BROADENING THE CONVERSATION ABOUT CANCER | WINTER/SPRING 2020

SHATTERING THE GLASS BEAKER Women Past and Present Have Played Key Roles at Fox Chase

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 1 2/25/20 10:16 AM G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE PRESIDENT’S FORWARD THINKING Molecular Therapeutics Program, inherlab2019. a labin1935. LoriRink (right), an assistant professor inthe On theCover: ChemistMaryAdelia Bennett (left) working in Jill Horne Contributors: Cover Cancer Center Fox Chase Printing Brilliant Graphics Design B&G DesignStudios Editorial Assistant Sarah Hughes Editor Patrick McGee F o rward F MAKING THE UNCOMMONCOMMON cation to discovery, to cation Fox at nding andheld close- ingenuity adedi These exercised female trailblazers science andmedicine. great of pursuit voices inthe andnewideas inclusion dierent of longstanding Fox showcases also it Chase’s Center. our within Indoingso, inscience,women particularly Forwardof of highlights role the prevail. help them exceptional doand sta who the to andclinicians,possible scientists, im- seemingly the through boldly on carry who nary—patients extraordi- are who people are Within happen. institution our uncommon things where place and exceptional insight. takes uncommon it strength face consider acommon thing, to but it colleagues. or friends Onemight Richard I. Fisher, MD WINTER/SPRING 2020 Chief Executive Officer Publications Manager Our cover story in this issue issue inthis coverOur story Fox Cancer a Centeris Chase Senior Director of Communications [email protected] Patrick McGee Jeremy Moore LEADERSHIP President and families, or amongst our our families, amongst or personally,whether inour way, us insome touched familiar.something It has manyor us, of is cancer Inquiries: and Control Program Assistant Professor, CancerPrevention Jennifer Barsky Reese, PhD Chief Operating Officer Judith L. Bachman, MSN, RN, CNAA EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Chief Development Officer Shawn Kleitz Chief Nursing Officer Anne Jadwin, MSN, RN, AOCN, NE-BC Deputy Chief Scientific Officer Erica A. Golemis, PhD and Control Coleader, CancerPrevention Carolyn Y. Fang, PhD Director of DonorRelations Lisa Broida Bailey Breast CancerProgram Leader Attending Surgeon, Richard J. Bleicher, MD, FACS, Senior Director of IndividualGiving George Beschen Chief Academic andAdministrative Officer J. Robert Beck, MD dous support from our patients, our from dous support cover newways. We have tremen- questions, newideas, test anddis- new wecontinue ask decades, to Fox Aswehave Chase. done for future. for the hope new give results the but drugs, suchpatients’ to respond cancers Right now, of asmall only number There much still do. is to work years. to months last drugs hibitor immune checkpoint of in- eects cancer. positive the cases, Insome kill to harness power its how to and human immune system the complexities the knowledge of of our increasing is research ongoing how pages, Inthese weshare fore. patientsing inways we haven’t be- success treat- seeing itors, weare immune checkpoint inhib- called accomplishments. career own their through greatness achieve andto cancer of standing under our to meaningfully ute contrib to drive their fuel helped who andaleader aculture Chase It anexciting is for time us at With help newdrugs of the David G. Marshall Solomon C. Luo, MD Robert H. LeFever Margot WallaceKeith Larry R. Kaiser, MD Thomas W.Hofmann Kimberly D. Hagerich Lon R. Greenberg Edward A. Glickman William J. Federici Ronald R. Donatucci Mary B. Daly, MD, PhD John M. Daly, MD Lewis F. Gould, Jr. BOARD OFDIRECTORS Department of Surgical Oncology Associate Professor, Rosalia Viterbo, MD, FACS, Director, Academic Affairs Amanda Purdy, PhD Director of Marketing Ryan O’Neill-Moon Radiation Oncology Associate Professor, Joshua E. Meyer, MD Chair Thomas R. Tritton, PhD Lindy Snider Edward J. Roach David G. Marshall Solomon C. Luo, MD Philip E. Lippincott Dan Levin Geoffrey Kent Margot WallaceKeith Barbara Ilsen Thomas W.Hofmann Lewis F. GouldJr. Edward A. Glickman Richard I. Fisher, MD William J. Federici Louis E. Della Penna, Sr. Donald E. Morel, Jr., PhD OF DIRECTORS FOUNDATION BOARD Donna L. Skerrett, MD Leon O. Moulder, Jr. Donald E. Morel, Jr., PhD Christopher W.McNichol - - PRESIDENT ANDCEO Richard I. Fisher, MD continues. story Our breakthroughs. more help closer us get will to that zon hori- the on new collaborations family, to forward andwelook donors, Fox entire andthe Chase Vice Chair Chair 1-888-FOX-CHASE foxchase.org Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497 333 CottmanAvenue, pursuant toitsgoverning documents. organization isowned andoperated organizations. Each TUHS member providers affiliatedwith TUHSmember organizations orindependent health care health care isprovided by itsmember controls theprovision of health care. All of Medicine. TUHS neitherprovides nor Katz School Temple University School Health System (TUHS)andby The Lewis out by theaffiliates of TempleUniversity education andresearch activitiescarried Temple Health refers tothehealth, System in2012. Fox Chasejoined Temple University Health Comprehensive CancerCenter in1974. designated aNationalCancerInstitute was amongthefirst institutionstobe nation’s first cancerhospitals, and was founded in1904asoneof the centers intheUnitedStates, Fox Chase leading cancerresearch andtreatment department of Fox Chase. Oneof the Cancer Center by thecommunications twice ayear for friendsof Fox Chase FORWARD magazineispublished 2/25/20 10:16 AM

COLIN LENTON ForwardWINTER/SPRING 2020

CONTENTS

FEATURES 6 Shattering the Glass Beaker Women researchers have long played a key role at Fox Chase Cancer Center. As early as 1946, four of 10 laboratory heads were women. To this day, female researchers and physicians who bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic have continued to play a vital role. 14 Picking the Lock Cancer can evade the body’s immune system by tricking it into thinking that cancer cells are normal. A newer class of drugs called check- point inhibitors help the immune system overcome this deception and attack cancerous cells. The results have been impressive, but the drugs do not work for all patients. 18 The Unknown Patient When most people hear the words “breast cancer,” they think of women, not men. But even though they are far fewer in number, men do get breast cancer. The men who have struggled with diagnosis and treatment say it can be an 18 isolating experience.

DEPARTMENTS 26 MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Feet First to Kick Cancer 2 FOCUS: Around Campus In 2009, a group of friends and sports enthusiasts Fox Chase Nurse Travels to Mozambique for started an annual kickball tournament to fund Volunteer Work | High School Students Create cancer research. Since then, the Kicking Cancer Art to Highlight the Cancer Journey of Patients Foundation has raised $375,000.

22 CLOSE-UP: Patient Perspective: 28 REVIEW: News of Note Faith to Fall Back On Special Events | Honors & Awards | Notable Angela Shammo found out she had breast cancer Accomplishments when she was 40 years old and the mother of four young children. But her faith and excellent 32 REWIND: Hugh Creech: A Fox Chase medical care got her through. Family Story Organic chemist Hugh John Creech came to Fox 24 CLOSE-UP: Faculty Perspective: Chase Cancer Center in 1945 and would go on to A Family of Physicians have a long, distinguished career in pioneering Mariusz Wasik grew up in Poland as the child of work developing and testing chemotherapy drugs. two physicians. He went to medical school, where His wife also worked at Fox Chase as a researcher, he met his wife, who is also a doctor. And one of and his son served as a medical oncologist at the

CLINT BLOWERS CLINT his two daughters is a nurse practitioner. center.

WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASE FORWARD 1

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 3 2/25/20 10:16 AM G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 2 2 AROUND CAMPUS FOCUS O HS OWR WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASEFORWARD a spirit of brokenness throughout brokenness of throughout a spirit fostered has parents andchildren andbetween husbands andwives between inrelationships ia. Abuse HIV/AIDS of risks the andmalar- are prevalent, as are starvation “Hunger and es” inMacadeira. “no challeng- of is there shortage over 700 said. Adamson people, two days saw those they During Mozambique. of areas developed more from bynurses medications prescribed also were people care; signs, assessments, andwound clinicsof which involved vital mission workers inAfrica. Work,Hands at of group alocal with partners but United States inthe located which is Africa, byNurses for organized a group community,a small rural with services. medical provide to nurses of agroup Mozambique with to traveled DanaAdamson nurse Recently, work. unteer registered - vol extends also to global reach that world. But the around researchers centers cancer and other with ships FOX CHASEREGISTERED NURSE — DANA ADAMSON, memorable.” for us. Itwas extremely so insteadthey prayed give usanything back, were unableto “They A FOR VOLUNTEERWORK FOX CHASENURSE TRAVELS TO MOZAMBIQUE According to Hands at Work, Handsat to According twoThe days hosted nurses They Macadeira, to traveled out by its many byits out partner borne afact reputation, aglobal Cancer has Center FoxPhiladelphia, Chase in based lthough - and other items. and other toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, They care. burn distributed also and care, seizure care, wound hand washing, hygiene, nutrition, They children. and the taught families, plusother family own their of take care community that workers, inthe women are who care the for both day teaching of did nurses a said,the Adamson community.”the On the last day of the trip, day the last of On the they days other there, On their volunteer triptoMozambique. some ofthechildren shemetonher Fox Chasenurse DanaAdamson with memorable,” said. Adamson for us.prayed Itextremely was they instead so back, anything evenpurchase. to for them di‘cult extremely are that things salt, of andabag oil, two of liters rice, of bags large them by giving work community for their in the workers care the thank able to were “They were unable to give us “They give unable to were 2/25/20 10:16 AM

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANA ADAMSON G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 3

THOMAS STEPHANO G HIGHLIGHT THE CANCERJOURNEY OFPATIENTS HIGH SCHOOLSTUDENTSCREATE ART TO interpret the patient journey patient journey the interpret patients cancer and with meet Tyler Yannuzzi, chosen to were Tennent,at and Diraya Serrano sta“, students two art honors Warminster. William Tennent in HighSchool Jayo,Ignacio at ascience teacher by created was program Design Foxat Cancer Center. Chase o‘cer,Glenn Rall, chief academic A“airs, and Academic of director byAmandaPurdy, e“ort outreach play arole. can byothers created sometimes, art music. or words And through struggle understand their to try After meeting with Fox with meeting Chase After The CentennialX Student an of out Canvas grew the Beyond in their life. patients Some in their go through can someone di‘cult event most the easily for is cancer treated and etting diagnosed lost sight of that through foggy foggy through lost sight that of andnever purpose of a vision cancer,“While facing had she and Bernstein’s attitude. positive painting the of wrote Serrano cloudy situations,” through shine clouds to her the ability represents clouds. through shining sun the featured One painting Bernstein’s of aspects ous journey. vari- illustrate to vase sides the of three the painted then Serrano patient Judy of Bernstein. story the scenes representing various depicting vase alarge and created chose claySerrano hermedium as Sykes’s tranquility. of place patient depict Lainie to matboard and implemented. approved project the get helped committee, art the co-chair of Volunteer of director and Services Helen Gordon, artwork. through “The sun shining light behind “The light behind shining sun Yannuzzi on tape paper used STUDENT ARTIST — DIRAYA SERRANO, circumstances.” that through foggy never lostsightof of purposeand she hadavision facingcancer,“While at Foxat Chase. Women’s the at work their Center Yannuzzi showcase able to were and done, Serrano were pieces Whentheir art. the create to space students the with provided Studio, Art which Doylestown helpthe from with journey tic - artis students their through Friedant guidethe helped circumstances.” Tennent Rena teacher art ITRSRN 00FOX CHASEFORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020 2/25/20 10:17 AM 3 G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 4 4 SCIENCE FOCUS O HS OWR WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASEFORWARD T IMPLICATIONS IN YOUNGER PATIENTS MAY HAVE TREATMENT GENOMIC DIFFERENCESINCOLORECTAL CANCER analysis found di“erences in analysis found di“erences in inolder patients.that Their patients CRCof inyounger to genomic landscape the pared Cancer CenterhaveChase com- Fox at mutations, researchers driver somatic of pro¡le distinct a reŸects disease in early-onset Todisease. rise ifthe determine stable rates of late-onset late-onset of stable rates age 50, to incontrast under inadults increase (CRC)cancer continues to he incidence colorectal of Oncology, ChiefScience Deputy Radiation of Department CRC patients. inover18,000 mutations alyzing an- date, to reported been has that CRC patients cancer young-onset in genomic landscape the of sis analy- comprehensive most the in Clinical Cancer Research , is decision-making. treatment genes relevanting to a“ect carcinogenesis molecular Joshua E.Meyer the of The paper, published which was - in olderpatients.” from thosediagnosed different processes may arisefrom colorectal cancers that young-onset vides more evidence “Our newstudypro- RADIATION ONCOLOGIST — JOSHUA E. MEYER, added. CRC,” sporadic early-onset he patients for with young therapies personalized provide to leveraged be can rates in gene alteration di“erences ifthe determine to patients,” Meyer said. inolder diagnosed those es from - di“erent from process may arise cancers colorectal young-onset evidence that more provides decline. Ournewstudy of decades multiple after decade last the in group this among increase to have begun rates and mortality mid-1980s since the increasing been has adults in younger versus old patients.young in therapy to response impact cancer.set These di“erences may early-on- of biology the relevant to genes di“erencesicant inseveral signif- were there overall, similar while leagues concluded that, col- Golemis, andother Erica Program Therapeutics Molecular the of O‘cer andco-leader “Further research is needed “Further needed is research “Colorectal incidence cancer 2/25/20 10:17 AM

DAN PAGE BRCA1 GENE REARRANGEMENTS MAY HELP IDENTIFY PARP INHIBITOR RESISTANCE

ew research published in prolonging disease-free survival in mechanism that involves rear- Nature Communications BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer, but rangement of the BRCA1 gene. The indicates that BRCA1 eventually the majority of patients consequence of having a mutation gene rearrangements are will develop drug resistance,” said in this domain is that it causes the responsible for generating Neil Johnson, associate professor whole protein to become degraded.” Npartially active proteins that drive in the Molecular Therapeutics pro- Johnson and postdoctoral fellow resistance to PARP inhibitors. gram at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Yifan Wang found that when cells Individuals with BRCA1 muta- Uncovering the biology of drug become resistant to PARP inhibi- tions are at signi¡cantly increased resistance may enable the develop- tors, the BRCA1 gene changes the risk for developing breast and ment of treatment strategies that way it is arranged in the chromo- ovarian cancers. Women who prevent resistance from occurring some. That leaves behind the BRCT develop BRCA-mutated cancer may altogether and potentially help iden- domain mutations that are causing bene¡t from treatment with PARP tify which patients are most likely to the whole protein to get degraded. inhibitors, drugs which block an bene¡t from PARP inhibitors. “Now, it does not get degraded. enzyme involved in certain cell Johnson’s lab is focused on how It is stable and it can contribute to functions, including the repair of BRCA1 mutations might develop the repair of DNA damage. Because DNA damage. resistance. “We found that a it repairs DNA damage, it also “PARP inhibitors have been group of BRCA1 mutations in the promotes resistance to the PARP shown to be very e“ective at BRCT domain have a particular inhibitor.”

FINDINGS MAY POINT THE WAY TO MODULATING EGFR INHIBITOR RESPONSE

nderstanding how tumor lung, colorectal, and brain cancer. of the Cancer Epigenetics Program. cells become resistant to Blocking EFGR can slow the growth “Our data suggests that if we drugs used to treat them is of cancer cells. target these epigenetic modi¡ers one of the greatest challeng- Ampli¡cation is a double-edged we can dial up or down EGFR am- es faced by cancer research- sword. Although it makes drugs pli¡cation and, in turn, modulate ers. UIn a new study, researchers the associated drug response. We from Fox Chase Cancer Center believe that this could provide a describe how cancer cells use The researchers more homogeneous cell popula- epigenetic mechanisms to control believe their findings tion, which might result in more ampli¡cation of a critical cancer provide a basis for consistent response to drugs gene that impacts cell proliferation targeting the pathway,” Whetstine and drug response. The researchers developing novel said. The research was published believe the ¡ndings provide a basis drugs or combinations in Cancer Discovery. for developing novel drugs or com- “We showed that copy num- binations of drugs. of drugs. ber is druggable by targeting the EGFR (human epidermal epigenetic factors involved, which growth factor receptor) is found in targeting that gene more e“ective, has signi¡cant clinical impli- normal cells and in high levels in prolonged treatment with EGFR cations. Therefore, we can turn some types of cancer cells. EGFR inhibitors can reduce the copies of levels of copy gains up or down, DNA ampli¡cation tends to occur EGFR, leading to drug resistance, and in return, change responses to in hard-to-treat cancers such as said Johnathan R. Whetstine, head growth factors and drugs.”

WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASE FORWARD 5

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 5 2/25/20 10:17 AM the

The lab of organic chemist Gerrit Toennies in the Wanamaker building on the Lankenau Hospital campus in 1935. Shown left to right are Peg Elliott, Toennies, Theodore Lavine, and Mary Adelia Bennett.

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 6 2/25/20 10:17 AM Women Past and Present Have Played Key Roles at Fox Chase

n 1989, Mary Daly came to Fox Chase Cancer Center with a medical degree and a doctorate in epidemiology, both of which she obtained when her three children were young. When Daly joined Fox Chase, she met Scientic Director Anna Marie Skalka, who had come to the center in 1987. “That was pretty interesting. I mean, for a woman to be in charge of all these men doing research,” Daly said. Unbeknownst to Daly at the time, Fox Chase had a long Ihistory from its beginnings of women scientists playing leading roles in its labs and clinics. In fact, as early as 1946, four of the institute’s 10 laboratory heads were women. And female re- searchers and physicians who bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic have continued to play a role in the achievements of Fox Chase to this day.

BY PATRICK McGEE WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASE FORWARD 7

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 7 2/25/20 10:17 AM Shattering the Glass Beaker

In 1927, Stanley P. Reimann, a physician, and Frederick could only work part time while pursuing her doctorate. She Hammett, a biologist and biochemist, founded the was also caring for an invalid mother. Lankenau Hospital Research Institute, which later mor- Her accomplishments include many journal publications phed into the Institute for Cancer Research before merg- throughout the 1940s and 1950s in general biochemistry. ing with the American Oncologic Hospital. The end result Some of that work included preparation of various liver is what is now known as Fox Chase Cancer Center. extracts that led to the isolation of vitamin B12. She was also The two men had what seemed to be an odd premise to the recipient of the Robert McNeil Fellowship. many of their fellow scientists and clinicians at the time: To learn about cancer and the abnormal cell growth that dene BENEFIT OF GEOGRAPHY it, it was necessary to study the normal growth and develop- ment of cells. They were ridiculed by many for the direction PHILADELPHIA, WHERE FOX CHASE IS LOCATED, HAS LONG of their “so-called” cancer research. been a center for scientic and medical education and The two did something equally unusual—they hired a research. The rst medical school in the United States number of women as researchers at a time when research opened in 1765 at the College of Philadelphia and eventual- labs were dominated by men. ly evolved into the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman This history was not accidental. In 1927, Reimann laid out School of Medicine. Scientists and physicians have long a strategy for the type of research to be done and the people used the city as a starting point or a home base for their who would execute it. He wrote endeavors. that the approach was “one in “The fact that a woman could which a large problem is adopted get a PhD degree and then get a with a diverse sta— to attack the “I also thought that this job was really di—erent than in problem by way of various disci- other parts of the world,” said plines and techniques.” would be a place where Marilyn Bailey Ogilvie, profes- This “diverse sta—” included you could ourish as a sor emeritus in the Department a number of women researchers of the History of Science at the who would go on to long, dis- person running a University of Oklahoma. She is tinguished careers and become coeditor of “The Biographical leaders in their elds. According small independent Dictionary of Women in Science,” to “Growth: A History of the laboratory that explored and the author of several books on Institute for Cancer Research,” the history of women in science. Reimann’s condence in the abili- creative ideas.” Another unique thing was that ties of women as researchers “was — ERICA GOLEMIS, DEPUTY CHIEF women researchers at Fox Chase perhaps one of the major factors SCIENCE OFFICE, FOX CHASE were being paid the same as their that contributed to his success in CANCER CENTER male counterparts. In a 1985 spreading knowledge of cancer interview, Patterson said, “There and in weathering the many crises was no discrimination whatsoever. he encountered in establishing Salaries were the same.” the Lankenau Hospital Research Institute on a rm footing.” Ogilvie said that pay equity is “very surprising” for its The history was written by Elizabeth Patterson, who was time. She also noted that generally, once women got into the recruited by Reimann in 1944 after earning her doctorate at laboratory, they trained other women to do the same work. Bryn Mawr College. “That’s the pattern that I’ve seen,” she said. That pattern of handing scientic knowledge down would recur throughout REIMANN’S FIRST ASSISTANT the history of Fox Chase, with one generation of women researchers passing their knowledge along to the next. THE FIRST RESEARCHER THAT REIMANN HIRED WAS MARY As the sta— continued to grow, more women were brought Adelia Bennett, who became his assistant. She started on board, including Grace Medes, who earned her doctorate working part time with him in 1921, and he encour- in zoology at Bryn Mawr in 1916. Before coming to the insti- aged her to pursue graduate studies at the University of tute in 1932, she taught at Vassar and Wellesley and was an as- Pennsylvania, where she received a doctorate in physiolog- sistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, ical chemistry in 1926. where she became known for her work in biochemistry. “Dr. Bennett’s early years at the laboratory in some ways Despite her credentials, Reimann had a hard time con- mirror the stresses of women scientists to obtain their vincing his colleague Hammett to take her on, and he was academic degrees and their independence at that time,” not helped much by the negative feedback he was getting

Patterson wrote. Bennett lived on very little money since she from some of her colleagues at Minnesota. One wrote that CHASE CANCER CENTER ARCHIVES OF FOX COURTESY PHOTO PREVIOUS PAGE:

8 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 8 2/25/20 10:17 AM Margie Clapper (left), deputy chief science officer, and Mary Daly career in which she developed mouse models that allowed (right), director of the Risk Assessment Program, discuss the genesis of colorectal cancer in this 2009 photo. scientists to identify links between development and cancer (see “Seeking Answers to Big Questions,” page 10).

although she was “a worker and cooperative,” she was also BRIDGING THE GAP “eccentric as all hell.” But Reimann remained undaunted, and wrote to AS RESEARCHERS LIKE GLUSKER AND MINTZ WORKED IN Hammett that Medes wanted to work at the institute the connes of their labs, others like Daly were working because she believed “we are doing the best work in the to bridge the gap between the research lab and the clinic. country.” He went on to press his case in a later letter to After earning her doctorate from the University of North Hammett: “I just know we are going to get much good work Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Daly got a job in public from Grace Medes…. I shall back her to the limit.” health, but became frustrated because she realized she Once again, Reimann was on the mark, as Medes went on didn’t understand the diseases she was studying. “I knew to a long and distinguished career, culminating in 1955 with how to design the studies and do the statistics, but I didn’t the Garvan Medal (now the Garvan-Olin Medal) from the know the physiology of those diseases. So I gured at this American Chemical Society for her work. She and Reimann point I had to go to medical school,” she said. Daly received co-authored a book, “Normal Growth and Cancer.” her medical degree from UNC as well. During Medes’ late career at Fox Chase, two other female After an oncology fellowship, she knew she wanted to in- researchers appeared on the scene who would play a key role tegrate her oncology and public health experience. “There in groundbreaking work. One, Jenny Pickworth Glusker, weren’t many jobs that matched my vision. That is, I didn’t arrived in 1956 after training with a Nobel Prize-winning want to be someone who just did clinical trials in medicine. scientist (see “A Way to Continue Working,” page 13). In I wanted to bring in my epidemiology experience and look 1960 geneticist Beatrice Mintz began a long and illustrious at prevention.” She was brought to Fox Chase as the associate director of Read More About Women in Science the Cancer Control Science Program by a pioneer in preven- To read full-length profiles of women in science and tion, Paul Engstrom. She also brought her interest in genetics research at Fox Chase Cancer Center, go to with her. “I started a makeshift genetics high-risk program, www.foxchase.org/about-us/history/women-science. probably a year or two after coming here. It eventually blos-

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER OF FOX COURTESY PHOTO somed into what is now the department of clinical genetics.”

WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASE FORWARD 9

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 9 2/25/20 10:17 AM Shattering the Glass Beaker

ALREADY AN ACCOMPLISHED CAREER

BY THE TIME SHE ARRIVED AT FOX CHASE, THE WOMAN who had impressed Daly so much, Ann Skalka, already had an accomplished career. She spent 18 years at the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, a basic research institu- tion funded by the pharmaceutical company Ho—mann- LaRoche. She started as an assistant professor, immediately after postdoctoral training with Nobel laureate Alfred Hershey, and eventually rose to assistant vice president and head of the department of molecular oncology. Skalka’s parents were immigrants who worked at a produc- tion plant for the pharmaceutical company Pzer located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Pzer o—ered part-time summer jobs to the children of employees, and that is how Skalka was rst exposed to a working laboratory while in high school. The group she was assisting was experimenting with the use of SEEKING ANSWERS various plant materials as possible screens for drug toxicities. to the BIG QUESTIONS In a short memoir that was published in the scientic journal Annual Review of Virology, Skalka wrote that during Geneticist Beatrice Mintz came to Fox Chase in 1960 that time she “discovered that science could be fun and sci- with a doctorate in zoology from the University of Iowa, entists could be both interesting and kind.” In an interview, time spent teaching at the University of Chicago, and an she said her career benetted by being in large urban areas interest in asking what she called “big questions.” In her like New York and Philadelphia, where the idea of a woman research, she developed mouse models that allowed sci- scientist did not seem as foreign as it may have in other entists to identify links between development and cancer. Her work, for which she received numerous awards, parts of the country. also allowed scientists to explore the biology of cancer Skalka went on to get a doctorate in microbiology from over an animal’s lifetime. She is widely recognized as New York University Medical School and become inter- a pioneer in the field of developmental genetics and its nationally known for contributions to understanding how relation to cancer biology. retroviruses replicate and insert their genetic material into “Dr. Mintz’s scientific insights have led to new direc- the host genome. Although the most well-known retrovirus, tions in developmental cancer biology and genetics,” HIV, causes AIDS, many retroviruses cause cancer in ani- Margaret Foti, chief executive officer of the American mals and some cause cancer in humans. Skalka’s work has Association for Cancer Research, said in 2012 when greatly informed the study and treatment of both diseases. Mintz received the organization’s award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research. “Her groundbreaking RECOGNIZED ROLE MODELS work has helped shape our understanding of stem cell behavior and the tumor microenvironment in cancer, and has provided scientists with important tools to study the A YEAR BEFORE SKALKA CAME TO FOX CHASE, MARGIE many types of cancer.” Clapper arrived, fresh from getting her doctorate in genet- In 2011, Mintz was awarded the 6th Annual Szent- ics and cell biology from the University of Connecticut at Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research from the Storrs. Clapper grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York National Foundation for Cancer Research. The organiza- and was intrigued by the intricacies of biological systems tion said it awarded the prize for her discoveries of the early in life. Her undergraduate laboratory experience at the relationship between development and cancer, which State University of New York at Oneonta shaped her future were based on her development of various mouse models career path. of cancer. Her work has enabled the study of cancer and After completing the requirements for veterinary school, other genetic diseases in whole organisms. she instead accepted a research opportunity as a technician “This was the first successful work of its kind,” Mintz said in a 2009 interview regarding work with mouse em- in the laboratory of Norman Klein at UConn. Klein, focused bryos. “Very few labs at the time were attempting to per- on identifying the causes of abnormal embryonic develop- form experiments on mammalian embryos. That required ment, quickly recognized her potential and encouraged her to new technology. I came from a do-it-yourself family—you enter the doctorate program. Her work revealed that anticon- didn’t buy things that you could make—and I enjoyed the vulsants can induce birth defects in the o—spring of mothers fact that I had to work out everything myself.” with epilepsy. In 1986, she began to apply her drug-related

expertise to cancer as the rst postdoctoral fellow in the CHASE CANCER CENTER OF FOX COURTESY PHOTO

10 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 10 2/25/20 10:17 AM Ann Skalka, who came to Fox Chase in 1987 with nearly 20 years lead clinical studies that help advance therapeutic options of experience as a cancer researcher, focuses on the link between retroviruses and cancer. for patients. In addition to clinical studies, von Mehren is very in- volved in translational research with a laboratory-based newly formed Pharmacology Department at Fox Chase and partner. Originally joining Fox Chase in 1993 for a fel- has remained a leading researcher at the institution. lowship in medical oncology, von Mehren is now physi- “With the opening of the Phase I clinical unit adjacent to cian director for the Clinical Trials O«ce and associate our lab came unique opportunities to test new experimental director for clinical research. One of the several forms of therapies in patients with advanced-stage disease,” said cancer she has done research on is gastrointestinal stro- Clapper. “Our ability to obtain biological specimens in real mal tumors (GIST). time from these courageous patients—literally bench to bed- Some of that research is a collaboration with Lori Rink, side—is an early example of what we now know as transla- an assistant professor in the Molecular Therapeutics tional research.” Program. Rink, who got her doctorate in molecular biology According to Clapper, it helped to have internationally at Temple University, came to Fox Chase in 2006 and recognized role models like Glusker and Mintz already here has stayed to focus her research on GIST, a rare can- when she arrived. “The message from all of them was that cer, and Gleevec, a drug approved by the Food and Drug you have to work hard and stick up for what you believe,” said Administration in 2002 to treat GIST. Clapper, who was recently named the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Prior to Gleevec, the only option for patients with GIST Chair in Cancer Prevention. She has also been co-leader of was surgery, so the drug has changed the lives of many the Cancer Prevention and Control program for the past patients. But for most, it eventually stops working, and decade and is a deputy chief science o«cer. Rink and von Mehren want to understand why. They have received large grants to investigate the problem and have CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH also identied genetic markers that could predict how pa- tients will respond to Gleevec. They are also investigating ALTHOUGH MUCH RESEARCH AT FOX CHASE IS LABORA¬ using a combination of drugs to attack GIST. tory- based, the mission of a comprehensive cancer center Prior to working with von Mehren, Rink had another also embraces clinical research across multiple areas of on- mentor, but he took a position elsewhere, just as Rink re- cology. Respected faculty, including Elin R. Sigurdson, Lori ceived a prestigious ve-year grant. The rst two years of

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER OF FOX COURTESY PHOTO Goldstein, Elizabeth Plimack, and Margaret von Mehren, the grant required a mentor for training, so Rink turned

WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASE FORWARD 11

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 11 2/25/20 10:17 AM G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 12 12 Shattering the Glass Beaker O HS OWR WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASEFORWARD well known for her work in studying errors in cell signaling incell signaling well errors known for instudying herwork Williamthe Wiko— Chairin Cancer Research. Sheis Smith also is she Program, Therapeutics Molecular the of leader School. Medical andHarvard Hospital General Massachusetts at andgenetics biology inmolecular training Technology, of Massachusetts Institute andpostdoctoral the from Mawr College, adoctorate Bryn at degree graduate in1993 researchers. Shearrived ing following anunder Erica.” from use analyses or to methods also,scientist, but nitty the what of of gritty some interms Meg, really, which is for atranslational important really from clinical perspective that two di—erent perspectives, inhercorner. andGolemis Mehren such von tists as “Iget fellow inherlab. postdoctoral lab.” the ally run students two anda Rink nowhas graduate do this.’ can you Icould eventu- that belief astrong Shehad said, ‘I’m mentor. your as inthere stand happy to Iknow left,”under has and supportive very was said.“Meg she you’rewhat you’ve do next to going person once the trained Program. Therapeutics Golemis, Molecular chair the andErica of Mehren von to In addition to being adeputy chief science o«cer and being to In addition - and-com up- with working of history along has Golemis lucky havingsuccessful scien- very feels Rink saidshe wonder you “I’m because them of for both grateful very - institution recognizes the numerous challenges numerous women the recognizes institution inscience women remains. Whilethe to commitment FOX CHASEHASNEVER RESTED ONITS LAURELS ANDITS leader,inspirational model.” abrilliant scientist, andarole AnnSkalka “Ithought afantastically was rsthired. was she when scientic director bySkalka, the was who pressed ideas,” creative explored that ry im- also said.Shewas she asmall independent laborato- running aperson as ¯ourish valued. next scientists of would be the generation mentoring spent time collegial environment, where avery had like it Fox to seemed it attracted was saidshe because Golemis Chase fellows, students, and clinical fellows.graduate of postdoctoral tumors. target tively selec clinical of agents can use the that improving at aimed research well as as growth, tumor aggressive cause that linking cancer andgenetics. chromosome atFox Chasein1959, thefirst conclusive evidence She isshown here atthemicroscope usedtoidentifythePhiladelphia is researching theeffectiveness oftreatments for colorectal cancer. Sanjeevani Arora oftheCancer Prevention andControl Program “I also thought that this would be a place where you could you where aplace would be this that thought “I also Fox at In hertime dozens with worked has Golemis Chase, THE NEXTGENERATION - 2/25/20 10:17 AM

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER (CARDONI) G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 13

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER well deserved. faculty,Chase such challenges certainly for is facing respect helped,” said. Arora has mentorship right kindof sometimes. Buthaving the andit’s projects, on forward movethings to hard been I’ve challenges I’ve when “There are that worked faced andchallenges. paths career discuss their into speakers insciencewomen Fox at in2013. Chase The invites group developmenta professional for group andnetworking research. that unnecessarily.treated for hermentors of one is Clapper patients being some from andpreventing treatment cancer, individualized more goalof ultimate the with for colorectal treatments of e—ectiveness the determine memoveforward.” helped really I’mwhat inmeand doing. saw she something Ithink for herencouragement, Idon’t doing Iwould be think Golemis. “IfnotFox with working began Arora Chase, left mentor herprevious Skalka. of does After Golemis as Golemis highlyof as Shethinks Program. Control and Prevention Cancer inthe professor anassistant Arora, Sanjeevani is programs, those of beneciaries the of one diversity.ethnic for gender its and noteworthy is that program training a oversees AmandaPurdy A—airs Academic of Director development events. groups, andcareer interest ademic ac programs, mentorship representatives, women strong with scientic bywomen, colloquiums led guest lectures including programs, important implemented has it face, For andhermany female Arora Fox colleagues the on lab, inthe herwork founded to also In addition Arora Arora’s of One aspect ways on focuses to research Fox the of newestmembers the Among faculty, Chase and scientists to obtain their in someways the mirror — FROM “GROWTH: AHISTORY OF THE INSTITUTE FORCANCERRESEARCH” years at the laboratory academic degrees and academic degrees “Dr. Bennett’s early their independence independence their stresses ofwomen at that time.” - mechanisms ofactionseveral biological enzymes. ogens, aswell asinvestigating the structures andpossible tures ofnumerous antitumor agentsandchemical carcin- crystallography includedthedeterminationofstruc- way tomake mefeel welcome.” that hebrought along,” Glusker said. “Hewentoutofhis founders ofFox Chase. were quitealotofwomen “There 1956 afterbeinghired by Stanley P. Reimann, oneofthe Technology, Glusker came toFox ChaseCancer Centerin chemist LinusPauling attheCalifornia Instituteof structure ofvitaminB12. confirming thestructure ofpenicillin anddeterminingthe go ontowintheNobelPrizeinChemistry1964for graduate workwithwas Dorothy Hodgkin, whowould for admission totheprogram andwhoshewoulddoher en’s colleges atOxford. The person whointerviewedher find a way to continue working, even ifIhadchildren.” served aspresident. “For thisreason, Idecidedthatwould Crystallographic Association, anorganization sheonce wrote inamemoirthatshe pennedfor theAmerican a career thatshehadputsomuchenergy into,” Glusker other doctors inthearea. England atthattimewouldnotallow hertocompete with she wanted toreturn topractice, thesystem inplace in motherJanestayedGlusker’s hometoraise them. When years ofpracticing medicineandhaving three children, England. Bothherparents were doctors. After several Jenny PickworthGlusker was borninBirmingham, During hertimeatFox Chase, workwith X-ray Glusker’s Following apostdoctoral fellowship withNobelprize Glusker wenttoSomerville College, oneofthewom- She didthatandmuchmore. “She was very frustrated thatshecould notcontinue with A WAY TOCONTINUE WORKING ITRSRN 00FOX CHASEFORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020 2/25/20 10:17 AM 13 PICKING THE

CHECKPOINT INHIBITORS HELP IMMUNE SYSTEM IN CANCER BATTLE

ohn Lens, 76, a retired teacher from New Jersey, does not know many of the details of the immunotherapy treatment he underwent for his Stage 4 urothelial cancer, upper urinary tract cancer that had begun to spread to his kidney. He leaves that to his wife, Iride. WhatJ he does know is that the drug, an immune checkpoint inhibitor called pembrolizumab, and his team at Fox Chase Cancer Center, saved his life. “They deserve a Nobel Prize,” he said. As a matter of fact, an American and a Japanese research- er shared the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation. Their work directly led to the devel- opment of the class of drugs called checkpoint inhibitors, of which pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is one, which have signi’cantly improved the treatment of a variety of cancers over the last decade.

BY LEAH LAWRENCE ILLUSTRATION BY BRIAN STAUFFER

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G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 14 2/25/20 10:17 AM G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 15 2/25/20 10:17 AM Picking the Lock

“We all have an immune system, and its job is to recognize immunotherapy as a cure for bladder cancer.” and kill certain things in the body, such as infections or can- After an exhaustive search, their doctor found one trial for cers,” said Daniel M. Geynisman, a medical oncologist at Fox John’s rare type of cancer at Fox Chase. Chase who specializes in genitourinary cancers. “One of the The trial was called KEYNOTE-052 and it investigated the hallmarks of cancer growth is that some cancers are able to use of pembrolizumab in patients with bladder cancer who evade the immune system.” were ineligible to receive a typical standard-of-care chemo- The body’s immune system has mechanisms that tell it to therapy called cisplatin. shut o˜ or lock the door when a “job” is complete and there is “In order to receive cisplatin, you have to have good no more work to be done. Cancers can take advantage of that kidney function, and with one kidney left, John’s function system by giving o˜ similar signals. was not adequate to receive that drug,” said Matthew R. “Immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors is de- Zibelman, a medical oncologist at Fox Chase who enrolled signed to reinvigorate the immune system by blocking John in the trial. those signals and reminding the body to attack the cancer,” The trial would ultimately lead to Food and Drug Geynisman said. Administration approval of pembrolizumab for patients like John with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who could not handle cisplatin. Of the participating patients, FINDING A TARGET about 29 percent saw their disease respond to the treatment, he ’rst checkpoint inhibitor for cancer was approved but it is not yet known how long that e˜ect will last. in the United States in 2011. Ipilimumab (Yervoy) If John had not enrolled in the trial at Fox Chase, he would targets a switch on immune cells called CTLA-4. This have begun chemotherapy that day in June 2016, getting in- ’rst approval was based on a clinical trial that showed fusions every two to three weeks for as long as it seemed to be the drug extended the life of patients with metastatic controlling his cancer, Zibelman said. If his cancer stopped melanomaT by about four months. It was the ’rst drug to ever responding, he would have been switched to a di˜erent extend the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. chemotherapy. Pembrolizumab targets a di˜erent pathway on immune “After ’rst-line treatment, there weren’t clear approved and tumor cells called PD-1/PD-L1. Pembrolizumab and a chemotherapy options for patients like John,” Zibelman said. multitude of other PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are now available to “The chances of bene’t of the drugs we used were low, in the treat nearly a dozen types of cancer. 10 percent to 20 percent range, and the average survival was John was lucky enough to be the last person enrolled in a about one year.” clinical trial testing pembrolizumab in his type of cancer, Instead, John received two years of pembrolizumab gaining him access to the drug before it was approved in 2017. through the clinical trial and elected to continue treatment Seemingly healthy, John was on a school trip to Costa Rica for another year after the drug was approved. Now, more than in January 2016 with his wife and some of her students when three years from his diagnosis, John’s scans show no evidence he ’rst noticed blood in his urine. Upon returning home, he of active disease. scheduled an appointment with his urologist, who performed a urine lab test. He was diagnosed with upper urinary tract cancer that had begun to spread to his kidney. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? John immediately underwent surgery to remove one of his eople like John are among the lucky ones though, kidneys and ureters, the tube that passes urine from the kid- Geynisman pointed out. The number of people whose ney to the bladder. “After the surgery they told us, ‘Everything disease will respond to checkpoint inhibitors varies looks great!” Iride Lens recalled. depending on the type of cancer, as well as a variety of The PET scan at John’s follow-up visit in June 2016 other disease and patient characteristics. revealed, however, that his cancer had spread to his lymph P“It varies greatly, but I would say on average about a quarter nodes and appeared aggressive. It was Stage 4. of patients eligible for treatment will respond,” Geynisman They were devastated by the diagnosis but buckled down said. “It is still only a minority.” and began to do as much research as they could. Then they For example, in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, saw a question on the cover of Time magazine that caught recent data from another trial of pembrolizumab showed that their attention: “What if your immune system could be taught about 23 percent of patients who received no prior treatment to kill cancer?” That story focused on the promise and chal- responded and were still alive ’ve years after diagnosis. lenges of immunotherapy. “In lung cancer, we have never had this type of data for clin- “Soon after, we had an appointment with our local oncolo- ical e©cacy at ’ve years,” said Hossein Borghaei, a medical gist to have a port put in so that John could begin chemother- oncologist at Fox Chase. In fact, prior to the immunotherapy apy,” Iride said. “While we were there, we asked the doctor era, the ’ve-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer if there was any doctor or hospital nearby working with was closer to ’ve percent.

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G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 16 2/25/20 10:17 AM “IT IS GOING TO TAKE US LONGER TO TOXICITIES AND COST TRULY BE ABLE TO MANIPULATE THE he types of side effects that occur with che - motherapy differ from those associated with IMMUNE SYSTEM IN FAVOR OF GETTING immune checkpoint inhibitors, but Geynisman stressed that it is important to remember that RID OF CANCER WITHOUT CAUSING A some side effects, even sometimes fatal side effects,T can occur. LOT OF SIDE EFFECTS, BUT EVERYBODY “As the immune system gets activated to attack the can- SHOULD STAY TUNED. IT IS GOING TO cer, it can get confused and attack normal, healthy body GET EVEN MORE EXCITING IN THE parts as well,” Geynisman said. “This can include anything from the skin to the thyroid, to major organs like the lungs NEXT FIVE TO 10 YEARS.” or liver.” In some cases, these immune-related adverse events — HOSSEIN BORGHAEI, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST can be mild and can be managed with only observation or treatments like topical creams for rash. But not every type of cancer is responding to immune However, in some patients these side e˜ects can be checkpoint inhibitors the way that lung and urothelial can- severe. There have been cases of in«ammation of the heart cers are. There is probably a combination of factors, mainly where high-dose steroids and other immunomodulatory related to the type of tumor and the particular patient, that drugs had to be administered quickly. Research has also a˜ect how well these drugs work. shown that some of these immune-related events can occur Despite only a small percentage of patients responding, the months to years after people have stopped taking immuno- reason many researchers are so excited about immune check- therapy drugs, so patients who take the drugs need to keep point inhibitors is that of those patients that do respond, the an eye out for such delayed side e˜ects. responses are durable and can last months to years. That is Currently available checkpoint inhibitors can have a why there is so much research being done to help identify price tag averaging about $150,000 a year. The amount a people who will respond and to ’nd ways that may allow more patient pays will vary depending on whether or not they people to respond. have health insurance and on the type of insurance. “These drugs are extraordinarily expensive,” Geynisman said, emphasizing that cost is a generally underemphasized and SEARCHING FOR CLUES understudied question. orghaei and colleagues Edna Cukierman and John, who elected to stay on pembrolizumab for an ad- Kerry S. Campbell codirect the Immune Monitoring ditional year after the clinical trial, said his treatment was Facility for Immunotherapy at Fox Chase. Sta˜ at covered by Medicare and supplementary insurance he had the facility work with scientists and clinicians to from being a teacher. perform studies called immune phenotyping on Some patients are kept on the drugs inde’nitely, blood,B bone marrow, tumor, or lymph node samples taken Zibelman said. “Because each clinical trial testing these from patients with cancer. types of drugs was slightly di˜erent, no one knows the “We can look at samples taken before treatment, during answer to how long patients need to stay on them.” treatment, and after treatment to see whether a patient’s Slowly, researchers are beginning to think that when immune system has been activated,” said Campbell. immune checkpoint inhibitors are successful, people can For example, in patients assigned to immune checkpoint likely try to stop taking them. In cases where people have inhibitors, one thing scientists are trying to ’gure out is had to stop immunotherapy treatment because of im- how to identify patients that will respond prior to starting mune-related side e˜ects, many continued to respond even the treatment. “It would also be useful to know if there are after treatment was stopped, Zibelman said. “We are only immune checkpoint molecules other than CTLA-4 or PD-1/ beginning to ask those questions,” he added. PD-L1 that appear on cells during treatment that can be Research on immune checkpoint inhibitors and other used as targets for future immunotherapies or combina- immunotherapies is exploding. “We are only just begin- tions of immunotherapies,” Campbell said. ning to appreciate the complexity of the immune system In addition to identifying patients who will respond to and its relationship to tumor progression,” Borghaei said. immune checkpoint inhibitors, this type of research could “It is going to take us longer to truly be able to manipulate also identify those who will not. This information could help the immune system in favor of getting rid of cancer with- clinicians to move patients to more e˜ective therapies sooner out causing a lot of side e˜ects, but everybody should stay in the course of their treatment and spare them any possible tuned. It is going to get even more exciting in the next ’ve side e˜ects of immunotherapy. to 10 years.”

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G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 17 2/25/20 10:17 AM Male Breast Cancer Can Be An Isolating Experience

hen people hear the words “breast cancer,” they likely envision pink ribbons. Maybe they think about a woman they know who had W the disease. Maybe they are “that” woman. Chances are, however, they don’t think about men. But last year, about 2,700 American men experienced something like what happened to Thomas Spoltore. Right after Christmas in 2017, the then-72-year-old barber was showering when he noticed what he thought was a pimple on the right side of his chest. He decided to ignore it, „guring it would go away. But as the days and weeks passed, it didn’t. It got bigger. Spoltore’s wife suggested he see his family doctor, who recommended further consultation. Spoltore made an appointment at Fox Chase Cancer Center. A mammogram and ultrasound con„rmed he had breast cancer. “My initial reaction was shock,” Spoltore said. “I truly did think the odds were in my favor and there would not be a cancer diagnosis. It was hard to talk about initially, since I was not aware of anyone I knew with male breast cancer.”

BY ABBEY J. PORTER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CLINT BLOWERS

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G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 18 2/25/20 10:17 AM G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 19 2/25/20 10:17 AM The Unknown Patient

While men don’t have breasts in the same sense that women “Men and their health care do, everyone—male and female—has breast cells and tissue that can become cancerous. Breast cancer in men is relatively providers need to know that they rare: Only 1 in 1,000 men will be diagnosed with the disease, versus 130 in 1,000 women. Breast cancer in men usually are at risk for developing breast develops as a hard lump beneath the nipple and areola. cancer and they need to be Most cases of breast cancer in men are in„ltrating ductal carcinoma, or IDC, in which cells in and around the milk vigilant for new breast ducts (yes, men also have milk ducts) begin to invade sur- rounding tissue. Breast cancer carries a higher mortality symptoms and changes.” rate in men than in women, partly because men are less — ALLISON A. AGGON, SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST likely to suspect a lump of being cancerous, which can cause a delay in treatment. That was the case with Spoltore, who waited a month or of a protein (HER2) that makes cancer spread quickly. more before seeing a doctor about the growth on his chest. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is one of the drugs that has been Once he had been diagnosed, Fox Chase surgical oncologist approved to treat breast cancer that has spread to other areas Allison A. Aggon gave him a choice: have the tumor removed of the body. It stops HER2 from making cancer cells grow. and undergo radiation, or have a mastectomy. Spoltore opted for the mastectomy. NEW ATTITUDES, NEW OPTIONS t used to be that male breast cancer patients were nearly TREATMENT AT A GLANCE always given a mastectomy. But attitudes toward, and he large number of female breast cancer patients I options for, the treatment of breast cancer in men have has allowed for extensive study of the disease—and changed in recent years, noted Richard J. Bleicher, a surgical T its treatment—in women. However, the disease has oncologist and leader of the Breast Cancer Program. not been studied much in men because of the relatively small The attitude used to be that there was “no value in saving number of male patients. “Historically, we’ve always extrap- what little breast a man has,” Bleicher said. “Men would wind olated our experiences with women to treat men,” said Mary up with a scar across the chest.” Recently, however, a trend Daly, a medical oncologist specializing in genetics. “But there has developed, at Fox Chase and elsewhere, to conserve the very well could be di˜erences in responses to chemotherapy breast in male patients. agents that we really don’t know.” Bleicher said that when it comes to caring for breast cancer With that said, treatments for male and female breast can- patients, survival is the primary goal. “Regardless of whether cer patients are generally the same. Many men bene„t from a you’re male or female, the number one priority is to get rid of combination of approaches, such as: the tumor and maximize survival. Number two is to maximize SURGERY: Options consist of a mastectomy, in which the the cosmetic outcome.” entire breast is removed, or breast-conserving surgery, also Bleicher said that for male patients, the survival rates for called a lumpectomy, in which just the tumor is taken out. lumpectomy plus radiation or chemotherapy are on par with RADIATION THERAPY: Patients may have treatment those for mastectomy. And for many, the former may be pref- with radioactive rays or particles after surgery to help kill o˜ erable. That’s because, generally speaking, men care about any cancer cells that were missed. If the cancer is inoperable, what they look like posttreatment. radiation may be the primary treatment. “Men do have the desire to have a cosmetically less disrup- CHEMOTHERAPY: With this treatment, the patient is tive outcome,” Bleicher said. “Men care if there’s a cosmetic given drugs, either orally or by injection, that attack the can- di˜erence, if the nipple and areola are removed.” Although cer cells. He may have chemotherapy after surgery to lower the breast does not hold the same sexual signi„cance for men the risk of the cancer coming back. For men with advanced that it does for women, “there needs to be a recognition that cancer or cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, men are cosmetically aware, in many cases, and they also chemotherapy may be the primary treatment. don’t want dis„gurement,” he added. HORMONE THERAPY: Some types of breast cancer need He minimizes cosmetic deformity in his patients using certain hormones to grow. Hormone therapy blocks the oncoplastic techniques, surgical approaches that combine ad- e˜ects of those hormones, stopping the growth of the cancer. vanced plastic surgery with surgical oncology. For instance, if It’s often more successful in men than in women because a large lumpectomy is required that will leave the breast dis- more men, about 90 percent, have hormone-receptor-posi- torted, the remaining tissue is sculpted to realign the nipple tive cancer. For men with advanced cancer, hormone therapy and areola and restore a natural appearance to the breast. The may be the primary treatment. opposite breast is also modi„ed to create symmetry. In the TARGETED THERAPY: Some men have an excess end, it’s often di¢cult to tell that the patient ever had surgery.

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G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 20 2/25/20 10:17 AM G43051_p18-21 Male Breast FIN REV2.indd 21

THOMAS STEPHANO L INHERITED RISK She sees a di’erence in how men and women perceive their their adi’erence perceive inhowmenandwomen She sees andscreening. evaluation clinical andgenetic through risk cancer their determine andfamilies which helps individuals said.“Fiveshe now, from years we’ll know alot more.” developing,still saidDaly. “We BRCA2,” about most know the cancer.and ovarian breast for both risk puttingheightened at mutation, them a50 same ample, the would run chance inheriting percent of said.The Obeid man’sinformed, anddaughters, sons for ex cancer. pancreatic or prostate or developing of melanoma risk aheightened run also carriers 50 of 85 arisk to percent run However, percent. male BRCA2 mutation the carry who women whereas 8percent, to percent 6 is cancer developing of breast lifetime risk carriers, the mutations. For other with well as as mutation, male BRCA2 gene. There’s BRCA1 the with aslight also correlation BRCA2 inthe mutation aninherited in mencomes from a 10 chance have predisposition.” percent they agenetic genetics. cancer “There’s studies breast who Chase than more testing,”genetic Fox at oncologist amedical Obeid, saidElias risk. families—at their them—and put makeup genetic Daly founded the Risk Assessment Program at Fox at Assessment Risk Program the Daly founded Chase, inmenis cancer breast behind genetics the of Knowledge for be BRCA2, should family his positive If amantests cancer for breast factor The risk known genetic strongest cancer, male breast has “If someone ought get to they disease. They also need to consider whether their their consider to whether Theydisease. need also their of treatment the beyond think to need cancer breast patients, cancer ike female breast menwith - A CATCHING ITEARLY procedure to be feasible. be to procedure all for not tissue mammograms, have but the enough breast cancer. for breast risk at be known to undergo can Some testing.”pursue to need Butmenstill them. relevance to has it think likely to “Sayrisk. wehave aBRCA2 family,” less said.“Men she are rience was,”rience hesaid. Icould my as what expe- many up as and tell people open to him.“Ifelt animpression on obligated made cancer breast tectomy, followed bychemotherapy. encounter with His amas- had Levine samebreast, side the of other the on cancer,” breast had who manthere other hesaid. “Icouldn’t them. ™nding men—andnot for other ™ndany around awareness He kept for andmoney looking research. attended aSusan G.family cancer Komen breast raise walk to Fox at tomy andradiation after, Sometime Chase. heand his 77-year-old rightbreast, his alumpec underwent AlanLevine isolating. feel can experience the so scattered, cancer, breast get year, each thousands very are cases the but cancer. I’m it,’” ignore to going mendo Bleicher said.Because cancer.” breast of symptoms andchanges, could be these symptoms as lant for newbreast - be vigi to need andthey cancer for developing breast risk at are they know to that need providers care health and their benign,” Aggon said. “However, neverassume. Men wecan center like FoxCancer Institute-designated Chase. cancer. Ideally, aNational at care seek should hesaid,one inmale breast extensive expertise with aspecialist consulting specialist.” abreast doctor—see your just see He recommends Butdon’t opinion. have amedical persists, alump get andit inmen,” cancer breast much about hesaid. sooner. adoctor see indenial. You Iwas “Ithink don’t too hear doNonetheless, again, to hewould have it gone to ifhehad experiences. individual dictate not do that estimates are statistics survival-rate that remember to Andit’s stage. advanced found amore at is cancer important life of quality for time, evenifthe some maintain agood body, the of parts 25 is percent. other to spread has disease cent the when for 3. Stage 4, Stage and75 2disease Stage per for menwith percent 87 is survival 100 is rate Five-year percent. 0 and1, survival ™ve-year the lumps inmen, justlike women, endupbeingbenign. According tosurgical oncologist Allison A. Aggon, mostbreast One question, Daly noted, is how to e’ectively screen men men screen e’ectively howto is Dalynoted, One question, Recently, cancer revealed annual mammogram his after ago,Six years alump in an annual exam discovered after “One ‘I’m that, assume not should aman,Ican’t breast get lumps inmen,just like endup women, “Most being breast “Never alumpbenign,” is that assume Bleicher said.“Ifyou caught early. was cancer his because fortunate was Spoltore cancer breast with New help many treatments people the earliest stages of breast cancer in men, Stages inmen,Stages cancer breast earliest stages of the cancer. breast for menwith outcomes comes to it For key is when cancers, intervention other early s with ITRSRN 00FOX CHASEFORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020 - - 2/27/20 9:19 AM 21 CLOSE-UP A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE FAITH TO FALL BACK ON

BY SARAH JAYNE HUGHES

ngela Shammo was a rst worked here for 25 years and she but she said one could see me in 10 grade teacher for six years has two other family members who minutes.” before becoming a reading are currently employees. “When my After meeting with the recon- specialist for kids with husband and I were just dating, we structive surgeon, her surgery was learning disabilities. After would go to pick up his mother to planned for March 2017. She would Ahaving four children of her own, she take her to lunch,” she said. So when have a double mastectomy with decided to be a stay-at-home mom she wanted a more personalized immediate DIEP •ap reconstruc- and teach her children and their experience, she knew Fox Chase tion. This surgery involved a tummy cousins. was where she needed to be. tuck procedure in which tissue was Angela was with her youngest, “At Fox Chase, my breast sur- removed from her lower abdomen who was 18 months at the time, geon, Marcia Boraas, spent over and used to reconstruct her breasts. at the mother’s group she ran at an hour talking, drawing pictures, The combined surgery was 12 hours her church, when she received a and really explaining my cancer with an 8- to 12-week recovery heart-wrenching call from her doc- diagnosis to me in detail,” Shammo period. tor. “Thankfully, I was surrounded said. She was told she had Stage 1 Shammo has a scar from hip by an extremely supportive group of women when I learned I had breast cancer,” she said. “Two major life-changing surgeries Breast cancer was not a signi- cant part of Angela’s family history. within three months! I feel like I got So, at 40 years old, when she went an answered prayer.” for what was only her second rou- tine mammogram in December of — ANGELA SHAMMO, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR 2016, she did not think anything would be out of the ordinary. invasive breast cancer. Her MRI at to hip from that surgery. “I was She had her mammogram done another hospital was interpreted as grateful that I had enough belly fat at a local hospital and had to wait a malignant lymph node, but doc- for the reconstruction. I wanted six weeks for a biopsy. After the tors at Fox Chase determined that to look like me and implants were sta notied her of her breast it was just two lymph nodes stuck just not for me,” she said. During cancer through what she felt was an together. Both of them were benign. her recovery she slept in an electric unfeeling phone call, she decided to “My breast surgeon was retiring recliner and experienced very little come to Fox Chase Cancer Center. soon, but she would be able to per- discomfort. She did not want to be treated in form my double mastectomy before After the surgery, Shammo such an impersonal way, like a then,” Shammo said. “She o ered met with Angela Jain, a medical number. to have me see a breast reconstruc- oncologist who sent the tumor out Angela was not unfamiliar with tion surgeon too. I expected it to for an oncotype test to determine Fox Chase. Her mother-in-law be on another day, or even week, the recurrence rate of the cancer.

22 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020

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COLIN LENTON church, as well as herchildren’schurch, well as as family.own from families Several church her anextension of the at group. Shammoconsiders those mother’sand amonthly prayer Saint Molla Gianna Beretta shrine the helps run she where also is sick. prayfor The the to church parish Lord Our of Nativity the at group arosary Shammo started modulator. receptor estrogen selective scribed tamoxifen, oldest andmost-pre the 10-year to ave- courseof begin and chemotherapy of out opt to Shammodecided herdoctors, of well-being.” gettingadvice the After and meandmy health about cared al,” said Shammo. “Dr. Jain truly - andperson earth to down so was would menochemo. tell she She recurrence. overlow point one was recurrence chance the of that The showed test After she received her diagnosis, herdiagnosis, received she After “Dr. Jain hersister, saidifIwere - sion to have prophylactic surgery. have to sion prophylactic - deci the Shammomade positive, estrogen-receptor percent hundred one was hertumor that fact the well. as BRCA2 positive have a50 chance being percent of herchildren which means positive, BRCA2 was she that discovered counselor Michelle Savage. They andgenetic Assessment Program, B. Daly, Mary of Risk the of director help the done with testing genetic my church family.” myand from family support best possible,” the Shammosaid.“Ihad as normal lives as their keep to ities di erent activ their kidsto take the “He children. would still their of appointments andtake care doctor take herto to juggled everything recovery. through going was she her while over50 delivered school, to meals Due to her BRCA2 mutation and and herBRCA2 mutation Due to hersurgery,After Shammohad Her 20 almost years husband of - answered prayer.”answered like an Igot Ifeel months! three within surgeries life-changing I did this,” said.“Two she major bug, stomach but the ifIhad cry to “Iused surgeon. andbreast gist, oncolo gynecologic oncologist, her see to sixmonths every Chase happy self. hernormal, to back was she weeks, However, rsttwo those after recliner. inherelectric sleeping draining.cally Once was again she mentally andphysi were - weeks rsttwo into menopause,andthe thrown immediately Shammo was challenging. more was surgery herprophylactic from recovering went smoothly.surgery However, reconstructive andthe mastectomy ovaries, andfallopian tubes. Shammo’sremoved cervix, uterus, GinaMantia-Smaldone oncologist So inJune 2017, gynecologic Shammo comes back to Fox to Shammo comes back herdouble from Recovering ITRSRN 00FOX CHASEFORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020 Angela Shammo - 2/25/20 10:17 AM 23 CLOSE-UP FACULTY PERSPECTIVE

A FAMILY OF PHYSICIANS

BY SARAH JAYNE HUGHES

rowing up in Wroclaw, school, Wasik worked as an im- he was the scienti c leader of the Poland, as the child of two munologist, a track he decided to Translational Center of Excellence physicians, Mariusz Wasik continue once he came to America. for Lymphoma at Penn’s Abramson always knew he wanted to “At one point in my training, I real- Cancer Center. work in science or medicine. ized that connecting basic research His responsibilities at Fox Chase G“I grew up in this atmosphere, with a practical clinical approach include playing a prominent role in and what I appreciated more in would be a good combination,” he faculty recruitment and retention, medicine is not only what we know, said. “I started studying not so and strengthening the portfolio of but what we do not know. That is much focusing on how the immune molecular diagnostics and genomic why I leaned toward science,” said system works, but on what is wrong testing. Another focus is developing Wasik, who chairs the Department of Pathology and is associate direc- tor of the Cancer Center. “My ambition has always been to under- Wasik’s lab focuses on the origin and development of lymphoma. “I stand how patients develop cancer, am a rm believer that the biology with the premise that when you of the disease should de ne both di- agnostic and therapeutic approach- understand its underlying mechanisms, es to patients with lymphoma and you can be much more effective in cancer in general,” said Wasik, who is also the Donald E. & Shirley C. terms of bringing relief to patients.” Morel, Stanley and Stella Bayster — MARIUSZ WASIK, CHAIR OF PATHOLOGY, FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER Chair in Molecular Diagnostics. Wasik earned his medical degree magna cum laude from with the immune lymphocytes that a comprehensive genomic evalu- Wroclaw Medical University, and they become malignant.” ation of the cancers in individual that is where he met his wife, Wasik came to Fox Chase in patients, with the ultimate goal of Maria Werner-Wasik, who was a July of 2018 from the University identifying therapeutic targets for medical student in the same class. of Pennsylvania, where he was a their malignancies. They married and moved to the professor and served in various His research focuses on aberrant United States in 1983. His wife positions in pathology and labora- cell signaling in lymphomas, the is now an endowed professor of tory medicine, including director of underlying genetic and epigenetic radiation oncology and vice-chair experimental hematology, director mechanisms, the development of of that department at Thomas of the hematopathology fellowship the related new diagnostic and ther- Je‹erson University. training program, and director of apy monitoring approaches, and After graduating from medical hematopathology. Most recently the identi cation of novel therapies

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COLIN LENTON therapeutically targeted.”therapeutically cells be howthe can guidance to provide well as as transformation malignant of cell mechanisms the ways insights may into generate - path activated the because that cells. of types invarious activated are pathways signaling of tion that allows that detec atest developed professor,assistant labhas whose Jamesresearcher S. an Duncan, labs, including other with one with collaborations started already has overall.” he here, time short Inhis do.they spirit It acooperative is what to devoted are “The people atmosphere. the of because Chase lignant cells. ma- of uniquebiology the on based When he is not in the lab or the the labor inthe not When heis “We himon with working are Wasik Fox drawnto saidhewas - blockbusters.” “the not wife, but his with movies swimming. He enjoys also seeing like skiing, biking, and activities family,his Wasik enjoys outdoor babies?’”the andfeed females birth give able to and I’m quoting, ‘Why only are questions. tough He asked, asking old,years started my grandson curiosity.tellectual “At three only in- of signs showing already are young, grandchildren his very still Philadelphia. in practitioner anurse is other the law inWashingtonpractices and two Onedaughter grandchildren. two his daughters and with time clinic, Wasik enjoys spending In the end, it all comes back to allto comes end,it back In the with time spending to In addition are they although He saidthat us inmultiple ways.” andshape nowhere comenot from experiences,”our hesaid.“They do on ophy based philosophy is work or Chromosome. Philadelphia the of discovery such the as fort, have ef-that that come from Fox breakthroughs andthe Chase andstudents at faculty the of work all the He appreciates medicine. exciting in science times and make yield these information they andthe ment newtechnologies of patients,” to relief bringing hesaid. of interms e‹ective much more be can mechanisms, you underlying understand its you when that ise develop cancer,- prem the with understand how patients to been work.“Myhis always has ambition “One life- philos that could argue Wasik develop- the that believes ITRSRN 00FOX CHASEFORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020 Mariusz Wasik 2/25/20 10:17 AM 25 MAKING A DIFFERENCE KICKBALL FUNDS CANCER RESEARCH FEET FIRST TO KICK CANCER Over the last 11 years, the Kicking Cancer Foundation has raised $375,000 for cancer research

BY LISA BROIDA BAILEY

n 2009, Jen Scullin felt com- pelled to do something about curing cancer. No, she wasn’t a cancer researcher or even a doctor. She was an athlete and Ia friend to ve people who were confronting cancer. Rather than responding to these loved ones with, “I’m sorry to hear that,” she wanted to say, “I’m going to stop this disease.” An avid basketball, kickball, and soccer enthusiast, Jen de- cided to organize a fundraising kickball tournament in August 2009 at Franklin D. Roosevelt Park in South Philadelphia. She Funds raised by the Kicking Cancer Foundation go to the Immersion Science Program recruited co-founder Trish Noel, at Fox Chase, which enables students to participate in a hands-on cancer research and the nonprot Kicking Cancer program. Participating students are shown here at the Classroom Research Symposium held at the Franklin Institute. Foundation was born. Since its inception, the Kicking Cancer Foundation has raised $375,000, Cancer Foundation board made Foundation enables the partic- most of which has supported can- the unanimous decision to ipants to transition from high cer research eŒorts at Fox Chase direct all of their philanthropic school students to professional Cancer Center. eŒorts to Fox Chase. In recent scientists, presenting their cancer The organization’s mission years, they have focused their research at a conference at the statement says it all: “To raise support on the Immersion Franklin Institute,” O’Reilly said. money for cancer research. We Science Program (ISP). Alana M. “We are extremely grateful to all aspire to bring hope to those ght- O’Reilly, the program’s scientic of their supporters for their dedi- ing cancer, oŒer support to those director, and Dara Ruiz-Whalen, cation to research.” who have family or friends suŒer- its education director, spearhead Three ISP programs have a ing from the disease, and, lastly, the ISP, which enables students to competitive selection process, and share our compassion with those participate in a hands-on cancer students who are accepted are given who have lost loved ones.” research program. the opportunity to conduct cut- In its second year, the Kicking “Support from Kicking Cancer ting-edge cancer research that has

26 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 26 2/25/20 10:17 AM Left: A participant at the Kicking Cancer event held at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia winds up for a kick. Above: Pictured at the most recent Kicking Cancer event are members of the organization’s board: Eric Kukieza, secretary; Taylor Roye, treasurer; and Steve Chaya, president.

the potential to help patients. ISP At the kickball tournament that popularity for more than a decade. consists of ‚ve primary pro- helps raise money for programs Young professionals throughout grams: research at Fox Chase, the like ISP, Fox Chase is represent- Philadelphia have formed teams Summer Fellows Program, Fly Lab ed on and o‘ the ‚eld, both as and participate every year. By @ Esperanza College, Immersion the bene‚ciary and by teams day, Ajinkya “Jinx” Joglekar is an Essentials, and the In-Classroom that represent the institution. executive director of e-commerce at Program. “Participating with teams in Comcast. But in his spare time, he “Kicking Cancer Foundation and Kicking Cancer allows our employ- enjoys kickball with his teammates. Immersion Science at Fox Chase ees to bond with each other outside “We play to have fun. Let’s say we’re are a perfect match. Both focus on of work, compete in a fun-‚lled the Bad News Bears on the ‚eld, but engaging youth to support cancer research,” said Steve Chaya, presi- dent of the Kicking Cancer board. “Kicking Cancer Foundation and Immersion Science at Fox Chase are KICKING CANCER a perfect match. Both focus on engaging FOUNDATION BOARD youth to support cancer research.” Greg “Spoonie” Rand — STEVE CHAYA, PRESIDENT, KICKING CANCER BOARD CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Steve Chaya PRESIDENT day of kickball, and, most impor- at least we win on the fundraising David Rock tantly, demonstrate support to our circuit.” Joglekar earned the top VICE PRESIDENT community fundraisers, who put prize for fundraising in 2019 by Taylor Roye enormous e‘ort into fundraising pulling in $3,150. TREASURER events,” said Shawn P. Kleitz, chief In August 2020, the foundation development o™cer at Fox Chase. will host the 12th Annual Philly Eric Kukieza In addition to its signature Kicking Cancer tournament and SECRETARY event, Kicking Cancer hosts will likely surpass the $400,000 Kelly Benesh several fundraising activities. mark in their fundraising e‘orts Gary Klemowicz The foundation quickly became to date for cancer research. To Elizabeth Radosti-Chapman known for their kickball tourna- learn more, visit www.kickingcan-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT CHASE CANCER CENTER INSTITUTIONAL OF FOX COURTESY PHOTOS ment, which has grown in size and cerfoundation.org.

WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASE FORWARD 27

G43051_p26-27 Making A Difference FIN REV1.indd 27 2/27/20 9:20 AM G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 28 28 NEWS OFNOTE REVIEW O HS OWR WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASEFORWARD cians, andanonlineportal. educational sessionsledby nurse navigators andadvanced practice clini- and raises awareness about itsriskfactors andscreening methods through Fox Chase. right here withinourinstitution,” saidRichard I. Fisher, president andCEOof ty-based efforts, wealso recognize theimportanceoffocusingourattention staff members. on providing education andscreening foravariety ofcancers toall eligible its Employee CancerScreening Initiative inOctober. The program focuses treatment, issomethingeveryone atFox Chaseknows theimportanceof. States. Detectingcancer early, whenthere isthebestchanceforsuccessful potential toprevent thousandsofcancer cases anddeathsintheUnited According totheAmerican CancerSociety, cancer screenings have the CANCER SCREENINGINITIATIVE FOX CHASE LAUNCHES NEW EMPLOYEE S CANCER AWARD BLEICHER RECEIVESBREAST mendously andequally,”mendously ElaineI. and develop acure.” make wecan adi‰erence hope the in disease this with faced women of thousands of tens of behalf on work to my“It always privilege has been gle fought she for,” Bleicher said. strug important andthe Lieberman Jamie of award inmemory this programs. treatment and detection, early outreach, nity andcommu- for funds research ing - inrais active andwas her disease andawarenessunderstanding of 2012 35. age of the at Shefought for in cancer breast in­ammatory with lost herbattle Lieberman, Brooke community. cancer breast inthe for work his Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Approximately onceamonth, theprogram highlightsadifferent cancer type cancer“While education andscreening are mainstays ofourcommuni- To make cancer screening more convenient forstaff, Fox Chasekicked off “Jamie life tre- every valued “I’m with honored be to humbled The award’s namesake, Jamie Remembrance Award from Lieberman Brooke 2020 the awarded Jamie J. Bleicher recently was Richard oncologist urgical - chance if faced with adiagnosis.” with chance iffaced “ghting would have best row the andtomor- today of woman every ensure mission to herpersonal it cer made inherlifetime andshe can- conquer breast to determined in aletter Bleicher. to “She was Cancer Foundation,Breast wrote In­ammatory the of Lieberman Jamie’s parents, Jules andCarole chief executive oŽcer, and KomenGrobman, Philadelphia’s Richard J. Bleicher ovarian cancer research. cancer ovarian $4.4 than more funded million in Fox for 20 andhas Chase years grants to research ian cancer ovar- awarded foundation has year. every research cancer The for ovarian organizations local and national both grantsvides to anddie.”fall apart The cells clusterstumor of then function. cules their andblock mole adhesion the ies bindto - antibod the antibodies, tool the with Connolly said.“Ifwetreat survive,” can they so other each to attached them keep cules to mole adhesion on rely they and tumor primary the from cells.cancer killovarian to drug a therapeutic into developed may be antibody tool howaspeci“c is on working models.” mouse using carcinoma serous inhigh-grade there prominently more itself andestablishes ovary the travels to fallopian tubes know inthe tumor to why the involvement. of site We want main the are ovaries like the looks it diagnosed, patient is the ovary,” the to said.“When she andtravels ovary outside the of ovary. inthe arises why cancer allstand not ovarian under to models ma, inmouse cancer, carcino serous high-grade ovarian of asubtype researching Award. currently Connolly is Foundation’s Teal Trailblazer Sandy Rollman Cancer Ovarian Cancer Center,Chase the won has D CANCER RESEARCH FOR OVARIAN CONNOLLY HONORED The Rollman Foundation pro- “Ovarian cells cancer shed Connolly is project Another “Some arises cancer ovarian Therapeutics Program at Fox at Program Therapeutics Molecular inthe professor Connolly,enise anassociate - - - - 2/25/20 10:17 AM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER HONORS & AWARDS

Jaye Gardiner has been selected as FOX CHASE BUCKINGHAM CELEBRATES one of 125 IF/THEN Ambassadors for the 10TH ANNIVERSARY American Association for the Advancement of Science. The n September, Fox Chase program, an initiative of Lyda Hill Cancer Center–Buckingham Philanthropies, seeks to further wom- celebrated 10 years of provid- en in science, technology, engineering, ing world-class cancer care to and math. residents of Bucks County. The Iadvanced radiation therapy facil- Elizabeth Plimack has ity opened in July 2009 to bring been elected to the the resources of a National Cancer American Society of Institute-designated comprehen- Clinical Oncology Board sive cancer center closer to home. of Directors for a term of four years. She will begin her ap- “I commend Dr. Hayes pointment in June 2020. and her team for their Anne Jadwin was outstanding work over honored with the 2019 the last 10 years. Distinguished Alumni When Fox Chase Award from Gwynedd Fox Chase President and CEO Richard I. Mercy University, where Buckingham opened, Fisher and Shelly Hayes, director of she received her Master of Science in Fox Chase Buckingham, celebrate the it represented a new 10th anniversary of the center’s opening. Nursing in 1990. The award recogniz- concept as the first es the achievements of outstanding Under the capable direction alumni whose “personal lives, profes- satellite location for of Shelly Hayes, MD, Fox Chase sional achievements, and community Fox Chase Cancer Buckingham has grown signi“cantly service exemplify the objectives of Center. There was a in its 10 years to o‰er onsite surgical their alma mater.” consultations by a Fox Chase gyne- real drive to make it cologic oncologist, as well as genetic Marcin Chwistek has successful, and it is counseling and testing through the been appointed Editor- evident that our team Risk Assessment Program. in-Chief of AAHPM In addition to excellent patient Quarterly, which is pub- here has far surpassed care, Buckingham also o‰ers lished by the American expectations.” training opportunities to resi- Academy of Hospice and Palliative dent physicians. Most radiation Medicine. Chwistek will work with — RICHARD I. FISHER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF oncology residents choose to do other members of the editorial board FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER an elective rotation at Fox Chase to stay on top of current trends in the Buckingham to gain a communi- field of hospice and palliative medicine. Buckingham was the “rst in Bucks ty-based perspective similar to County to o‰er the CyberKnife private practice. Sergei Grivennikov was Robotic Radiosurgery System, the “I commend Dr. Hayes and named as one of 2019’s “rst system of its kind to o‰er a her team for their outstanding highly cited researchers painless, nonsurgical option for work over the last 10 years,” said by the Web of Science targeting both intracranial and Richard I. Fisher, president and Group, considered to be extracranial tumors with submilli- CEO of Fox Chase. “When Fox the world’s largest publisher-neutral meter accuracy. Since the opening of Chase Buckingham opened, it rep- citation index and research intelli- the center, more than 1,100 patients resented a new concept as the “rst gence platform. Their annual report have bene“ted. From the start, satellite location for Fox Chase analyzes the influence of researchers patients at Buckingham have also Cancer Center. There was a real among their peers by analyzing cita- had access to the same clinical trials drive to make it successful, and it tions across its worldwide, multidisci- for radiation therapy available at Fox is evident that our team here has plinary database.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER OF FOX COURTESY PHOTOS Chase’s main campus. far surpassed expectations.”

WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASE FORWARD 29

G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 29 2/25/20 10:17 AM G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 30 30 REVIEW O HS OWR WINTER/SPRING 2020 FOX CHASEFORWARD signals are transmitted through ciliaonthenormalcells,” shesaid. the microenvironment, changing ittoenhancetumorgrowth. Someofthese kidney disease, amongothers. in signalingatciliacan leadtoseriousinheritedconditionssuchaspolycystic has beendescribedasthe“antenna”ofacell. Besidesroles incancer, defects enhance my abilitytobeanadvocate forbasicscience,” saidGolemis. Science (AAAS). named a2019Fellow oftheAmerican AssociationfortheAdvancement of Molecular Therapeutics Program atFox ChaseCancerCenter, has been Erica Golemis, professor, deputy chiefscienceofficer, andleaderofthe ERICA GOLEMISNAMED2019AAASFELLOW Fox Chasecampus. Team Giampaoloatthe20thAnnualPaws for theCausefundraiser heldonthe A THE CAUSE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OFPAWS FOR cal oncology,cal dog his walkedwith - surgi of professor Patel, associate ambassador. patient as served Lori Giampaolo Fox Chase survivor cancer breast dog, event. the Rufus, emceed andherrescue SueSerio rologist 6,October 2019. FOX 29 meteo- Annual Paws20th Causeon for the “In sometypesoftumor, cancer cells sendout signalstonormalcells in Golemis was nominatedasaFellow forherworkonthecell cilium, which “I amhonored anddelightedtobenominatedasanAAASFellow, asthiswill Physician Sameer ambassador for cancer research at the the at for research cancer $150,000approximately raise helped dogs their 400 than guests and more attendance of record cancer survivors. cancer fellow with andbond research cancer way support to meaningful involved insuch a be to excited was in Paws saidshe Cause, she for the journey. Asaformer participant adiŽcult through helping herget family,ment team, for andfriends Foxat Chase. $600,000 than more for research Inc. Services event West was Pharmaceutical forMonte. the The sponsor title Giampaolo credited hertreat- credited Giampaolo Paws raised Cause has for the each patient. each to tailored options treatment of anarray provide andcan dures proce- transplantation marrow andbone inblood cially trained Physicians spe- are andnurses treatment. throughout sive care excellent provide to comprehen- team multidisciplinary and his cent Fox to allows Chase, Fung Jeanes adja- which is Hospital, cancer. andblood disorders blood-related for patients with improve long-termthat outcomes ayear,transplants procedures marrow over 100 andbone blood Temple performs BMTprogram country.” the centers across transplant most favorably to “Our compared patient survivals program. transplant the of rector outcomes,” Fung, saidHenry di- superior the to signi“cantly contributes andthis together expectations. above performing as rated were centers and“vepediatric adult Unitedin the States, 12 only 180 the of centers transplant Transplant& Marrow Research, Center for Blood International distinction. this achieve to area tristate in the center adult only the was Chase analysis. arecent Fox to according successful procedures, transplant for expected than better forming for per recognized been has T EXCELLENCE RECOGNIZED FOR PROGRAM TRANSPLANT BONE MARROW FOX CHASE-TEMPLE The state-of-the-art facility at at facility The state-of-the-art in1990,Started Fox the Chase- “We patients manage our bythe performed In areview Marrow TransplantMarrow Program University Bone Hospital he Fox Chase-Temple - 2/25/20 10:17 AM

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 31

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Center, more raised which has Fox of Associates of Cancer Chase FOX CHASECANCER CENTER PRESIDENT ANDCEOOF — RICHARDI. FISHER, mission andvalues.” embodying Fox Chase’s service ofadvancing or time andtalentsinthe through givingoftheir dedication toFox Chase outstanding level of demonstrated an to thisgroup have individuals whobelong different.is These individuals, butthisyear has beenpresented to “Historically, thisaward O DONOR RECOGNITIONDINNER LAUREL SOCIETY HOLDSANNUAL of Fox ChaseCancer Centerfrom Fox ChasePresident andCEORichard I. Fisher. Linda Hammell accepting The Laurel SocietyAward onbehalfoftheBoard ofAssociates was presented to the Board Board the to presented was AwardThe Society Laurel as loyalmost supporters 200 its of hosted Chase 17,n October 2019, Fox of resilience. of survivor, journey his shared who 4Hodgkin’sa Stage lymphoma Fisher’s patients, Kozera, Brian of one awards event featured also scholarships.and employee The items ment, patient comfort to equip anddiagnostic projects research from funding, ranging their of recipients the ly selects Chase’s mission andvalues.” Fox embodying or advancing of andtalents time service inthe their Fox to tion of giving through Chase - level dedica anoutstanding of ed have group demonstrat this to long “These be who Chase. individuals I. Fisher, Fox president andCEOof di‰erent,” is year this saidRichard individuals, to but presented been Associates. of Board the of award behalf on the cepted ac- screening, community cancer of Center chapter anddirector Friendsthe Fox of Cancer Chase 50 than more ago. years $23than million began since it - The careful of Associates Board “Historically, award has this Linda Hammell, president of - - - I and dedicated lockers. dual monitors, aswell asaloungearea Workroom has34workstations with The newly openedGitlinFamily Surgery residents.” fellows the and ences between experi- andlearning tations for presen- used been also has McGarry, aresident. “The space communication,”tal saidLaura interdepartmen- and optimize patient care coordinate to place suite. operating the just andis level one above rooms, consultation twoand its private Family Waiting Surgical Suite andEmmaBrungard Marian furniture. comfortable lockers, with ed andaloungearea for overnight sta‰,a bed dedicat- with room kitchenette, anon-call status, a live patient-surgeon with monitor room an operating dualmonitors, with workstations features,merous including 34 access, nu- boasts badge-only workspace. for acollaborative aneed to inresponse Gitlin Harvey thropist Workroom- byphilan funded was Center. The Family Gitlin Surgery and residents Fox of Cancer Chase ROOM OPENS SURGERY WORK GITLIN FAMILY attending physicians, fellows, serve to opened was space 2019, fall of n the anewwork “We’ve a great be to found it the to adjacent It located is secure The with newspace, ITRSRN 00FOX CHASEFORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2020 - - 2/25/20 10:17 AM 31 G43051_Forward Magazine.indb 32 32 MOMENTS INFOX CHASEHISTORY REWIND FOX CHASEFORWARD A BY SARAH JAYNE HUGHES A FOX CHASEFAMILY STORY HUGH CREECH: Fox Chase became established as a a as Fox established became Chase program,”trol Creech. saidRichard con cancer - the reestablish and to centers, 15 establish newcenters, to cancer existing the strengthen President Nixon. Richard National 1971 of Cancer Act by historic the of signing the nessed Talbot, center’s the president, wit until 1970. andTimothy Creech Chemotherapy, heheld aposition of Division chair the of the came Fox be Hugh Chase, Creech Jeanes Hospital. Fox at cancer at andlater Chase inbreast specialized who oncologist amedical H.Creech, Richard son, andcolleagues,” family his saidhis in science, whichto heinstilled ethic, humility, his devotion andhis fellowship Harvard. at apostdoctoral during disease, of clinical diagnosis sively inthe exten-ies, nowused which are antibod- ­rst„uorescent the sized in1938, doctorate his hesynthe- scienti­c career. receiving After inasuccessful resulted already had Creech of drive time, the the drugs. chemotherapy developing work andtesting ing inpioneer- career distinguished wouldJohn have along, Creech “This bill was designed to to “This designed billwas Two to coming after years “My father’s work his is legacy 35 only hewas Even though at WINTER/SPRING 2020 WINTER/SPRING organic chemist Hughorganic Cancer Research, in1945, for Institute the then was Cancer Center, which Fox to coming fter Chase - - — RICHARDH. CREECH, SONOFHUGHCREECH he instilled inhisfamily andcolleagues.” humility, andhisdevotion toscience, which legacyishisworkethic,“My father’s his David Hungerford, who along with with along David who Hungerford, Charlotte labof inthe worked conjugates.gen-protein byherhusband’scaused carcino disruption chromosome studying Fox 1949 between Chase and 1955, at research inembryology time part- joking. worked Marie mother his remembers Creech Richard guy,” the marry my to supply was of wayonly Icould make certain for my andthe work, I needed chemicals the couldwho produce in1937.ried lab, inthe mar-collaborating they her, to helpful extremely andafter Creech’s was chemicalresearch culture. intissue carcinogens student researching was who toral Hearne,wife, E.Marie apostdoc- future his met Banting, Creech University Toronto. of Whileat the of Banting Institute the from doctorate his and obtained University Western of Ontario the at chemistry honors studied 1910 inExeter, Ontario. He act. this of result a center cancer as comprehensive In later years,In later Richard’s wife “Hugh chemist only the was in born was Hugh Creech - Creech died on January on 18, died Creech 2003. cancer,” Hugh Creech. saidRichard conquest of the community toward cancer andthe association the to andservice dedication, research, extraordinary his acknowledging gratefully citation aspecial with my AACR father the presented inPhiladelphia, Annual Meeting AACR. the of and archivist president, vice president, elected Research Cancer journal, andits nization - orga for the chief administrator for 25 years, inwhich hewas arole secretary/treasurer of position the Research held (AACR). Creech for Cancer Association American the of member anactive was Creech compounds. many antimalarial he synthesized anddevelopment,research where o˜ce scienti­c of inthe Maryland University the at professor ciate of anasso andthen anassistant was cells. somatic of disorder genetic a conclusive is cancer evidence that ­rst the chromosome, Philadelphia the Nowell, discovered Peter had “In April of 1999, of “In April 90th the at Hugh Aside research, from From 1941 1945, through Creech . He was subsequently . Hesubsequently was - 2/25/20 10:17 AM

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER ARCHIVES Hugh Creech (top left) shown in the early days of Fox Chase Cancer Center, when it was known as the Institute for Cancer Research (ICR). Shown from left are pioneering geneticist Jack Schultz, ICR co-founder Stanley Reimann, and organic chemist Gerrit Toennies.

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“Where I started my cancer care made all the dierence.”

Lawrence James Germ Cell Tumor Survivor

A flourishing tech startup company and an upcoming engagement and marriage. Everything was going great for Lawrence James – until a mass was discovered in his chest. That’s when Lawrence realized he needed a hospital focused exclusively on cancer, with specialists and expertise in treating cases like his. He found all those things at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Where you start matters.SM

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