L-glutamine, an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body and plays an important role in digestion, has been studied as a potential way to ease side effects in other cancers. But this was the first trial to evaluate it as an anti-cancer therapy in human patients, said Jun Gong, MD, associate professor of Medicine, medical director of Colorectal Cancer at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and first author of the study.

“Current treatment for stage 4 pancreatic cancer is a cocktail of chemotherapy, with overall survival ranging from eight to 13 months,” Gong said. “We found that by adding L-glutamine to this treatment, we increased overall survival to as much as 22 months—and these positive results merit larger clinical trials of this combination.”

In this Phase I clinical trial, investigators studied 16 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. All patients were treated with a standard chemotherapy combination of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, along with clinical-grade L-glutamine supplements.

“We began the trial in the hope of improving gut health in these patients,” said Neil Bhowmick, PhD, Mark Goodson Chair in Oncology Research, professor of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, research scientist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer, and senior author of the study. “Patients with pancreatic cancer do not absorb nutrients well, and often develop a condition called cachexia—a loss of weight and muscle that can be fatal. Glutamine is known to help the gut heal.”

Half of the patients in the study maintained their weight, and investigators found a correlation between the way the bacteria in the gut responded to the glutamine and patient outcomes, Gong said.

“At the time of our paper’s publication, the life expectancy of these patients taking glutamine and chemotherapy was more than double the average life expectancy associated with the historical standard of care,” Gong said. “The study did not compare the two options head-to-head, but our result is striking enough for us to advance to a larger randomized trial where patients are given glutamine or not.”

In the lab, investigators also found that cancer cells exposed to high-dose glutamine were particularly vulnerable to chemotherapy, a result in line with the reduction in tumor size seen in patients.

“It is really satisfying to see science from the bench translated so well into patient outcomes,” Bhowmick said.

The supplements used in the study are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of sickle cell disease, meaning they are federally regulated, Bhowmick and Gong said.

“The survival rate for advanced pancreatic cancer is poor,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “This trial points to a potential new option for optimizing first-line chemotherapy for patients while also opening up a number of new avenues for our physician-scientists to study.”

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Hayato Muranaka, So Yung Choi, Mourad Tighiouart, Aleksandr Stotland, Jennifer Van Eyk, Omer H.M. Elmadbouh, Mouad Edderkaoui, Sunao Tanaka, Hideki Furuya, Arsen Osipov, Jeremy Lorber, Sandrine Billet, Stephen J. Pandol, and Andrew Hendifar.

Other authors include Shrikant Bhute, Ezinne R. Aja, Jonathan P. Jacobs, Alexzandra Morris, Johanna ten Hoeve-Scott, and Thomas Graeber.

Funding: This project was funded by the 2019 Tower Cancer Research Foundation Experimental Therapeutics Endowed Fund/Cedars-Sinai Cancer 2019 Developmental Funds for Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs; J.G.). This project was also supported in part by the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) UCLA CTSI (UL1 TR001881-01; M.T.) and NCI grants P01CA233452 (M.T., S.J.P., N.A.B.) and U01 grant CA232859-01 (M.T.).

Competing Interest Statement: H.M., N.A.B., J.G. and A.H. have a pending patent related to the work.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Under the new guidance, students in early education and kindergarten through first grade will have no weekly classroom screen time. Students in grades 2 and 3 will be limited to 1 hour and 40 minutes per week, with those in grades 4 and 5 limited to 2 1/2 hours, students in grades 6 through 8 limited to 6 hours per week, and high school students limited to 10 hours per week.

The limits include time spent on screen-based homework.

“Screen time is literally changing the trajectory of brain development. It’s growing the visual cortex at the expense of the areas responsible for language, reading and social skills,” said Jane Tavyev Asher, MD, pediatric neurologist and director of the Division of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s. “Parents should actually be very delighted that their kids are going to have less screen time in the school setting, and they should view the school as working as their partner in helping with their child’s brain development.”

As the new policy takes effect this school year, the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Tavyev Asher about why reducing screen time can benefit children’s brain development—and how parents can reinforce healthy screen habits at home.

Why were these new screen time policies needed?

Research continues to show that excessive screen time can affect how children’s brains grow and develop. During childhood, the brain is building important skills for language, reading, attention and social interaction. We want the brain to develop for reading, language and social skills. And screen time is really growing the visual cortex at the expense of all of the other parts of the brain.

Sharply reducing screen time at school can help create more opportunities for students to have active learning, conversation and deeper cognitive development in the long run.

Now that schools are seeing the neuroscience behind what screen time does to the developing brain, many are beginning to embrace this research and implement limits. They want what’s best for students’ brain development, just as parents do. At the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goal: helping our children learn, grow and thrive.

Why is limiting screen time especially important during early childhood?

Early childhood is a critical period for learning to speak, read, write and develop social skills. During these years, the brain’s auditory and language centers are rapidly developing through conversation and human interaction.

For example, speech development begins around age 1, when children start learning how to speak. This process depends on the development of nerve signals and the continued growth of the auditory cortex, which develops significantly during the first few years of life. The auditory cortex is also the part that builds not just language but also social interaction.

Excessive screen use may interfere with these processes by overstimulating visual pathways while reducing opportunities for face-to-face communication, language development and recognizing social cues such as facial expressions and body language.

How can screen use affect brain development in middle schoolers?

Higher-level cognitive functions really begin to take off around age 12. This is when intellectual curiosity starts to develop. It’s a stage where children naturally begin making connections between ideas, such as reading one thing, connecting it to something else they’ve learned, asking questions, and wanting to find the answers. That’s exactly how we want their brains to develop.

But if everything is fed to them passively through AI or excessive screen-based learning, that part of the brain isn’t being exercised in the same way. They’re consuming information rather than actively thinking, questioning and making connections. It’s wonderful that our schools are finally coming to this realization and changing the way the curriculum is given to our children.

What screen time advice do you have for parents of high schoolers?

For a high schooler, I would try to keep the same guidelines in the home that you’ve done for the younger children. The reason for that is they still have that developing brain, and screen time is still very addictive.

I think at this age, they really do have the understanding as to why screens are not ideal for them. By the time they’re in high school, teenagers can understand the logic behind reducing screen time. This is the time when their intellect is developing. They can read the studies about it. As parents, this is also an ideal time to expose them to the studies that are showing what screen time addiction is doing to the brain in the long run.

How should parents approach smartphones for middle and high school students?

The smartphone is really the worst form of screen time because it is so easily accessible in the pocket. It’s easier to become addicted to that. So, it’s important to monitor how children access and use their smartphones.

There is so much social growth that happens in middle school. If you can just get the kids over that hump without a phone, then you can keep them from getting addicted to that phone.

There’s a program called “Wait Until 8th.” It’s a movement where parents sign a pledge to delay giving their child a smartphone until at least the end of eighth grade or until they’re 13 years old. When families make this commitment together, it creates a community where fewer kids have smartphones early on, which helps reduce the peer pressure to get one before they’re ready. It gives parents support in setting healthy boundaries and makes it easier for children to wait alongside their friends.

If you need to be in touch with your teenager, give them a simple flip phone that has no internet access. This way, they can call who they need to call. In some phones, you can also program who they call or receive calls from.

How can parents set and enforce screen time limits at home?

Parents have a huge influence on how children develop their relationship with screens. It’s much easier to not introduce screens than to set limits or take it away later in life. Instead of focusing only on taking screens away, parents can help children discover other activities, like reading, creative play, spending time outdoors and connecting as a family.

It’s important to point out that parents should model habits they hope to see by practicing healthy screen use themselves, since children are more likely to follow behaviors they observe at home.

Firstly, implement a no-screen-time rule at least two hours before bedtime. This will help kids avoid bright lights right before bed, promoting deeper sleep. Secondly, avoid screens during mealtime. Mealtime is a great time for the family to sit together and have conversations. There are so many positive studies about what family mealtime does for children’s social development and for their cognitive development.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: A Family Guide to Teens, Screens and Social Media

An average woman has about a 13% chance of developing breast cancer during her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. A BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation raises breast cancer risk to 30%-70%, and BRCA testing is recommended for women with personal or family history of certain cancers, a known BRCA mutation in the family, or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.

“While most women who undergo genetic testing do not test positive for a cancer-risk-increasing BRCA mutation, they have generally been referred for testing because of strong personal or family cancer history,” said Fahima Dossa, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and lead author of the study. “Future cancer risk for these women has not been well studied, and our findings are the first to calculate that risk so that we can better guide all women who undergo BRCA testing.”

Looking at the health records of almost 16,000 women who underwent BRCA testing in Ontario, Canada, from 2007 to 2016, investigators found that women who tested negative for a BRCA gene mutation still had a 25% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

And lifetime risk for those with a variant of unknown significance, which means little is known about that particular variant, was 30%, according to the findings.

Each patient’s individual risk for breast cancer was substantially affected by their family history. Among women who tested positive for a BRCA mutation, breast cancer risk varied from roughly 56% to 86%, depending on the number of immediate family members who had breast or ovarian cancer, the study found.

“Based on these findings, a physician might recommend more frequent mammograms or breast MRI to a BRCA-positive patient in their 50s or 60s with no family history of breast cancer, but suggest preventive mastectomy as an option for a young BRCA patient with several cases of breast cancer in the family,” Dossa said.

Dossa said that the only women in the study with the same breast cancer risk as the general population were those who had family history of cancer and a known BRCA mutation in the family, and were tested for that specific mutation but did not have the mutation.

“This study is a reminder to patients about the importance of having discussions with their doctors about genetic test results,” Dossa said. “We finally have some data to help inform those conversations.”

In July, Cedars-Sinai opened the Cedars-Sinai Cayton BRCA Center to provide coordinated screening, guidance and treatment to patients with BRCA mutations.

“Our leading-edge research supports our efforts to care for and improve outcomes for these patients,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “Connecting science with cancer care is at the heart of what we do.”

Other study authors include Kelly Metcalfe, RN, PhD; Zharmaine Ante, MSc; Ning Liu, PhD; Jordan Lerner-Ellis, PhD; Andrea Eisen, MD; and Nancy N. Baxter, MD, PhD.

Funding: This study was supported by ICES, which is funded by an annual grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC). This study also received funding from the Canadian Cancer Society (grant #315358). This work was also supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant funding no #148470.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

The preclinical study was published in Cell Reports Medicine. 

“Our study is the first to show how metabolites produced by select bacteria can induce changes in the body’s immune response when the body is fighting cancer,” said Ze’ev Ronai, PhD, director of the Translational Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai, professor of Surgery and senior author of the study. “Previous research established that gut bacteria affect the immune system and can help fight cancer. Our new findings are an important step forward because they give us a specific metabolite that can be used for future therapies.” 

The investigators focused on B. rodentium in the guts of mice and a related bacteria species, B. uniformis, in the guts of humans. When these bacteria break down the amino acid tryptophan, they produce different forms of metabolites called indoles. 

In laboratory mice, investigators found that treatment with B. rodentium restricted the growth of melanoma and colon, breast and pancreatic cancers, and that treatment with indole on its own restricted the growth of melanoma.

“Indole was more effective against these tumors than other metabolites produced by tryptophan breakdown, which are used in immunotherapies,” said Ximena Diaz Olea, a research scientist in the Ronai Lab and first author of the study. 

The investigators also looked at data from human patients who were responding well to immunotherapy for melanoma. In these patients, investigators found increased levels of the enzymes used to produce indole, suggesting higher levels of indoles were contributing to the patients’ good outcomes. 

“We are now evaluating whether increasing the levels of indoles in the gut would be sufficient to inhibit cancer,” Ronai said. “We hope to turn these findings into a therapy that will benefit patients.”

Investigators say this might be possible by giving patients capsules containing B. uniformis, then following up with nutrients to increase the bacteria’s reproduction and indole levels in the gut.

While this study focused on B. uniformis and B. rodentium, as many as 20 different bacteria species produce the enzyme that creates indole, opening further avenues for exploration, Ronai said. 

“These findings provide the foundation for modes of treatment that could complement or replace existing ones,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “This type of translational science paves the way toward new options for patients.” 

If investigators are successful at translating their findings into an anticancer therapy, Ronai said that it would likely be useful against many cancer types, as the immune cells bolstered by indole are effective against many cancers.

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Ximena Diaz Olea, Aagam Shah, Hyungsoo Kim, Ashok Kumar Sharma, Anthony Martin, Mark B. Faries, Omid Hamid, Suzanne Devkota, and Simon Knott.

Other authors include Kristin Beede, Gabriel Pereira, David Scott, Christopher Petucci, Eric Martens, Dmitri Rodionov, Miguel P. Martinez, Tongwu Zhang, Andrei Osterman, Emile E. Voest, Nadim J. Ajami, Jennifer Wargo, and Amanda E. Ramer-Tait.

Funding: This work was supported by the Cedars-Sinai shared resources in genomics, vivarium and microbiome studies; NCI grant R35CA197465 (to ZAR); the Hervey Family / San Diego Foundation (to ZAR); grant R21CA249822 (to ART and HK); and the Buffett Cancer Center funds (to ART) via NCI grant CA036727.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

But one of the unwanted consequences of spending lots of time in the water is ear infections, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke to Abhita Reddy, MD, a pediatric otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, about what causes swimmer’s ear, how parents can protect their children, and how physicians diagnose and treat the condition.

What is swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear, properly known as otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal where you often have drainage. You can have fluid sitting in the ear canal. Sometimes it looks like fluffy tissue that drains. It can cause discomfort and can also cause hearing impairment if left untreated.

What causes swimmer’s ear?

Swimmer’s ear occurs most commonly in the summertime when people are swimming in contaminated water like lakes or rivers, even sometimes in the ocean. We also see it a lot when people go surfing or do water sports, or when kids are going under water frequently or diving deep. Swimming in chlorinated or saltwater pools is less likely to cause swimmer’s ear.

How do you know if your child has swimmer’s ear?

Parents usually know when their child is getting an external infection like swimmer’s ear when they see drainage coming out of the ear, not something brown that looks like wax, but oftentimes it’s white or yellow, and it can smell bad. Swimmer’s ear is often associated with children having pain in their ear, and sometimes it can be associated with small children not letting you touch their ear, so if you tug at their ear or pull their ear it hurts a lot.

How does swimmer’s ear differ from other ear infections?

The biggest difference between a middle ear infection, known as otitis media, versus an outer ear infection, known as otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, is that middle ear infections, which are behind the eardrum, do not have drainage coming out unless your child has ear tubes. Usually when children have middle ear infections they tug or pull at their ears, which makes it feel better. They also may develop a fever. The opposite is true with swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, which hurts when you tug on the ear.

How are these infections treated?

Swimmer’s ear is often treated with ear drops because it’s very easy for the drops to get to the area where the infection is. With middle ear infections we often must treat it with antibiotics because unless you have ear tubes, it’s very hard for the drops to reach the infected area.

How can you prevent swimmer’s ear?

When parents ask me how to prevent their kids from getting swimmer’s ear, it often has nothing to do with swimming at all. I just tell them not to use cotton swabs such as Q-tips in their kids’ ears. When you use Q-tips in your children’s ear, it can offset the pH balance inside the ear canal, or cause small breaks in the canal skin, which can then increase the risk of getting ear infections. It is also helpful to consider using earplugs or swim caps for children. Parents can also try to dry the ear if the ear is very wet after a swim. Parents can use a hair dryer around a shoulder length away from their child’s ear on the lowest setting for about 10 seconds at a time, and that can dry out the ear canal and help prevent swimmer’s ear.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: How to Treat Sleep Apnea in Children

Fires can leave behind more than visible damage. The lingering smoke and airborne contaminants from the recent warehouse fire in the Boyle Heights neighborhood in Los Angeles may continue to affect air quality for weeks or even months. Exposure to pollutants released during the fire and after it was extinguished can significantly increase the risk of developing respiratory problems and other health issues. 

While some people experience only temporary irritation, others, especially children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions or breathing issues, may face more serious or long-term health effects.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom recently spoke with Irina Dralyuk, MD, director of Pediatric Pulmonology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's, about the health risks associated with fire and smoke exposure, who is most vulnerable and what people can do to protect themselves.

What are the health dangers following a fire like the warehouse fire in Boyle Heights?

Following a fire, air quality can be affected for an extended period of time. Fires release a variety of chemicals and fine particles into the air, and many of those substances may not be immediately identified as materials continue to burn and break down.

The first few weeks after a fire are generally the most concerning, but people should remain cautious for at least two to three months. For individuals with respiratory diseases, weakened immune systems or heightened sensitivity to environmental pollutants, the health effects can last much longer, potentially up to a year.

Who should be especially cautious following a fire?

Several groups are at higher risk, including infants and young children, especially babies born prematurely, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis.

However, even people with healthy lungs should take smoke exposure seriously. Environmental hazards from a fire can trigger inflammation or respiratory problems in otherwise healthy individuals, so everyone should take steps to protect themselves when air quality is poor.

What precautions can people take after a fire?

One of the most effective ways to reduce exposure indoors is by using air purifiers. It's important to choose a purifier that's appropriately sized for the room and to replace filters regularly. Home HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] filters should also be changed according to manufacturer recommendations.

If possible, limit activities that bring smoky outdoor air into the home. During periods of poor air quality, consider using fans instead of air conditioning, as it typically draws outside air into your living space. When spending time outdoors, wear a well-fitting mask on days when air quality is poor, especially during the weeks and months following a fire.

When should people seek medical attention?

Even mild symptoms such as an itchy or scratchy throat, irritated eyes, or persistent coughing are signs that smoke may be affecting your body and should not be ignored.

People experiencing coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing should see a doctor or head to an urgent care. Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may recommend diagnostic tests such as a chest X-ray or lung function tests. Your doctor might also listen to the lungs and determine whether medications, including inhalers, nebulizer treatments or oral medications, are needed to reduce inflammation, open the airways and improve breathing.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: What Parents Should Know About Teen Vaping

“Continuity of care throughout the lifespan is important for sarcoma patients,” said Leo Mascarenhas, MD, director of the Adult and Pediatric Sarcoma Program and the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “Our multidisciplinary expertise, which includes pathology, radiation oncology and surgical care, means both adults and children with sarcoma can receive all of their care in one place.”

Mascarenhas is a professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University and pediatric hematologist-oncologist who has more than 25 years of clinical and research experience. He has led multi-institutional clinical trials for Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma and other rare pediatric solid tumors.

Additional Cedars-Sinai Sarcoma Experts

James Hu, MD, associate director of the Sarcoma Program, has more than 30 years of clinical experience in medical oncology. His research focuses on evaluating novel biomarkers and liquid biopsy methods to improve the treatment of bone and soft tissue sarcomas and examining risk factors for young patients facing rare forms of cancer.

Earl Brien, MD, surgical director of the Sarcoma Bone Tumor Program and professor of Orthopaedics, is an orthopedic oncology specialist. His research focuses on surgical strategies for treating complex soft tissue sarcomas, improving surgical techniques for the removal of bone cancers while avoiding amputations, and use of circulating tumor DNA to noninvasively assess treatment response.

Jason Chan, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in the care of people with sarcoma, including desmoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), as well as other soft tissue and bone sarcomas. He studies how cancers adapt and become resistant to treatment, with a focus on the ability of cancer cells to shift into different cell states that may allow them to grow, spread and survive therapy.

Fahima Dossa, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist in the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery, primarily treats soft tissue sarcoma, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), liposarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and desmoid tumors. She also specializes in treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma, which develops deep in the fat or muscle of the abdomen, using a specific operative technique to help prevent recurrence.

Behrooz Hakimian, MD, is an assistant professor of Radiation Oncology whose research merges clinical trial exploration with advanced radiation oncology techniques, focusing on patient safety during therapy for complex sarcomas and soft tissue tumors.

Mitchell Kamrava, MD, is a professor of Radiation Oncology whose sarcoma research centers on optimizing preoperative radiation, reducing treatment timelines and predicting post-surgical complications. He has been a co-investigator on pivotal clinical trials evaluating a condensed five-day preoperative radiation regimen for high-risk primary soft tissue sarcomas.

Eugene Kim, MD, is a professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, director of the Division of Pediatric Surgery and vice chair of the Department of Surgery. He is recognized for his expertise in pediatric surgical oncology and he is a key member of the sarcoma team.

Joseph Schwab, MD, director of Spine Oncology in the Department of Orthopaedics, is a specialist in managing sarcomas of the spine—including rare, complex tumors like chondrosarcomas and chordomas—in adults. His research focus includes use of algorithms and machine learning to build tools that optimize clinical decision-making for bone and soft tissue tumors.

Media Contact

To schedule an interview with a Cedars-Sinai sarcoma expert, contact Christina Elston at christina.elston@cshs.org or 626-298-0702.

The new

“The generosity and foresight of the Cayton Goldrich Family Foundation gave us the resources to conduct outreach and coordinate care for these patients,” said Cristina Ferrone, MD, chair of the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai. “By bringing together our dedicated physicians and recruiting top talent from around the country, we are making this centralized BRCA center unlike any other.”

Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and those with family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer, or people who have been diagnosed with one of these cancers, should be screened for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, Ferrone said.

Cancer Screenings

“This center will provide every relevant service: comprehensive risk assessment, state-of-the-art surveillance, prevention strategies, clinical trials, and access to the latest scientific discoveries,” said Farin Amersi, MD, a surgical oncologist who treats patients with BRCA mutations. “More importantly, it will create a true home for patients and families facing hereditary cancer risk.” 

A patient’s first visit to the center begins with genetic counseling to help patients understand their unique cancer risk. For women, the initial visit also includes a breast MRI or mammogram, and a pelvic ultrasound and blood test to screen for ovarian cancer. Men undergo imaging to screen for breast cancer and an exam and blood test to screen for prostate cancer. For pancreatic cancer, both men and women may have abdominal imaging and discuss the possibility of endoscopy screening, depending on their individual risk.

“At many other institutions, patients diagnosed with a BRCA mutation have to make appointments for each of these screenings separately, with different physicians,” Amersi said. “Our patients will have all their screenings—and receive their test results—in one visit. This will help relieve the anxiety of juggling multiple appointments and waiting to learn the results of these tests.”

The process condenses what could be eight to 12 different appointments into a single day, Ferrone said.

“For patients with BRCA mutations, these screenings are repeated every six to 12 months, so you can imagine how disruptive separate appointments are for patients, many of whom work and have families,” Ferrone said.

Based on their test results, patients meet with a team of specialists about the best path forward, taking into account the patient’s age, fertility goals and individual cancer risk.

Preventive Treatment

For breast and ovarian cancer prevention, patients and their care team discuss the need and timing for possible preemptive surgery.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have slightly different risks associated with them, said Marla Scott, MD, a gynecologic oncologist.

“People with BRCA1 mutations have roughly a 40% higher risk for gynecologic cancers, and are a younger average age when cancer tends to appear,” Scott said. “This means we have a discussion about removing the fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as consideration for hysterectomy and mastectomy, between ages 35 and 40.”

A reproductive endocrinologist is on-site to discuss fertility preservation—including egg and embryo freezing and in-vitro testing and fertilization—as well as hormone replacement options to manage symptoms of surgically-induced menopause, Scott said.

For people with BRCA2 mutations, there is a slightly lower increased risk of gynecologic cancer, and age of cancer onset tends to be about 10 years later, allowing doctors to delay preventive surgeries, Scott said.

“With the exception of regular breast exams, patients may get to ‘graduate’ out of further screening for gynecologic cancers if they have a risk-reducing surgery and show no signs of cancer,” Scott said.

Scott added that while managing cancer risk can be challenging for people with a BRCA mutation, having a place they can go for guidance is empowering. The hope, Ferrone said, is that community outreach efforts will bring these benefits to even more patients.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be able to offer free genetic testing in high-risk populations in the near future,” Ferrone said. “This will help us identify more at-risk patients and get them enrolled in the appropriate programs to help them manage their risk and preserve their health.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Andrew Hendifar, MD, professor of Medicine and medical director of the Cancer Clinical Trials Office and the Gastrointestinal Oncology Disease Research Group at Cedars-Sinai, was a principal investigator on the trial and a co-author of the study, which was sponsored by Revolution Medicines, makers of the new drug. He sat down with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom to talk about the study results.

How does this new drug work?

The medication, called daraxonrasib, is the first drug that targets cancer-causing mutations in pancreas cells.

The drug targets a mutation in the KRAS gene, part of the RAS genetic family. KRAS mutations are present in 92% of pancreatic cancers. KRAS genes normally act as an “on-off” switch for cell growth. Mutated KRAS genes are stuck in the “on” position and send out a signal that causes cells to divide and grow uncontrollably, allowing cancer to form.

Daraxonrasib blocks the KRAS signal by fitting into a keyhole-type spot on the gene. That spot has a complex shape and is difficult to reach within the cell. The drug gets around this problem by using a “passenger protein” as a Trojan horse. When the cell allows this protein in, daraxonrasib tags along.

Why are these clinical trial results so groundbreaking?

There are no targeted treatments approved for pancreas cancer, and we haven’t had any significant progress for a long time. We've only come up with different chemotherapy combinations, and those are only moderately effective. This new treatment is staggeringly better than chemotherapy. Usually, when we think of an improvement in pancreatic cancer survival, we think of 25% improvement. This medication actually doubled survival in patients with advanced disease. We have patients who participated in the trial who are still alive, which is unheard of because the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer patients is only 13%-14%. If the drug is approved by the FDA, it will most likely become the new standard of care for advanced pancreatic cancer and could replace chemotherapy as a first-line treatment.

What comes next?

We are now testing the drug in patients with earlier-stage pancreatic cancer, prescribing it while their tumors are still operable and before their cancer spreads.

Could daraxonrasib be effective against other cancer types?

RAS mutations are one of the most common cancer-causing genetic mutations, and the drug is now being studied in several cancer types. I think it's going to work especially well in tumors that are primarily RAS driven, including colon cancer and lung cancer. It might also work in other cancer types in combination with drugs targeting other genetic mutations, but further research is needed.

How will this discovery change cancer science?

This is a win for the field. Until now we have been focused on immune therapies that might make tumors more vulnerable to the body’s immune system, and on finding new chemotherapy combinations that kill cancer cells.

This new treatment has given us a new focus, and I think it will spur a lot of scientific discovery over the next few years. There have only been a handful of KRAS researchers and their relevance to therapy was always questioned. That is about to change.

The most important next step for the field is to better understand the biology of cancer. We know that many pancreatic tumors will eventually become resistant to daraxonrasib, and we need to understand how this happens. We also need to identify additional genetic pathways and treatments that can target them. That’s how we will turn pancreas cancer from a deadly, deadly cancer into something we can manage—and one day, even cure.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Andrew Hendifar, MD, medical director of the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Clinical Trials Office and professor of Medicine, is available to discuss late-breaking, embargoed results of a trial of a new therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer, as well as Phase II results from a trial of a combination therapy that targets specific genetic mutations in pancreatic cancer cells.

Additional Cedars-Sinai Experts

Leslie Ballas, MD, professor of Radiation Oncology, will participate in a panel discussion and can discuss evidence related to use of biomarkers or circulating tumor DNA in treatment decisions for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Fahima Dossa, MD, PhD, a surgical oncologist, will present research on which patients with high-risk localized soft tissue sarcoma are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy.

Stephen Freedland, MD, director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle, will present a post hoc analysis of the EMBARK trial in advanced prostate cancer, detailing testosterone recovery following treatment suspension. Freedland can also discuss research from his lab on use of olaparib, an enzyme blocker, in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and statin use in prostate cancer patients receiving hormone treatment after prostate-removal surgery.

Lawrence Liu, MD, a hematology oncologist, will present research on recent advances in CAR T-cell therapies for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. The work involves mezigdomide, part of a new drug class in myeloma, following infusion with idecabtagene vicleucel, a genetically modified CAR T therapy derived from the patient’s own cells.

Arsen Osipov, MD, associate professor of Medicine and medical director of Pancreatic Cancer, can discuss research from his lab on the comprehensive molecular profiles associated with variants of the KRAS gene and patient survival in pancreatic cancer. KRAS mutations are found in more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases.

Karen Reckamp, MD, professor of Medicine and director of the Division of Medical Oncology, can discuss the treatment landscape for non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. She can explain research from her lab on a machine learning approach for predicting immune-related pneumonitis, a noninfectious lung inflammation that can occur following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. She can also speak about new data from Lung MAP, a clinical trial designed to efficiently test treatments for advanced non-small cell lung cancers. And she will make a presentation on support of academic nonclinical efforts for cancer investigator faculty at the Association of American Cancer Institutes.

Kamya Sankar, MD, assistant professor of Medicine and co-director of the Thoracic Disease Research Group, will present an analysis of factors associated with early cachexia—also known as cancer wasting disease—in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. She can also speak about treatment of both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.

From The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute

Mark Faries, MD, surgical oncologist and professor of Surgery, can discuss a five-year update from the KEYNOTE-942 study in resected melanoma and a new study of lymph node resection versus therapeutic dissection in advanced melanoma, as well as recurrence in advanced melanoma across time.

Erwin Grussie, MD, a hematology oncologist, can discuss results from the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry (TAPUR) study testing targeted therapies in patients with solid tumors.

Omid Hamid, MD, professor of Medicine and chief of Translational Research and Immuno-Oncology, will present results from a study of a medication that blocks the action of cortisol in patients with advanced solid tumors, as well as a study of causes of limited immunotherapy response in melanoma. He can also discuss new results from three trials of therapies in advanced melanoma.

Inderjit Mehmi, MD, a hematology oncologist, can discuss the association of prior immunotherapy treatment with limited response to subsequent immunotherapy in melanoma.

Media Contact

To schedule an interview, contact Christina Elston at christina.elston@cshs.org or 626-298-0702.

At the crib side, a guitarist and singer serenades newborns hooked up to loud, beeping and flashing monitors. The sounds of gentle humming and guitar strumming do more than soothe a fussy baby—they stabilize vital signs, aid neurological and auditory development, and enhance the overall wellbeing of infants in the NICU.

“Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based practice using music to address nonmusical goals,” said Laura Cellini, Guerin Children’s board-certified music therapist. “Listening to music can help lower and stabilize heart rate, improve oxygen saturation levels and support a more regulated, calming state for newborns.”

According to Cellini, research has shown that music therapy can also help reduce NICU stays by as many as 12 days.

During a typical session in the NICU, Cellini works one-on-one with each infant, tailoring the therapy to meet every baby’s individual needs. She carefully monitors each newborn’s response to the music, including signs of overstimulation, and adjusts her music accordingly.

The music therapy program was made possible through a generous donation from 14-year-old twins Joey and Ryder Corleto, who spent considerable time in the NICU at Cedars-Sinai shortly after birth. Wanting to give back to the Cedars-Sinai community, the siblings chose to dedicate their bar and bat mitzvah gifts to help launch the program.

Their mother, Melissa Corleto, vividly remembers the challenges of spending time in a noisy NICU with the twins.

“When they look back at pictures of themselves as babies, it’s hard for them to imagine that this is where they started—at just 2.5 and 3.5 pounds,” Melissa said. “The idea of giving back to the NICU really resonated with them. As a family, we decided this was the meaningful way they wanted to give back.”

Music has always played a major role in the twins’ lives. Ryder is an avid drummer, while Joey is a competitive dancer. The twins said it felt natural to use their funds to help launch a music therapy program, especially one designed to soothe babies and support early brain development.

The bedside therapy sessions are also a welcome change of pace for parents and medical staff.

“The NICU can be a very traumatic and stressful environment, and music therapy helps create a sense of calm for the babies, their families and even the staff,” said Ashley Richardson, RN, assistant nurse manager of the NICU at Guerin Children’s.

For Jason Park, whose son Logan Park has spent more than two months in the NICU, watching his baby remain calm and relaxed as Cellini sang and played music at his bedside brought a sense of much-needed comfort and relief.

“I think the music brings a lot of joy to parents, especially for families like ours who have been here in the NICU for a long time,” Park said. “When the session ended, I was actually sad to hear it stop.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Strengthening Children’s Health

The rookies made stops throughout Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Cedars-Sinai Cancer, where they posed for photos, signed autographs and handed out Rams-themed gifts.

Players and cheerleaders were greeted with smiles and posed for selfies with patients, families and staff members across both campuses.

At Guerin Children’s, players spent time talking football with pediatric patients and played a few rounds of Connect Four with patients in the courtyard.

“The fact that the Rams came created a sense of normalcy and it really brightened my son’s day,” said Nadyia Blakemore, whose 6-year-old son is a Guerin Children’s patient. “I appreciate the Rams coming through. It was a blessing to my family”.

In the NICU, rookies met new parents and visited some of the hospital’s smallest patients. At Cedars-Sinai Cancer, patients, physicians and staff joined Rams rookie Chad Lindberg for a football toss game, taking turns throwing passes at an inflatable football target.

“Seeing the Rams players connect with our patients and families in such a genuine and compassionate way means so much to everyone across our hospitals,” said Jill Martin, executive vice president of Cedars-Sinai Medical Network. “These visits create joyful moments, lift spirits and reflect the strong partnership between Cedars-Sinai and the Rams organization.”

The patients were clearly touched by their visits, said Joanne Laguna-Kennedy, MSN, RN, vice president of Hospital Operations and chief operating officer of Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital.

“The players shared that they felt the same sense of joy,” Laguna-Kennedy said. “We’re incredibly grateful for their time, support and enthusiasm.”

Cedars-Sinai is the official healthcare partner and trusted doctors of the Los Angeles Rams.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Childhood Cancer Survivor Aiden Duong in Rams Spotlight

The at-home monitoring device is designed to track early signs of asthma and provides clinicians with continuous or on-demand remote monitoring of lung sounds. The real-time data enables healthcare professionals to monitor a child’s condition between clinic visits and respond early if a child’s symptoms worsen.

The easy-to-wear device, called AeviceMD, was developed by Aevice Health, a Singaporean digital health company and a graduate of the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator program.

“I saw strong potential in this technology to support how we monitor and manage children with reactive airway issues like asthma outside of the clinical setting,” said Irina Dralyuk, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist at Guerin Children’s. “Being able to assess respiratory symptoms in real time, especially overnight, provides valuable information that can guide earlier intervention and help prevent more serious breathing complications.”

About 4.5 million children in the United States have asthma, making it one of the most common chronic pediatric diseases. Traditionally, doctors have monitored children with asthma through periodic clinic visits and caregiver-reported symptoms such as rapid breathing, chest congestion and breathing difficulties.

However, asthma symptoms often fluctuate widely between visits, and self-reported symptoms are often unreliable. This makes managing worsening symptoms between appointments very difficult.

The wearable stethoscope allows parents to utilize the device at home to record lung sounds and securely share recordings with their doctors. The data enables doctors to build a more complete picture of disease progression, track medication use and assess how patients’ symptoms evolve in response to their treatment plan.

“What we’re trying to do is prevent exacerbations, reduce hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and limit the need for interventions such as systemic steroid use to control asthma symptoms,” Dralyuk said. “Intervening early could decrease chronic inflammation and improve lung function and health over time.”

Children can wear the device, about the size of a half-dollar coin, on the chest for up to 10 hours a day. It is designed for use in children 3 and older.

“We built AeviceMD to make this kind of continuous symptom visibility possible. Having our technology deployed at a large, world-class health system like Cedars-Sinai validates our belief that there is a critical, unmet patient need,” said Adrian Ang, CEO of Aevice Health.

The device is the result of a multiyear collaboration with Cedars-Sinai that began in 2022 and included clinical input from physicians at Guerin Children’s. The collaboration included key regulatory milestones and a pilot program to evaluate the device’s effectiveness in pediatric respiratory monitoring. In 2023, the device received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“This collaboration demonstrates the importance of providing clinical and operational support to help advance a company’s promising technology toward real-world patient benefit,” said Nirdesh K. Gupta, PhD, managing partner of Cedars-Sinai Intellectual Property Company. “It’s an exciting example of how innovation can directly impact care and improve the way we manage chronic conditions like asthma.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Common Breathing Problems in Kids and How to Treat Them

The new tool, called Path2Space, predicts gene expression across the tumor area based on digital images of biopsy slides, which contain thin slices of tumor tissue that can be examined under a microscope.

Because tumors do not have the same composition and gene expression throughout, Path2Space predicts what is known as “spatial” gene expression, estimating it at many different points within the tumor. The process takes only minutes and costs significantly less than conventional spatial gene expression profiling, which typically takes several weeks and costs thousands of dollars.

“This tool makes two major contributions,” said Eytan Ruppin, MD, PhD, deputy director of the Translational Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai and senior author of the study. “It will enable us and others to study larger datasets and understand the spatial structure of tumors. But what really motivates me is that, if we can successfully validate the tool in clinical trials, it could improve cancer care for patients.”  

Investigators “trained” Path2Space using data from a large group of patients with breast cancer, where the biopsy slides and spatial sequencing were both available. They then tested the tool on three additional patient datasets to validate its performance.

“For each sample, we looked at the actual, measured gene expression and compared it with our tool’s prediction,” said Eldad Shulman, PhD, co-first author of the study and a research fellow at the National Cancer Institute, who will soon join Ruppin's lab as a research scientist. “For each sample, we predicted the spatial expression of almost 5,000 genes, and the predictions matched the measured expression well across all three patient groups.”

Path2Space is also designed to help scientists discover new biomarkers that could guide treatment decisions and identify patients at higher risk of poor outcomes.  

“The tool looks at characteristics within the tumor, such as whether a gene is expressed in some areas of the tumor and not others,” said Emma Campagnolo, co-first author of the study and a research fellow in Ruppin’s lab. “We found specific spatial patterns of gene activity in tumors that predict how patients respond to treatment.”

Identifying spatial biomarkers is challenging, Shulman said, because the high cost of spatial profiling by traditional methods means very little of this data is available.

“Before we developed Path2Space, the largest cohort we could find to study the spatial organization of the tumor environment was about 30 patients,” Shulman said. “With this tool, we can study slides from thousands of patients. Path2Space is tapping into the potential of spatial biology in a way that has not been possible until now.”

Path2Space could be applied to other cancer types once it is trained on the correct data, and the lab is finalizing a study applying it to head and neck cancer, Campagnolo said. The team is also working to make the tool more precise. It currently looks at groups of 10 to 20 cells together, and the goal is to eventually be able to assess individual cells.  

“With the help of clinical collaborators, we next want to bring Path2Space into clinical trials,” Ruppin said. “It represents an exciting development in a growing field and has to be tested carefully. But we are hopeful that it could make an impactful contribution to science and to patient care.”

Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, noted that translational research is a hallmark of the institution.

“The development of tools that apply leading-edge science to patient care is the best way to serve our patients—and to improve cancer care on a global scale,” Figlin said.

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Yuan Yuan, Karine Sargsyan, and Simon R.V. Knott.

Other authors include Roshan Lodha, Youngmin Chung, Amos Stemmer, Thomas Cantore, Beibei Ru, Tian-Gen Chang, Sumona Biswas, Saugato Rahman Dhruba, Sumeet Patiyal, Sushant Patkar, Andrew Wang, Ranjan K. Barman, Chuhan Wang, Rohit Paul, Sarath Chandra Kalisetty, Tom Hu, MacLean P. Nasrallah, Ellis Patrick, Jean Yang, Amy Plotkin, Padma Sheila Rajagopal, Stephen-John Sammut, Stanley Lipkowitz, Peng Jiang, Carlos Caldas, Kenneth Aldape, Joo Sang Lee, and Danh-Tai Hoang.

Funding: This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, NCI, and the Center for Cancer Research. The contributions of the NIH authors were made as part of their official duties, as NIH federal employees are in compliance with agency policy requirements and are considered works of the U.S. government. This research was also partially supported by a grant of the Korea-United States Collaborative Research Fund, funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant number: RS-2024-00468417; Y.C. and J.S.L.), and by an Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (RS-2019-II190421, AI Graduate School Support Program, Sungkyunkwan University; Y.C. and J.S.L.). This work has utilized the computational resources of the NIH HPC Biowulf cluster.

Competing interests: E.D.S., E.M.C. and E.R. are listed as inventors on a provisional patent (application no. 63/703,060, United States, 2024) filed based on the methodology outlined in this study. E.R is (non-paid) member of the scientific advisory boards of Pangea Biomed (divested), GSK Oncology and the ProCan project. E.R is a founder of MedAware Ltd. The other authors declare no competing interests.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Neuro NICU is a specialized program that brings together multidisciplinary pediatric specialists to deliver advanced, coordinated care for newborns with complex neurological conditions. Housed within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai, the program is designed to provide timely intervention during the crucial period of early brain development.

The Neuro NICU’s comprehensive, multidisciplinary model of care includes leading experts in neonatology, neurology, neurosurgery, neuroradiology and genomics. The staff also includes specially trained NICU nurses and social workers adept at deploying around-the-clock care tailored to the unique needs of newborns and their families.

“The newborn brain is fundamentally different from that of a child or an adult, which is why neurological care at this stage requires highly specialized expertise,” said David Rowitch, MD, PhD, deputy director for Research at Guerin Children’s. “Understanding how the developing brain responds to injury and how to interpret imaging in this context is critical. The Neuro NICU allows us to bring that expertise together in a coordinated way for each patient.”

The Neuro NICU team, led by co-directors Yolanda Brown-Madan, MD, and Xin Ye, MD, is equipped to treat patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including neonatal seizures, stroke, severe congenital neurological disorders, brain malformations, as well as birth complications and traumatic injuries to the brain or the nervous system.

A defining feature of the Neuro NICU is the early integration of genomics, which allows the team to deliver precision gene therapies and genetic diagnoses to infants sooner. Guerin Children’s is among the first programs to offer rapid whole‑genome sequencing for babies in a NICU setting, with genetic results delivered in a matter of days.

Research at Guerin Children’s has shown that more than 40% of children seen by pediatric neurologists have an underlying genetic condition. Having genetic information readily available can directly influence clinical decisions and improve the ability to personalize care for vulnerable newborns.

“Our comprehensive approach in the Neuro NICU enables Guerin Children’s to deliver a seamless continuum of care as patients improve and grow beyond their stay,” said Shervin Rabizadeh, MD, MBA, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and deputy director of Guerin Children’s.

The Neuro NICU also employs state-of-the-art, infant‑specific technologies, including continuous video electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, which provides real‑time data to help clinicians intervene quickly during critical moments.

That same level of technological capability extends beyond the unit. Designed to function as a regional center for neonatal neurological care, the Neuro NICU extends its reach to affiliated partners and hospitals in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. Specialized neonatal transport services allow teams to initiate critical therapies before a baby arrives at Guerin Children’s.

“Our goal is to ensure that newborns receive the right care at the right time, regardless of where they begin their medical journey,” said Rangasamy Ramanathan, MD, director of the Division of Neonatology at Guerin Children’s. “Through advanced transport capabilities and virtual collaboration, the Neuro NICU allows us to support community hospitals and families across the region.”

Additionally, the program offers virtual consultations, enabling neurologists to guide care remotely and support physicians at referring hospitals.

“The launch of the Neuro NICU reflects Guerin Children’s’ commitment to advancing research‑driven, specialized, world-class pediatric care for the most vulnerable patients in greater Los Angeles and beyond,” said Ophir Klein, MD, PhD, executive vice dean of Children’s Health and executive director of Guerin Children’s.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Making Strides in Treating the Smallest Heart Patients

annual meeting, April 24–27 in Boston.

The physician-scientists are available for interviews to discuss new research on improving care in neonatal intensive care units, quality improvement efforts and simulation training for neonatal transport and emergency newborn care.

“As Guerin Children’s continues to evolve as a premier destination for specialty pediatric care in Los Angeles, PAS 2026 is an important opportunity for our pediatricians to share scientific and clinical advances in lifesaving newborn medicine,” said Ophir Klein, MD, PhD, executive vice dean of Children’s Health and executive director of Guerin Children’s.

Simulation Workshops

Rangasamy Ramanathan, MD, MBBS, director of Neonatology at Guerin Children’s, and Mahmood Ebrahimi, MD, a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer and clinical instructor in Pediatrics, will co-lead a hands-on simulation workshop on targeted neonatal echocardiography. The training focuses on using echocardiography to assess how patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect, affects blood flow in preterm infants. The workshop is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

A second simulation workshop, co-led by Ebrahimi, will train clinicians in the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for real-world neonatal emergencies and critical care scenarios. This session is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 6:30-8 p.m.

Guerin Children’s Experts Presenting Research at the Meeting

Manoj Biniwale, MD, director of NICU Clinical Research, Division of Neonatology at Guerin Children’s, will present research across multiple sessions on several topics, including clinical trial data evaluating different approaches to umbilical cord management in premature infants and a simulation training session to improve how healthcare providers learn and retain critical newborn resuscitation skills.

Kurlen Payton, MD, assistant director of Quality and Safety at Guerin Children’s, will present research on a multicenter quality improvement initiative that increased maternal breast milk use at discharge for very low birth weight infants, improving outcomes and health equity.

Kyle Willsey, DO, pediatric intensivist at Guerin Children’s, and Lauren Collins, RN, will present how simulation training and neonatal transport impact workload and outcomes among pediatric transport teams.

To arrange interviews with Guerin Children’s experts, contact Shishira Sreenivas at Shishira.sreenivas@cshs.org or 202-297-0220.

Through more than 20 talks, panels, symposia and poster presentations, they will cover topics ranging from cancer biology to the tumor microenvironment, biomarkers that can guide cancer treatment, clinical trial results, and the role of AI in precision oncology.

Late-Breaking Presentation

Inderjit Mehmi, MD, medical oncologist at Cedars-Sinai The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, will deliver a late-breaking oral presentation about an ongoing Phase I/IIa study of the immune checkpoint inhibitor GV20-0251 in patients with advanced melanoma that is resistant to anti-PD1 and other standard therapies. The presentation builds on clinical data presented at ASCO 2025 and will report translational findings from the study.

Additional Cedars-Sinai Cancer Experts and Topics

Eytan Ruppin, MD, PhD, an investigator at the Translational Research Institute and the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery, will chair an Advances in Technology session exploring approaches for harnessing AI to learn about the spatial organization of human tissues. Speakers will describe computational approaches to spatial omics experiments, recent studies on developing agents that facilitate the analysis and characterization of pathology slides and spatial transcriptomics data, and ways to infer spatial biology and cancer treatment response biomarkers directly from histopathology slides.

Sergei Grivennikov, PhD, professor of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, will co-chair a mini-symposium on the tumor microenvironment and its role in tumor evolution and immune system evasion.

Karen Reckamp, MD, a thoracic medical oncologist and director of the Division of Medical Oncology, will present final results from Pragmatica-Lung, a prospective randomized clinical trial with a pragmatic design that evaluated ramucirumab plus pembrolizumab versus standard of care in more than 800 patients with stage 4 or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer.

Cedars-Sinai investigators will also present research on:

• New understanding of and treatments for breast cancer
• Disparities in heart disease deaths among breast cancer patients
• Antitumor responses in pancreatic and breast cancer
• Radiation and antitumor therapies in prostate cancer
• Immune rejection and antitumor activity in bile duct cancer
• The tumor microenvironment’s role in pancreatic cancer spread

Experts Available to Comment

Cedars-Sinai investigators are available to discuss their work and other news coming out of the meeting. To schedule an interview, contact Christina Elston at christina.elston@cshs.org or 626-298-0702.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation and sores in the colon.

“Ulcerative colitis greatly increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer, but we don’t have a noninvasive way to determine how great each patient’s risk might be,” said Hajar Hazime, PhD, a project scientist in the Abreu Lab at Cedars-Sinai and co-first author of the study. “Undergoing frequent surveillance colonoscopies can help, but preparing for that procedure is especially difficult for someone with ulcerative colitis.”

Additionally, colonoscopy results can be inconclusive, forcing the physician and patient to decide whether to remove all or part of the colon to prevent cancer from developing, Hazime said. Investigators hoped to find a more conclusive and less invasive way to screen these patients.

“Our physician-scientists are continually working to improve cancer screening for our patients,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “We treat more than 60 types of cancer, but our ultimate goal is prevention.”

Each person’s gut is populated with trillions of microbes—bacteria, viruses, fungi and other organisms too small to see with the naked eye. These interact with each other and appear to influence several aspects of a person’s health, including IBD.

Hazime said that these microbes use QSMs to communicate and coordinate their behavior, and that a goal of the study was to determine whether QSMs play a role in causing colon cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis.

When the investigators examined blood samples from human patients with ulcerative colitis and conducted experiments using colon organoids and laboratory mice, they found:

• In the blood of ulcerative colitis patients, there were higher levels of QSMs in patients at higher risk for cancer, who had experienced symptoms for 10 years or longer, than in patients at lower cancer risk, with symptoms for five years or less.
• In colon organoids—tiny clusters of cells that mimic some functions of the human colon—exposure to QSMs caused inflammation, which is a risk factor for tumor development. Because organoids do not contain gut microbes, this showed that elevated QSM levels and the activity of microbes they regulate can increase cancer risk.
• In laboratory mice with a condition that mirrors ulcerative colitis, investigators found higher levels of QSMs in the blood of those that developed tumors than in those that did not. Also, mice exposed to extra levels of QSMs developed more tumors, more quickly, than those not exposed.

“These results show us that quorum sensing molecules are not only associated with colon cancer risk in patients with ulcerative colitis, but that they actually contribute to the formation of these tumors,” said Maria T. Abreu, MD, executive director of the F. Widjaja Inflammatory Bowel Disease Institute and co-corresponding author of the study. “That makes these molecules a potential way to screen patients for cancer risk, but also a possible target for reducing risk.”

Investigators will next focus on pinpointing how QSMs contribute to tumor formation, studying the molecules as a biomarker to predict cancer development, and finding ways to target these molecules to disrupt cancer development, Abreu said.

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Irina Fernández, Katerina M. Faust, and Maria A. Quintero.

Other authors include Gregory O’Connor, Juan F. Burgueño, Ana M. Santander, Nivis Brito, Yuguang Ban, Sapna K. Deo, and Sylvia Daunert.

Funding: This work was supported by grants from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK099076) and the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation Crohn's & Colitis Discovery Laboratory to MTA as well as from the National Institutes of Health (R01GM127706) and the Department of Defense (W81XWH-20-1-0697) to SD and SKD and the Lucille P. Markey Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to SD.

Disclosures: MTA is a consultant or on the advisory board of the following companies: AbbVie Inc., Alimentiv Inc., Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, Genetech, Gilead Sciences, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Pharmaceutical, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and UCB Pharma.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Pediatric interventional cardiology has had meaningful advances over the past decade that are changing how children with congenital heart disease are treated at

Congenital heart defects, which arise from abnormal or incomplete formation of the heart, valves and blood vessels, are among the most common birth defects worldwide. The condition affects approximately 40,000 babies each year in the United States.

From less invasive, catheter-based procedures to improved imaging and emerging technologies, innovations are helping reduce risk, shorten recovery times and expand treatment options for the smallest patients with heart problems.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom recently spoke with Stephen Nageotte, MD, MBA, an interventional cardiologist and director of the Congenital Catheterization Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s and the Smidt Heart Institute. Nageotte treats children and adults using minimally invasive procedures. He shared what’s new in the field and what families need to know:

What are the most significant advances you’ve seen in pediatric interventional cardiology in recent years?

Over the past five years, there have been major advances in three key areas:

• Premature patent ductus arteriosus [PDA] closure. It’s a congenital heart condition in which a connection between two blood vessels in an infant fails to close after birth. This can cause abnormal blood flow to the lungs and breathing difficulties, particularly in premature infants.
• Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement, which is a minimally invasive procedure in which we replace a faulty heart valve using a catheter instead of surgery.
• PDA stenting. Sometimes babies have heart problems that limit blood flow to the lungs. We can keep a small vessel called the ductus arteriosus open by placing a tiny tube, or stent, inside it to improve blood flow.

All three procedures have evolved significantly and are allowing us to treat patients in less invasive ways, often replacing or delaying the need for surgery.

How has transcatheter PDA closure changed care for premature infants?

Transcatheter PDA closure has become an important option for premature infants with a hemodynamically significant PDA—meaning the vessel is causing strain on the heart and lungs. In fact, Evan Zahn, MD, of the Smidt Heart Institute, helped develop the device cardiologists use to close a PDA during a transcatheter procedure.

The procedure is quick and can be done at the bedside in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU], which helps us avoid transporting fragile infants. Research also suggests many babies show respiratory improvement after closure, which may reduce complications associated with long‑term ventilation.

Who is typically a candidate for the transcatheter PDA closure?

These procedures are generally for premature infants who are showing signs that the PDA is affecting their health, such as needing increased respiratory support or showing enlargement of the heart. There’s no strict minimum weight requirement, and the focus is really on whether the PDA is having a meaningful impact on the baby’s heart and lungs. Transcatheter PDA closure is also performed on older kids and adults.

What impact has new device technology had on how these procedures are performed?

One recent advancement is an improved delivery system for PDA closure devices. The device, known as the Amplatzer Piccolo Delivery System, recently received FDA [Food and Drug Administration] clearance to treat premature infants with PDA, including babies weighing as little as 2 pounds. Previously, the procedure required exchanging multiple catheters during the case, which could introduce instability; the newer system allows physicians to navigate and deliver the device using a single, shorter, softer catheter, potentially improving patient stability and precision.

How has transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement expanded treatment options for patients?

The development of newer self‑expanding valves has significantly increased the number of patients who can receive pulmonary valve replacement through a catheter instead of surgery. These procedures are typically considered from late childhood through adulthood and are used for patients with pulmonary valve disease related to congenital heart conditions. Early outcomes have shown good durability and high success rates.

Imaging plays a big role in heart care. What improvements are making the biggest difference?

There have been significant advances in cardiac CT and MRIs. Imaging is faster, clearer and uses lower radiation doses than in the past. These tools help us better understand heart anatomy, blood flow and timing for interventions. There’s also growing interest in using virtual or augmented reality to create 3D heart models for procedure planning, allowing teams to better visualize anatomy before a procedure.

What should families know as they navigate a congenital heart diagnosis?

Early detection and screening are incredibly important, ideally before birth, so families can meet the care team and understand what to expect. At Cedars-Sinai we can identify a defect while a baby is still in the womb and will continue to care for the baby at birth, during childhood, and all the way through adulthood, so the patient never needs to transfer to another institution.

Congenital heart care is lifelong and truly a team effort. Families aren’t expected to understand every technical detail—our role is to guide them, answer questions and be there every step of the way. Building long‑term relationships with patients and families is one of the most meaningful parts of this work.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: Making Strides in Treating the Smallest Heart Patients

The discovery, published in Cell, has important implications for understanding how a wide variety of intestinal disorders may develop.

“Our research opens the door to treatments that focus on restoring key molecular signals in vulnerable regions of the colon,” said Ophir Klein, MD, PhD, executive director of Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, executive vice dean of Children’s Health, and the David and Meredith Kaplan Distinguished Chair in Children’s Health. Klein is the senior author of the study.

Prior research has shown that the four sections of the colon—ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid—have different functions and risks for disease, but it wasn’t clear why these variations exist.

In this study, the investigators showed that the identity of distinct regions of the colon are regulated by the gut microbiome. They identified nicotinic acid, a molecule produced by certain bacteria in the gut microbiome, as a main driver of these regional differences in the colon’s sections. Nicotinic acid, also known as niacin, part of the vitamin B3 family, helps the body convert food into energy and supports the health of cells.

The researchers compared laboratory mice with and without a microbiome. They found that production of nicotinic acid by bacteria in the upper colon activates a protective mechanism in colon cells. In mice without a microbiome, minimal nicotinic acid was produced, and cells in the upper colon became more vulnerable to damage and disease.

Investigators also studied human colon tissue samples. They found that the different sections of the human colon showed regional characteristics similar to patterns observed in mice. And in samples from human patients with Crohn’s disease— a type of bowel disease in which abnormal immune system activity causes inflammation—this protective mechanism was reduced.

“Our work highlights the importance of studying host microbiome interactions with careful attention to specific colon regions, rather than treating the colon as a uniform organ,” said Jeremie Rispal, PhD, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, San Francisco, and the first author of the study. “We learned that the microbiome controls regional differences and tissue protection.”

Further study will be needed to confirm the precise mechanisms behind this protective effect and to determine how these findings might be used in new therapies for intestinal disorders.

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Manasa Vegesna, Dedeepya Vaka, and Dario Boffelli .

Other authors include Jasmine R. Garcia, Brisa Palikuqi, Seung Woo Kang, Coralie Trentesaux, Juan Du, Nicola R. Realini, Paige N. Spencer, James M. Gardner, Annika Hausmann, Michael G. Kattah, and Ken S. Lau.

Funding: This work was funded by NIH U01DK103147 from the Intestinal Stem Cell Consortium (to O.D.K. and D.B.), RC2-DK140862 (to O.D.K. and D.B.), R01DK103831 (to K.S.L.), F31DK127687 (to P.N.S.), T32HD007502 (in support of P.N.S.), T32CA119925 (in support of S.K.), the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust G-1903-03793 (to the VUMC Gut Cell Atlas of which K.S.L. is a member), the Stanley Cohen Innovation Fund (to K.S.L.), the Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine (to J.R.), and the PZ00P3_223765 SNSF Ambizione grant (to A.H.). Organoid work was supported by funding from the Kenneth Rainin Foundation and NIH R01 DK14167. The Kattah Lab has received research support from Eli Lilly. J.R. was supported by the Bakar Aging Research Institute postdoctoral fellowship and the Bettencourt Schueller foundation.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

“These rising cancer rates are expected worldwide, and large-scale efforts need to be made to encourage lifestyle changes and develop screening programs to reduce them,” said Ju Dong Yang, MD, medical director of the Liver Cancer Program and professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai and co-corresponding author of the study.

Liver Cancer

Yang said that up to 70% of liver cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes, because while hepatitis B and C were once leading causes of liver cancer in the U.S., they are being eclipsed.

“Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, is emerging as a leading cause of liver cancer in Western countries, including the U.S.,” Yang said. “This is a buildup of fat in the liver that is associated with diabetes, obesity, and uncontrolled high cholesterol and high blood pressure.”

Taking steps to help control these risk factors is the best way to reduce risk, Yang said.

Yang said that only about 20% of people in the U.S. with cirrhosis from hepatitis and other chronic liver conditions receive liver cancer screening, which could help improve early detection and patient outcomes. Only about 30% of liver cancers are detected at an early enough stage for cure, Yang said.

Esophageal and Gastric Cancers

Lifestyle factors and limited screening also come into play in risk for esophageal and gastric cancers, said Alexandra Gangi, MD, director of the Division of Surgical Oncology in the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery and director of the Gastrointestinal Tumor Program.

“These tumors cause few symptoms before the cancer has spread—and they tend to spread rapidly,” Gangi said. “To reduce risk, focus on preventable issues such as obesity, tobacco and alcohol use, and diet. And if you have other risk factors such as chronic acid reflux, gastritis or family history of these cancers, speak with your doctor about screening.”

Colorectal Cancer

Everyone should be screened for colorectal cancer by age 45—but those with a family history of the disease should begin sooner, said Alessio Pigazzi, MD, PhD, director of the Division of Colorectal Surgery. Results of that first screening, along with other risk factors, will help determine how often follow-up screenings are needed.

“Late diagnosis makes colorectal cancer highly lethal, while early diagnosis leads to very high cure rates,” Pigazzi said. “To reduce risk, everyone should eat a diet focused on whole foods that are high in fiber and low in sugars and animal fats, exercise regularly, keep up with screenings, and watch for colon cancer symptoms such as frequent rectal bleeding or unexplained changes in bowel habits.”

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is another GI cancer usually diagnosed in advanced stages—with 50% of people diagnosed when the disease has already spread, said Arsen Osipov, MD, medical director of Pancreatic Cancer and Multidisciplinary Programs and Integration.

“There have been recent advances in early detection and treatment, including blood-based ‘liquid biopsy’ tests and structured screening programs for those with strong genetic risk,” Osipov said. “And multidisciplinary clinics, such as one pioneered at Cedars-Sinai, help accelerate diagnosis and treatment planning, and improve access to clinical trials and patient outcomes.”

To reduce pancreatic cancer risk, Osipov recommended paying attention to modifiable lifestyle factors similar to those for other GI cancers. He also suggested that people with chronic pancreatitis or family history of pancreatic cancer consider genetic counseling and participation in a high-risk surveillance program.

On the Horizon

Cedars-Sinai research is changing the landscape of GI cancer detection and treatment, said Katelyn Atkins, MD, PhD, interim chair and medical director of Radiation Oncology. Blood-based biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA are improving early detection and allowing for tailored treatments and better detection of recurrence in colorectal cancer—and are now being leveraged for other GI sites, Atkins said.

“Improvements in radiation oncology techniques are allowing us to deliver the therapy more precisely and better protect nearby organs, making it safer to deliver more intense and effective treatment,” Atkins said. “There is also growing use of radiotherapy as an alternative to radical surgery in rectal, esophageal and gastroesophageal cancers.” 

Biomarker-driven treatment is also improving integration of radiotherapy into treatment regimens that also include surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.  

“This shift toward more personalized, biology-driven treatment approaches helps us extend survival and preserve quality of life for patients with GI cancers,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “We will continue to work to improve treatment options and prevent cancer incidence in our community.”  

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

If validated in further studies, the artificial intelligence-based platform could be used to improve treatment selection in virtually any cancer type. Results from a study of the platform’s effectiveness are published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

“Currently, we have no conclusive data to show which of the two approved chemotherapy regimens for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer is more effective,” said Andrew Hendifar, MD, medical director of Pancreatic Cancer at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and first author of the study. “So we start with one, do our best to quickly gauge the patient’s response, and switch if needed.”

The problem with this, Hendifar said, is that putting an ill patient on a chemotherapy regimen that isn’t working worsens their health rather than improving it. Biomarkers from blood or tissue can help predict treatment response and guide these decisions in other cancer types, but currently, no biomarkers exist for pancreatic cancer.

“This endeavor is an example of applying AI technology to an unmet clinical need, and offers tremendous translational potential,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “It aligns perfectly with our goal of personalizing cancer treatment for our patients and improving outcomes for all.”

To develop the tool, investigators used a platform called Computational Histology Artificial Intelligence, or CHAI. CHAI analyzes images of microscope slides containing samples of tumor tissue, which are stained to highlight minute details of the cells. Almost all patients have these samples taken when their tumors are biopsied.

The team analyzed tissue characteristics in samples from 25,000 pancreatic cancer patients who had received one chemotherapy regimen or the other. The platform’s AI capabilities made it possible to analyze more than 30,000 different features of the tissue samples. Investigators then matched tissue characteristics to treatment response to create the predictive tool.

When they tested the tool on data from a large clinical trial using the two pancreatic cancer treatment regimens, they found that it was able to accurately predict each patient’s response to the treatment received.

“Unlike most biomarker tests, where you need an extra sample of tissue or blood, this test requires only a scanned image of the patient’s existing biopsy slide,” Hendifar said. “You just send the image electronically and quickly receive a result with the treatment preference. And you don’t just learn which treatment is preferred. You learn how much more effective it is likely to be.”

The tool needs to be further validated in patients undergoing treatment before it is ready for clinical use, but Hendifar said that with that validation it could eventually be applied to other solid tumor types. It could even compare the potential benefit of different types of therapy, such as radiation therapy versus surgery.

“If the chance that a particular treatment will benefit a patient is 50-50, which is quite common in cancer therapy, then this may serve as a powerful tool to aid physician and patient decision-making,” Hendifar said. “And we can train the digital tool not just to choose between two available treatments, but to choose between multiple available treatments.”

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Brent K. Larson, DO; Vladimir Kazarov, MS; Natalie Moshayedi, BS; and Arsen Osipov, MD.

Other authors include Viswesh Krishna, BS; Vrishab Krishna, BS; Haochen Zhang, PhD; Katelyn Smith, BA; Kawther Abdilleh, PhD; Snehal Sonawane, MD; Akshay Neema, MS; Asit Tarsode, MS; Ekin Tiu, MS; Vivek Nimgaonkar, MD; Shawn Hutchinson, MSc; Daniela Bevacqua, BS; Sudheer Doss, PhD; Alejandra Alvarez, MS; Drew Watson, PhD, MBA; Waleed M. Abuzeid, MD; Barbara T. Grunwald, MD; Marcus Noel, MD; Rashmi Samdani, MD; Dove Keith, PhD; Rosalie C. Sears, PhD; Davendra Sohal, MD, MPH; Christos Fountzilas, MD; Grainne M. O’Kane, MD; Robert C. Grant, MD, PhD; Eric A. Collisson, MD; Lesli A. Kiedrowski, MS, MPH; Trevor J. Royce, MD, MS, MPH; Anirudh R. Joshi, MS; Aatur D. Singhi, MD, PhD; and Jennifer J. Knox, MD, MSc.

Funding: Supported in part by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN - Know Your Tumor), the University Health Network, Toronto (COMPASS trial), and Valar Labs, Inc.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

“After 35 years of marriage, my heart still sings when I look at her,” Philip said. “My cancer was much worse on Linda than it was on me, and her cancer was worse on me than it was on her. Whichever one of us was sick, the other one filled in the gaps. But that’s the way we normally live our lives. Whatever one needs, the other one provides.”

Philip’s pancreatic cancer was detected in early 2024 during an unrelated MRI of his kidneys. Arsen Osipov, MD, medical director of the Pancreatic Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic and Multidisciplinary Cancer Programs and Integration at Cedars-Sinai, Philip’s oncologist, said it was a stroke of luck.

“He was diagnosed at a curable stage, before the cancer had spread,” Osipov said. “Only 10 to 20% of patients with pancreatic cancer are diagnosed this early.”

Philip was one of the first patients to visit the multidisciplinary clinic, where in a single day he met with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists and other experts, and agreed on a treatment plan: four months of chemotherapy, followed by radiation and a complicated surgery called a Whipple procedure.

“This is a complex operation where we remove what’s called the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the bile duct,” said Nicholas Nissen, MD, director of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery. “After removal, these structures are reattached to restore normal function.”

This procedure once required large incisions, but because radiation and chemotherapy successfully shrank Philip’s tumor, Nissen was able to perform the procedure robotically.

“This allows us to make smaller incisions, with lower risk of complications and a shorter recovery time for the patient,” Nissen said.

After four days in the hospital and two more months of chemotherapy, Philip was declared cancer-free in June.

But the couple had just a few days to celebrate.

Less than a week after Philip learned he was cancer-free, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer after undergoing a routine mammogram.

“As a health system, we focus on screening and are always developing new ways to detect cancer early,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “For both of these patients, early detection was key to the best possible outcome.”

Still, the diagnosis was a bit of a shock to Philip and Linda.

“It was sort of unbelievable,” Linda said. “But we had been through the whole process with Phil, and his surgery was much more serious than mine, and he did so well that I felt much more comfortable.”

And she, too, was lucky, said Armando Giuliano, MD, director of Breast Surgical Oncology at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and Linda’s surgeon.

“She had a screen-detected cancer that has no symptoms. You can't feel it. It causes no pain, no discharge,” Giuliano said. “The only way you can detect a cancer like that is with breast cancer screening. And those cancers are the smallest cancers—the cancers that are the easiest to cure.”

Giuliano was able to perform a breast-sparing therapy known as a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy.

“We remove the area of the breast that has cancer, all the way around so that we have clean margins,” Giuliano said. “And then we do an internal reconstruction to make the breast look as natural as possible.”

Giuliano also performed a procedure he pioneered, which he continues to develop at Cedars-Sinai, called a sentinel lymph node biopsy, removing one or two lymph nodes to be certain the cancer had not spread beyond the breast.

“He did such a beautiful job that if you were to look at my breast, you would not know I had had surgery,” Linda said.

Linda’s cancer was an infiltrating ductal carcinoma, a cancer that starts in the breast ducts and can spread throughout the body. It was also HER2 positive, so it required further treatment.

“Around 20% of cancers have this overexpression of the HER2 protein, which makes them more aggressive and at higher risk of spreading,” said medical oncologist Philomena McAndrew, MD. “For this reason, after Linda’s surgery we treated her with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. We followed that with radiation therapy, and Linda did incredibly well throughout each of these steps.”

One important element for Linda was McAndrew’s recommendation to use a cooling cap to help avoid hair loss during chemotherapy.

“I'm so thrilled that I did,” Linda said. “Dr. McAndrew told me that when women lose their hair, it's very traumatic. When they look in the mirror, they realize how sick they are. Fortunately, that didn’t happen to me, and I was so grateful.”

Linda completed her final radiation treatment in January and will continue preventive therapy for five years. She and Philip will also have regular follow-up screenings.

But for now they are headed from their “city house” in Culver City to their main house in Lake Arrowhead, to spend time with friends they haven’t seen in a while.

Then they’ll continue their journey, in sickness and in health, together.

“We’re going on a cruise to Hawaii at the end of February,” Linda said. “We're just trying to pack some fun into the next 20 years.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

“The natal teeth were little paper-thin teeth that fell out right away, as they didn’t have well-developed roots. And, where I had natal teeth, I had no secondary teeth later in life,” said Graham, a retired professor of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics and former director of the Division of Clinical Genetics and Dysmorphology at Cedars-Sinai. “The condition is called tooth agenesis.”

Tooth agenesis can pose challenges such as difficulty breastfeeding, confidence issues due to missing teeth and costly out-of-pocket expenses for dental work.

Graham experienced those challenges firsthand. Correcting his missing teeth required extensive dental implants, procedures that continued well into adulthood. And as a teen active in sports, he frequently required repairs to fix chipped teeth.

The puzzling condition affected five generations of Graham’s family, beginning with his maternal grandfather. Graham’s mother wore false teeth for much of her life, and several of her siblings showed signs of the condition. Two of his three sons were born with natal teeth, and a granddaughter is also affected.   

Graham had a strong hunch that it was an inherited genetic condition. That curiosity ultimately shaped his career. Graham pursued genetics in medical school, driven in part by a desire to understand the condition affecting his family. Years later, he began a formal search for the responsible mutation.

After more than 12 years of research, the mystery has finally been solved.

In a study published in the International Dental Journal, a team of investigators led by Graham and his longtime Cedars-Sinai colleague Pedro Sanchez, MD, identified a mutation in the KDF1 gene as the likely root cause of natal teeth. While natal teeth are relatively common and occur in approximately 1 in every 1,000 newborns, KDF-1-related multiple natal teeth with tooth agenesis is quite rare.

Finding the Gene Mutation

Finding the mutation was not a simple task. For Graham’s first attempt in 2013, he ran tests on DNA samples he collected from affected and unaffected family members. But the genetic testing tools available at the time were not advanced enough to comb through the 20,000 genes in the human genome.

“In order to make a gene discovery, you have to know it's there, and you have to know what it does,” Graham said. “The same gene can give rise to different genetic diagnoses. And how it does that, it's not always clear.”

Years later, as Graham prepared for retirement, Sanchez, Graham’s mentee and director of Pediatric Medical Genetics at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, encouraged him to revisit the research.

Sanchez credits Graham with inspiring his own path into genetics. Over the years, the two developed a close professional and personal bond, even co-authoring medical textbooks.

“I know him, I know his family, and I'm the same age as his kids,” Sanchez said. “Knowing this condition had affected them for generations without closure, I felt there was a missing piece. The tools had evolved, and I believed we could work together and find an answer.”

A Detailed Look Into DNA

When Sanchez revisited Graham’s family data with fresh eyes and newer genetic tools, he took a more targeted approach and focused on collecting DNA samples from four family members: Graham and one affected son, as well as Graham’s wife and one unaffected son, who served as controls.

This time, Sanchez deployed whole genome sequencing, a comprehensive test that analyzes a person’s entire DNA sequence.

“I treated them just like a family we see in our clinic,” Sanchez said. “We ended up doing a focused exam, and we sequenced all four of them.”

The strategy worked.

The team pinpointed a mutation in the KDF1 gene, which is known to play a role in epidermal development, including structures like skin and teeth.

The finding doesn’t offer a cure for tooth agenesis, but it opens doors to earlier diagnosis, improved counseling for families and a pathway for research into potential treatments. It may also strengthen advocacy efforts for dental insurance coverage.

For Graham, however, the impact is more than scientific. After decades of questions, the answer is finally in hand, bringing a sense of closure to a family that dealt with this trait for generations. Sanchez said he’s honored to be part of the solution.

“Dr. Graham, as a mentor, taught me to be a physician,” Sanchez said. “It's really nice that he was able to share the findings with his family and finally give the gene variant that has affected them for generations a name.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: How Do Your Genes Fit? Cracking the Code on Breast Cancer Risk

These outcomes place the medical center at the top of rankings recently released by the Center for International Bone and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR). Cedars-Sinai is one of just seven adult transplant centers out of 176 in the U.S. where patient survival after transplant is significantly better than predicted.

“We have a carefully chosen approach to pretransplant conditioning and graft-versus-host disease prevention for our patients, which plays a vital role in our strong survival outcomes,” said John Chute, MD, director of the Division of Hematology and Cellular Therapy at Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “We also have a dedicated system for keeping patients in touch with their care team, which helps identify problems before they become serious.”  

The greatest risk to stem cell transplant patients is during the first 100 days after transplant, said Ronald Paquette, MD, clinical director of the Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplant Program at Cedars-Sinai Cancer.  

“We have modified our pretransplant regimens and post-transplant care to minimize toxicity to the patients and give them the best chance for a successful recovery,” Paquette said. “We also are careful to select stem cell donors who can provide the best-quality stem cell and immune cell recovery.”

An allogeneic transplant uses stem cells from a donor, rather than the patient’s own cells, and Paquette said the approaches to these transplants are specific to each institution.

Along with a uniform approach to pretransplant therapy, Chute and Paquette attributed Cedars-Sinai’s top ranking to the frequent use of younger half-matched donors—often a child or grandchild of the patient—to get patients to transplant more quickly.

“In addition to that, there is no replacement for the people who take care of the patients, from the transplant coordinators to the physicians, nurses and advanced practice providers,” Chute said. “The dedication of our team provides that crucial element that yields the best possible results for our patients.”

Chute and Paquette are currently exploring stem cell transplant for patients who would once have been thought “too old” for the procedure.

“Age 75 used to be the upper limit, but that was arbitrary,” Paquette said. “We have transplanted several patients over age 75 and all are doing well so far. We are hoping to learn more about the biology of transplant via these patients, to learn about the pluses and minuses of doing transplants in patients this age. We want to learn not only how to extend their survival but also how to maximize their quality of life.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

The new study, called BLOOMS (Babies’ Longitudinal Outcomes, Omics and Milestones Study), launched last year with the goal of recruiting approximately 1,000 infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at Cedars-Sinai and another 1,000 infants admitted to NICUs across three National Health System (NHS) hospitals in the United Kingdom. In addition to Guerin Children’s, BLOOMS brings together an international research team led by investigators at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. and collaborators in Singapore from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

Using genomics to address urgent health needs of the sickest, most vulnerable babies in the NICUs, the research aims to predict future health complications that might affect children’s school readiness by age 5.

“The study is part of the ambition at Guerin Children’s to integrate genomics into care across the lifespan,” said David H. Rowitch, MD, PhD, the principal investigator of BLOOMS and deputy director of Research at Guerin Children’s. “With the support of the Wellcome Trust funding and global collaboration across three countries, we are opening new pathways to better understand the challenges associated with NICU admission so that we can effectively support every child’s full potential.”

While most institutions in the consortium can perform whole genome sequencing to identify genetic risks, Cedars-Sinai’s unique expertise in proteomics—advanced tools to study the structure and function of proteins in real time—provides further valuable insights. Cedars-Sinai investigators aim to use proteomics to identify early disease biomarkers that might predict health and neurodevelopmental conditions that affect school readiness.

Having early access to often overlooked yet vital information about at-risk NICU babies could significantly aid in mitigating future health and developmental challenges by understanding disease origins and in driving targeted treatments.

The study will incorporate the outcome of school readiness, a common assessment tool in the U.K. typically used to measure a child’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development for integrating into the formal schooling system. This important predictor of early life-course trajectory may be positively influenced by early medical and educational interventions.

“By early identification of school readiness issues such as a learning disability—especially in NICU babies—we can enable medical teams to potentially implement timely interventions, including precision medicine approaches based on genetic makeup to improve the life trajectory for these children,” said Catherine Aiken, MD, chief lead investigator of the study and an academic clinical lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Cambridge.

The study will follow the recruited children until they reach the age of 5, with results expected to be reported by 2033.

“International collaboration is key to advancing research and solving global health challenges,” said Neerja Karnani, PhD, deputy director at A*STAR Bioinformatics Institute and senior principal investigator at the A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP).  

Singapore’s participation in BLOOMS, supported by A*STAR BII’s expertise in secure data analytics, will create opportunities to integrate and align early childhood development initiatives and strategies with the U.K.

By pooling diverse genetic data from the participating institutions, the investigators hope to initiate a paradigm shift in diagnosing and treating early childhood diseases, moving toward a more proactive approach to addressing pediatric health complications on multiple continents as early as possible. 

“The BLOOMS study is a testament to Cedars-Sinai's unwavering commitment to advancing pediatric care through leading-edge research,” said Shlomo Melmed, MB, ChB, executive vice president of Medicine and Health Sciences and dean of the Medical Faculty at Cedars-Sinai. “By participating in this global collaborative effort, we are enhancing our understanding of genomics and improving long-term health outcomes for newborns and their families.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: A Map of Disease Beginnings

Cedars-Sinai has received a $30 million gift from the Cayton Goldrich Family Foundation to establish the Cedars-Sinai Cayton BRCA Center, a first-of-its-kind in Southern California. The state-of-the-art center will concentrate on the research, diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of illnesses linked to mutations in the genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

These genes, when functioning properly, help repair damaged DNA to prevent tumors from forming. However, mutations in the genes can significantly increase the risk of certain inherited cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic malignancies.

“We can help prevent harmful BRCA mutations from being passed down from carriers to their children and grandchildren and work toward ending the cycle of inherited cancer risk,” said foundation trustee Barry Cayton.

Trustee Andrea Goldrich Cayton added, “Our family has personally been affected by BRCA gene mutations, so we feel especially compelled to make a transformative mark in the healthcare space linked to holistic BRCA research and care.”

The Cayton and Goldrich families are longtime supporters of Cedars-Sinai. In 2019, the Goldrich Family Foundation donated $10 million to establish the Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders at Cedars-Sinai. The center was named for the late patriarch of the Goldrich family, who was a Holocaust survivor and prominent Los Angeles real estate developer and philanthropist.

“Cedars-Sinai is truly humbled and honored by our continued visionary partnership with the Cayton Goldrich Family Foundation,” said Peter L. Slavin, MD, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai and the David and Meredith Kaplan Presidential Chair. “They embody humanitarianism and hold a strong belief in science’s ability to transform healthcare and improve human life.”

About 1 in 400 people in the U.S. carry a BRCA mutation. Males are less likely to be tested for the mutations, and female carriers are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. BRCA mutations increase cancer risk in both genders, but the specific forms of cancer and rates of diagnoses differ.

Some population groups are more prone to BRCA mutations, including people of Eastern European Jewish, Korean, Mexican, and African American ancestries. Currently, there is no comprehensive BRCA clinical and research center in Los Angeles to serve high-risk communities. Cedars-Sinai leaders said the new center will play a major role in advancing research, education and clinical innovation.

“The Cedars-Sinai Cayton BRCA Center will offer patients personalized guidance and timelines for their care, including risk-reducing procedures, genetic testing, specialized screenings and reproductive medicine services to help break the cycle of genetic cancer risk,” said Shlomo Melmed, MB, ChB, executive vice president of Medicine and Health Sciences, dean of the Medical Faculty and the Helene A. and Philip E. Hixon Distinguished Chair in Investigative Medicine. “We will develop a hub of translational discovery science devoted to eradicating the cellular underpinnings of BRCA mutations.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: 7 Tips to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

As a highlight of the symposium, Armando E. Giuliano, MD, division director of Breast Surgical Oncology in the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai, will receive the William L. McGuire Memorial Lecture Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of breast cancer research.

“It is a great honor to receive the 2025 McGuire Award,” Giuliano said. “We’ve made tremendous progress in the surgical treatment of this disease, and I am especially grateful to the brave patients who participated in the trials that helped us develop new standards of care and improve the lives of patients with early metastatic breast cancer.”

Giuliano was instrumental in refining sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer in the early 1990s, sparing many women from more invasive breast cancer surgery. This technique identifies and removes only the first lymph node where cancer is most likely to spread to determine whether removing additional nodes is medically necessary.

Through two large multicenter trials, ACOSOG Z0010 and ACOSOG Z0011, Giuliano and team validated the technique that led to establishing the less-invasive sentinel lymph node biopsy as the standard of care, as opposed to axillary lymph node dissection, which removed most or all nodes and is associated with increased surgical complications. The findings from these trials transformed surgical management of breast cancer.

“The pioneering contributions Dr. Giuliano has made to breast oncology have not only changed the field, but they have directly and positively impacted the lives of millions of women worldwide,” said Cristina Ferrone, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai. “It is a privilege to work alongside Dr. Giuliano, and I wholeheartedly congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”

Giuliano, the Linda and Jim Lippman Chair in Surgical Oncology, associate director of the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute and co-director of the Saul and Joyce Brandman Breast Center—A Project of Women’s Guild, will present his award lecture on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 9 a.m. CT.

Additional Cedars-Sinai experts attending the meeting:

Yuan Yuan, MD, PhD, director of Breast Oncology and medical director of Breast Cancer Research, will present data on how patient-derived organoids—tiny groups of cells—can guide therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. She also will present research on AI-driven H&E slides predicting triple-negative breast cancer patients’ response to therapy, as well as data from an ongoing clinical trial of a novel PD1-VEGF bispecific antibody for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.

Stephen Shiao, MD, PhD, professor of Radiation Oncology and radiation oncology director of the Breast Oncology Disease Research Group, will participate in a plenary talk regarding a randomized trial of no-, low- or high-dose preoperative radiation with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy in node-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. He can also discuss the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with radiotherapy to improve overall survival in triple-negative breast cancer. Luxi Chen, MD, who will present a poster detailing this research at the conference, is a recipient of a San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Young Investigator Award.

Scheduling interviews:

To schedule an interview with a Cedars-Sinai expert, please contact:

Jillian Scholten | 949-244-2561 | jillian.scholten@cshs.org

Read more in Cedars-Sinai Discoveries: Abreast of Trends in Cancer

Addison, who previously smoked, was referred to the Cedars-Sinai Lung Cancer Screening Program by her primary care physician because Addison met screening guidelines. Those guidelines recommend screening those 50-80 years old who currently smoke or have smoked the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years or more.

“Once Addison entered our Lung Cancer Screening Program, her care was guided by our nurse practitioner, Deborah Gregory, who ensured she felt informed and supported from screening through diagnosis,” said Sara Ghandehari, MD, medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program at Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “Deborah presented her case to our multidisciplinary team, delivered timely expert recommendations, and navigated insurance hurdles to keep her care on track. The Lung cancer Screening Program facilitates the screening process and provides fast access to diagnosis and follow-up care.  For people at increased risk for developing lung cancer, screening and early detection can save lives.”

That’s exactly what happened to Addison. Today, Addison is cancer-free, following screening, early detection and treatment at Cedars-Sinai Cancer.

The screening process involves a noninvasive, low-dose CT scan that can detect cancer or precancerous nodules inside the lungs. Addison had been undergoing screenings since 2021, and her screening in 2024 detected a change in a previously identified nodule in the middle lobe of her right lung.

“The nodule measured 11 millimeters, which is quite small,” said Christopher Lee, MD, radiologist and imaging director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program, who read Addison’s scans. “A nodule of this size would never be noticed without a CT scan since they do not cause symptoms until they become much larger. That's basically what we're trying to catch with screening: early-stage cancers that are potentially curable.”

After a biopsy confirmed the nodule was cancerous, Addison met Andrew Brownlee, MD, thoracic surgeon and assistant professor of Surgery.

“He told me that my cancer was at an early stage and in the best place that I could have it,” Addison said. “He said he would remove that lobe and my cancer would be gone. So I didn’t have to have chemotherapy, I didn’t have to have radiation. I have to have a CT scan every six months for the next two years, but that is all.”

After a series of tests and other preparation, she was scheduled for surgery Feb. 17. Because her tumor was so small and at such an early stage, she was able to have a robotic “keyhole” procedure to remove it.

“Lung cancer surgery has made tremendous advances in recent decades, and one of those is the use of minimally invasive procedures,” Brownlee said. “We perform the lion's share of lung cancer surgeries using the robotic platform. Patients have the same outcomes, but with a faster, easier recovery—less time in the hospital, less postoperative discomfort and a faster return to their everyday life with minimal impact on their breathing.”

Brownlee said that the area of Addison’s lung that was removed, the middle portion on the right side, participates in only about 5% to 10% of lung function, so the remaining portions of her lungs can make up for the missing portion.

“We all start out with more lung capacity than we need,” Brownlee said. “So when we remove one lobe, the other lobes can compensate.”

After just two days in the hospital, Addison was able to go home.

“Early detection and leading-edge treatment are hallmarks of patient care at Cedars-Sinai Cancer,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “We are dedicated to producing the best possible outcomes at every turn.”

The mother of four and grandmother of three advises everyone who is eligible to seek out lung cancer screening.

“It is very important,” she said, “especially if you are a smoker or have been a smoker. If it hadn’t been for my screening, my cancer wouldn’t have been caught in time.

“Cancer is a scary word,” said Addison, whose mother died from breast cancer and whose father died from colon cancer. “Nobody wants to hear that word. But my philosophy of life is that God is not going to put anything on my plate that he does not already have the solution to. So, I made my doctor's appointments, went to get my X-rays and blood work, and then I had my surgery, and here I am cancer-free. I do not need radiation, do not need chemotherapy, and I'm fine. I can go ahead and live my life.”

Read More on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Clearing the Air—Your Lung Cancer Screening Questions Answered

Pediatric epilepsy affects nearly 470,000 children in the United States, making it the most common childhood brain disorder. There are many types of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of the condition, caused by a specific genetic mutation that typically begins in the first year of life. It affects 1 in 15,700 children and significantly impacts quality of life.

“Dravet syndrome is the most common genetic epilepsy disorder we see in children that requires specialized care and attention,” said Deborah Holder, MD, program director of Pediatric Epilepsy at Guerin Children’s. “Awareness is critical so families and healthcare providers can recognize the early signs and seek the right interventions.”

With November marking Epilepsy Awareness Month, the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom recently spoke with Holder to learn more about Dravet syndrome, early signs of seizures to watch for, how genetics play a role and why increased awareness and early detection can be life-changing.

What is Dravet Syndrome?

Dravet syndrome is a type of epilepsy that presents in childhood. It's predominantly caused by a mutation in a gene, specifically a sodium channel gene called SCN1A, which is one of the genes that impact how the brain works. It usually starts with seizures in childhood. Most children have their first seizure, usually between one year and 18 months, although it can start as young as six months.

What are the Symptoms of Dravet Syndrome?

Patients with Dravet syndrome typically present with seizures triggered by high fevers, which can be caused by illness, infection or fever occasionally following vaccination. Early seizures are often hemiclonic, meaning they involve rhythmic motor activity on one side of the body. A seizure may occur on the left side of the body the first time and then on the right side of the body the next time. 

A doctor will see a patient come in with these very long, often prolonged seizures, which we call status epilepticus. Such seizures require significant intervention with lots of medications and hospital care.

Children with Dravet syndrome face multiple challenges, including developmental difficulties that may lead to behavioral disorders, delayed language and speech issues, nutrition and sleeping difficulties and abnormalities in gait and walking. Additionally, the condition can affect other parts of the body, such as the heart.

How is Dravet Syndrome Diagnosed?

Because Dravet syndrome is one of the most common genetic epilepsy disorders in children, it’s important to perform genetic testing early. Identifying the underlying mutation allows us to make an accurate diagnosis. Evaluating the child’s seizure patterns and seizure type also helps us gather the information needed to choose the right medications to bring seizures under control.

The challenge with Dravet syndrome lies in the way it affects a child’s genetics. Although patients may appear to have long focal seizures, the medications typically used for focal seizures can actually make their condition worse. This is why it’s really important that we make the genetic diagnosis so we can treat the gene mutation, instead of the seizure type. It’s also important to note that

Is Dravet Syndrome an Inherited Disorder?

Dravet syndrome is not usually inherited from the parents. Many people hear “genetic disorder” and assume it occurs when the gene is passed down from the mother or father, but most genetic epilepsies are what we call “de novo,” meaning the mutation occurs for the first time in the child and is not connected to family history. Even if the parents are completely healthy, a child can be diagnosed with Dravet syndrome. In other words, any baby could potentially be at risk.

How is Genetic Testing Performed for Dravet Syndrome?

Genetic testing now is very easy. We just do a cheek swab. We don't even have to do a blood test. For pediatric patients, we typically do what's called whole exome sequencing, which really sequences all of the genomes we're familiar with today. Instead of doing a panel where we look at the most common genes that cause epilepsy, we really sequence everything. This way, we don't miss any of the genes that we are currently aware of, including SCN1A, the gene that causes Dravet syndrome.

How Do You Treat Dravet Syndrome?

Several anti-seizure medications are specifically approved for Dravet syndrome, including cannabidiol (CBD), which has been formally studied and found effective to manage the condition. However, medications don’t work for everyone, so other approaches can help.

Diet therapy, such as the ketogenic diet—a high-fat, low-carb diet that puts the brain into ketosis—can be very effective. We typically combine medication and diet therapy for the best results.

Additionally, there are several devices and rescue therapies available to help stop prolonged seizures and reduce hospital stays for children with Dravet syndrome. The vagus nerve stimulator is a device commonly used for Dravet syndrome. We place a wire along the vagus nerve, which is a nerve that runs along the neck. The device is designed to continuously monitor the heart rate and, when it detects a rise in heart rate and seizure activity, it sends signals to the brain to both prevent and stop seizures in its tracks.

Currently, there are also a few clinical trials exploring gene-modifying therapies. These approaches aim to directly target the underlying genetic cause, potentially controlling Dravet syndrome more effectively and improving the quality of life for children.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Personalized Epilepsy Treatment for Each Child

“Cedars-Sinai Cancer is uniquely placed to offer expert specialty care to patients of all ages with these complex cancers,” said Leo Mascarenhas, MD, director of the Adult and Pediatric Sarcoma Program and the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “We are one of just three centers in California providing both pediatric and adult sarcoma care.”

As associate director of the Sarcoma Program, Hu provides care for patients at Cedars-Sinai and its affiliate, Huntington Cancer Center, and leads research and teaching initiatives.

“Sarcoma is relatively rare and can come in many forms,” Hu said. “A general oncologist might see only a handful of cases over a decades-long career. As a sarcoma specialist, it is so satisfying to work with these patients and to have the experience and expertise to deliver the care they need. They are so grateful that someone understands what they are dealing with.”

Hu earned his medical degree at Uniformed Services University. He completed his residency training in internal medicine at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, and his fellowship in hematology and oncology at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. He also served as military commander of the 325th Combat Support Hospital in Independence, Missouri.

“As an oncologist in the military, you basically see everything,” Hu said. “You see a lot of young patients, and sarcoma is more prevalent in the young population, so we saw a fair amount of sarcoma. After success in building sarcoma programs at other institutions, I was excited for the opportunity to help expand the program at Cedars-Sinai.”

In addition to Hu and Mascarenhas, a leading pediatric hematologist-oncologist and sarcoma expert, the program includes Joseph Schwab, MD, director of Spine Oncology in the Department of Orthopaedics and a specialist in managing sarcomas of the spine. The growing program also includes Earl Brien, MD, surgical director of the Sarcoma Bone Tumor Program.

The program offers multidisciplinary care with the latest diagnostic techniques, including liquid biopsy and the identification of genetic and molecular abnormalities in tumor tissues that can help guide treatment decisions.

“Sarcomas have interesting genetics and our cancer predisposition program is investigating those that might have inherited risk,” Mascarenhas said. “We have expertise in genetic testing and counseling, and also are investigating factors that contribute to risk of developing sarcoma in childhood through adolescence, young adulthood and adulthood.”

Cedars-Sinai sarcoma patients also have access to a variety of clinical trials, including cooperative national studies and investigator-initiated trials unique to Cedars-Sinai, Mascarenhas said.

“The growth of our Sarcoma Program, and the growth of Cedars-Sinai Cancer as a whole, reflects our institution’s commitment to caring for the patients in our community and beyond,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “As patients’ need for care expands, so will the care that we offer.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

To kick-start some Halloween magic, excited parents picked out outfits specially hand-sewn by Cedars-Sinai volunteers to accommodate the hospital’s littlest patients, bringing big smiles and a touch of normalcy in an otherwise stressful time.

“It’s hard to be in the NICU,” said Alva Pantig Gregorio, a clinical social worker who helps parents navigate their child’s stay in the NICU. “Celebrations can be difficult to keep up with when you’re at the hospital with a fragile baby. So, we bring the baby’s first Halloween to them.”

The babies’ costumes, all inspired by children’s books, included pumpkins, a watermelon, a snowman, a caterpillar, an ear of corn and a peanut, complete with a matching hat.  

Lauren Masciarelli’s son, Wesley, surprised everyone by being born two months early, and the doting mom was thrilled to pick out a classic first Halloween costume for her newborn.

“I always liked being a pumpkin as a kid, and I joked with my husband that his first costume next year could be a pumpkin. So, when I saw this, I had to go for it,” Masciarelli said. “This costume is the best quality costume I think he'll ever have in his life.”

Each outfit is lined with Velcro and tailored to accommodate the tubes, wires and other medical equipment. Parents get to take the keepsake costumes home to remember their baby’s first Halloween.

Dana Guerin, director of the Shapell Guerin Family Foundation, stopped by the NICU to join in on the fun celebration.  She was touched by the staff’s and volunteers’ dedication, exceptional care and attention to detail.

“It’s very clear that there is so much hard work and so much love that goes into this event,” Guerin said. “They go the extra mile to bring vulnerable babies, their families and the community together for a day to remember.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Helmet Safety for Your Kids

Ruppin comes to Cedars-Sinai from the National Cancer Institute, where he was founding chief of the Cancer Data Science Lab.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ruppin to Cedars-Sinai as a prestigious senior scientist enriching our cancer discovery programs,” said Shlomo Melmed, MB, ChB, executive vice president of Medicine and Health Sciences and dean of the Medical Faculty. “We continue to recruit the highest-quality faculty dedicated to translational research and advancing leading-edge cancer diagnosis and care.”

The Translational Research Institute will support Ruppin’s endeavors and offer what Ruppin calls a “golden opportunity” to work with the diverse patient populations served by Cedars-Sinai Cancer. His goal is to test, in clinical trials, the methods he has been developing.

“The Translational Research Institute is committed to establishing Cedars-Sinai as a global leader in translating scientific discoveries into life-changing patient care, and Dr. Ruppin’s work dovetails perfectly with this mission,” said Ze’ev Ronai, PhD, professor of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences and director of the institute.

Ruppin is developing artificial intelligence-based approaches to match patients to the best treatments in a personalized manner, which may complement existing approaches that identify molecular alterations in tumor cells. Currently, many cancer patients do not have their tumors sequenced in-depth because the process is expensive, available only at major academic medical centers and takes several weeks—which can cause treatment delays.

Ruppin’s approach, which will complement traditional laboratory techniques, uses digital images of tumor histopathology slides, thin slices of tumor tissue routinely obtained from patient samples so they can be examined beneath a microscope.

“We have discovered that by applying AI prediction tools to these slides, which have been the backbone of cancer diagnosis for 100 years, we can infer key parts of the molecular information that could be yielded by traditional sequencing—but without the associated time or expense,” Ruppin said.

Ruppin’s lab has successfully validated this approach in breast cancer, comparing molecular data from patients whose tumors have been sequenced in the traditional way with the tumor data inferred by his computational tools, and is now studying its application in other cancer types.

“Collaboration and translational science are central to improving patient outcomes,” said Cristina R. Ferrone, MD, chair of the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery. “We must attack cancer in a multidimensional way and Dr. Ruppin’s expertise in deep-learning approaches adds another dimension to our arsenal.”

Ruppin earned his medical degree and a PhD in computer science from Tel Aviv University, where he served as a professor of Computer Science and Medicine. He has also served as a professor of Computer Science and director of the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University of Maryland, before moving to the National Institutes of Health.

A fellow of the International Society for Computational Biology, he received an NCI Director’s Award for his work on precision oncology in 2022, the DeLano Award for Computational Biosciences from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2023, and an NIH Director’s Award for developing new computational paradigms for precision oncology in 2024.

“Cedars-Sinai Cancer has a longstanding commitment to bringing precision oncology to as many patients as possible—here and around the world,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim chair of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “We’re proud to have Dr. Ruppin join us and to support his work.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

“We’ll take care of you,” they told her.

Sanchez, 29, had been a patient at Pasadena-based Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai, for months. She and her husband were airlifted there after a near-fatal head-on collision in the San Gabriel Mountains near Los Angeles. She had grown close to the trauma surgeons, nurses and other providers who saved their lives and cared for them throughout their long recoveries.

Her caregivers’ prompting to always listen to her body and her confidence in their expertise led Sanchez back to the medical center two years later when she felt a lump in her breast and felt certain it was cancer.

“There are closer hospitals to where I live, but I knew the doctors and nurses at Huntington cared about my health and wellbeing,” Sanchez said. “If they were able to save me after my car accident, I knew they would take great care of me during cancer, as well.”

Today, thanks to Huntington Cancer Center, Sanchez is cancer-free.

While Sanchez’s intuition about where to go for cancer care was spot-on, her medical oncologist, Niki Tank, MD, praised her for immediately noticing a change in her body and seeking a diagnosis.

“I remind patients they are their own best advocate and to not be intimidated by the medical system,” Tank said. “Wendy paid attention to her body and her instincts, and she is doing well today. Her future is very, very bright.”

Healing Habit Sparks Discovery

The car accident in 2022 left Sanchez with a fractured collarbone, ribs and sternum; a broken lumbar spine; a broken tibia and fibula; and damaged internal organs. Surgeons had to remove her colon and two feet of her small intestine. Multiple surgeries to repair her body left her with additional scars.

Her plastic surgeon, Sanjeev Puri, MD, recommended a therapeutic ointment for a long scar stretching from her abdomen to her chest. Applying the ointment became part of her nightly routine.

One evening, smoothing the ointment up her torso, she felt a lump just above her breast.

“I panicked,” Sanchez said. “I told my husband, ‘I think I’m touching cancer.’”

The next morning Sanchez went to her doctor at Huntington Ambulatory Care Center. A subsequent mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy led to a diagnosis of triple-positive ductal carcinoma. This type of breast cancer has receptors for estrogen, progesterone and HER2 and can be treated with targeted therapies.  

Tank, who specializes in breast cancer for adolescents and young adults (people ages 15 to 39), said triple-positive ductal carcinoma is more common in women younger than 50.

“Breast cancer among people in Wendy’s age group tends to be very aggressive and spread quickly,” Tank said.

Sanchez’s cancer was diagnosed at stage 1, meaning it had not spread. But the tumor cells in the breast were large.

Her care team, including Tank and surgical oncologist Amy Polverini, MD, advised chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy.

“I didn’t need a second opinion,” Sanchez said. “I trusted them immediately.”

On May 2, 2025, Polverini removed the tumor, five lymph nodes and Sanchez’s breasts. When Sanchez later underwent breast reconstruction, her plastic surgeon of choice was Puri—who had recommended the scar ointment that led to her discovery of the lump.

Breast Cancer in Young Women

Breast cancer among women under 50 is on the rise. According to the American Cancer Society, the number of cases has increased about 1.4% each year since 2012—double the rate seen in older women. A 2024 JAMA Network study showed rising rates of hormone receptor-positive tumors in younger women.

Experts are not entirely sure why.

Sanchez asked Tank if extreme trauma to her body from the car accident could have spurred cancer.

“There are things we still don’t know about why breast cancer develops,” Tank told Sanchez, who was not at high risk to develop the disease.

“While the data isn’t conclusive, there may be a link between physical trauma, the body’s stress response and inflammation that can create an environment where cancer cells thrive. But this doesn’t mean car accidents cause cancer.”

Among known breast cancer risk factors are family history of the disease, tobacco and alcohol use, and a diet of heavily processed foods.

In another nod to the importance of self-advocacy, Tank noted that because Sanchez was not at high risk for developing breast cancer, she would not have been screened for the disease at her age. American Cancer Society guidelines recommend mammogram screening for women at average risk beginning at 45.

A Full New Life

Sanchez is embracing her new life and new memories these days. She and her husband are just back from Disney World, still on a Magic Kingdom high.

“Looking back, I can’t believe everything I’ve survived,” Sanchez said. “I miss the life I had before, but I’m living this new life to the fullest.”

As she left a recent doctor’s appointment, Sanchez met another breast cancer survivor who shared that it had been 30 years since her own diagnosis.

Sanchez smiled.

“I look forward to saying that one day, too,” she said.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: 7 Tips to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

The combination therapy, which adds a drug called enzalutamide to commonly prescribed hormone therapy, reduced deaths in patients with recurrent prostate cancer after surgery or radiation for whom other treatments are no longer an option. The trial results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) with simultaneous presentation during the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress (ESMO) Oct. 19 in Berlin.

“After initial treatment, some patients see their prostate cancer come back in an aggressive way and are at risk for their disease to spread quickly,” said Stephen Freedland, MD, director of the Center for Integrated Research in Cancer and Lifestyle at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and co-principal investigator of the study. “Hormone therapy, which is what we’ve been offering patients for 30 years, has not improved survival and neither has anything else. That makes these findings a real game changer.”

The trial included more than 1,000 patients from 244 sites in 17 countries. All the patients were diagnosed with what is known as high-risk biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. Following the patients’ surgery or radiation therapy, the levels of prostate specific antigen, or PSA, in their blood had risen rapidly. PSA is a protein used to detect prostate cancer, and a rapid rise in PSA levels after treatment indicates a patient’s cancer is likely to return and spread—often to the bones or spine.

“We know these patients are at high risk of developing metastatic disease and dying of their cancer unless we offer a meaningful treatment option,” said Freedland, professor of Urology and the Warschaw, Robertson, Law Families Chair in Prostate Cancer.

Patients were randomly selected to receive standard hormone therapy alone, enzalutamide alone, or a combination of the two. After eight years, the risk of death was 40.3% lower in the combination group than in the other two groups, Freedland said.

“This clinical trial, one of many that Cedars-Sinai Cancer has offered to its patients, is an example of the translational work being done by our physician-scientists,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “The result will be improved treatment and better outcomes for patients everywhere.”

Freedland noted that, based on previous results published by the team, enzalutamide is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and listed in National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines. These latest results, he said, are likely to strengthen the network’s recommendation and solidify this drug combination as the standard of care for patients with high-risk biochemically recurrent prostate cancer.

“These important findings identify a treatment that prolongs survival in men with aggressive prostate cancer,” said Hyung Kim, MD, a urologic oncologist and chair of the Department of Urology at Cedars-Sinai.  “The latest analysis complements previous studies that found enzalutamide significantly improved survival in other prostate cancer settings, and will change how we take care of our patients.”

Additional authors include Neal D. Shore, M.D.; Murilo de Almeida Luz, M.D.; Ugo De Giorgi, M.D., Ph.D.; Martin Gleave, M.D.; Geoffrey T. Gotto, M.D., M.P.H.; Christopher M. Pieczonka, M.D.; Gabriel P. Haas, M.D.; Choung-Soo Kim, M.D.; Miguel Ramirez-Backhaus, M.D.; Antti Rannikko, M.D., Ph.D.; Matko Kalac, M.D., Ph.D.; Swetha Sridharan, M.B.B.S.; Matt Rosales, Ph.D.; Yiyun Tang, Ph.D.; Ronald F. Tutrone Jr, M.D.; Balaji Venugopal, M.B.B.S., M.D.; Arnauld Villers, M.D., Ph.D.; Henry H. Woo, M.B.B.S., D.Med.Sc.; and Fong Wang, M.D., Ph.D.

Funding: The study was sponsored by Pfizer Inc. and Astellas Pharma Inc., the co‑developers of enzalutamide.

Disclosures: Stephen J. Freedland reports being a consultant to Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca, Bayer, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (formerly Janssen), Merck, Novartis, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. (formerly Myovant Sciences, Inc.), and Tolmar.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

The researchers will use stem cells to improve the effectiveness of oral tissue grafting—a procedure thousands of patients undergo each year in which tissue is transplanted from another part of the mouth to improve or repair trauma from significant tissue loss. In about 1 in 4 patients, the grafts fail due to various factors, including lack of blood supply to the graft, infection and poor healing.

The study is funded by a new five-year $5.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and supports a multidisciplinary team from Guerin Children’s, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

"Our goal is to deepen our understanding of the oral mucosa and to learn how to enhance mouth tissue healing,” said Ophir Klein, MD, PhD, co-principal investigator of the study, executive director of Guerin Children’s and executive vice dean of Children’s Health at Cedars-Sinai. “We plan to turn stem cells into personalized oral tissue grafts that we hope will improve outcomes for patients.”

Oral mucosa is the soft tissue lining the inside of the mouth, including the cheeks, gums and tongue. It serves as a protective barrier against bacterial infection and injury, aiding in essential functions like speaking, chewing and swallowing.

For the preclinical research, the team will grow oral tissue in the lab using induced pluripotent stem cells—adult cells that are reprogrammed into cells that can be turned into virtually any cell type—from laboratory mice. The team hopes to be able to produce, in any needed amount, personalized living grafts with blood vessels that closely resemble natural oral tissue.

“Using advanced bioengineering tools, we can create complex tissues with tiny blood vessel networks that build themselves in a short period of time,” said Zev Jordan Gartner, PhD, co-principal investigator on the study and professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the UCSF School of Pharmacy.

This method, Gartner said, will help the team design custom tissue grafts that could potentially be used in any part of the mouth.

Kevin Matthew Byrd, DDS, PhD, co-principal investigator on the study and assistant professor in the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research at the VCU School of Dentistry, said the research could potentially transform reconstructive care for head and mouth injuries.

“By customizing grafts to fit individual patient needs, we are advancing toward more personalized and effective dental treatments,” Byrd said. “This research has the power to notably improve care quality and establish new dental health standards.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 percent of new breast cancer cases in the U.S. are in women younger than 45.

“We don’t have routine screening recommendations for patients younger than 40, and people aren’t aware that if they have a strong family history, especially in a first-degree relative like a mother, sister or aunt, they should be screened sooner,” said Mary El-Masry, MD, the hematologist-oncologist who led Dade’s care team.

Dade, who received her care from an integrated team at Cedars-Sinai Cancer Beverly Hills, is dancing once again, but treatment for triple-negative breast cancer wasn’t easy. It began with a regimen known as KEYNOTE-522. The protocol included four types of chemotherapy medications to shrink the tumor, plus an immunotherapy drug to help Dade’s immune system do its part in fighting the cancer.

Also there to help were her mother and her partner, Marcus Mack.

“I really just kind of fell into the hands of my care team, knowing that this treatment regimen was going to be extremely rough,” Dade said. “I had moved in with Marcus only three months before I was diagnosed. And then my mom moved in. Who would have thought that my mother and my partner would both be taking care of me.”

Tumors like Dade’s are “negative” for three important receptors—estrogen, progesterone and HER2—that many treatments use to target tumors, making them among the most aggressive and challenging to treat. El-Masry called the protocol Dade received a “breakthrough” in the world of triple-negative breast cancer.

“Mataya has an excellent prognosis,” El-Masry said. “She had a complete clinical response to her treatment. We could see her tumor shrinking.”

Following her chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimen, Dade opted for a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. And as a social media influencer, she chose to document her treatment journey.

“This is a message to my future me that I am a baddie and I will get through cancer,” she said to her followers.

For young women like Dade, El-Masry said that it is important to seek out earlier screening if there is family history of cancer—and to be your own advocate.

“If you feel something, bring it to someone’s attention and push to have some imaging done,” El-Masry said. “That could mean a mammogram or, if you are concerned about radiation exposure, an ultrasound. And if imaging isn’t showing anything but you feel a lump, you should ask to have it biopsied so we can be sure it isn’t something we need to be concerned about.”

Several days after her surgery, Dade was able to post the news her friends and family had been waiting for: “I, Mataya Dade, am cancer free.”

With that, she is at work creating a podcast—supported by Mack, a composer and producer—called “You Survived! Now What?” The plan is to offer advice and create a community for other young cancer survivors who are taking their next steps in life—just like Dade and Mack are taking theirs.

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Widely known as a pioneer in robot-assisted colorectal surgery, Pigazzi performed the world’s first robot-assisted tumor removal for rectal cancer more than 20 years ago. He has continued to advance the colorectal surgery field with his expertise in robot-assisted, laparoscopic and open surgical techniques to treat complex colorectal conditions such as recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancer.

Pigazzi brings to Cedars-Sinai a rich history of surgical leadership. Most recently, Pigazzi was division director of Colorectal Surgery at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He also was executive director for Surgical Services, vice chair of Clinical Network, and professor in the Department of Surgery at City of Hope Orange County.

In his new role at Cedars-Sinai, Pigazzi will concentrate on developing the academic colorectal practice, opening novel clinical trials and advancing translational research.

“Cedars-Sinai’s new Faculty Division of Colorectal Surgery will continue to build best-in-class, patient-centered care by staying on the forefront of the latest surgical techniques, clinical trials and clinical practices,” said Cristina Ferrone, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai. “Under Dr. Pigazzi’s esteemed leadership, we will also enrich our training programs as we develop the colorectal surgical leaders of tomorrow.”

In addition to his clinical practice, Pigazzi is involved in many significant research initiatives, including a translational research effort investigating the role dietary sugars play in the development of colorectal cancer. His extensive publication record includes more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and 16 book chapters. 

“Dr. Pigazzi’s innovative clinical work and research discovery for colorectal cancer aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing leading-edge expertise and care for our Cedars-Sinai Cancer patients,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer.  

Pigazzi earned both his medical and doctoral degrees at Boston University School of Medicine. He then completed his general surgery residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College, followed by advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center and in colorectal surgery at the University of California, Irvine.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring my passion to this leadership role in the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai,” Pigazzi said. “I look forward to growing the division to be the best in the region in terms of clinical, research and academic excellence.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Taking the Fear Out of Colon Cancer Screening

pediatric specialists will join their peers at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2025 National Conference & Exhibition Sept. 26-30 in Denver and will be available to comment on breaking news from the conference.

“In just a few short years, Guerin Children’s has assembled a robust roster of world-class pediatric specialists,” said Ophir Klein, MD, PhD, executive vice dean of Children’s Health and executive director of Guerin Children’s. “In our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Los Angeles, we’ve created a pioneering healthcare destination with physicians and scientists who deliver exceptional multidisciplinary care and drive innovative research to address childhood diseases—from the womb through adulthood.”

One of these experts, neonatologist Theodora Stavroudis, MD, will serve as chair-elect of the AAP Section on Simulation and Innovative Learning Methods. At the conference, Stavroudis will present original research on neonatal resuscitation.

Guerin Children’s will also have a booth in the exhibit hall—Booth 1738—to showcase the institution’s research, medical education programs and clinical innovations.

Some of the Guerin Children’s experts available for interviews include:

Adolescent Health
Michelle Escovedo, MD, adolescent health specialist

Behavior and Development
Cesar Ochoa-Lubinoff, MD, director of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics

Cardiology
Evan Zahn, MD, co-director of the Guerin Family Congenital Heart Program
Richard Kim, MD, director of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery

Ear, Nose and Throat
Gene Liu, MD, director of Academic Otolaryngology at Cedars-Sinai

Epilepsy
Deborah Holder, MD, program director of Pediatric Epilepsy 

Gastroenterology
Shervin Rabizadeh, MD, MBA, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and associate director of Guerin Children’s

General Surgery
Eugene Kim, MD, pediatric surgeon-in-chief and deputy director of Guerin Children’s

Genetics 
Pedro Sanchez, MD, director of Pediatric Clinical Genetics
Saquib Lakhani, MD, director of Guerin Children's Early Detection Program
Mustafa Khokha, MD, director of Guerin Children's Genetics Research Center
Joyce So, MD, PhD, chief genomics officer at Cedars-Sinai

Infectious Disease
Priya Soni, MD, assistant professor of Pediatrics

Neurology
Jane Tavyev Asher, MD, director of the Division of Pediatric Neurology

Neurosurgery
Moise Danielpour, MD, director of Pediatric Neurosurgery

Oncology
Leo Mascarenhas, MD, director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Orthopedics
David L. Skaggs, MD, director of Pediatric Spine and Pediatric Orthopaedics at Guerin Children’s

Plastic Surgery
Victor Chien, MD, director of Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery

Contact: 
To arrange interviews with Guerin Children’s specialists, contact Shishira Sreenivas at shishira.sreenivas@cshs.org or 202-297-0220.

So brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in research and clinical care to her new role. She will spearhead Cedars-Sinai’s growing genomics initiatives and serve as a strategic leader for the integration of genomics into clinical practice while overseeing genetics and genomics services across the Cedars-Sinai Health System.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. So to Cedars-Sinai, knowing her exceptional expertise and leadership in clinical genetics will be a significant asset to the burgeoning prenatal, pediatric and adult genetics programs,” said Shlomo Melmed, MB, ChB, executive vice president of Medicine and Health Sciences and dean of the Medical Faculty at Cedars-Sinai. “Her appointment will ensure Cedars-Sinai remains at the forefront of genomic endeavors, benefiting and transforming the lives of our patients.”

So has joined Cedars-Sinai from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she was chief of the Division of Medical Genetics and medical director of Adult Genetics. She was also director of the institution’s designation as a National Organization for Rare Disorders Rare Disease Center of Excellence. During her tenure, she developed a comprehensive genetics program that included the launch and rapid growth of UCSF’s Adult Genetics and Preventive Genomics Clinic; the expansion of multidisciplinary specialty services in cardiovascular, neurogenetic and cancer genetics; and the implementation of innovative e-consult and telehealth services to improve access to genetic care.

So earned her bachelor’s degree with high distinction in molecular biology and molecular genetics and her medical degree from the University of Toronto. She completed her medical genetics residency at the university’s Hospital for Sick Children and earned her doctorate in molecular genetics from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin and completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in psychiatric genetics at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.

“I am honored to join Cedars-Sinai as the inaugural chief genomics officer to advance the fields of genetics and genomics with the goal of enhancing patient care and health outcomes,” So said. “Together with our talented team of investigators and clinicians, we will push the boundaries of what is possible in genomic medicine for the benefit of our patients, their families and the wider community.”

So’s current research focuses on optimizing genetic diagnosis and treatment strategies for adults with complex neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions. She also is deeply committed to quality and continuous improvement in the delivery of genetics and genomics clinical services.

“Dr. So’s appointment reinforces our commitment to advancing precision medicine and making leading-edge genomic care accessible to all our patients through all stages of life,” said Ophir Klein, MD, PhD, executive vice dean of Children’s Health and executive director of Guerin Children’s. “We are excited to expand our research and clinical capabilities under her leadership.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Do Children Need Genetic Testing?

Cedars-Sinai experts recommend getting the flu shot starting in September before flu season begins as early as November. They say vaccination is the most powerful tool to avoid influenza-related hospitalizations or worse. As many as 130,000 people in the U.S. died from the flu last year, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“By getting the flu shot, you’re not only protecting yourself, you’re protecting your family and vulnerable members of the community who would suffer a more serious illness,” said Jonathan Grein, MD, director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai and associate professor in the Department of Medicine.

Although vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu, Grein also recommends washing hands thoroughly and often, avoiding others who are sick, and wearing a mask when not feeling well to avoid spreading an illness to others.

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Grein and other Cedars-Sinai specialists about this year’s flu shot recommendations, how to manage flu symptoms and where to seek care during a flu illness.

Who Should Get the Flu Shot?

There are no significant changes to flu shot recommendations this year, Grein said. The vaccine is still advised for eligible adults, teens and children more than 6 months old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those 65 and older are still encouraged to get a high-dose flu vaccine if available because it elicits a stronger immune response, and older adults’ immune systems weaken with age.

“If a high-dose flu shot is not available, older individuals should receive a standard dose, rather than skipping the shot,” Grein said. “It’s critical for older adults to protect themselves.”

Children 6 months to 8 years old who have never received a flu vaccine should receive two doses, spaced four weeks apart, said Priya Soni, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.

“Ideally, parents should vaccinate their children before the end of October to ensure protection before peak flu season,” Soni said.

Cedars-Sinai primary care physicians and pediatricians are now offering flu shots to patients during scheduled visits. Patients who have been treated by a Cedars-Sinai primary care provider in the past 16 months can schedule a vaccination appointment through My CS-Link at locations in Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Los Feliz, Playa Vista and Tarzana.

How to Treat Flu Symptoms

Like other upper respiratory infections, flu symptoms include nasal congestion, fever, body aches, cough, sore throat and fatigue. Most people with mild symptoms will improve at home with fluids, a pain reliever such as Tylenol and rest, Grein said. Those at high risk of more serious infection—older adults, immune-compromised individuals and others with chronic health conditions—should speak with their physician soon after symptoms appear to find out whether an antiviral medication like Tamiflu would be right for them.

Those with more severe symptoms—a very high fever, loss of appetite or inability to keep fluids down—should see their physician or visit urgent care, said Jonathan Weiner, MD, chair of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group’s Department of Primary Care and Acute Care Medicine.

Life-threatening symptoms like difficulty breathing should immediately be addressed in the nearest emergency department.

Flu Treatment for Children

Mild flu symptoms in children look similar to those of an adult and will likewise improve with fluids, rest, and Tylenol or ibuprofen, Soni said. She cautioned against giving children aspirin because of the risk of contracting Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness linked to aspirin. Higher-risk children might need an antiviral treatment prescribed by a physician.

Soni explained that children 2 and younger run a high risk of dehydration, so their parents should make sure they drink and eat enough. She also advised parents to watch for signs that their child’s symptoms might be escalating.

“If a child is struggling to breathe, or showing signs of severe fatigue, vomiting or dehydration, they should be seen promptly by their physician or in the emergency department,” Soni said.

Where to Get Care for the Flu

For children and adults with milder symptoms, a virtual visit through a mobile app like Cedars-Sinai Connect is a great first step to get reassurance or guidance on the best treatment options, Weiner said.

“A physician or other provider can see you, assess how sick you appear and determine if you need to be seen in person or if you can manage your illness at home,” said Weiner, who treats patients in person and via Cedars-Sinai Connect. “If we determine that you need to see your Cedars-Sinai primary care physician or you need to go to urgent care for your symptoms, your provider will see the notes from your virtual visit in your chart because we all share the same Cedars-Sinai medical record.”

If a flu test is needed to rule out other illnesses or for a Tamiflu prescription, Cedars-Sinai Connect providers can order one through a streamlined visit at one of Cedars-Sinai’s urgent care locations. Patients also can get an over-the-counter test at their local pharmacy. Weiner said it’s good to know if you have the flu so you can avoid spreading the illness to others. People are contagious a day before symptoms start and up until their fever has resolved and symptoms are improving—as long as five to seven days after getting sick.

If symptoms do not improve, other causes of upper respiratory tract infections need to be ruled out, which could require in-person treatment, Weiner said. He emphasized that an in-person appointment also is recommended for patients with underlying conditions, high fever, trouble keeping food and liquids down, and for anyone who is having trouble breathing.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Flu and RSV: How to Protect Yourself Now

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The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom recently spoke with Jane Tavyev Asher, MD, director of the Division of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, about how screens affect children and teens differently depending on their age, and what parents can do to set healthy boundaries for screen time.

What is the recommended amount of screen time for children in different age groups?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Academy of Pediatrics had fairly strict guidelines: no screen time at all for children under age 2, and minimal exposure for ages 2 to 5. Ideally, screen time should be under an hour a day. For ages 5 to 11 and older, less than two hours per day.

Since the pandemic shifted much of our education and social lives online, we've had to adapt those guidelines a bit. Still, research continues to support limiting screen time to less than two hours a day for older children as well. Exceeding that amount has been associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression and other emotional challenges.

How can excessive screen time affect young children’s developing brains?

The general consensus among developmental pediatricians is that children under age 3 should have little to no screen exposure. That’s because their brains are in a critical stage of development, with key processes like myelination, the biological process that speeds up the nerve transmission to the brain, and neural pathway formation actively taking place.

When a young brain is exposed to too much screen time, it can overstimulate the visual cortex—the part of the brain that processes images—at the expense of the auditory cortex, which is vital for developing social skills and language. Ideally, we want their early learning to be grounded in real-world, interactive face-to-face experiences—not passive viewing.

How does screen time via social media impact brain development in teenagers?

Adolescence is a time when the brain is deeply focused on social development and seeking acceptance from peers. Before social media, that feedback loop was limited to in-person interactions with a small group of peers. But now, through apps and platforms, teens are exposed to a constant, amplified stream of approval or disapproval on a much larger scale.

That amplification can be harmful. It places undue stress on the adolescent brain, increasing the risk of social anxiety, low self-esteem and even depression.

Does the type of screen make a difference?

Yes, the type of screen can make a difference. A lot of what’s called “educational content” is often just labeled that way for marketing purposes, without clear evidence that it's truly educational. Watching content on a TV screen is generally safer—it’s farther from the eyes and doesn’t strain the neck or vision as much as phones or tablets.

Also, the platform matters. Streaming services like YouTube often auto-play endless content using algorithms to keep kids hooked. There’s no clear stopping point. In contrast, traditional TV typically airs for a set duration, which naturally limits screen time and reduces the risk of overconsumption.

How does screen-based learning in school affect brain development?

We’ve found that when students read something from a book, they tend to retain the information better than when they read the same content on a screen. We don’t fully understand why that is, but it does suggest that traditional learning methods still hold an important place.

That said, screens can be very helpful when used purposefully. For example, watching a video demonstration of a complex science experiment can be far more effective than trying to imagine it from a textbook. In classroom settings, it’s best when screens are used collectively, as part of a group lesson with discussion led by the teacher, rather than having each student isolate on their own individual device.

Are some children more vulnerable than others to the negative effects of too much screen time?

Yes, certain children are especially sensitive. Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, symptoms can become overstimulated by video games and may struggle even more with attention. Similarly, children experiencing anxiety or depression, or children who face social challenges may be more prone to negative effects from screen exposure, especially if they’re using it as an escape or replacement for in-person interaction.

In these cases, screen time should be monitored closely, and alternative, healthy outlets should be prioritized.

What are some practical tips for parents to set healthy screen time limits?

One of the most beneficial things parents can do is to ensure their children get at least two hours of physical activity each day, ideally outside. This supports not only their physical health but also their energy levels, focus and even vision.

Another important tip is to delay giving your child a smartphone for as long as possible. There’s a movement called “Wait Until 8th” that encourages parents to hold off until at least after eighth grade. The longer you can wait, the more time your child has to build a strong foundation of social and emotional development without the added pressures of smartphone use.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Does My Child Need Growth Hormone Therapy?  

“Cancer patients are a vulnerable population,” said Jane Figueiredo, PhD, director of Community Health and Population Research at Cedars-Sinai and senior author of the study. “Their immune systems can be weakened by their disease and the treatments they receive, which is why major health organizations recommend that these patients be vaccinated against COVID-19. Our study supports these recommendations. We used real-world data across four major health systems in the U.S. to show that these booster vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe illness.”

Investigators analyzed data on more than 161,000 patients treated for cancer during 2022 and 2023 at Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Northwell Health, and the Veterans Health Administration.

The data showed COVID-19 boosters reduced cancer patients’ hospitalizations and ICU admissions by 29% and prevented one hospitalization or ICU admission for every 150-166 boosted patients.

“The reduction in hospitalizations was significant, and the number of patients we needed to treat to see a benefit to the boosters is quite low,” said Figueiredo, who is also program leader of Cancer Prevention and Control at Cedars-Sinai. “This shows a great benefit to our cancer patients and should encourage patients to discuss vaccination with their healthcare providers.”

Figueiredo noted that among their sample, the percentage of patients receiving boosters was quite low. By Jan. 1, 2022, 68% had received a booster. And after updated boosters targeting more than one COVID-19 strain had become available, only 38% of patients had received one.  

“Whether this is due to patient concerns about safety or provider uncertainty about whether to administer a vaccine during treatment is not clear,” Figueiredo said. “What is clear is that we need to advocate strongly for vulnerable groups, including cancer patients, to receive these vaccines.”

Figueiredo noted that the COVID-19 pandemic was the first opportunity for investigators to examine data on mRNA vaccines, and five years later there is still much to learn about the effectiveness of these vaccines in various populations.

“This is the largest study to date of COVID-19 booster effectiveness in cancer patients, a high-risk population of critical importance,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “It adds substantially to our understanding of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, and we will undertake additional studies as vaccine formulations change and new variants emerge so that we can make recommendations that best protect the health of our patients.”

Figueiredo’s team is preparing to publish vaccine effectiveness data on patients with autoimmune diseases and patients who have undergone solid organ transplants.

“There are several different groups whose immune systems have been affected in different ways, which gives us an opportunity to expand further our understanding of how these vaccines work,” Figueiredo said.

Additional Cedars-Sinai authors include Elham Kazemian, PhD; Karen L. Reckamp, MD; and Akil Merchant, MD.

Additional authors include Jacek Skarbinski, MD; Eric P. Elkin, MPH; Yonah C. Ziemba, MD; Brigid M. Wilson, PhD; Hinnah Siddiqui, MPH; Cheryl B. Schleicher, MS; Crystal A. Hsiao, MPH; Joshua R. Nugent, PhD; James M. Crawford, MD, PhD; David A. Zidar, MD, PhD; and Lawrence H. Kushi, ScD.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet) [U01CA260584 to JS and LHK; U01CA260513 to DZ; 2UG1CA189850-09S1 to YCZ, CBS, JMC; 3U54CA260591-02S3 to JF], the Physician Researcher Program of The Permanente Medical Group Delivery Science and Applied Research Program (JS), and the United States Veteran Administration (COVID19-8900-05 to DZ).

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Calederón Hernández, who goes by the nickname “Gina,” is the 100th patient to receive CAR T-cell therapy at Cedars-Sinai, said Akil Merchant, MD, Lymphoma Program co-director.

“In cancers such as lymphoma, immune cells, which are some of the most powerful anticancer tools that we have, don’t work very well,” said Merchant, who is Calderón Hernández oncologist. “In CAR T-cell therapy we remove those immune cells from the patient, engineer them in the lab to target the cancer cells, then give them back to the patient so they can kill the cancer.”

Since the Cedars-Sinai CAR T program opened in 2020, it has seen rapid, exponential growth, said Justin Darrah, MD, co-director of the Lymphoma Program and director of the CAR T Program.

“Cedars-Sinai is now able to offer this great treatment to many more patients,” Darrah said. “The fact that we have been able to treat 100 patients so far is just an incredible feeling. And the program continues to grow.”

Calderón Hernández, who will turn 60 in August, said her illness began with what she thought was a throat infection.

“I went to the ER in Long Beach. They admitted me and started many tests,” she said. “They removed my tonsils and sent them to pathology. That’s when they said, ‘We’re sorry, but you have lymphoma. You have cancer.’”

When chemotherapy treatment caused Calderón Hernández to lose her hair—for her the most difficult part of treatment—her great nephew Mateo, who is 7, was there to comfort her.

“I was crying in my room,” she said. “He came in and saw me crying. He said, ‘I know why you’re sad, Auntie. It’s because you don’t have hair. But you know what? That haircut doesn’t look bad. You look good, Auntie.’”

Calderón Hernández was cancer free for just under a year and had returned to work as a nanny. But soon she found herself back in the hospital receiving news that her lymphoma had returned.

“Starting over was very hard,” Calderón Hernández said. “The only thing that’s held me up has been God. I thank God for this new chance at life and for the doctors.”

Her oncologist in Long Beach connected Calderón Hernández with the CAR T Program at Cedars-Sinai. This therapy gave Calderón Hernández  an alternative to a bone marrow transplant, which is more difficult on the body, said Darrah, a member of Calderón Hernández's care team.

“CAR T-cell therapy is designed for patients who are having a poor response to other treatment and allows us to cure patients who otherwise were incurable,” Darrah said.

And while Merchant warned Calderón Hernández that CAR T-cell therapy could come with side effects—including memory issues, nausea and dizziness—she said that she didn’t experience those during her seven-day hospital stay.

“After the second day of treatment, I walked 20 minutes around the hospital and took selfies to send my sister,” Calderón Hernández said. She was doing so well she was sent home three days early.

In an active clinical research program, scientists are working to understand which patients are most likely to benefit from existing CAR T-cell therapies and to develop new ones, Merchant said.

“Patients whose cancers may not be treatable with currently approved CAR T-cell therapies could access the next generation of therapies here through clinical trials,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “Some of those options could be more effective than those currently FDA [Food and Drug Administration] approved, and making them available is part of our commitment to pair each patient with the most effective possible treatment.”

He said that most patients who are still in remission nine to 12 months after CAR T treatment are cured, and that is his hope for Calderón Hernández.

“We're going to continue to do scans to look for lymphoma,” Merchant said. “Her scans are negative, and I hope that they stay that way. Fingers crossed for Gina.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

Wei Gao, PhD, director of Neuroimaging Research and professor of Biomedical Sciences and Imaging; Jane Tavyev Asher, MD, director of the Division of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s; and David H. Rowitch, MD, PhD, deputy director of Research at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, sat down with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom to talk about their work.

Mapping Infant Brain Development

Gao said that besides primary motor connections, social-emotional connections are among the first an infant’s brain makes, and that these connections ladder up to other levels of intelligence.

“The first year is where you need to pay very special attention to the social-emotional development of the baby,” Gao said. “You want to provide sensitive support to the baby so the baby can develop a secure attachment with you as a caregiver. That has long-term impacts to their later achievements and quality of life.”

Social-emotional development is the key piece that integrates the core hierarchy of brain development, Gao said. It starts with sensory and motor regions to ensure early survival, then progresses to higher-order cognitive areas to develop more sophisticated social and emotional regulation skills, which are critical for mental wellbeing, learning and adaptation.

Gao and his team previously created one of the first detailed maps of connections established between different regions of the brain during the first two years of life. They aim to better understand typical brain growth trajectories, as well as how risk factors—including maternal health, prenatal exposures to harmful substances, and family environment—can influence brain growth and a child’s development.

The investigators are now conducting the Healthy Brain and Child Development study, which will follow more than 7,000 children from birth to 10 years old. Regular conversations with caregivers and imaging of the children’s brains will help investigators correlate development of brain connections with other factors in a child’s life.

“We want to use advanced imaging as a tool to detect deviations as early as possible so that we can hopefully bring them back to the normal trajectory,” Gao said.

The Effects of Screen Time During Babyhood

Tavyev Asher is a pediatric neurologist who collaborates with Gao. She said a baby’s brain develops sensory abilities first, followed by language and social skills—a process that can be derailed by screen time.

Before the age of 12, the auditory and the visual areas of the brain are being fine-tuned, but looking at a screen develops only the visual cortex of the brain, Tavyev Asher said. The auditory cortex, which supports social interactions, develops through in-person interaction.

“Real life moves at a much slower pace than the rapidly flipping images on a device or screen,” Tavyev Asher said. “The brain is developing its communication patterns in those first few years of life, so you are training that brain exactly what it needs for its future. If you're exposing that brain to a screen, that brain thinks it needs to be able to pay attention to these rapidly changing images but not to the slower things of the real world.”

To make sure language, hearing and social skills develop, Tavyev Asher urged parents and caregivers to prioritize face-to-face interaction with their babies. She also said that early screen time can affect a child’s later learning skills, including reading and writing proficiency.

“Reading comprehension, reading speed, reading fluency and memorization are all going to be enhanced if you're reading from an actual book rather than on the screen,” Tavyev Asher said. “The single most important thing that parents can do for their children right now is to keep them off screens between the ages of 0 and 3.”

The Importance of Genetics

Rowitch, a neonatologist, developmental neuroscientist and expert on pediatric neurological disease, said that genetic tests developed over the past 10 years can analyze all 3 billion base pairs, the letters that make up a person’s genetic code. These tests can offer crucial information on an infant’s brain development as well as the child’s future mental and physical health.

“We find that almost 80% of babies with a genetic condition exhibit a neurological manifestation,” Rowitch said. “For example, that could be weakness of the muscles, seizures or a structural abnormality of the brain that we identify by MRI. It is important to understand and capture these conditions to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment.”

Pairing genetic testing with a map of normal brain development such as the one created by Gao can help clarify how genetic conditions change development patterns, Rowitch said. This could be especially true for babies born preterm.

“We want to be able to anticipate future health or neurodevelopmental problems,” Rowitch said. “The earlier we detect alterations, the sooner we can intervene to improve the child's developmental trajectory.”

Detecting serious genetic conditions at birth also could have implications for a child’s school readiness and long-term health outcomes.

“Together, these studies emphasize the importance of early brain development. If we understand how genetics affects school readiness, that starts to open up another set of questions,” Rowitch said. “How can we make a child school-ready who might otherwise be in a high-risk category? If we can bring together genetics, brain mapping and cognitive assessment, we can create interventions that can help every child reach their potential.”

Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University is advancing groundbreaking research and educating future leaders in medicine, biomedical sciences and allied health sciences. Learn more about the university.

The prestigious national honor bestowed annually by the medical association recognizes Sanchez’s outstanding contributions to pediatric medicine, his leadership in advancing health equity and his unwavering dedication to the Hispanic community. And Sanchez himself credits his Hispanic cultural roots and values for leading him to a career in medicine.

“It is truly humbling to be recognized by the National Hispanic Medical Association,” said Sanchez, who is also the director of Pediatric Medical Genetics at Guerin Children’s. “Growing up in a Hispanic household, I learned that the foundation of healing is planted at home and nurtured by trust, respect, culture and faith. As a clinical scholar and physician-scientist, I am reminded every day that our work reaches far beyond the clinic.”

Sanchez will be recognized at the association’s 28th annual conference, “Uniendo Voces: Advancing the Future of Latino Health,” on June 7 in Anaheim, California. Established in 1994, the nonprofit organization represents more than 50,000 licensed Hispanic physicians in the United States.

“At Guerin Children’s, ensuring that children and families from California and beyond receive personalized, inclusive care is a top priority,” said Shervin Rabizadeh, MD, MBA, deputy director of Guerin Children’s and chair of the Department of Pediatrics. “Sanchez has played a leading role in developing culturally responsive pediatric genetic services.”

Sanchez said the award highlights the importance of integrating cultural understanding into every aspect of medical care.

“As pediatric geneticists, we care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community— children and families navigating rare and complex conditions,” said Sanchez. “By building trust, improving access and mentoring the next generation of clinicians, we help create a healthcare system that not only treats disease but honors the unique culture, stories and heritage of all patients.”

Sanchez’s leadership roles are wide-reaching. Most recently, he was named as the Advisory Committee Chair for the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Engage, Equip, and Empower (E3): Genomics Pathways Program. The program seeks to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders in genetics and genomics by providing early exposure to the field to high school, community college and undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds.

“Sanchez’s work reflects Guerin Children’s mission to improve bench-to-bedside healthcare for all communities,” said Ophir Klein, MD, PhD, executive vice dean of Children’s Health and executive director of Guerin Children’s. “This award is a fitting tribute to his compassion, expertise and commitment to care for our youngest patients.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Do Children Need Genetic Testing?

Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer and professor of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai, sat down with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom to answer common questions about the disease and options for patients.

What does it mean to have stage 4 prostate cancer?

All cancers are diagnosed by stage. Stage 4 is when the disease has spread from the primary area or organ—in this case, the prostate gland—to other areas. The most common place that prostate cancer spreads is to the bone, although it can spread to other organs such as the lungs, lymph nodes or liver.

How is prostate cancer treated?

The standard of care for prostate cancer, by and large, when newly diagnosed, is to turn off the stimulation of the prostate cancer cell by blocking androgens, including testosterone, either where they are made or where they act with the cancer to cause cancer to grow. So, androgen suppression through treatments that reduce testosterone levels is the treatment of choice, primarily for hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Having said that, recent evidence suggests that you can add chemotherapy to hormone treatment for men with prostate cancer that improves both their progression-free survival and their overall survival.

What is the expected prognosis for a patient with stage 4 prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer, when metastatic, whether it's aggressive or nonaggressive, is not currently a curable disease. So, what we can expect is that control of the cancer should be easily obtained using hormone ablation. This will certainly improve what's called progression-free survival, meaning that it'll slow the growth of the cancer to other areas, it will prolong survival, but it will not be curative.

What are the screening recommendations for prostate cancer?

The standard screening recommendation for men is a digital rectal examination and a PSA blood test on an annual basis. The PSA test measures a hormone called prostate-specific antigen, which may indicate prostate cancer when found at high levels. But currently, it's not recommended that men beyond the age of 70 have routine screenings, because in population studies, there's been no evidence that screening elderly men improves overall survival. Having said that, that should still be a discussion between the physician and the patient to see whether screening is appropriate.

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Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a special type of treatment for patients with certain cancers that have spread to the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Unlike regular chemotherapy, which is often delivered through an intravenous (IV) drip and then circulates throughout the entire body, HIPEC is delivered during a surgical procedure. Also called “hot chemotherapy,” HIPEC involves delivering high doses of heated chemotherapy directly to the abdomen during the surgical procedure. The chemotherapy solution is heated to about 41 to 42 degrees Celsius (about 108 F).

“Bathing the peritoneal cavity with heated chemotherapeutic agents helps to target and kill cancer cells that might be too small to remove through surgery alone,” said Alexandra Gangi, MD, director of the Gastrointestinal Tumor and Cancer Regional Therapies programs at Cedars-Sinai Cancer and associate professor at the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery.

Gangi recently spoke with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom about how HIPEC works and who can benefit from the targeted surgical procedure.

What is HIPEC and who gets it?

HIPEC is a regional therapy used for patients with peritoneal disease, where cancer spreads to the peritoneum—the smooth membrane lining the abdominal wall and surrounding organs. When cancer from sites like the colon or the peritoneum itself spreads into the abdominal cavity, after removing visible tumors through surgery, heated chemotherapy is circulated in the abdomen to target and destroy remaining cancer cells at a cellular level.

Who is a good candidate for the HIPEC procedure?

Good candidates for HIPEC are patients with certain cancers that have spread within the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen and pelvis abdominal cavity. These patients have stage 4 cancer. This can include appendix cancer, colon and rectal cancer, mesothelioma, and primary peritoneal cancer. Some patients with gastric and ovarian cancer are eligible for the procedure, as well.

What does the HIPEC procedure involve?

The procedure typically begins with a cytoreductive surgery, where visible tumors are removed. Afterward, large catheters are placed into the abdominal cavity and the abdomen is closed. Heated chemotherapy is then circulated for 30 minutes to about an hour and a half at temperatures between 41 to 42 degrees Celsius—the solution is really hot.

Once that's done, we drain all the fluid from the belly and we open the patient back up. If there are any new surgical connections we may need to create, as in scenarios where we have removed some colon or intestine, we do that. We rinse the abdomen with saline, and then we close up the abdomen, and the patient goes to recovery.

How is HIPEC different from regular chemotherapy?

The procedure offers a more focused approach compared to regular chemotherapy, which circulates through your bloodstream throughout your body. Typically, patients won't see major fluctuations in their blood count, and they’re not necessarily considered immunocompromised. Unlike IV chemotherapy, which requires repeated sessions every few weeks, HIPEC is typically a one-time procedure, but can be repeated in some cases.

Systemic chemotherapy, which is given through an IV, relies on blood flow to reach tumors, but small tumors may not receive enough blood flow to be effectively treated this way. In HIPEC, chemotherapy is used after the visible disease is removed to kill any remaining cancer cells that exist at a cellular level since it only penetrates about three millimeters into the abdominal wall.

How does HIPEC improve survival rates?

For certain late-stage cancers, the survival rate is quite a bit lower, at around the 20% range. However, for certain mucinous tumors like pseudomyxoma peritonei, a type of appendix cancer, HIPEC can be life changing. The surgery significantly improves survival rate and can reduce the risk of recurrence. In some cases, survival without recurrence can be over 80%. It's a huge range but it is dependent on what type of cancer we're ultimately trying to treat and the patient's overall response to treatment.

What is the recovery process following the HIPEC procedure?

After surgery, some patients experience delayed return of bowel function, where the intestines take time to "wake up." This might lead to symptoms like reduced appetite, constipation or diarrhea, depending on what was removed during the surgery. Patients may also experience some discomfort or bloating. It’s best to avoid heavy lifting for about 6-8 weeks to allow proper healing. I typically advise patients that the first three months are kind of tough. And then you kind of start to feel more like your normal self. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: The Need for Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Hispanic Community

“We set out to determine what drives melanoma metastasis in aging, and whether we can introduce changes that stop the cancer from spreading,” said Ze’ev Ronai, PhD, director of the Translational Research Institute and interim scientific director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer, and senior author of the study. “We identified a possible target for age-dependent therapies in melanoma and in other tumor types that could help us address difficult-to-treat cancers.”

Working with aged laboratory mice, investigators discovered that aging alters the activity of immune cells called macrophages in the immediate vicinity of the tumor. This supports tumor cell spreading, resulting in metastases. Their experiments found that inhibiting expression of a protein called TREM2 on the surface of macrophages prevented melanoma from spreading to the lungs of aging mice. They confirmed these results by looking at the cell composition of tumor samples from human melanoma patients age 70 and older.

Additional authors include Marzia Scortegagna, Rabi Murad, Parinaz Bina, Yongmei Feng, Rebecca Porritt, Alexey Terskikh, Xiao Tian, Peter D. Adams and Kristiina Vuori of Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute (SBP), where the work was initially performed.

Funding: This work was supported by shared resources at the SBP Cancer Center supported by NCI grant P30CA030199, NCI grant R35CA197465 (to ZR) and NIA support grants P01 AG073084 (PA), and R00AG068303 (XT).

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