UW–Madison to lead nation in boron neutron capture therapy for cancer
The University of Wisconsin–Madison and TAE Life Sciences, a biotechnology company specializing in targeted radiation therapy for cancer care, have signed a memorandum of understanding, or MOU, announcing the intention to launch the first accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) center in the United States.
Researching voice disorders is top strength of new department
UW is known nationwide for its expertise in laryngology, the care of patients with voice, airway and swallowing disorders. The specialty is a key strength of the new Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, which became the school’s 28th department in June after nine decades of growth and innovation as a division within the Department of Surgery.
Q&A with Jacques Galipeau on cell therapies to cure disease
Dr. Jacques Galipeau is the associate dean for therapeutics development and the director of the Program for Advanced Cell Therapy (PACT), a collaboration between UW Health and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health that aims to bring innovative cell therapies to patients. He is also a practicing hematologist, treating patients with blood clot disorders, anemia, and other diseases and conditions.
James Dahlberg receives American Innovator Award
James Dahlberg, a professor emeritus of biomolecular chemistry whose research led to a widely accessible colon cancer screening test, received the American Innovator Award from the Bayh-Dole coalition in June.
World Breast Cancer Research Day
World Breast Cancer Research Day is celebrated on the 18th day of the eighth month of the year — a reference to the one in eight women and one in 833 men who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. The day is intended to amplify the urgency of preventing disease and finding cures, as well as shine a light on critical research, including studies supported by federal funding.
Gene analysis helps optimize prostate cancer radiation dose
New results from two randomized clinical trials showed that analyzing a gene expression signature in tumors may help doctors customize radiation treatments for prostate cancer patients, improving outcomes while avoiding unnecessary side effects.
Program for Advanced Cell Therapy expands facility and cell preservation capabilities
A program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Health is continuing to grow as it develops novel cell-based therapies for a variety of difficult-to-treat conditions.
Q&A with Mahua Dey explores glioblastoma vaccine
Dr. Mahua Dey is an associate professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery and the director of the surgical neuro-oncology program in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She specializes in the surgical management of both benign and malignant brain tumors.
FDA fast-tracks therapy for radiation-induced dry mouth
A therapy under development at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health to treat a common side effect of radiation therapy recently got a boost from the Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. Nita Ahuja announced as next dean of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health
Nita Ahuja, MD, MBA, FACS, a surgeon-scientist who has held top roles at some of the nation’s leading research universities and health systems, will lead the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and serve as the university’s next vice chancellor for medical affairs.
Mixed dose radiation enhances immune response to cancer
A new study in mice shows that delivering different doses of radiation to a tumor revs up the immune system and allows it to detect not only the treated tumor but distant tumors that were not irradiated. When mixed dose radiation is followed with immunotherapy drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors, it makes the drugs more effective at killing cancer cells throughout the body than when radiation was delivered at a single dose level.
RISE-THRIVE initiative focuses on immunology and healthspan
The UW School of Medicine and Public Health will play a significant role in the newest area of focus for the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) initiative: RISE-THRIVE, aimed at advancing health and improving lives.