scholarly journals Winning the War on Cancer

A new study has uncovered how brain injury can be worsened by bacteria in the gut. The gut-brain connection is one of the more fascinating new areas of medical research. This intriguing two-way axis has been found to have numerous unexpected effects. On one hand some studies have demonstrated how magnetic brain stimulation can alter person’s gut microbiome while other studies have shown how gut bacteria could potentially play a role in the onset of PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) and Alzheimer’s. Studies in patients and subsequent mouse research really drive home that our gut microbiomes modulate both systemic and anti-tumor immunity, said Jennifer Wargo, a surgical oncologist and geneticist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is planning clinical trials to see if fecal transplant in cancer patients could improve immunotherapy success rates. The main conclusion from this is: You can change your microbiome.

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S2-S7
Author(s):  
Devlin V Smith ◽  
Stefani Gautreaux ◽  
Alison M Gulbis ◽  
Jeffrey J Bruno ◽  
Kevin Garey ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To describe the development, design, and implementation of a pilot preceptor development bootcamp and feedback related to its feasibility and impact on operational pharmacy preceptors. Summary The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center designed and implemented a pilot preceptor development bootcamp for operational staff pharmacists serving as residency preceptors for longitudinal weekend staffing experiences. A systematic, multipronged approach was taken to identify preceptor development gaps and design a full-day bootcamp curriculum. The resultant curriculum was comprised of content in major functional areas including using the 4 preceptor roles, documenting performance, giving and receiving feedback, and dealing with difficult situations or learners. The impact of the pilot preceptor development bootcamp was assessed using survey methodology and qualitative feedback from debrief discussions. Conclusion Implementation of a pilot preceptor bootcamp program addressing major areas of precepting skill was well received, resulted in positive feedback from operational pharmacy preceptors, and was feasible to implement at a large academic medical center.


Author(s):  
Lisa Nodzon, PhD, ARNP, AOCNP

Lisa Nodzon, PhD, ARNP, AOCNP®, of Moffitt Cancer Center, highlights new therapies in development for myelofibrosis that were discussed by Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, at the 2020 SOHO Annual Meeting.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S448-S448
Author(s):  
Bahgat Gerges ◽  
Joel Rosenblatt ◽  
Y-Lan Truong ◽  
Ruth Reitzel ◽  
Ray Y Hachem ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) remain a significant medical problem for critically ill cancer patients who required catheters for extended durations. Minocycline (M) -Rifampin (R) loaded catheters have shown the greatest impact on reducing CLABSIs; however, there is a risk for developing antibiotic resistant organisms when exposed to catheters whose concentration becomes depleted below antimicrobially effective levels due to extended indwells. Chlorhexidine (CH) and M-R combination catheters (MRCH) have been proposed as a next generation catheter with improved performance. Here we studied whether bacteria that were Tetracycline and Rifampin resistant became resistant to MRCH when allowed to form biofilms on MRCH catheters depleted below antimicrobially effective MRCH concentrations. Methods Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Tetracycline and/or Rifampin resistant stock isolates were measured by standard microbroth dilution methods. MRCH catheters were depleted to below antimicrobially effective concentrations by soaking in serum for 6 weeks. The resistant bacteria were then allowed to form biofilm for 24 hrs on the depleted catheters in broth. Following 24 hour incubation the adherent (breakthrough) bacteria were removed by sonication and MICs were remeasured. The same organisms grown on non-antimicrobial catheters were used as controls. Results MICs (ug/mL) of the organisms against each agent and the combination are tabulated below: MICs (ug/mL) of the organisms against each agent and the combination Conclusion The M and R resistant bacteria did not develop in vitro resistance to the MRCH combination after forming biofilms on MRCH catheters depleted below antimicrobially effective concentrations. Disclosures Joel Rosenblatt, PhD, Cook Medical (Shareholder, Other Financial or Material Support, Inventor of the MRCH catheter technology which is owned by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and has been licensed to Cook Medical)Novel Anti-Infective Technologies (Shareholder, Other Financial or Material Support, Inventor of the MRCH catheter technology which is owned by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and has been licensed to Cook Medical) Issam I. Raad, MD, Citius (Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership interest)Cook Medical (Grant/Research Support)Inventive Protocol (Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership interest)Novel Anti-Infective Technologies (Shareholder, Other Financial or Material Support, Ownership interest)


2019 ◽  
Vol 112 ◽  
pp. 83-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca A. Harrison ◽  
Mark D. Anderson ◽  
David Cachia ◽  
Carlos Kamiya-Matsuoka ◽  
Shiao-Pei S. Weathers ◽  
...  

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