Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center

Medical College of Wisconsin investigators recently opened a new that evaluates NT-112—a genetically engineered T-cell therapy—in patients with advanced lung, colorectal, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers, or any other solid tumor that is positive for the KRAS G21D mutation.

Despite advancements in immunotherapies, such as CAR T-cell therapy, many cancers remain resistant to current treatments. Dr. Mandana Kamgar, who is leading the study locally, said NT-112 could provide a groundbreaking new option for patients with these hard-to-treat diseases.

Learn more: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06218914?term=NCT06218914&rank=1

Join us this Wednesday for a group ride in Wauwatosa! 🚲
We'll meet outside Draft & Vessel (7479 Harwood Ave) between 5-5:30 pm and go for a short ride. This is a fun, friendly, no-drop-pace social ride. Ride with us and meet fellow Audaxity supporters!

Join our Outreach and Engagement team, in partnership with Breast Cancer Recovery and the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition, on Saturday, September 28th for 'Education Day'!

As we approach , this event aims to provide educational information on managing breast cancer treatment and navigating . It features a keynote presentation from Medical College of Wisconsin's Dr. Adrienne Cobb, and welcomes survivors caregivers, healthcare professionals, family, and friends.

Register here: https://www.bcrecovery.org/event/Education

Our next Code newsletter publishes tomorrow! Subscribe now to receive our September newsletter, which includes the latest and these stories:

- Medical College of Wisconsin Researchers Harness the Power of Artificial Intelligence to Improve Matching
- MCW Researchers Join Forces with the Community to Eliminate
- Scientists Explore Ways to Prevent Neuroinflammation in GVHD and Enhance
- The Stanley Cup Comes to MCW Cancer Center to Raise Awareness of

Sign up here: https://cancer.mcw.edu/donors-and-giving/the-cancer-code

Meet Tommy! 👋

His love for biking is contagious and his excitement for the is too. "Riding a bike is one of the simplest pleasures in life. I don't think I have ever seen a sad person on a bike ... just smiles. Audaxity will be a guaranteed good time, and it supports cancer research. A win/win!"

Join Tommy and other riders by visiting audaxity.org

Join the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center and Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance for a free !

In recognition of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September, we are hosting a event to discuss the history of gynecologic cancer, detection, resources, and treatment options. Participants will also have an opportunity to hear stories from cancer survivors.

Register now to join us at Milwaukee Area Technical College on September 17: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdOvKr3ZIt0vPYb9XBtgOBcl55ts7xvT7-vSpNcrSwF1tzr4A/viewform?pli=1

Debbie and Mark Attanasio’s incredible gift to our Center honors Bob Uecker’s legacy while making a profound impact on the future of research. Their generous contributions will play a huge role in driving discoveries that bring hope to patients and families facing this devastating disease. Together, we’re advancing potentially lifesaving breakthroughs that will benefit our and beyond. 🎗️

Milwaukee Brewers
Medical College of Wisconsin
MCW LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program
Bob Uecker Fan Club

Congratulations to the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center's Dr. Mary Horowitz and Dr. Razelle Kurzrock for being named among the top women in the world! 🌍💡

At , we’re proud to have women at the forefront of our mission to transform care and uplift communities everywhere.

Please join us in celebrating these two trailblazers, visionaries, advocates, and role models who are driving groundbreaking discoveries so we can beat cancer for good.

See the full list: https://research.com/scientists-rankings/best-female-scientists?page=2

Investigators at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center and the CTSI - Clinical & Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to automate clinical trial matching for patients with .

Their new pilot study uses a large language model, a Triomics platform called OncoLLM, to analyze vast amounts of data in a fraction of the time it would take a human, and with greater precision. By streamlining the patient-trial matching process, MCW is working to ensure that no patient is overlooked for trial eligibility.

Learn how we're setting new standards for clinical trial equity and inclusion: https://cancer.mcw.edu/stories/trailblazers-in-innovation

harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight disease, often with remarkable success, and has emerged as a breakthrough in treatment. But like with any drug approach, these treatments can come with side effects for some patients, one of which is inflammation of the brain.

Medical College of Wisconsin researchers from the Drobyski, Hillard, and Zamora labs may have found a way to prevent this complication in patients with graft versus host disease (GVHD)—a major complication in those undergoing allo-HSCT—by targeting a receptor called CB2R.

Results of their study, recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, could lead to new treatments that help prevent neuroinflammation caused by GVHD, as well as other T cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches.

Learn more: https://cancer.mcw.edu/stories/mcw-researchers-explore-pathways-to-prevent-neuroinflammation-in-gvhd-and-enhance-immunotherapy

investigators at the Medical College of Wisconsin recently opened a new that tests nab-sirolimus in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, or pancreas.

Dr. Alexandria Phan, PI at the MCW site, says that nab-sirolimus, which is given through the vein, may help deliver more drugs directly to the tumor and potentially improve its safety and efficacy.

Learn more: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05997056?intr=NCT05997056&rank=1

Introducing the next generation of scientists!🔬🧪🥼

Last week during a poster session, Medical College of Wisconsin faculty and staff had the opportunity to learn from the newest cohort of students participating in our University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Fellowship Program. This year's include:

Hannah Dunst
Lillian Hassan Thomas
Diante Johnson
Georgina Monese
Kali Quade
Lauren Smith
Peace-Pact Toluhi
Parnian Vakili

Please join us in welcoming these talented young minds who will drive discoveries and help improve cancer outcomes for families everywhere!

Learn more about the program: https://cancer.mcw.edu/researchers-and-clinicians/training-and-education

Join our Cancer Center team tomorrow in the Deer District for the , a event honoring men and their families, emphasizing the importance of and a healthy lifestyle. This year's event is hosted by our Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, Ambrose Wilson-Brown. 🎤

Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, we can't wait to celebrate the power of men and their families coming together in pursuit of health and happiness.

Register here: https://www.mke5k.com/about-1

At the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, ending is not just a goal—it’s the driving force behind every initiative. But moving the needle on disparities takes more than just scientific expertise; it requires input and collaboration with the people it serves.

The Research & Community Scholars Program, funded by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, is making this happen by creating a space for fair and trusting relationships to develop between members in metro- and MCW biomedical .

The Community & Cancer Science Network is accepting applications for the Scholars Program until Friday, August 23. Apply now to help pave the way for a future where everyone has a fair chance at a cancer-free life: https://www.ccsnwi.org/scholarsprogram.html

Hear about the experiences of some of our scholars below 🎙

Yesterday Bill Zito, Whitefish Bay native and general manager of the NHL’s Florida Panthers, brought the Stanley Cup to our Cancer Center to raise awareness about and the need for more that leads to innovative treatments and cures.

Zito thanked the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin physicians who provided exceptional care to his mother and sister until each succumbed to their diagnosis.

The is awarded each year to the champion, and as a tradition, every member of the championship team has the opportunity to spend 24 hours with the trophy. Thank you, Bill, for using your time to advocate for !

Learn about the MCW LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/pancreatic-cancer

Ride Audaxity will be at the Harley-Davidson Wellness Rally this Saturday at Davidson Park MKE. 🏍🏍🏍

Join our team from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. to learn more about Milwaukee's newest , and how to help advance lifesaving research by:

🎗️Becoming a team captain
🎗️Volunteering
🎗️Joining our Community

Learn more about : https://audaxity.org/

Our next Code newsletter publishes tomorrow! Subscribe now to receive our August newsletter, which includes the latest and these stories:

- Medical College of Wisconsin’s World-Class Brain Bank Drives Groundbreaking Neuro-Oncology Research
- Set to Lead Key Initiative as Part of EDA Tech Hub Funding
- Ride Audaxity Bike Fundraiser Welcomes New Leadership to Advance Goals, Raise Millions for Cancer Research
-MCW Scientists Reveal Insight into PBRM1 in Cancer, Pave the Way for Personalized Medicine Strategies
-A First Anniversary 'Message from the Editor'

Sign up here: https://cancer.mcw.edu/donors-and-giving/the-cancer-code

"When I was diagnosed, it was a 9% survival rate. Now it's up to 13. Here at the Medical College of Wisconsin, we had a 30% survival rate. So, it's not just a death wish anymore. We're getting closer and closer to just treating this as a chronic disease," said Roger Caplinger, former medical director for the Milwaukee Brewers and survivor treated by a world-class team of specialists at .

Since he was officially considered cancer-free in 2018, Caplinger has teamed up with the Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation to build a community of support and bring hope to those experiencing a diagnosis. Earlier this month, they hosted "Dinner on the Diamond" at American Family Field, welcoming 90 pancreatic cancer survivors - the largest gathering of pancreatic cancer survivors ever.

Thank you CBS 58 for shining a light on the lifesaving advancements that MCW, and experts in the MCW LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, are making each day for its patients.

Learn more: https://www.cbs58.com/news/i-feel-very-fortunate-former-brewers-medical-director-advocates-for-pancreatic-cancer-research #:~:text=Roger%20Caplinger%20worked%20with%20the,was%20diagnosed%20with%20pancreatic%20cancer

'I feel very fortunate': Former Brewers medical director advocates for pancreatic cancer research MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – The former medical director for the Milwaukee Brewers is raising awareness of pancreatic cancer, and he helped facilitate a historic gathering on the field over the weekend.Roger Caplinger

Join us in welcoming Lauren “LB” Bennett as the inaugural Managing Director of Ride Audaxity, a new bike fundraiser dedicated to advancing lifesaving research for people across .

LB's arrival marks an exciting new chapter for as she pioneers the development of the inaugural ride in 2025, and brings together a of researchers, doctors, patients, friends and family, boldly united to go after the MCW Cancer Center’s vision of eradicating cancer.

Get to know LB: https://cancer.mcw.edu/stories/audaxity-bike-fundraiser-welcomes-new-leadership-to-advance-goals-raise-millions-for-cancer-research



📸 credit: Linda Swope

Polybromo-1 (PBRM1) is a protein that acts as a tumor suppressor in many types of and uses bromodomains—special regions that read marks on other proteins—to help control which genes are turned on and off.

In a new study, Medical College of Wisconsin researchers reveal insights into how mutations in the fourth bromodomain of PBRM1, called BD4, make the protein less effective for fighting cancer. Their findings open the door for scientists to develop personalized therapies that can target patients’ unique genetic changes.

Learn more: https://cancer.mcw.edu/stories/mcw-cancer-scientists-reveal-insights-into-pbrm1-drive-development-of-personalized-therapies

"If one member of the is ill, it impacts an entire family, which then impacts the whole community. We must put a priority on our health." says Debra Nevels, MSHCM, Program Manager of Community Outreach & Engagement, Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center.

Thank you Milwaukee CommunityJournal for highlighting how our Cancer Center leaders are educating the community to improve outcomes for all: https://communityjournal.net/educating-the-community-for-better-health-outcomes/

Educating the Community for Better Health Outcomes - Milwaukee Community Journal By Kathy Gaillard Early on Debra Nevels, MSHCM, Program Manager-Community Outreach & Engagement at the Medical College of Wisconsin, aspired to become a pediatrician. During high school she even […]

The Medical College of Wisconsin Center Community Outreach & Engagement team will be at the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, Inc. (GLIIHC) 2024 Community Health Fair!

GLIIHC aims to improve the , peace and well-being of urban Indians in the Greater area. Join us from 2 to 6pm to learn about our work to improve and receive free resources, and to enjoy crafts, games, prizes, food tastings, drumming and more.

Learn more about the event: https://gliihc.net/event/2024-community-health-fair/

"I am so lucky to live close to a medical center that specializes in and knew how to manage my disease and treatment. And I'm so grateful to Dr. Charlson and his entire team for the care and specialized expertise over the last four years," said Megan, synovial sarcoma survivor treated at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Read more of Megan's story to learn how experts at provide comprehensive, personalized for patients across : https://www.brandpointcontent.com/article/43122/there?s-a-rare-and-devastating-cancer-affecting-young-adults-one-woman?s-tips-on-how-to-cope-with-a-difficult-diagnosis

Congratulations to the CTO’s Katelyn Gauger, RN, BSN, Disease Team Manager, Early Phase-Hematology, for winning third place out of 153 submissions for her abstract during the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI)’s 16th Annual Clinical Research Innovation Meeting. 🎉🎉

Gauger’s abstract, "Enhanced Interdisciplinary Communication Between Inpatient Clinical Staff and the Research Team," focused on how standardizing communication and creating an interdisciplinary workgroup can lead to improved communication that reduces errors and deviations in the Center’s inpatient .

“It’s great to be recognized for the work we’re able to do here at Medical College of Wisconsin, in collaboration with our Froedtert Hospital partners, to improve clinical trial operations. It’s exciting to not only be recognized by the AACI, but also to have centers from across the nation reaching out to me for information on how the MCW Cancer Center is operationalizing inpatient clinical trials,” said Gauger.

You're invited to apply for the Research and Community Scholars Program! This Community & Cancer Science Network (CCSN) initiative creates a space for fair and trusting relationships to develop between members in Metro-Milwaukee and Medical College of Wisconsin’s biomedical . During the program, researchers and community scholars work together to solve complex challenges, such as , factors influencing disparities, communicating with diverse audiences, understanding different perspectives, and building equitable partnerships.

Applications are due August 23. Learn how to apply: https://www.ccsnwi.org/scholarsprogram.html

This spring, five Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center in the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) Fellowship Program showcased their at the prestigious National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

The students’ participation on this national stage is a testament to the success of the immersive training program, and underscores the Center’s long-term commitment to cultivating the next generation of cancer researchers.

Learn more: https://cancer.mcw.edu/stories/mcw-cancer-center-trainees-present-research-findings-to-a-national-audience

Medical College of Wisconsin investigators recently treated the 100th patient in an ongoing that uses an in-house manufactured, dual-targeted CAR-T therapy for patients with B-cell malignancies.

MCW's Dr. Nirav Shah and Nyamwange Keen, the 100th patient to be treated in the trial, recently spoke about this important milestone on 'The Word on Medicine' podcast.

Listen to the replay to learn how the innovative treatment process allows our team to develop personalized and potentially lifesaving therapies for patients with in a matter of days: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/477-the-word-on-medicine-28719334/episode/car-t-cell-therapy-188456034/