TIME Magazine - 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now

Folks at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are heading up an effort to establish the U.S.'s first national biobank — a safe house for tissue samples, tumor cells, DNA and, yes, even blood — that would be used for research into new treatments for diseases.

Think of it as an organic bank account. You put your biomaterial in and earn medical interest in the form of knowledge and therapies that grow out of that deposit — no monetary reward, just the potential that you might benefit from the accumulated data at some later date. (Sorry, no shiny new toaster to inspire you to open up such an account either — just an appeal to the greater medical good.) Britain, Canada, Norway and Sweden have already begun building up their national biobanks. Full Article

New Test for Breast Cancer Will Help Guide Treatment Choices

One in eight women in the United States will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Now a new test will help physicians determine the best possible treatment for each patient. “Our research shows that there is a subset of women who can be cured without getting any treatment at all, other than a lumpectomy,” explains Philip Bernard, M.D., an investigator at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute and one of the senior authors on a multicenter study published in the February 9 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.“In women whose tumors have spread, we can predict with very high accuracy which women are going to respond to chemotherapy and which type of chemotherapy will work.” Press Release

Newly Found Enzymes May Play Early Role in Cancer

Researchers have discovered two enzymes that, when combined, could be involved in the earliest stages of cancer. Manipulating these enzymes genetically might lead to targeted therapies aimed at slowing or preventing the onset of tumors. “We could conceivably reactivate a completely normal gene in a tumor cell – a gene that could prevent the growth of a tumor if reactivated,” says David Jones, Ph.D., professor of oncological sciences at the University of Utah and senior director of early translational research at the university’s Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). Press Release

Medical Alliance Pays Off: Collaboration Leads to Expanded Research Opportunities

A vast resource of information critical to cancer research is now leading to new opportunities for scientists—information that could lead to improved cancer treatments. The collaboration known as the Huntsman-Intermountain Cancer Care Program is now yielding data that can be used for studies relating to genetics, health services and public health. Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) and Intermountain Healthcare (Intermountain) Cancer Services announced today that one of the main objectives of that alliance has been achieved: linking the Utah Population Database (UPDB), a research resource at the University of Utah, to medical records from Intermountain. The technology necessary to access linked data from the two institutions became operational in November 2008 and is now ready for use. Press Release

Sibling Study Could Lead to Better Treatments for Inherited Form of Colon Cancer

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) believe they may be one step closer to understanding how certain forms of colon cancer develop. In a study using siblings who have been diagnosed with colon cancer, scientists discovered similarities on a region of a particular chromosome, referred to as 7q31. Researchers believe that piece of genetic material may be causing a subset of colon cancers that run in families. Press Release

Huntsman Cancer Institute Breaks Ground for Expansion

Cancer survivors and friends of Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah today join Jon M. and Karen Huntsman in a celebration of hope at the official groundbreaking of the cancer hospital expansion on October 31 at 11 a.m. In addition to Mr. and Mrs. Huntsman, featured speakers will include Utah State Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., University of Utah President Michael K. Young, Senator Orrin Hatch, President Thomas M. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics CEO David Entwhistle. Press Release

Jon M. Huntsman to Receive American Cancer Society Highest Honor

The American Cancer Society – the nation’s leading voluntary health organization and largest non-governmental funder of cancer research and discovery – will present its highest honor, the Medal of Honor, to four Americans who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against cancer. This year’s winners, who will receive their awards at a ceremony during the American Cancer Society’s annual meeting in New York City, are: The Honorable Edward M. Kennedy, United States Senator from Massachusetts, for Cancer Control; Mina J. Bissell, Ph.D., for Basic Research; Susan Band Horwitz, Ph.D., for Clinical Research; and Jon M. Huntsman for Cancer Philanthropy. The Medal of Honor, originally called the American Cancer Society Award, was first given in 1949. Press Release

Longevity, Cancer and Diet Connected

Using worms that share similar genetics to humans, scientists from Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) identified a previously unknown link between two genes- one associated with aging, the other with certain types of cancer. The research also indicates calorie intake can affect how these genes operate, possibly increasing lifespan in animals, an effect which has been previously observed but is not yet fully explained. The paper appears today in the journal Current Biology. Press Release

Inherited Melanoma Risk: What You Do Know Does Help You

When people know the results of genetic tests confirming they have inherited an increased risk of developing melanoma, they follow skin cancer screening recommendations more proactively—much like those who have already been diagnosed with the potentially deadly disease, according to results of a study completed at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute and published in the June issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Press Release

Mary Beckerle, Huntsman Cancer Institute Executive Director, Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The American Academy of Arts & Sciences, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious honorary societies and independent policy research centers, today announced the election of a new class of members. Among those elected is Mary C. Beckerle, Ph.D., Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) executive director and distinguished professor of biology at the University of Utah. Press Release

New program at Huntsman Cancer Institute may offer more years to patients afflicted with myeloma

Patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an often deadly bone marrow cancer, rarely live more than three years after diagnosis if treated with conventional chemotherapy or even some of the newer drug therapies. However, a new program at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah provides another treatment option that offers hope to multiple myeloma patients—a chance to live 10 or more years following diagnosis.

The Myeloma Program is headed by Guido Tricot, MD, PhD, who recently joined HCI from the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. While at UAMS, Tricot and his colleagues pioneered the use of a treatment technique using tandem autologous transplantation that has increased the median survival for newly diagnosed myeloma patients from 2.5 years to 10 or more years. More Information / Press Release

Glenn Beck talks to Jon M. Huntsman on CNN Headline News

On Friday, December 7, 2007 CNN's Glenn Beck talked to Jon M. Huntsman about his career, his values, and his goal to conquer cancer. "Because one man can't do it all," Mr. Beck also appealed to his viewers to help by donating to cancer research being conducted at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). If you would like to donate to HCI, you can go online at www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org or call (801) 584-5800. Thank you for your support.

Steps to Early Breast Cancer Detection

Learn the steps to early breast cancer detection and ways to reduce breast cancer risk. More Information

 

Free Live Chat on Gastrointestinal Cancers

Huntsman Cancer Institute has an online gastrointestinal (GI) cancer message board. This virtual community provides an opportunity for online discussion. Participants can view what others have posted or post their own questions and share comments. The GI message board serves as a virtual support group; it is open to all patients and the public. To ensure safety and integrity, the site is monitored. More Information

Named among "America's Best Hospitals"

University Health Care and Huntsman Cancer Hospital (HCH) were named among America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report. Cancer care at HCH ranked 32nd in the country, up from 34th last year. The honor is no small achievement. According to U.S. News, they first evaluated 5,462 hospitals. Then, qualifying institutions were ranked among the top 50 in 16 different medical specialties. To rank among the top 50 in a specialty, a hospital had to meet one of two requirements: it must have treated a minimum number of Medicare or Medicaid patients who had specific conditions or underwent certain procedures during a three-year period, or it had to be named among the best by at least one physician in the latest three annual surveys. Finally, hospitals were rated on three more factors for each specialty: reputation, mortality rate, and patient care factors. More Information

Share Stories with Future Generations

YourStory helps cancer patients, their families, and the public document tales of their lives. Created by Meg Brady, University of Utah English and ethnic studies professor and folklorist, the program includes recording sessions with trained facilitators. The first two hours of recording are free with a nominal charge for additional sessions. Sessions take place at Huntsman Cancer Institute, or facilitators with portable recording equipment visit homes or patients in rooms at Huntsman Cancer Hospital. To make an appointment call the Huntsman Cancer Institute Wellness Center at (801) 587-4585.

Free Nutrition Counseling for Patients

HCI offers a great new service to patients. The Wellness Center's dietitian is available to answer questions about nutrition, weight loss, treatment side effects, and more. No appointment is necessary.

Nutrition counseling is available in the Wellness Center Monday through Friday. Service is free of charge for patients. The dietitian will also visit with patients in infusion or clinic rooms upon request. Please contact Amanda Luekenga RD, CD, at 587-4586.

Discover Your Family Medical History

Your family tree can become a gift of medical knowledge to future generations. An accurate medical family history may help you and your family identify potential health concerns and risks. This information can contribute to better preventive care. More Information

Volunteer for the New Huntsman Cancer Hospital

Huntsman Cancer Hospital: Help make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families at the new Huntsman Cancer Hospital. We can use your skills for a multitude of tasks, including patient assistance, nurse assistance, business center, information desk, and beauty salon.

Volunteers are also needed at the Huntsman Cancer Institute team. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities contact Volunteer Services at 587-7961. More Information

Questions About Cancer?

Call 581-6365 for accurate answers.

Cancer information specialists available by phone to answer your cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment questions. Toll free: (888) 424-2100. Open business hours, Monday-Friday, with answering machine available for after-hours messages. More information

Visit Free Cancer Learning Center

Huntsman Cancer Institute, First floor.

Cancer information specialists available by phone to answer your cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment questions. Toll free: (888) 424-2100. Open business hours, Monday-Friday, with answering machine available for after-hours messages. More information

Free Booklet to Help Your Spouse or Child Stop Smoking.

Prepare to support your loved one throughout the quitting process, including information on health risks, smokeless tobacco, secondhand smoke, and an explanation of why quitting is so hard. Download PDF