HOPE

A Y e A r o f H o p e A n d H e A L I n G A t t H e B A r B A r A A n n K A r M A n o S C A n C e r I n S t I t U t e

2011 Calendar

The Plymouth Whalers hockey team demonstrated the power of positive pinking last October, as they donned custom pink uniforms and dyed their hair pink to raise funds for the third annual Pink Out! for Breast Cancer Awareness game. The Whalers, owned by Peter Karmanos, Jr., raised about $18,000 for breast cancer research at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. They also defeated the Windsor Spitfires 4-1, making the game all the more thrilling.

The unique event, which took place October 16, 2010 at Compuware Arena in Plymouth, featured breast cancer survivors dropping the puck at center ice during the ceremonial face off. The Whalers auctioned off the pink jerseys during and after the game. Many of the 3,127 fans who attended also wore pink to show their support. The 2011 Pink Out! promises to be just as exciting.

Nick Karmanos, vice president of Development at Karmanos, was at the game to accept the Whalers’ donation.

“Third-party events like the Pink Out! are incred-ibly important to the Karmanos Cancer Institute,” Karmanos says. “They raise critical funds in support of our mission to offer the best possible care for our patients and provide critical funding for our nationally-recognized cancer research efforts. This would not be possible without the help of the many caring individuals who organize these terrific events on our behalf and generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of our efforts.”

If your organization is interested in partnering with the Karmanos Cancer Institute, call 313-576-8121.

Third-Party Events Help Raise Critical Funds for Cancer Care and Research

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PHOTO: Dominique Kingwww.midwestguest.com

January

2011 Motor City Open: The Professional Squash AssociationShen Yun Performing Arts

February

BMD Charities 21st Annual Charity BallKnit Michigan

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9th Annual Garden City Moose Lodge Cancer Auction

May

The $500,000 Odyssey 2-Ball Putt Challenge presented by Carl’s GolflandEquestrian Dreams Trail Ride 3rd Annual Ken Wood Memorial Golf Outing

The Live Like Andi Run for a CureNorth Brothers Ford/City of Westland 5K Run/Walk

June

21st Annual Hank Greenberg Memorial Golf InvitationalJohn M. Malone Jr. MD, Second Annual Golf Classic9th Annual Solstice Run

July

Canton’s Tournament of Hope

Cruising for the Cure

FDJ International Dragon Boats Festival

Hour Detroit’s Best of Detroit Party

SKIN: A Melanoma Research Benefit “The More You Show, The More You Know” Three Shots Against Cancer

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3rd Annual Al Knake Golf Outing for Pancreatic ResearchBAPS Charities WalkathonThe 9th Annual Janet Lynn Ripper Golf OutingPCGC Golf Classic The Third Annual Ryan O’Donnell Golf Classic 7th Annual Tammy Z Golf Outing

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7th Annual Janice McTigue Golf Tournament American Sewing Expo

Connecting the Dots of Michigan’s 3rd Annual BCCCP Faith of a Mustard Seed FundraiserFlorine Mark’s ReMARKable Women Live Luncheon8th Annual GFLCF Lung Cancer 5k Run/Walk11th Annual Kenneth J. Scott Memorial Golf Outing 8th Annual Kicks for the CureLeon and Lulu’s Pink with a PassionPolly’s Walk for Hope

october5th Annual Skating 4 the Cure 7th Annual Image Salon Cut-a-thonBetter Made Breast Cancer PromotionBuddy’s Pizza Breast Cancer PromotionDetroit Free Press Marathon

Hard Rock Café Detroit PinktoberThe 8th Annual Kay McDevitt Memorial Golf Outing Kroger Breast Cancer PromotionMacy’s Twelve Oaks Breast Cancer Awareness FundraiserPlymouth Whalers 4th Annual Pink Out! Sista Strut

noveMber11th Annual Celebration of Hope hosted by ShaggieinkSky Foundation Inc. Fundraiser

All events open to the public.Inclusive as of November 19, 2010.For more details and a full list of events, visit www.karmanos.org/events.asp

January2011S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos

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January is Cervical Cancer Screening Awareness Month. To learn more about cervical cancer treatment or prevention, please visit Karmanos.org.

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For four consecutive years, the Karmanos Cancer Center has topped the list of preferred hospitals in southeast Michigan for cancer care, according to a survey by the National Research Corporation. Here are a few reasons why our patients choose Karmanos over other hospitals:

• Karmanos is one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the entire United States.

• All of the Karmanos cancer specialists treat a specific type of cancer.

• Best Doctors and Hour Detroit magazine recently singled out many Karmanos physicians and placed them on their “Best Doctors” and “Top Docs” lists.

• Karmanos offers access to more than 100 cancer treatments that no other local hospital has.

• There are more than 200 types of cancer and Karmanos not only treats them all – cancer is all we treat.

“Karmanos is totally focused on cancer treatment, research and education,” says Karmanos President and CEO Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. “Cancer patients should know that we are deeply committed to providing them with the highest quality care. Our cancer experts are discovering new therapies every day, which will one day lead to the end of this disease.”

For more information on cancer care and services call 1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266; or visit Karmanos.org.

February2011M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and follow a diet that contains more nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables, grains and fruit. Exercise daily and undergo routine health screenings. Be sure and tell your doctor if you have a family history of cancer.

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In June 2006, Judge Kevin Robbins received a phone call that changed his life. The caller was Rafael Prevot, a close friend who lived in New York City.

“Rafael told me he had stage IV colon cancer and it had metastasized,” says Robbins, who is on the bench at Detroit’s 36th District Court and is a visiting judge for the Wayne County Circuit Court Criminal Division. “Rafael asked me to promise that I would get a colonoscopy, and I told him I would. He died in 2008 at age 49. He was just five days younger than me.”

Robbins remained true to his word and got the test. He also received an unexpected result: a stage III cancer diagnosis.

“I was completely shocked,” Robbins says. “I was just 47 and had absolutely no symptoms. I had recently been married and had a newborn son. My late mother was also being treated for esophageal cancer and I was helping to care for her. Suddenly, I was also diagnosed with cancer.”

Robbins chose to be treated at the Karmanos Cancer Center, the same hospital where his mother received care. He also chose the same physician: Philip Philip, M.D, Ph.D., F.R.C.P., a member of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Multidisciplinary Team and professor of Medicine and Oncology at Karmanos and Wayne State University School of Medicine.

“I was so happy with the care my mom received from Dr. Philip, I knew that I wanted him to treat me,” Robbins says. “He gave me a lot of

support when I felt apprehensive. My mom and I went to Karmanos for treatments together.”

Robbins’ cancer was spreading quickly. After undergoing surgery, Robbins began an aggressive six-month chemotherapy regimen, followed by regular surveillance. Two years later, Robbins became cancer-free. He continues to see Dr. Philip for checkups.

“A colonoscopy is the best way to see if a colorectal problem is caused by underlying cancer,” Dr. Philip says. “We think colonoscopies will reduce the number of new cases and people dying from the disease. The average age for an initial colonoscopy is 50, but you may want to get the test earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer, or some other related cancer or bowel condition. The rate of colon cancer inci-dence and colonic polyps are higher in younger African Americans, and they should consider getting the initial colonoscopy before age 50, preferably starting at age of 45.”

Robbins remains thankful he got the test before turning 50, and urges family, friends and colleagues to do the same.

“Rafael was my guardian angel,” says Robbins, who now has three children. “He could have crawled into a shell and kept his diagnosis to himself. Instead, he urged his family and friends to get a colonoscopy. And I’m forever grateful, because I’d be dead if I didn’t get that test right away. It’s all about early diagnosis and treatment – I’ll never stop spreading that message.”

For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266.

THE VALuE OF A COLONOSCOPY

Living ProoF

Judge Kevin robbins

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March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about colorectal cancer treatment or prevention, please visit Karmanos.org.

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the habitKARMANOS HELPS LuNG CANCER PATIENT

QuIT SMOKING – FOR GOOD

Bonnie Evans admits she grew up in a strict household. But there’s one thing her parents allowed their children to do, starting in their late teens.

“They gave us permission to smoke,” says Evans, 55. “I started smoking at age 17.”

By the time Evans became an adult, she went from smoking a few occasional cigarettes to two packs a day. Smoking helped her cope with stress, she said.

Life became more stressful for Evans in 2003 when doctors diagnosed her with stage IV lung cancer. After three months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the tumors were gone. Still, Evans continued to smoke. Six months later, the cancer returned.

“I felt completely ashamed, and my doctor made me feel even more ashamed,” Evans says. “I wanted to quit and tried many times, but nothing worked.”

Evans switched doctors and came to Karmanos, where she began treatment under the care of Shirish Gadgeel, M.D., leader, Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team, and associate professor, Wayne State University School of Medicine. She also made an appointment with Oncology Social Worker Kathleen Hardy.

“At Karmanos, we provide the tools to help them quit,” Hardy says. “And the desire to quit has to come from the patient – we don’t force anyone into it.”

Hardy told Evans about the smoking cessation workshops at Karmanos, organized by the department of Patient and Community Education.

“The process of quitting is different for every patient – that’s why we help patients create a personalized smoking cessation plan,” Hardy says. “Very few people are able to quit cold turkey. Relapse is often part of recovery for any addiction.”

Evans made greater progress once she began attending the workshops, available at no charge to Karmanos patients and the community.

Finally, after trying for five years, Evans quit smoking for good in January 2010.

“It took a whole team of people to help me quit.” says Evans. “At Karmanos, there is no condescending attitude. Instead, I heard, ‘We’re going to fight this together.’”

After quitting, Evans discovered new inter-ests. She participates in women’s wellness and scrapbooking groups at Karmanos. She also participates in art therapy and makes birthday and get-well cards for Karmanos patients.

“I’d be in a much darker place had I not gone to Karmanos,” Evans says. Today, I’m a happy, vibrant and independent person. I’ve been given another chance, and I’m going to live life to the fullest.”For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266.

Breaking

bonnie evans

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Karmanos provides world class treatment close to home with full service outpatient facilities in Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills and Detroit.

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National Volunteer Week

Easter

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African Americans have the highest death rate and the shortest survival rate of any racial and ethnic group in the United States for most cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

To save lives and close the gap on racial disparities related to cancer care in southeast Michigan, the Karmanos Cancer Institute has teamed with the Josephine Ford Cancer Center at Henry Ford Health System and Wayne State University School of Medicine to create the Southeast Michigan Partners Against Cancer (SEMPAC).

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) helped make this project possible with a more than $4-million, five-year grant. SEMPAC is one of 23 NCI-supported projects in the nation, and one of six dedicated to addressing cancer health disparities among African Americans. SEMPAC is also the only NCI-funded project committed to improving access to cancer screenings and treatment for older, underserved African Americans in an urban area.

“There are many in our community who are not aware of the services available to them, may not understand how to access services, and therefore don’t have the greatest chance of survival – this is unacceptable,” says Karmanos President and CEO Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. “As cancer physicians and researchers, our focus is to find the best treatment options and cures to save lives. This partnership will magnify our outreach and help save the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

Terrance Albrecht, Ph.D., associate center director for Population Sciences at Karmanos;

program leader, Population Studies and Disparities Research; and professor and associate director, Department of Oncology, WSU School of Medicine, is a co-principal investigator for SEMPAC. Since 2005, Dr. Albrecht and her team at Karmanos have engaged several community partners to create and participate in the Detroit Community Network Program (CNP), which received a $2.5million grant over five years from the NCI.

The Detroit CNP supported community-based education, training and research collaboration to address the health disparities of older African Americans in the city of Detroit. SEMPAC is an outgrowth of the CNP partnership, covering the tri-county area.

“No one institution alone can restore the health of our community and region,” Dr. Albrecht says. “We need everyone’s support. We can and will make an impact on cancer disparities.

SEMPAC will create regional partnerships that will build awareness and educate residents about cancer treatment options; provide tools to help residents make better health care decisions related to cancer care; and increase the under-standing of the importance of biospecimens to advance cancer research.

“We have a real problem right under our noses and we need to do something about it,” says Robert Chapman, M.D., director of the Josephine Ford Cancer Center, Henry Ford Health System and SEMPAC co-principal investigator. “Detroit and southeast Michigan’s ability to create partnerships will be the envy of the nation.”

terrance albrecht, Ph.d.robert chaPMan, M.d.

destroyingUnprecedented Partnership aims to save lives

Racial Disparities

May2011S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos

May is Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. To learn more about skin cancer treatment or prevention, please visit Karmanos.org.

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Awareness Week

Patients and visitors have a different hospital experience when they enter the 9th floor Inpatient Unit at the Karmanos Cancer Center. At first glance, you might almost think you’ve entered an art gallery.

More than 100 peaceful and highly-artistic photographs of Michigan scenery line the halls and patient rooms – and Karmanos employees shot all the images.

The professionally matted and framed photos depict an array of scenes, from Comerica Park and the Detroit River skyline, to Mackinac Island and Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula. The collection also features photos of flowers, butterflies and birds, as well as polar bears and peacocks at the Detroit Zoo.

“We initiated the photo project because we wanted to make the floor more warm and inviting for inpatients,” says Valerie Fred, operations support specialist at Karmanos. “Many of our staff members are talented photographers, so we asked employees to submit photos for consideration.”

The Patient and Family Advisory Council, an advocacy group that represents the needs of cancer patients and their families, reviewed more than 200 submissions and made final selections. The council is made up of current and former Karmanos patients and their family members. Fred is the council’s facilitator.

Photographs Create a Soothing Hospital Atmosphere

to another placeTAKING PATIENTS

“We began displaying the photos in early 2009, and the patients and staff absolutely love them,” Fred says. “The photos help take patients away to another place. I once noticed a patient and his wife who were admiring a photo of a lighthouse. They told me they were from the other side of the state and recognized the scene. He said it made him feel as if he were home.”

Robin Stone is a former Patient and Advisory Council committee chair. She is also being treated at Karmanos for ovarian cancer. Two years ago, she experienced the power of the photographs first-hand as an inpatient.

“While I was recovering from surgery, I often looked at the photos while I walked the halls for exercise,” Stone says. “The photos are simply breathtaking. They provide something of beauty to patients who are fighting cancer. Their soothing qualities help in the recovery process.”

Oncology Care Associate Brad Ciecko is one of the featured photographers. Among his standout images is the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse, located on Lake Huron near Port Hope.

“That photo is a personal favorite,” says Ciecko, a self-taught photographer who is refining his skills through online courses offered by the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. “It’s great to bring that expressive part of my personality to my job. The patients connect with me through the photos, and it makes me happy to know the photos help take their minds off cancer.”

For more information about cancer services, call 1-800-Karmanos or 1-800-527-6266, or visit Karmanos.org.

PHOTO: Brad Ciecko

June2011S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

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As Michigan’s only hospital dedicated exclusively to beating cancer, Karmanos dedicates entire teams of experts to each patient.

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The Karmanos Life Preservers Dragon Boat Team symbolizes the cooperative spirit staff members embrace in providing the very best care to all Karmanos Cancer Center patients.

Dragon boating, a popular early summer activity in the Orient, typically includes a dragon-shaped boat with 20 paddlers, a helmsman on one end and a drummer facing paddlers on the other end to keep the team motivated. Team members say the drummer keeps them in sync, allowing them to row faster.

With team members from various Karmanos departments, these paddlers support patients during their work hours and then use their free time to raise funds for breast cancer research. The team also includes breast cancer survivors who take part in rowing activities to combat lymphedema, a common side effect of breast cancer treatment.

Since Karmanos became an official beneficiary of the International Dragon Boat Festival and the Life Preservers took to the waters six years ago, $50,000 has been raised for breast cancer research at Karmanos. Members of the Life Preservers team commit to raising at least $250 from year to year and always seek fun ways to raise more funds. Monies raised are placed in a fund administered by the International Dragon Boat Festival for the Cure. Over the past seven years, the festival has raised more than $1.3 million for hospitals that research and treat

breast cancer. Karmanos receives between $10,000 and $12,000 of those monies each year.

The Karmanos team will compete once again this month in the International Dragon Boat Festival, July 8-10 at Waterfront Park in Tecumseh. The high-spirited event attracts thousands of people to the shores of Lake St. Clair at the mouth of the Detroit River. About 115 teams and paddlers from all over the world enter the festival.

Dedicated Karmanos team members include Barbara Adam, nurse practitioner; Mara Jelich, director of Radiation Oncology; team Captain Laura Mantha, research nurse in Population Studies; Lynne Moseley, D.D.S., director of Oral Oncology at Karmanos; Lee Sippel, staff nurse in Karmanos’ Breast Center; and Adrice Wiper, educator in the Department of Patient and Community Education.

Life Preservers members say they love the camaraderie, not to mention the great workout and the sense of working as a team. The team is so good at what they do, in fact, that they received a Heroes of Breast Cancer award for Philanthropy in 2010, as well as taking top

honors in the “Hospital Challenge” at last year’s International Dragon Boats Festival for the Cure.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized for doing what we love -- helping our patients in all ways possible, not only in the clinic but also by funding research that promises them a brighter future,” Dr. Moseley says.

Helen Dries, a retired nurse from Karmanos and breast cancer survivor who was treated at

Karmanos, originally spearheaded the effort to get people involved in the dragon boat team.

“As dragon boaters, we continue to share our laughter with others; to support each other through the thrill of competition; and to honor those we have lost,” she says. “We spread the message that men and women can lead full and active lives after treatment for breast cancer, through public awareness and paddling our best.”

To learn more about joining the Life Preservers Dragon Boat team, contact Laura Mantha at (313) 576-8401 or manthal@karmanos.org

rowersRed-HotKarmanos Dragon Boat Team Raises

Critical Funds for Breast Cancer Research

PHOTOS: Bert Cozens

July2011S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month. To learn more about sarcoma treatment or prevention, please visit Karmanos.org.

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As the eldest child in his household, Philip Agop Philip, M.D, Ph.D., F.R.C.P., entered the family trade when his father died. At age 11, he began spending the hot Iraqi summers working in the family’s shoe factory.

“I quickly learned that the factory was not the place for me,” Dr. Philip says. “The government began placing more restrictions on private businesses. I wanted to become a professional in a different field – to find something demanding but with fewer outside restraints.”

Stirred by his growing intellectual curiosity, Dr. Philip set off on the path of challenge and discovery, which led him to a rewarding career in medicine. Oncology continually inspires him to search for improved therapies for cancer patients.

Dr. Philip embarked on his journey in the mid 1960s when he entered the American Jesuit Fathers’ College in Baghdad. He showed an aptitude for science and mathematics and considered becoming an electronic engineer. Instead, he followed his friends and applied for medical school.

“It’s a decision I never regretted,” Dr. Philip says. “I enjoy combining medicine and research to practice high-quality patient care.”

Dr. Philip left Iraq in the early 1980s to complete his doctorate in England. He

discovered the challenges of oncology while studying clinical pharmacology at the University of London.

“I realized that science would be very instrumental in driving oncology while offering lots of opportunities for discovery,” Dr. Philip says. “I became excited by the prospect of applying science to patient care.”

Dr. Philip says he focused his interests on gastrointestinal oncology because it was receiving relatively little research attention compared to other types of cancer. To further his research aspirations, Dr. Philip came to the U.S. in the early 1990s and joined Karmanos in 1995. In addition to being leader of Karmanos’ Gastroin-testinal Multidisciplinary Team, Dr. Philip is also president of the Medical Staff at Karmanos.

“Karmanos is a tremendous working environment,” Dr. Philip says. “I’ve always been impressed by the quality of our clinicians and their dedication to fighting cancer. Our interests are completely aligned with offering compassionate patient care and discovering new cancer treatments.

“I’m very fortunate to have developed my career to the point where I’m practicing in a highly advanced health care system, contributing to patient care and participating in the research process that will help advance cancer care globally. The greatest opportunities lie ahead.”

uP close: PhiliP a. PhiliP, M.d., Ph.d., F.r.c.P.[B

Io] PhiliP a. PhiliP, M.d., Ph.d., F.r.c.P.

title: Leader, Gastrointestinal Multidisciplinary TeamProfessor of Medicine and Oncology.

board certiFied: Internal medicine and medical oncology.

education: B.A., American Jesuit Fathers’ College, Baghdad. M.D., university of Baghdad College of Medicine; Ph.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, university of London, Guy’s Hospital Medical School.

FaMily: Wife Viva and daughters Carolyn, 17, and Celene, 10.

hobbies: Traveling. “My favorite places are London, Paris and all of Italy.”

Great ChallengesIN SEARCH OF

August2011S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

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Karmanos oncologists specialize in treating a specific type of cancer and are on the faculty of Wayne State university School of Medicine.

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Al Terwilliger, 71, of Clawson, has been a problem solver all his life.So when the results of his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test were elevated last August, he dealt with the problem directly, rather than wait to see what might happen.

“It was not unlike how I approach business,” Terwilliger says. “The first thing I did was go on the Internet.”

Terwilliger is chairman of Protecto Horse Equipment, which sells products that protects harness racers and their horses. Terwilliger invented many of the company’s products, which are marketed worldwide.

“Everyone who knows me says I’m the most creative person they know,” he says. “I solve problems. I’m a better doer than a thinker.”

In his online research, Terwilliger kept coming across the name of Michael L. Cher, M.D. Dr. Cher is chief of Urology at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center and chairman of the Department of Urology at Wayne State University School of Medicine.

“I read a lot about Dr. Cher and how well-known he is,” Terwilliger says. “I made an appointment with him to go over my treatment options. He told me the pros and cons about robotic surgery, radiation and cryotherapy. I opted for the latter, since my prostate cancer was in an early stage and confined to one small area of the prostate. Two hours after undergoing cryotherapy in September, I was going home.”

Cryotherapy is performed with a series of needles that target regions of the prostate. Once inserted, the needles freeze the tissue, killing any cancer cells in the area. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about two hours. Recovery time for Terwilliger was less than a week.

“Cryotherapy can be used for the whole prostate or just part of it,” says Dr. Cher, who has performed about 300 cryothera-py procedures. “It’s great for men wanting to avoid surgery or radiation. Studies suggest that it may be just as effective.

“This is an image-guided treatment and it’s pretty specialized. Since there is no incision, the surgeon has to be very comfort-able with using ultrasound to guide the needles to their proper locations. The idea is to be as precise as possible. Since the

procedure involves only needles, recovery is very quick and there is no scarring. Karmanos is one of the leaders in using cryotherapy for prostate cancer and other tumors.”

Dr. Cher adds that with cryotherapy, men can have customized treatment depending on where the cancer occurs in the prostate. If cancer cells are located in only a small area, the freezing process can be applied to that area, eliminating potential side effects related to bladder function or sexual function.

Today, Terwilliger is cancer free and says he feels like he’s “30 or 40 years old.”

“I would definitely recommend cryotherapy to other men with prostate cancer,” he says. “It was the smartest move I’ve ever made. I found a great solution for my medical problem.”

To learn more about prostate cancer screening and diagnosis or to make an appointment, call 1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266.

PROSTATE CANCER SuRVIVOR PRAISES CRYOTHERAPY AS

A TREATMENT OPTION

al terwilliger

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2011September

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Karmanos.org • 1-800-KarManos

September is National Prostate, Ovarian, Gynecologic, and Leukemia and Lymphoma Cancer Awareness Month.

To learn more about treatment or prevention of these types of cancer, please visit Karmanos.org.

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Forging

“Immunotherapy is a growing field within oncology and provides great hope for the future,” Dr. Nahleh says. “The only way we can make advancements in the fight against cancer is to conduct clinical trials like this immunotherapy study. I’m proud to be part of an organization like Karmanos that fosters this type of research.”

Traditionally, most cancer therapies involve some combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. But what if doctors were to supplement these therapies by helping the body’s immune system detect tumors and destroy them?

That’s the exciting new direction scientists at the Karmanos Cancer Institute are taking toward a potentially ground-breaking treatment for cancer called targeted T cell immunotherapy. Karmanos is currently conducting a clinical study applying immunotherapy to women with one of the deadli-est forms of the disease – triple-negative breast cancer. The research is unique to Karmanos and funded by a $3 million, five-year research grant by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A total of 40 patients are involved in the study.

“This grant from the NIH speaks to the truly innovative research being conducted at Karmanos and establishes the Institute’s leadership role in creating care standards that other hospitals will follow in the future,” says Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., Karmanos president and chief executive officer.

Zeina Nahleh, M.D., associate professor of Medicine and Oncology at Karmanos and Wayne State University School of Medicine, and co-leader of the Breast Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos, is the principal investigator on the breast cancer immunotherapy study.

“Triple-negative breast cancer is generally more active and aggressive than other types of breast cancer,” Dr. Nahleh says. “Through this study, we’re hoping to improve complete tumor response by combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy.”

Immunotherapy works through the patient’s T cells, which are part of our immune system. Scientists draw blood from the patient, stimulate the T cells, and arm the T cells with bispecific antibody, which programs them to find and destroy tumor cells. Once the T cells are infused into the patient after chemotherapy, they destroy any remaining tumors and vaccinate the patient against re-growth of their tumors. Lawrence Lum, M.D., DSc, professor of Oncology, Medicine, and Immunology and Microbiology at Karmanos and Wayne State University School of Medicine, is a pioneer in developing this type of immunotherapy for cancer patients.

“If we can double the number of women whose cancer is completely eradicated through immunotherapy, it would be a home run in how we treat women with triple-negative breast cancer,” Dr. Lum says.

“Immunotherapy also has the potential to become a very powerful tool in fighting other types of tumors,” Dr. Nahleh adds. “Based on data from earlier studies, these enhanced T cells may remain active within a patient for years.”

KARMANOS SCIENTISTS DEVELOP POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR AGGRESSIVE TuMORS

Exciting New Paths

Zeina nahleh, M.d.lawrence luM, M.d., dsc

October2011S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about breast cancer treatment or prevention, please visit Karmanos.org.

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In 2004, Darryl Staskowski of Shelby Township made an appointment with his family doctor for what he thought was a lingering cold. Instead, he wound up being rushed to the hospital with a far more serious problem.

“I had a persistent cough and felt very winded,” says Staskowski, 45, vice president of Global Infrastructure at Kelly Services. “An X-ray showed a mass about the size of a fist near my heart.”

Doctors diagnosed Staskowski with T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, or ALL. Suddenly, he was faced with a life-threatening medical situation that required making quick decisions.

“You hear about people getting cancer, but I never thought it would happen to me – especially at age 39,” Staskowski says. “I thought, ‘Now what do I do?’”

Staskowski and his wife visited several hospitals in search of the best cancer care, but only one met his needs: the Karmanos Cancer Center. The Staskowskis met with Jeffrey Zonder, M.D., a member of the Hematology - Malignant Multidisciplinary Team, and associate professor of Medicine and Oncology, Hematology/Oncology at

Karmanos and Wayne State University School of Medicine.

“Other hospitals didn’t give us a good vibe, but from the moment we met with Dr. Zonder, we knew Karmanos would be the best place for treatment,” Stas-kowski says. “He emanated a high level of confidence that gave me strength. ”

Staskowski’s treatment regimen was anything but easy, Dr. Zonder says.

“Darryl went through a two-year course of chemotherapy, starting with an intensive induction regimen, followed by additional cycles of chemotherapy, and eventually prolonged maintenance therapy,” Dr. Zonder says. “He required chemotherapy injections in his spinal cord and radiation to prevent the cancer from spreading to his brain. Throughout this two-year obstacle course, Darryl was very engaged and kept a positive attitude. He never became defined by his illness and did everything he could to become well.”

Despite facing some serious complica-tions during the course of treatment, Staskowski went into remission and is now cancer-free. He says he’s changed as a person after beating the disease.

CANCER SuRVIVOR GENEROuSLY SuPPORTS KARMANOS LEuKEMIA SPECIALISTS

“This experience gave me a completely different perspective on family, faith and what’s really important in life,” Staskowski says. “I was taken right to the edge. At one point, I was in intensive care. Now, I’m living a normal life. I also began making regular charitable contributions to Karmanos because I want to help leukemia patients and have an impact on a place that provided me with such great care.”

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Staskowski for his gifts in support of cancer care,” says Nick Karmanos, vice president of Develop-ment at Karmanos. His generous support will help provide critical funding in our quest to find a cure for diseases such as ALL and other types of leukemia.”

For more information on cancer screening and diagnosis or to make an appointment, call 1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266.

on liFeA New Perspective

Darryl StaSkowSki

November2011S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos

November is National Hospice Month and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more, please visit Karmanos.org.

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At the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, patients have access to more than 100 cancer-fighting treatments that can’t be found at any other local hospital. These advanced therapies are made possible in part by the Clinical Trials Office, a committed team of about 90 staff members who provide professional “behind-the-scenes” support.

“Our office provides three main functions,” says Helen Peck, director of the Clinical Trials Office at Karmanos. “Our study coordinators screen patients and verify their eligibility for trials, they register or enroll the patient onto the trial and ensure the specific protocol (clinical trial) instructions and requirements are followed. Our regulatory coordinators help secure approvals from our internal review and institutional review boards. And our research nurses primarily support the physicians and patients in the clinic. These nurses bridge the gap between the clinic and our office.”

Among other duties, the CTO meets internal and federal regulations by collecting and submitting data for all trials. For studies initiated by Karmanos researchers, the office’s Quality Assurance and Data and Safety Monitoring committees provide close oversight.

Clinical Trials Office Helps Physicians

and Scientists Develop New Cancer Treatments

Supportingadvanced

science

“Above all, our main objective is to ensure that patients are safe,” Peck says. “Patients who choose to enroll in clinical trials are very closely monitored for any adverse reaction, and patients can opt out of a trial at any point.”

A new medication must be compared against standard thera-pies and proven safe for patient use before it can receive Food and Drug Administration approval and be made available as a standard therapy.

Karmanos has one of only 14 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded Phase I clinical trials programs in the United States and Canada, and the only such program in Michigan. Karmanos is also one of only 40 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers. At any one time, Karmanos conducts about 400 clinical trials extending across treatment and non-treatment protocols. In 2009, more than 5,500 Karmanos patients enrolled in a clinical trial.

“As a NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, Karmanos has a duty to perform cancer focused research – that’s why we offer such an extensive clinical trials program,” Peck says. “Our goal is to offer every Karmanos patient the opportunity to enroll in a clinical trial. And approximately 25 percent of our patients are involved in a therapeutic clinical trial, which is much higher than the national average of about 10 to 15 percent.

“Clinical trials are the only way we can improve cancer therapies and learn if a promising new drug is effective. The Clinical Trials Program is a great benefit for every patient who comes through our doors.”

For more information on clinical trials at Karmanos, call 1-800-KARMANOS or 1-800-527-6266, or visit Karmanos.org.

December2011S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos

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Isaac Powell, M.D.Genitourinary Oncology Multidisciplinary Team member and Professor of Urology

“At age 13, I began selling the Chicago Defender newspaper door-to-door in Gary, Indiana. I did this for about two years every Friday evening and Saturday morning. I thought I was a pretty successful salesman at the time, but most of my sales were to relatives and friends. Besides delivering on days when it rained or snowed, the most memorable part was being chased by dogs. I remember being aware of which homes in the neighborhood kept dogs. At a young age, I learned a lot about the hardships of the working world.”

RobeRt MoRRIs, M.D.Gynecology Oncology Multidisciplinary Team Leader and Professor of Gynecologic Oncology

“I grew up in Maple Grove, Minn., at the outermost rim of suburban sprawl pushing into farmland. As such, I had the choice of either washing dishes at a chain restaurant or working on a local farm. Outside work appealed to me the most, so at age 15 I began working on a neighbor’s farm. Although the passing years may lend itself to embellishment, for two summers I dug miles of fence post holes, pruned endless acres of Christmas trees, and baled and stacked mountains of hay. Even though I never used those skills again, I loved the job and learned all about hard work.”

DavID GoRskI, M.D., Ph.D. Breast Multidisciplinary Team Co-Leader and Breast Cancer Biology Program Co-Leader

“At age 15, I began working at a Burger King in Livonia. Unfortunately, it was the closing shift, and Burger King didn’t close until 2 a.m. The manager also insisted that I work some weeknights, and I had school. Desperate for my own source of cash, I begged my parents to let me try it. They gave in, and I did – for about three weeks. In the end the price was too high. I stayed up past 2 a.m. two or three school nights a week, which was affecting my school work. Because I didn’t have my driver’s license yet, one of my parents had to pick me up. I learned pretty quickly that school came first.”

stePhanIe Mellon-RePPen, Rn, Msn, acnPNurse Practitioner, Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy Program

“My first real job, while attending high school, was working at Joe’s Italian Bakery in Livonia. I met wonderful people, learned to cook and speak a little Italian, too! This was also my first real experience with customer service and catering people’s parties is a crash course in customer service! After closing one night, some of the stockers were throwing “pies” at each other – and who hasn’t always wanted to throw a pie? I picked one up from the display case and threw it at a co-worker who ducked, sending a lemon meringue pie under the oven. I found out they were throwing pie plates filled only with whipped cream! Besides the wonderful friendships I made, the best part was having all the cannolis and pizza I could eat!”

Karmanos medical staff share stories about their

FIRST JOBS

January2012S u N D AY M O N D AY T u E S D AY W E D N E S D AY T H u R S D AY F R I D AY S AT u R D AY

Karmanos.org 1-800-KarManos

January is Cervical Cancer Screening

Awareness Month. Regular Pap tests can

help identify the disease in its early stages,

when cancer is the most treatable.

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Email: hope@karmanos.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

about KarManos

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States.

Federal designation as a comprehensive cancer center is the pinnacle of translational oncology research.

MARY ANN SHORT Vice President, Marketing and Communications

LINDA H. REMINGTON Editor

Director, Marketing and Communications

Associate Editors:PATRICIA A. ELLIS

Media Relations Manager

ELIZABETH KATZExternal Marketing and Communications Associate

CHRISTINE PARKERInternal Marketing and Communications Associate

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Photos by Stephen Lengnick, Plum Street Studio

NONPROFIT ORGu.S. POSTAGE

PaidDETROIT, MI

PERMIT NO. 1579

WINTER 2011 • VOLUME 6 | NUMBER 3

...................................................eXecutive staFF

GEROLD BEPLER, M.D., Ph.D. President and Chief Executive Officer

ANN G. SCHWARTZ, PH.D., MPH Executive Vice President/Deputy Director

GEORGE YOO, M.D., FACSChief Medical Officer

GARY MORRISONChief Operating Officer NICK KARMANOS

Vice President, Development ...................................................

KarManos cancer institute board oF directors

Karmanos.org1-800-KARMANOS

Mail Code: NCO6MC

4100 JOHN R DETROIT, MI 48201

Charles E. Becker, ChairTimothy Monahan, Vice Chair

Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. (ex officio)Leslie C. Bowman

Armando R. CavazosMyron Frasier

Thomas A. GossS. Scott Hunter

Denise IlitchValerie M. Parisi, M.D. (ex officio)

Phillip A. Phillip, M.D., Ph.D. (ex officio)W. James Prowse

Anthony J. RuscianoAlan S. Schwartz (ex officio)

Nettie H. SeabrooksMaureen L. StapletonJane R. Thomas, Ph.D.

Buzz ThomasManuel Valdivieso, M.D.

George Yoo, M.D. (ex officio)

Alan S. Schwartz, ChairRandolph J. Agley, Vice Chair

Charles E. Becker, Lead Vice ChairRichard M. Gabrys, Vice ChairW. James Prowse, Vice Chair

Jonathan S. AaronEugene Applebaum

Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D. (ex officio)Paul Borman

Armando R. CavazosDaniel Cornwell

KC CrainStephen D’Arcy (ex officio)

Debbie DingellJoseph Dresner

David W. DrewsMichael E. DugganKenneth Eisenberg

Lillian ErdeljanJay Farner

Michael Ferrantino, Jr.Nathan ForbesStanley FrankelMyron Frasier

Bruce A. GershensonJohn A. Giampetroni

Allan Gilmour (ex officio)Adnan Hammad, Ph.D.

Patricia HartmannDavid Jacob

Eleanor M. JosaitisPeter Karmanos, Jr.C. Michael KojaianEdward C. Levy, Jr.

Mary MatujaTimothy Monahan

Paul L. NineThomas D. Ogden

Valerie M. Parisi, M.D. (ex officio)Dick Purtan

Hilary Ratner, Ph.D.Eunice RingGary Sakwa

Nazli G. SaterMarc R. Schechter

Nettie H. SeabrooksNedda N. ShayotaRobert A. Stone

David TrottVainutis K. Vaitkevicius, M.D.

Nancy Yaw

KarManos cancer center board oF directors

(as of January 1, 2011)

...................................................Copyright 2010 Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Thank you to outgoing members Fred Olson and Richard F. Roth

Thank you to outgoing member Kenneth Eisenberg