Ohio State recruits top oncologist to expand cell therapy program, lead bone marrow transplant services
The OSUCCC – James has recruited Marcos J. de Lima, MD, to lead its Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy programs, two key leadership positions within central Ohio’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center and largest freestanding hospital.
Effective April 1, de Lima has joined an already robust, leading blood cancer team that includes more than 67 hematologists and researchers working in subspecialized, cross-functional clinical care and research teams in the Division of Hematology at Ohio State’s College of Medicine.
Prior to joining the OSUCCC – James, de Lima served as co-leader of the Hematopoietic and Immune Cancer Biology Program at Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and director of the Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplant Program at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. He brings more than two decades of experience in developing and conducting studies in stem cell transplantation and cells of the immune system to the OSUCCC – James.
“I firmly believe that Ohio State has it all: forward-thinking leadership, resources, commitment and willingness to bring forth new treatments to patients. My vision to create a multidisciplinary engine of cellular therapy development and production has found a home,” says de Lima, who will serve as a professor in the Division of Hematology at Ohio State and as a member of the OSUCCC – James Leukemia Research Program.
An internationally respected expert in cellular therapy and stem cell transplant, de Lima is a critical recruit who will help the OSUCCC – James expand its existing cellular therapy program for the treatment of cancer as well as applications in other diseases.
Study suggests common drug could be used to prevent certain skin cancers
An oral drug currently used in the clinical setting to treat neuromuscular diseases could also help prevent a common form of skin cancer caused by damage from ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation from the sun, according to new data published by researchers at the OSUCCC – James.
The results were reported in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Sujit Basu, MD, PhD, a researcher with the OSUCCC – James Translational Therapeutics Research Program and a professor of pathology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, was senior author of the study.
Previous peer-reviewed, published studies have shown that dopamine receptors play a role in the development of cancerous tumors; however, their role in precancerous lesions is unknown.
In this new study, OSUCCC – James researchers report data showing that the neurotransmitter/neurohormone dopamine, by activating its D2 receptors, can stop the development and progression of certain UVB-induced precancerous squamous skin cancers. Researchers also describe the molecular sequence of events that leads to cancer suppression.
“Our study suggests that a commonly used drug that activates specific dopamine receptors could help reduce squamous cell skin cancer recurrence and possibly even prevent the disease entirely. This is especially exciting because this is a drug that is already readily used in clinical settings and is relatively inexpensive. We are excited to continue momentum in this area of research,” says Basu.
The OSUCCC – James is working on plans to begin further testing in a phase I experimental clinical trial.
Ohio State launches fourth statewide cancer research initiative
Turning the PAGE on Breast Cancer in Ohio is focused on increasing breast cancer education, facilitating access to genetic counseling, and ensuring appropriate screening, follow-up for abnormalities and treatment for Black women who are at an increased risk for breast cancer in 12 Ohio counties. Participating counties were selected based on having the highest rates of breast cancer mortality among Black women and include Franklin, Fairfield, Clark, Butler, Hamilton, Lake, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Trumbull, Summit, Stark and Mahoning. Electra Paskett, PhD, MSPH, and Heather Hampel, MS, LGC, serve as principal investigators of the study.
“Studies confirm that in the United States, Black women are 42% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women — and on average, Black women develop more aggressive breast cancer and die at younger ages than white women,” says Paskett, who serves as co-leader of the OSUCCC – James Cancer Control Research Program.
“We are working to identify and directly break down those barriers to help women who are at the highest risk of developing breast cancer,” Paskett adds. “Our goal is to help these women both understand their risk and get the medical guidance they need.”
Learn more at endbreastcancerohio.org.