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Diane M. Simeone, MD, to Lead Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health Diane M. Simeone, MD, has been appointed Director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. She brings robust institutional, national, and international leadership experience to both oncologic patient care and scientific research with a focus on establishing novel models of interdisciplinary collaboration. She is an internationally recognized surgical expert in the biology and multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic neoplasms with an active clinical practice in pancreatic surgery.FigureDiane M. Simeone, MD: Diane M. Simeone, MDSimeone currently serves as the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Professor of Surgery, Director of the Pancreatic Cancer Center, and Associate Director of Translational Research at Perlmutter Cancer Center at New York University Langone Health. She served as Chair of the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Let's Win Pancreatic Cancer online community. “It is an incredible privilege and honor to be chosen to lead UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center in the setting of its world-class patient care and scientific discoveries,” said Simeone. “The opportunity to be able to help guide clinical and scientific innovation, increase access to early therapeutics through clinical trials, and train the next generation of clinicians and researchers is a lifetime opportunity.” Simeone previously served as the President of the Society of University Surgeons and the American Pancreatic Association. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and a member of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Pancreatic Cancer Task Force and the NCI's Cancer Centers Study Section. She serves as the principal investigator and lead of Precision Promise, a national clinical trials consortium focused on next-generation clinical trials for patients with pancreatic cancer. In addition, Simeone is founder of the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium, an international consortium established to drive the early detection of pancreatic cancer. “Dr. Simeone has driven transformation in cancer care by building a continuum between groundbreaking research and new therapeutic approaches for cancer detection and treatment,” said John M. Carethers, MD, Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at the University of California San Diego. “She brings a wealth of expertise and vision to her new role as Director and we are deeply honored to have her join us.” Dana H. Smetherman, MD, Named CEO of the American College of Radiology Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, has become CEO of The American College of Radiology (ACR). She is Chair of the Department of Radiology and Associate Medical Director for Medical Specialties at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. As the ACR completes its centennial celebration, Smetherman becomes its first female CEO.Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR: Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR“It is an honor and a tremendous responsibility to be asked to lead this great organization and our profession through an ever-changing medical landscape,” noted Smetherman. “I am excited to build on the strong ACR leadership tradition and work with ACR volunteers, members, and staff to advance the radiology specialty.” Smetherman is currently the Secretary-Treasurer of the ACR and a member of its Board of Chancellors. She also served as Chair of the ACR Breast Commission, ACR Councilor from Louisiana, Chair of the ACR Breast Imaging Economics Committee, President of the Radiological Society of Louisiana, board member for the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers, American Roentgen Ray Society Advisor, and Alternative Advisor to the American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology Panel, and Chair of the Technical Exhibits Committee of the Radiological Society of North America. “Dr. Smetherman is recognized as an outstanding leader by those in radiology and beyond,” said Jacqueline A. Bello, MD, FACR, Chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors. “ACR volunteer leaders are proud to have a CEO with a wealth of skills, abilities, and experience to work with shoulder to shoulder for years to come.” Smetherman succeeds radiology luminary William T. Thorwarth Jr., MD, FACR, who will retire after more than 10 years of service. As CEO, Thorwarth guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the creation and distribution of resources to help members and their practices. In addition, he oversaw the launch of the ACR Data Science Institute. “Dr. Smetherman has long worked to ensure patients have access to the highest-quality radiologic care,” said Thorwarth, current ACR CEO. “I know she will continue to provide outstanding leadership for ACR on behalf of radiology professionals and those we serve.” Sai Yendamuri, MD, MBA, FACS, Recognized for Efforts in Lung Cancer Care In recognition of his dedication toward advancements in lung cancer care, as well as his contributions as a valued mentor, Sai Yendamuri, MD, MBA, FACS, Chair of Thoracic Surgery at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been honored with prestigious leadership roles, awards, and grant funding from both local and national organizations.Sai Yendamuri, MD, MBA, FACS: Sai Yendamuri, MD, MBA, FACSFollowing a unanimous vote, Yendamuri was elected to the American Lung Association (ALA) Local Leadership Board of Directors in Buffalo, NY. This group of experts works alongside the Buffalo and New York State Lung Association teams in advocating for lung health from public policy to research. “Together, our entire Leadership Board is working to help Western New York residents breathe a little easier,” said Kaelyn Gates, ALA Buffalo Senior Director. “Their insight and experience are critical to our work in the community.” The American Surgical Association and Society of Asian Academic Surgeons named Yendamuri the recipient of their 2023 Surgical Leaders Fellowship Grant. Annually, the organizations jointly sponsor the grant award to support visits to two prestigious academic institutions to shadow leaders in surgery and gain insights into different leadership styles and best practices in health care, leadership, and care delivery. As part of this fellowship, Yendamuri will shadow Herbert Chen, MD, Chair of Surgery at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and Yuman Fong, MD, Chair of Surgical Oncology at the City of Hope in Duarte, Calif. At the 61st annual meeting of the Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society (ECTSS), Yendamuri was presented with a Presidential Service Award following his time as Chair on the Career Development Committee. He currently sits on ECTSS' executive council as Thoracic Chief of the Program Committee. Alexandra Miller, MD, PhD, Takes Leadership Roles at NYU Langone Health Alexandra Miller, MD, PhD, a neurologist and neuro-oncologist specializing in treating primary brain tumors, has been named Chief of the Division of Neuro-Oncology and Co-Director of the Brain and Spine Tumor Center at NYU Langone Health's Perlmutter Cancer Center. In Neuro-Oncology, she will continue to build out the already robust team of researchers and clinicians, as well as lead and mentor junior faculty to improve outcomes and access for patients being treated for brain tumors.Alexandra Miller, MD, PhD: Alexandra Miller, MD, PhDAt the Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Miller will work with John G. Golfinos, MD, and Erik P. Sulman, MD, PhD, as well as the wider team of neuro-oncologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and radiation oncologists, to expand their multidisciplinary clinical program around primary and metastatic brain tumors. This team will develop integrated pathways for patients that include a wide variety of services, including neuropsychology, psychiatry, imaging, and rehabilitative care. The center serves in the treatment of brain tumors, spinal cord tumors, and skull base tumors in adults and children. “I'm honored to join the NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, which is at the forefront of cancer care and research,” Miller stated. “I am looking forward to working with the extensive network of diagnostic, surgical, and rehabilitative specialists to develop our programs even further.” “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Miller, who is a renowned expert in brain tumor research,” said Alec Kimmelman, MD, PhD, Director of the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center. “Her leadership and experience in both the clinical and research missions will allow us to deliver comprehensive care and offer the latest treatment advances to our patients.” Mediget Teshome, MD, MPH, FACS, Named Chief of Breast Surgery at UCLA Health Mediget Teshome, MD, MPH, FACS, was appointed by UCLA Health as the new Chief of Breast Surgery and Director of Breast Health. In this role, she will provide breast surgical oncology leadership across the UCLA Health enterprise, including the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.Mediget Teshome, MD, MPH, FACS: Mediget Teshome, MD, MPH, FACS“Dr. Teshome's unwavering commitment to advancing the care of individuals with breast cancer is evident in her dedication to high-quality clinical care, collaborative research, education of future leaders in breast surgical oncology, and the relentless pursuit of improving equity in both health care and society,” said Joe Hines, MD, FACS, Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the William P. Longmire, Jr., Chair in Surgery. “It is a true privilege to join and lead a phenomenal team of breast surgical faculty and staff at UCLA...where everyone is dedicated to advancing clinical practice, fostering collaborative research, supporting breast surgical oncology training, and delivering exceptional care to our patients alongside outstanding multidisciplinary colleagues,” said Teshome. “It is also extremely personally and professionally meaningful for me to have the opportunity to serve the UCLA and Greater Los Angeles communities, both of which have been formative in my life and career.” Teshome is a member of several national professional societies and currently holds the roles of Vice Chair of the Annual Meeting Scientific Committee of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Vice Chair of the Society of Surgical Oncology Breast Fellowship Program Directors Committee, and Chair of the Education Committee of the American College of Surgeons Cancer Surgery Standards Program. LSU Researchers Receive Grant for Cervical Cancer Prevention A research team from the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center has been awarded a grant to eliminate barriers to cervical cancer prevention. The 5-year program combines awards from the American Cancer Society and LSU Health New Orleans. Louisiana has one of the highest cervical cancer death rates in the country. They are higher in predominantly Black communities represented in both urban and rural areas of Louisiana. Black women in the state are diagnosed with and die from cervical cancer at a significantly higher rate than the U.S. rates for Black women. The research project at LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center will not only focus on increasing screenings, but also on removing barriers that prevent women from accessing cancer prevention services after they have been screened. “With prevention through an HPV vaccine and early detection, no one should develop or die from cervical cancer,” said Michael Hagensee, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans Departments of Medicine and Microbiology. “We have the tools to prevent cervical cancer, but we aren't using them to their fullest potential. By identifying barriers to cancer prevention services and better understanding why there is resistance to accessing screening, we can focus on overcoming these barriers to ultimately eradicate cervical cancer.”Michael Hagensee, MD, PhD: Michael Hagensee, MD, PhDStudies have shown that transportation constraints, economics, health care system distrust, fear, and reduced access to cancer prevention education can contribute to barriers in care. This research grant will help determine the obstacles some women may face and work on strategies to overcome those hurdles. Researchers will utilize kits that test for HPV and identify barriers to clinical follow-up for those women who test positive for HPV. As principal investigator, Hagensee will work with Donna Williams, DO, Bilikisu Reni Elewonibi, PhD, MPH, Jennifer Cameron, PhD, and Andrew Chapple, PhD, all from LSU Health New Orleans, and Jerry McLarty, PhD, from LSU Shreveport. During the discovery phase of the research project, approximately 750 women from the Greater New Orleans and Shreveport areas will be self-screened for HPV or with provider-collected HPV tests in the privacy of their own home, a local clinic, or a mobile health unit. Patients will also be asked to complete a survey so researchers can better understand barriers to cervical cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Answers to the survey will be used to develop educational materials designed to improve follow-up care after screening results. Melanoma Research Team Honored With Paper of the Year A team of melanoma researchers with the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN), have been honored with the 2023 Paper of the Year distinction by the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The recognition highlights the results of the DREAMseq randomized Phase III clinical trial. DREAMseq showed an optimal treatment sequence for combination therapy in patients with advanced melanoma with a BRAFV600 tumor gene mutation. The treatment sequence, beginning with immunotherapy (nivolumab and ipilimumab) and followed by targeted therapy (dabrafenib and trametinib) if there was disease progression, resulted in a 20 percent absolute improvement in 2-year overall survival (72% vs. 52%) compared with the sequence beginning with dabrafenib and trametinib. “When the results of the DREAMseq trial emerged, they had an immediate impact on clinical practice because these are FDA-approved regimens,” said Michael B. Atkins, MD, Medical Oncologist at Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and a member of the ECOG-ACRIN Melanoma Committee.Michael B. Atkins, MD: Michael B. Atkins, MDJournal editors selected Atkins and the ECOG-ACRIN-led DREAMseq team based on the overall impact and reach of trial results among all papers during the year. “After years of research, many exciting and effective new combination treatments exist for patients with advanced melanoma,” said Atkins. “Further, the use of one treatment can affect a patient's response to another treatment. Consequently, patients and their physicians often find themselves with multiple treatment options, but few answers to questions surrounding how and when to use these approved approaches.” More discoveries will emerge as Atkins and colleagues are now validating biomarker findings from biopsy tissue and blood samples contributed by trial participants. Atkins stated that “the goals of these biomarker studies are to identify at a molecular level the subset of patients who benefit from starting with targeted therapy and those who don't appear to benefit from either treatment approach and thus would be candidates for alternative therapies.” Weill Cornell Medicine Receives Grant for Breast Cancer Blood Test Massimo Cristofanilli, MD, and a team of Weill Cornell Medicine researchers, received a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program to validate a new blood test for the early detection of breast cancer. Researchers are evaluating Syantra DX Breast Cancer, an experimental diagnostic test that detects blood biomarkers associated with breast cancer. It uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to determine whether a patient is positive for cancer as soon as detectable by mammogram or possibly earlier and before symptoms arise.Massimo Cristofanilli, MD: Massimo Cristofanilli, MD“This new liquid biopsy has the potential to detect breast cancer at a very early stage,” said Cristofanilli, Professor of Medicine and Director of Breast Medical Oncology in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology. Each year, about 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 42,000 die from the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Because of modern treatment methods, 86 percent of women diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer survive past 5 years. However, this number drops to just 28 percent in women diagnosed at Stage IV,” said Cristofanilli, who is also a medical oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Previous smaller studies showed promise in women at a lower risk of breast cancer. With this grant, Cristofanilli will evaluate the performance of the cancer test in women ages 30-75 who have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, including those with dense breast tissue, abnormal mammograms, genetic predisposition, or suspicious breast symptoms. Participants will be recruited at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and the University of Calgary. They will have their blood drawn for the liquid biopsy and complete standard-of-care screening with mammography or any other physician-recommended procedures, such as MRI or ultrasound, which can help screen dense breast tissue. “We want to make it easier for women to be screened for breast cancer,” Cristofanilli said. “This new area of technology for detecting cancer in the blood is very important. This is clearly an example of Weill Cornell Medicine researchers striving to be innovative and offering the best possible technologies to advance and improve the outcomes for the women that we serve.” In addition, the researchers hope the test can be used worldwide in underserved populations or where access to standard imaging equipment isn't readily available. A simple blood test used in a local doctor's office that does not require travel to an imaging center could also help improve regular screening. Kristin Higgins, MD, Appointed Chief Clinical Officer at City of Hope Kristin Higgins, MD, joins City of Hope from Emory Healthcare, where she served as a physician, radiation oncologist, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, leader of Winship Cancer Institute's Lung Program, and member of the Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics Research Program. She will act as Senior Clinical Leader for City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta with responsibility for overall clinical care decisions and cancer care innovation. She will also serve patients as a radiation oncologist specializing in treating lung cancers.Kristin Higgins, MD: Kristin Higgins, MD“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Higgins to City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. She embodies our commitment to trailblazing innovation, improving patient access, and enhancing quality of life,” said Jonathan Watkins, President of City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. “I am confident that her breadth of experience in research, clinical trials, and the translational treatment of cancer will empower our expansion of best-in-class cancer care in the greater Atlanta market.” Higgins is well known for her clinical research expertise, especially concerning clinical trials that investigate novel drug and radiation combinations in lung cancer. During her time at Winship Cancer she several clinical trials for innovative lung cancer including a trial by the National Cancer Institute toward a new treatment approach for lung cancer. in radiation oncology, clinical focus on lung cancer treatment and research is driven by a for patients with a higher quality of life and for cancer patients on and cancer center for this to

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