive director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and UNC system chief of oncology services. (Photo: Business Wire) Ferris comes to UNC from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where he was the director of the Hillman Cancer Center. He succeeds Shelley Earp, MD, who served as UNC Lineberger director twice, 1997-2014 and 2018-2024. Earp announced his intent to stepdown as director last fall. He will continue as a faculty member of UNC School of Medicine and the cancer center, to lead his lab at UNC Lineberger, and service to external organizations, including as chair of the National Cancer Institute’s Board of Scientific Advisors. “Bob Ferris is an exceptional cancer physician-scientist, a highly skilled health executive with deep experience leading a NCI comprehensive cancer center, and a person with a genuine passion for service to others,” said Burks, vice chancellor for medical affairs at UNC School of Medicine and CEO of UNC Health. “This blend of skills, experience and vision makes Bob the ideal person to lead our cancer center and to expand on the leadership successes of Joe Pagano, Ned Sharpless and Shelley Earp, under whose direction UNC Lineberger has become one of our country’s great cancer centers.” The appointment marks a return to Chapel Hill for Ferris, who earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry with honors and distinction from UNC-Chapel Hill. He earned his medical degree and his PhD in immunology from Johns Hopkins Medical School, where he also completed his residency, and was chief resident, in otolaryngology / head and neck surgery. Ferris has served as director and associate senior vice chancellor for cancer research at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center since 2017, and senior vice president for oncology programs at UPMC and associate senior vice chancellor for cancer research at the University of Pittsburgh starting in 2023. Under his leadership, UMPC Hillman’s clinical, academic and research faculty and activities were more closely aligned. This, among other things, generated a 29% increase in peer-reviewed cancer research funding ($106 million, up from $82 million) and a 53% increase in National Cancer Institute funding ($48 million, up from $31.2 million). The center also obtained or renewed three highly sought after NCI Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) research grants (in head neck, skin and ovarian cancers) and multiple principal investigator grants. Ferris has led a highly productive clinical, translational and laboratory research enterprise during his tenure at Hillman Cancer Center, which has led to the founding of two companies and the publication of more than 450 peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters. He has been the principal investigator of multiple cancer immunotherapeutic trials, including several studies investigating treatment deintensification for HPV+ head and neck cancer after transoral surgery. He is the principal investigator of the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence in head and neck cancer. His translational research has generated fundamental insights into the mechanisms of anti-tumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment and tumor cell escape. His lab pioneered studies demonstrating innate and adaptive immune responses induced by cetuximab, the EGFR-specific monoclonal antibody, in head and neck cancer. The team is also investigating immunosuppressive molecules, including immune checkpoint receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, and LAG-3. Ferris also had a longstanding commitment to external service. He co-chaired the NCI Steering Committee for Head and Neck Cancer and is the immediate past president of the American Head and Neck Society. He serves on the external advisory boards for MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center and the Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center. He also is editor-in-chief of Oral Oncology and on the editorial board for Clinical Cancer Research and Cancer Immunology Research. About UNC Lineberger The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center is a cancer research and treatment center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Serving patients at the N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital, UNC Lineberger is the only public comprehensive cancer center in the state of North Carolina. As one of only 57 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, UNC Lineberger was rated as exceptional – the highest category – by the National Cancer Institute. The center brings together some of the most exceptional physicians and scientists in the country to investigate and improve the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. With research that spans the spectrum from the laboratory to the bedside to the community, UNC Lineberger faculty work to understand the causes of cancer at the genetic and environmental levels, to conduct groundbreaking laboratory research, and to translate findings into pioneering and innovative clinical trials. View source version on businesswire.com: Contacts Phil Bridges (919) 457-6347 phil.bridges@unchealth.unc.edu Source: UNC Smart Multimedia Gallery Photo Robert L. Ferris, MD, PhD, has been named the executive director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and UNC system chief of oncology services. (Photo: Business Wire) Logo View this news release and multimedia online at: