leukemia research | Washington University School of Medicine has received a renewal of a prestigious research grant from the National Cancer Institute. Led by principal investigator Dr. Daniel Link, the Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant in leukemia provides funding for translational research into new and innovative therapies for patients with different types of blood cancers. The five-year grant brings $10.8 million to the program. “The studies funded by the SPORE are among the most innovative in the field of blood cancer, and they’re available right here in St. Louis,” says Link, who also serves as the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Endowed Professor of Medicine, and Siteman Cancer Center’s deputy director.
concussions and gender
Research at Saint Louis University is investigating a gender gap in research into the effects of concussions on athletes. Data shows that the number of women and girls treated for sports-related concussions has tripled in the past two decades, but research has not looked into disparities between the sexes. Dr. Jamil Neme, director of the Concussion Clinic at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, notes that more research is necessary to understand what physiologic or biomechanical, social and environmental factors influence injury rates between men and women.
treating stomach cancer
A team at Washington University School of Medicine has successfully delivered immunotherapy directly to the gut via probiotic to shrink tumors in mice. The research has the potential to create new oral treatments for hard-to-reach gastrointestinal cancers. Existing immunotherapy for such cancers is delivered intravenously. The study found that mice treated with the probiotic had fewer tumors than those given an injection. “We have engineered a yeast-based probiotic that delivers immunotherapy directly to the tumor site.,” says Dr. Gautam Dantas, the Conan Professor of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine in the Department of Pathology & Immunology. “Our hope is that one day the probiotic could be added to the arsenal of therapies to help shrink tumors in people.”
the pandemic and breastfeeding
A new study from Saint Louis University explores the impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding habits. The researchers looked at the breastfeeding practices of a diverse sample of U.S. mothers across various regions, income levels, and racial/ethnic backgrounds. It was found that 34% of mothers said stay-at-home orders facilitated easier breastfeeding, more mother-child bonding and a longer breastfeeding duration. “Observing the pandemic’s impact on breastfeeding illuminated the urgent need for holistic, supportive work policies,” says MarĂa JosĂ© Romo-Palafox, Ph.D., assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics. “I am passionate about contributing to solutions that support breastfeeding and provide mental health and financial stability resources for mothers, creating healthier outcomes for both mothers and children across diverse backgrounds.”