Thriving Breast Cancer Services and Prospering Graduate Researchers at Wilmot Highlighted in Dialogue Magazine
In the ongoing battle against breast cancer, the Wilmot Cancer Institute is making significant strides, thanks to a blend of cutting-edge research, innovative treatments, and a strong team ethos.
The latest edition of Dialogue (Vol 1, 2023) features a story about Wilmot's breast cancer service line, highlighting its comprehensive approach to addressing breast cancer at various levels. This includes research, treatment, and patient services.
Wilmot is advancing multiple innovative breast cancer treatments through clinical trials, laboratory (bench) research, and supportive technologies such as cooling caps. A key breakthrough area is in cellular immunotherapy, specifically CAR T-cell therapy, where Wilmot has been a leader since 2017.
The Institute is a founding member of the Empire State Cellular Therapy Consortium, collaborating with top New York institutions to accelerate development and share clinical trial resources for gene and cellular treatments. This consortium aims to improve efficiency and access to advanced therapies, enabling faster transition from research to patient care.
In addition to cellular therapy, Wilmot integrates supportive treatments like cooling caps to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss, improving quality of life during breast cancer treatment.
Bench science at Wilmot includes preclinical studies exploring ways to enhance immune cell targeting and treatment efficacy, supported by grants that fund basic and translational research to better steer immune cells against cancers such as breast cancer.
The Institute's approach to breast cancer research has been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health with millions in recent grants, a testament to their methods and progress.
The team at Wilmot embodies a collaborative spirit, with graduate students working together on cancer research and treatment. One such student, Zachary Sechrist, whose mother confronted breast cancer when he was 12 years old, is inspired by his personal experience to make a difference.
Zachary emphasizes the importance of the team approach, stating that no one's role is small. He believes that this collaborative spirit is crucial in making meaningful strides against cancer, whether in the clinic, the laboratory, or understanding the community's needs.
This team approach extends beyond the Institute, with Wilmot collaborating with community groups to reshape wellness programs for breast cancer survivors. In Rochester's Black community, Wilmot's collaboration with a community group is reshaping yoga studies for breast cancer survivors, adapting the standard yoga program to include appropriate cultural references.
The story in Dialogue also includes lifestyle tips, clinical trials, and new technology, providing a comprehensive overview of the Institute's work in the fight against breast cancer. Whether through research, treatment, or patient services, Wilmot is leading the way in breast cancer innovations.
- The Wilmot Cancer Institute, through its participation in clinical trials and bench research, is advancing innovative treatments for breast cancer, such as cellular immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy.
- In line with its comprehensive approach, the Institute is integrating supportive technologies like cooling caps to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients during treatment.
- To accelerate development and improve access to advanced therapies, the Wilmot Cancer Institute is part of the Empire State Cellular Therapy Consortium, collaborating with top New York institutions on gene and cellular treatments.
