Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute

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UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Named Center of Excellence by MDS Foundation

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By Marty Trieschmann

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the MDS Foundation, making it the only center in Arkansas to become part of the foundation’s referral network of the top bone marrow disorder treatment centers in the world.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diverse bone marrow disorders that can progress to acute myeloid leukemia and primarily affect the elderly. In the United States, 20,000 new cases are reported every year, making MDS one of the most common blood cancers. A stem cell transplant is the only curative treatment option for certain types of high risk MDS.

A pioneer in the treatment of blood disorders and cancers, UAMS has been home to Arkansas’ only adult bone marrow transplant center since 1994, performing 12,731 transplants for conditions including lymphomas, leukemias and multiple myeloma.

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Named Center of Excellence by MDS Foundation

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Marius Nagalo, Ph.D., First at UAMS to Receive NIH New Innovator Award

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By Marty Trieschmann

LITTLE ROCK — A researcher at the Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Marius Nagalo, Ph.D., has received the prestigious New Innovator Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Granted directly from the NIH Director’s Office “this award supports early career investigators of exceptional creativity who propose bold and highly innovative research projects with the potential to produce a major impact on broad, important areas relevant to the NIH mission,” according to the NIH.

Nagalo is the first UAMS researcher to receive the New Innovator Award from the NIH, joining an elite group of previous award recipients from Stanford University, Harvard, Cornell, MIT, Penn, Duke, Yale, and the Cleveland Clinic.

Marius Nagalo, Ph.D., First at UAMS to Receive NIH New Innovator Award

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UAMS Breast Cancer Program Earns Fourth National Accreditation

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By Marty Trieschmann

The Breast Cancer Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has earned reaccreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) for the fourth time in 10 years.

The UAMS Breast Cancer Program first received accreditation from NAPBC in 2014 and was reaccredited in 2017 and 2020. NAPBC is a program of the American College of Surgeons and represents a consortium of national professional organizations dedicated to improving of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes for patients with diseases of the breast.

“Being recognized again by NAPBC distinguishes the UAMS Breast Cancer Program as one of the leading breast cancer treatment programs in the United States,” said Ronda S. Henry-Tillman, M.D., chief of breast oncology at UAMS and the Muriel Balsam Kohn Chair in Breast Surgical Oncology at UAMS.

UAMS Breast Cancer Program Earns Fourth National Accreditation

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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 Awarded Five New Grants from National Cancer Institute

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By Marty Trieschmann

Researchers at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) have been awarded five new grants from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2024, totaling $4.6 million.

New grants include:

  • $3.3 million NCI grant to create a Melanoma Resistance Evolution Atlas, Principal Investigator: Alan Tackett, Ph.D., Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute deputy director

  • $421,000 NCI grant to study cancer-evolved resistance mechanism to enhance adoptive T-cells, Principal Investigators: Tackett and Brian Koss, Ph.D., UAMS assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology

  • $393,000 NCI grant to study the mechanisms of TH17-DC immunotherapy for ovarian cancer. Principal Investigator: Martin Cannon, Ph.D., UAMS professor of microbiology and immunology

  • $393,000 NCI grant to study SR-A as a therapeutic target in breast cancer. Principal Investigators: Steven Post, Ph.D., UAMS professor of pathology, and Behjatolah Karbassi, Ph.D., UAMS associate professor of pathology

  • $153,000 NCI grant to study the development of immunocompetent melanoma brain metastases organoids. Principal Investigator: Analiz Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., UAMS associate professor of neurosurgery

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Awarded Five New Grants from National Cancer Institute

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Anuradha Kunthur, M.D., Joins UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

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By Marty Trieschmann

Anuradha Kunthur, M.D., has joined the Division of Hematology Oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, where she treats patients with blood cancers and other hematological disorders.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Kunther decided to join us after completing her fellowship at UAMS, said Ahmed Abuabdou, M.D., MBA, chief clinical officer for UAMS Medical Center and director of cancer service line. “She is a great addition to our team, and our patients will benefit from her excellent and compassionate care.”

Kunthur is accepting new patients; please call (501) 296-1200 for an appointment.

Anuradha Kunthur, M.D., Joins UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

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UAMS Awarded $11.48 Million Federal Grant to Establish Center for Molecular Interactions in Cancer

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By Marty Trieschmann

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute received a five-year, $11.48 million federal grant to create the Center for Molecular Interactions in Cancer (CMIC).

The grant was awarded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) program. COBRE grants are awarded to establish centers of research excellence around a specific scientific theme that will ultimately become self-sustaining.

The UAMS Center for Molecular Interactions in Cancer and its researchers will study the molecular features and properties of biomolecules that drive cancer using structural biology and high-resolution imaging with precise, quantitative analysis.

UAMS Awarded $11.48 Million Federal Grant to Establish Center for Molecular Interactions in 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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Arkansan Sees Advanced Cancer Disappear with Experimental Drug Offered at UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

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By Marty Trieschmann

An experimental immunotherapy in Phase 1 Clinical Trials at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has given a Little Rock man with resistant kidney cancer a complete remission.

Dwight Hamilton, 58, battled stage 4 renal cell carcinoma for four years. His cancer returned multiple times even after receiving all of the standard cancer treatments –   surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other immunotherapies.

Hamilton is cancer-free after receiving a promising new immunotherapy which was tested for the first time in humans exclusively at UAMS in Arkansas and at 45 other hospitals nationwide. Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and UAMS vice chancellor, oversaw the study in the Phase 1 Cancer Clinical Trials Unit at UAMS, the only academic clinical trials unit in Arkansas focused solely on testing new, early phase cancer therapies.

Arkansan Sees Advanced Cancer Disappear with Experimental Drug Offered at UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

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UAMS Myeloma Center Hits Impressive Milestone, Sees 1000th Article Published

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By Nathan Tidwell

Researchers and physicians with the Myeloma Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) recently published their 1,000th article, an impressive milestone that demonstrates the center’s high level of scholarship.

“This is a remarkable achievement by our amazing Myeloma Center physicians and researchers,” said Frits van Rhee, M.D., Ph.D., clinical director of the Myeloma Center, part of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

Sandy Mattox, MNSc, RN, who tracks publications for the Myeloma Center, notes that No. 1,000 was a paper published in the July 11, 2023, issue of Blood Advances titled “Risk of infections associated with the use of bispecific antibodies in multiple myeloma: a pooled analysis.” It was co-authored by van Rhee and UAMS physicians and researchers Samer Al Hadidi, M.D.; Carolina Schinke, M.D.; John Shaughnessy Jr., Ph.D.; Sharmila Thanendrarajan, M.D.; Mauricio Zangari M.D.; and Fenghuang (Frank) Zahn, M.D., Ph.D.

UAMS Myeloma Center Hits Impressive Milestone, Sees 1000th Article Published

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Walker Foundation Pledges $1 Million to UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute — Funds Will Support New Radiation Oncology Center

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By Andrew Vogler

LITTLE ROCK — The Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation pledged $1 Million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

“We are humbled by the decades-long support of the Walker Foundation — a relationship that has helped elevate UAMS in becoming a first-class provider of care in our region,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “Willard and Pat Walker’s generosity was inspiring, and, as seen with the Radiation Oncology Center, their legacy of philanthropy continues to benefit many Arkansans.”

The UAMS Radiation Oncology Center, a $65 million, 58,000-square-foot structure at 3900 W. Capitol Ave. in Little Rock, was built to accommodate three new linear accelerators that customize radiation delivery based on the type and stage of a patient’s cancer. It is the only cancer center in Arkansas to offer Ethos Adaptive Therapy, a unique form of X-ray radiation that adapts to daily changes in a tumor’s shape and position over the course of treatment.

Walker Foundation Pledges $1 Million to UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute — Funds Will Support New Radiation Oncology Center

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Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., Receives 2023 Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary Distinguished Honoree Award

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By Marty Trieschmann

Dr. Michael Birrer’s portrait was unveiled during the reception and will now hang in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute next to the portraits of all previous winners.portrait by Bryan Clifton

The University of Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary recognized Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., as its 2023 Distinguished Honoree at a Sept. 21 reception at the home of Marge Schueck, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the Cancer Institute.

Birrer is the director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and a vice chancellor at UAMS. He also holds the Kent C. Westbrook, M.D. Director’s Chair for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

Guests attending the event included UAMS and Cancer Institute leaders and Cancer Institute Auxiliary board members.

Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., Receives 2023 Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary Distinguished Honoree Award

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UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Hosts Third ‘Be a Part of the Cure’ Walk on May 6

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By Marty Trieschmann

LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute will hold its third Be A Part of the Cure Walk to support cancer patients, survivors and families at 8 a.m., May 6, at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Gates open at 6:30 a.m.

Fox 16 news anchor, Donna Terrell, will emcee the event.

Walkers can choose a 1K or 5K route, both of which are wheelchair and stroller accessible. The 1K route is conveniently located adjacent to War Memorial Stadium. The 5K route goes through War Memorial Stadium and outdoor golf course. Now through March 31, early-bird registration costs $25 for adults and includes an event T-shirt. Youth and student registration is $10. Children 13 and under are free. After March 31, adult registration is $30.

To register, donate or learn more, visit beapartofthecure.com.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/02/08/uams-winthrop-p-rockefeller-cancer-institute-hosts-third-be-a-part-of-the-cure-walk-on-may-6/

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Denver Bronco’s Defensive Tackle D.J. Jones Highlights UAMS Myeloma Center in My Cause, My Cleats Campaign

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By Marty Trieschmann

As part of the National Football League’s (NFL) annual My Cause, My Cleats campaign, Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones donated a pair of custom cleats to the Myeloma Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

Since 2016, participating NFL teams and players customize footwear with designs that represent causes and charities they support.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to highlight the lifesaving work of the UAMS Myeloma Center,” said Jones. “My mother-in-law, Angela Fannin, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2007 and underwent a successful bone marrow transplant at UAMS.”

Fannin, 60, now living in Atlanta, is a 15-year survivor of the rare blood cancer that affects approximately 34,000 people each year.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/01/11/denver-broncos-defensive-tackle-d-j-jones-highlights-uams-myeloma-center-in-my-cause-my-cleats-campaign/

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UAMS’ Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D., Named Fellow of the American Society of Radiation Oncology

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By Marty Trieschmann

Fen Xia, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

Xia is among 27 distinguished cancer specialists in the United States to be inducted into ASTRO’s 2022 Class of Fellows, which includes physicians from Stanford, Yale, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the National Cancer Institute.

“We are so proud of Dr. Xia and her achievements,” said Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute director and UAMS vice chancellor. “She runs one of the best radiation oncology departments in the United States.”

https://news.uams.edu/2022/12/20/uams-fen-xia-m-d-ph-d-named-fellow-of-the-american-society-of-radiation-oncology/

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Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., MPH, Joins Leadership Team at UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

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By Marty Trieschmann

Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D., MPH, has assumed the role of associate director for Cancer Prevention and Control for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

Fagan, a leading expert on tobacco-related health disparities and co-founder of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)’s Tobacco Research Network on Disparities, will lead new and existing cancer prevention and control activities for the Cancer Institute.

“Dr. Fagan is a nationally recognized cancer researcher and has studied cancer health disparities for decades,” said Michael Birrer, M.D. Ph.D., director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. “She is passionate about social justice and will be a tremendous leader as we work to address the needs of Arkansas communities hit disproportionately hard by cancer.”

https://news.uams.edu/2022/08/02/pebbles-fagan-ph-d-mph-joins-leadership-team-at-uams-winthrop-p-rockefeller-cancer-institute/

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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/

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UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Be A Part of the Cure Walk Draws 1,000, Surpasses Fundraising Goal

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By Marty Trieschmann

More than 1,000 people gathered at War Memorial Stadium early April 30 for the 2nd Annual Be A Part of the Cure Walk benefiting the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

Despite predictions of rain, the weather and atmosphere were perfect for the event that brought together cancer survivors, family, friends, physicians, nurses, researchers, and civic and community leaders to support the Cancer Institute’s work.

The walk raised more than $242,000 to fund cancer research, exceeding the event goal by $42,000. Donations are continuing to come in and can still be made online at beapartofthecure.com.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/05/10/uams-winthrop-p-rockefeller-cancer-institute-be-a-part-of-the-cure-walk-draws-1000-surpasses-fundraising-goal/

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Danyelle Musselman to Emcee UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s ‘Be a Part of the Cure’ Walk on April 30

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Danyelle Musselman serves on the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Board of Advisors.

By Marty Trieschmann

The first lady of Arkansas Razorback Men’s Basketball, Danyelle Musselman, will emcee the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s “Be a Part of the Cure” Walk honoring all Arkansas cancer patients.

“Like many of us, I have lost friends and family members to cancer,” said Musselman, who serves on the Cancer Institute’s board of advisors. “Not one to sit on the bench, I’m lacing up my shoes and going on a walk to raise money to fight cancer of all kinds and help patients battling the disease right here in the Natural State.”

The walk is set for 8 a.m., Saturday, April 30, at War Memorial Stadium and outdoor course and will honor cancer patients, cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle with cancer, as well as raise funds for research programs at the Cancer Institute.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/02/28/danyelle-musselman-to-emcee-uams-winthrop-p-rockefeller-cancer-institutes-be-a-part-of-the-cure-walk-on-april-30/

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Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute’s Radiation Oncology Center Becomes First and Only Center in Arkansas to Earn APEx Accreditation

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By Marty Trieschmann

Jan. 20, 2022 | The Radiation Oncology Center at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has received the highest national accreditation from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

The center, which is part of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, is the only radiation oncology center in the state to be granted full accreditation by the Society’s ASTRO Accreditation Program for Excellence (APEx®). The accreditation is voluntary and granted by ASTRO for a four-year term ending in November 2025.

Accreditation was awarded after a site visit in November 2021 and a review of the center’s modalities, techniques, equipment, information and treatment planning systems for compliance with APEx safety and quality standards. APEx is the society’s highest honor, recognizing centers that meet the most rigorous standards for safety and performance.

https://news.uams.edu/2022/01/20/winthrop-p-rockefeller-cancer-institutes-radiation-oncology-center-becomes-first-and-only-center-in-arkansas-to-earn-apex-accreditation/