October, 2007

A recent public workshop focused on the idea of transforming the UM Medical School campus into a cohesive community and encouraged the participants to come up with planning ideas. The injury to Buffalo Bills football player, Kevin Everett, continues to put the spotlight on Barth Green, MD, chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery and Nick Buoniconti, NFL, whose son was badly injured in a football accident many years ago. Both men helped organize the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Buoniconti's case helped in the treatment of Everett. The doctors kept in constant touch with Dr. Green and saved Everett's life. Joshua Hare, MD., chief of the Division of Cardiology and director of the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the Miller School of Medicine, is conducting studies which aim to mend hearts with patients' own stem cells. These stem cells can be successful in reversing damage to the heart. New clinical data tests showed that Avistan, along with standard chemotherapy, improves the chances of removal of metastatic lesions in patients with colorectal cancer. According to a study it has been found that children with cancer are extremely resilient and have unusually low levels of depression and fewer physical complaints than children without cancer. A team of experts is reminding women to get regular pelvic exams and pay attention to possible symptoms of ovarian cancer. These symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and difficulty eating. Identifying a lung tumor's genetic profile (DNA) may help doctors determine the best chemotherapy for patients. This individualized medicine can make a huge difference in lung cancer patients. At the October Presidents Meeting, W. Jarrard Goodwin, MD., F.A.C.S., director of UM/Sylvester, announced that a protein found in our blood could give doctors a warning of early stage lung cancer. Those at high risk can be tested for the key immune system protein. Eckhard Podack, MD., professor and chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Miller School of Medicine, has developed a vaccine which has helped some advanced lung cancer victims live for six or more years. A new report shows that the death rate of cancer has been quickly declining. New progress in colon cancer and the use of screening tests has helped this major drop in death rates. Naomi Prever - VP-Education - naomirltr@bellsouth.net - 561-997-6020