University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center

Read this Cure Today feature with Dr. Owonikoko, Executive Director of UMGCCC, on the breakthrough approval of Imdelltra (tarlatamab-dlle) by the FDA in May 2024 for the treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This marks a significant advancement in the fight against SCLC, offering new hope for patients battling this aggressive form of cancer.

https://www.curetoday.com/view/-never-give-up-treatment-breakthroughs-arrive-for-sclc

For more information on lung cancer care at UMGCCC, visit: https://www.umms.org/umgccc/cancer-services/cancer-types/thoracic/lung

‘Never Give Up’: Treatment Breakthroughs Arrive for SCLC With pivotal trial results and an approval from the FDA, the landscape is changing for patients with small cell lung cancer.

A volunteer team of biomedical students and faculty called From Cells to Community from the UMGCC hosted a fun-filled Family Feud game evening with a fabulous dinner at Baltimore Hope Lodge. Six 'Steve Harveys' (volunteers wearing fake mustaches) made the guests laugh a lot. From Cells to Communities engages biomedical students training in cancer research to connect with cancer survivors and apply their knowledge beyond the laboratory settings. This fabulous group is led by Laundette P. Jones, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor, University of Maryland School of Medicine

With support from the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund Program, UMGCCC's Baltimore City Cancer Program has provided free cancer screenings and support to nearly 40,000 uninsured local residents since 2001. Linda Adamson of Cherry Hill was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer and received lifesaving treatment through the program in 2012.

Today, she and many others fighting cancer credit the Baltimore City Cancer Program’s focus on early intervention with saving their lives. The program has achieved a 93% survival rate among those who have been diagnosed through its services. “I feel like if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today,” Adamson said. See more about the amazing work being done to detect cancer early and improve outcomes in this story from The Baltimore Sun.

https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/08/30/baltimore-city-cancer-program-screening-diagnosis/

To learn more, visit: https://www.umms.org/umgccc/cancer-services/cancer-care/baltimore-city-cancer-program

Baltimore City Cancer Program offers free screenings, support to uninsured Since 2001, the program has provided free screenings to nearly 40,000 city residents and found 165 cases of cancer.

University of Maryland School of Medicine Dean Mark Gladwin and UMGCCC Director Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko were interviewed by a Nigerian TV reporter on a new partnership with Lagos University Teaching Hospital and UMSOM to help manage chronic disease in the local population.
https://www.tvcnews.tv/2024/08/luth-us-university-partner-for-treatment-of-chronic-ailments/

UMSOM Dean Mark Gladwin and University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko were interviewed by a Nigerian TV reporter on a new partnership with Lagos University Teaching Hospital and UMSOM to help manage chronic disease in the local population.
https://www.tvcnews.tv/2024/08/luth-us-university-partner-for-treatment-of-chronic-ailments/

Yesterday, Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko, Executive Director of UMGCCC, and Dr. Mark Gladwin, Dean of University of Maryland School of Medicine, shared breakthroughs in cancer & sickle cell disease at the 2nd Annual Scientific Symposium at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria.
https://alutanews.ng/2024/08/14/ihvns-irce-showcases-advances-in-sickle-cell-disease-at-symposium/

For more information on our nationally ranked cancer care, visit: www.umgccc.org

Calling all UMMC and University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) team members!

Do you have the next big idea that could change the future of health care? Consider applying to the 2024 UMMC & UMB Innovation Challenge!

Applications are now open, offering individuals and teams from all disciplines the opportunity to compete for an award of up to $100k. We welcome you to submit ideas for improved solutions and novel practices that advance health or hospital outcomes and/or the care experience for our patients, families, or team members within the Downtown and/or Midtown Campuses.

To learn more and apply, visit: www.umm.edu/innovation-challenge

Dr. Kathryn Barry, Assistant Professor at University of Maryland School of Medicine and cancer epidemiologist at UMGCCC, discusses how neighborhood disadvantage and stress-related pathways may increase prostate cancer risk in this Cancer World Magazine story.

https://cancerworld.net/disadvantaged-neighbourhoods-risk-of-aggressive-prostate-cancer/

For more info on prostate cancer care at UMGCCC, visit: https://www.umms.org/umgccc/cancer-services/cancer-types/prostate-testicular

Disadvantaged neighbourhoods may contribute to racial disparities in risk of aggressive prostate cancer | Cancerworld Magazine Men with prostate cancer living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods show significantly higher activity of stress-related genes than those living in other neighbourhoods. The observational study, published in JAMA Network Open, 12 July, found that neighbourhood disadvantage was positively associated with...

Watch Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko, our Executive Director and Senior Associate Dean of Cancer Programs at University of Maryland School of Medicine, in this WBFF FOX 45 Baltimore interview highlighting UMGCCC recently being nationally ranked in the top 50 cancer centers by US News and World Report.

UMGCCC reacts to top-50 ranking in U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Maryland Marlen and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center among the 50 best in the nation.

Check out this WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore tribute to Dozer, the lovable goldendoodle, who captured hearts after escaping from his yard to join runners in the Maryland Half Marathon in 2011.
Dozer passed away recently of natural causes at 16. Dr. Kevin Cullen, former UMGCCC director fondly recalls how Dozer joined the race at mile 4 and crossed the finish line to the cheers of the crowd.
Dozer went on to become an ambassador for the race, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research at UMGCCC. RIP Dozer. Thank you for providing hope and joy to our patients and helping us to carry on our mission of saving lives.

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/dozer-marathon-running-dog-remembered-legacy-helping-others/61689060 #

For More: https://umgccc.org

'Dozer,' marathon-running dog, remembered for helping others A dog that touched the lives of many Marylanders leaves a legacy of lifting hearts and raising funds for cancer research.

Happy 4th of July from our UMGCCC family to yours!

Check out Dr. Shana Ntiri’s op-ed in the Baltimore Sun about a groundbreaking study to address disparities and improve the health of Black women across the country.

Dr. Ntiri is medical director of UMGCCC’s community-based cancer screening program, the Baltimore City Cancer Program, and Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/06/21/groundbreaking-cancer-study/

For More information on the Baltimore City Cancer Program:
https://www.umms.org/umgccc/cancer-services/cancer-care/baltimore-city-cancer-program

Help needed in groundbreaking effort to fight cancer among Black women | READER COMMENTARY Black women are need to participate in long-term study aimed at reducing cancer risk.

Learn more about proton treatment minimizing damage to healthy tissues for patients with head & neck cancers in this WMAR-2 News Baltimore interview with Dr. Jason Molitoris, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and radiation oncologist at UMGCCC and Maryland Proton Treatment Center. He discusses a recent Phase III clinical trial that showed proton therapy as effective as standard radiation in treating this cancer with fewer side effects.

https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/proton-treatment-for-head-and-neck-cancers

For more information on proton therapy, please visit https://www.umms.org/umgccc/cancer-services/cancer-care/radiation-oncology/therapy-technology/proton-therapy

Proton Treatment for Head and Neck Cancers Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that results in far fewer side effects and significantly lowers the chances of secondary cancers.

"If we wait until the patient presents with symptoms, their survival is under 20%," warns Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko, Executive Director at UMGCCC, as he emphasizes the need for increased lung cancer screenings in this story from the Baltimore Banner about low screening rates across Maryland, which are now below 3%.

https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/public-health/lung-cancer-ct-scan-smokers-2OBWSBMTXZATNIBVZC6Z4ZVMZU/

For more information on Lung Cancer care at UMGCCC, visit: https://www.umms.org/umgccc/cancer-services/cancer-types/thoracic/lung?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR13FZ-3pHFd0HYAQPcqFmtSOA7O2gtTk5GPb8eVsbxaRUdH4CRLss4dXvY_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Marylanders aren’t getting screened for the deadliest cancer Many patients don’t even know about the annual screening, which can save lives when it catches the disease early.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a less common type of lung cancer with limited treatment options. It is an aggressive disease and typically appears in heavy smokers. Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko, Executive Director of UMGCCC, is deeply involved in several clinical trials investigating new therapies for SCLC.

Through dedication and innovative approach, UMGCCC doctors and scientists like Dr. Owonokiko are working to improve cancer outcomes in Maryland and beyond.

For more information on small cell lung cancer at UMGCCC, visit:

Lung Cancer Care in Maryland For all stages of lung cancer, UM’s highly experienced, coordinated team of cancer experts puts the best treatment options on the table for you.

University of Maryland Medical Center This is the official Facebook presence of the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The Baltimore Sun’s Best 2024 Readers’ Choice | CONTEST Voting for The Baltimore Sun’s Best 2024 Readers’ Choice will take place from 9 a.m. May 20 to 5 p.m. June 7.

In honor of National Cancer Survivors Month, UMGCCC celebrates our resilient patients and the millions of individuals who have bravely battled cancer, including those currently undergoing treatment and striving towards remission.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and a big “thank you’ to our patients. Your courage, grit, and determination inspire us every day. As we celebrate your victories and stand with you during your toughest moments, it is always an honor and a privilege to support you throughout your cancer journey.

"African American women face the highest mortality rates and lowest survival rates," explains Dr. Shana Ntiri, Associate Professor of Family Medicine at University of Maryland School of Medicine and medical director of UMGCCC's Baltimore City Cancer Program, in this recent Fox 45 story on the American Cancer Society’s launch of the new Voices of Black Women program.

American Cancer Society launches Voices of Black Women program The American Cancer Society is launching a new program called "Voices of Black Women."

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who supported and participated in the 2024 Maryland Half Marathon & 5K benefiting UMGCCC’s cancer research efforts. As one of only two NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in Maryland, UMGCCC offers innovative approaches to diagnose and treat all types of cancer. The Center is nationally recognized for its excellence in patient care and multidisciplinary, translational research to help continue to find new ways to fight cancer.

Learn more at www.umgccc.org

Did you know? UMGCCC is one of the top five radiation oncology departments in the country in terms of federal funding granted for research.

Our radiation oncology experts recently participated in a large clinical trial, revealing that proton therapy, when combined with chemotherapy, is as effective as standard radiation in treating head and neck cancer patients.
Most notably, this treatment method significantly reduces side effects, including the need for a feeding tube.

For more information on radiation oncology research at UMGCCC, visit: https://www.umms.org/umgccc/cancer-services/cancer-care/radiation-oncology/research

Good luck to everyone walking and running today. We are cheering you on and are incredibly grateful for your unwavering support. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

We want to send a special shout-out to all the participants who have trained hard and fundraised for this event. Your dedication is inspiring, and we are proud to have you as part of our community. 💪🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

The Baltimore Sun's Best: Readers' Choice 2023 Check it out now!