Michael Birrer

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UAMS’ Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., Publishes Study Results in JAMA Oncology on Treatment for Incurable Cervical Cancer

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By Marty Trieschmann

The results of an international clinical trial led by Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), on the use of a novel bispecific antibody for women with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer were published today in JAMA Oncology.

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer and death in women worldwide with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths each year. It is estimated that 13,820 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year, and 4,360 women in the U.S. will die from cervical cancer this year. Arkansas has one of the highest incidence and mortality rates per capita for cervical cancer in the U.S., with 720 cases reported between 2017 and 2021. The overall five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 67%.

Recognized nationally and internationally as an expert in gynecologic oncology, Birrer led the two-year, multisite study of the bispecific antibody, Bintrafusp alpha, in 146 women with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer that had progressed during or after receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. The treatment resulted in tumor response in 22% of the patients, with 56% responding to the treatment consistently over a period of six months or more.

UAMS’ Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., Publishes Study Results in JAMA Oncology on Treatment for Incurable Cervical Cancer

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UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Achieves $30 Million Fundraising Goal for NCI Designation

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By Andrew Vogler

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) met its $30 million fundraising goal for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s campaign to achieve National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designation.

The fundraising milestone was achieved with a $5 million gift from the Chris Fowler family of Jonesboro. In total, 8,700 philanthropic gifts have been received from Arkansans and donors across the U.S. to support this campaign.

“Reaching our fundraising goal is exciting news, and I know it will embolden UAMS to work harder in achieving our overall goal of NCI Designation, which will have a profound impact on UAMS and Arkansas,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “Huge credit for this achievement of course goes to the many donors who have championed this campaign. I would especially like to thank the Chris Fowler family, who made significant contributions that realized this goal.”

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Achieves $30 Million Fundraising Goal for NCI Designation

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Sanders to Appoint Dr. Wesley Kluck, Dr. Matthew Sellers, and Dr. Michael Birrer to the Arkansas State Medical Board

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today that she will appoint Dr. Wesley Kluck, Dr. Matthew Sellers, and Dr. Michael Birrer to the Arkansas State Medical Board.

Dr. Wesley Kluck will replace Dr. Sylvia Simon, and his term will expire on December 31, 2028. Dr. Matthew Sellers will replace Dr. Rhys Branman, and his term will expire on December 31, 2028. Dr. Michael Birrer will fulfill the remaining term of Dr. Robert Breving, and his term will expire on December 31, 2026.

“Dr. Wesley Kluck, Dr. Matthew Sellers, and Dr. Michael Birrer are proven, successful physicians who have improved the lives of Arkansans across the state with their work, and today, I am proud to be appointing them to the Arkansas State Medical Board,” Sanders said. “Together, we will make sure that under my leadership Arkansas will never have COVID mask and vaccine mandates or shutdowns – because my administration stands for freedom. I am confident that they will excel in these new roles by ensuring that every Arkansan receives a high standard of care and our physicians operate with professionalism and integrity.”

Dr. Wesley Kluck Bio: 

Dr. Wesley Kluck is the university physician at Ouachita Baptist University and serves as a pediatrician and the president of Arkadelphia Clinic for Children and Young Adults. He is a graduate of Arkadelphia Public Schools and Ouachita Baptist University and earned his M.D. at the University of Arkansas Medical School. He completed his pediatric residency at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he received the “Excellence in Primary Care” award.

He was named to Arkansas’ 250 Most Influential Leaders 2022 and was the Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce “Person of the Year” in 2021. He has received the “Best Doctors in Arkansas” award every year since 1999. 

Dr. Matthew Sellers Bio: 

Dr. Sellers is a graduate of Bryant High School and the University of Central Arkansas. He obtained his medical degree at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he also completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Sellers is a Board-Certified OB-GYN with a clinical emphasis on OB-GYN and gynecological surgery.

Dr. Sellers has been practicing obstetrics and gynecology at Cornerstone Clinic for Women in Little Rock, Arkansas, since 2008. He lives in Little Rock with his wife and three children. An active member of his church, Dr. Sellers and his family are passionate about serving the community and the world. When he’s not working, Dr. Sellers enjoys spending time with his family, biking, hunting, playing tennis and traveling. 

Dr. Michael Birrer Bio: 

Dr. Birrer is the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Vice Chancellor and Director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

Dr. Birrer earned his undergraduate degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a BS in Biology. He was accepted into the Medical Scientist Training Program at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his MD and PhD in 1982 with his principle area of study in microbiology and immunology. He then performed a medical internship and residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital. 

Dr. Birrer entered the medical oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland and upon completion performed a postdoctoral on the molecular genetics of lung cancer. After completing his fellowship, Dr. Birrer joined the faculty at the NCI in the Division of Cancer Treatment as an investigator in 1988. Three years later, Dr. Birrer was appointed as a senior investigator and established the molecular mechanism section in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. 

Dr. Birrer is recognized nationally and internationally as an expert in gynecologic oncology. He has published over 400 peer reviewed manuscripts and another 30 book chapters and review articles. 

In November 2008, Dr. Birrer was appointed Professor of Medicine at the Harvard School of Medicine. In August 2017, Dr. Birrer accepted the position of Director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). While there, he was a Professor of Medicine, Pathology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the recipient of the Evalina B. Spencer Chair in Oncology. During his tenure, Dr Birrer raised over 40 million dollars in philanthropic funds including a 30 million dollar gift to name the Cancer Center. In addition, during this time he designed and open the first cancer service line at UAB.

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UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Launches Statewide Cancer Navigation Program

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By Marty Trieschmann

The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute is implementing a new statewide patient navigation program to help cancer patients across the state access needed prevention, screening, treatment and support services. The program serves all Arkansans regardless of provider.

“We know advances in cancer treatment may not reach underserved communities, especially in low socioeconomic areas and among racial and ethnic minorities,” said Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., associate director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. “Cancer navigation is critical to improve access to cancer prevention and care.”

For Cancer Institute Director and UAMS Vice Chancellor Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., cancer navigation is a moral imperative. “All Arkansans deserve access to state-of-the-art cancer screening regardless of economic or geographic differences. In addition, every Arkansan should have access to the best possible treatment including the new and novel cellular therapy and potentially lifesaving clinical trials,” he said.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/06/08/uams-winthrop-p-rockefeller-cancer-institute-launches-statewide-cancer-navigation-program/