Research Thrives in Breast Cancer Services, Fueled by Graduate Students at Wilmot
Wilmot Cancer Institute Makes Significant Strides in Breast Cancer Research
The Wilmot Cancer Institute in Rochester, New York, is making notable advancements in the field of breast cancer research. The institute's approach, which emphasizes teamwork and understanding the community's needs, has been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health with millions in recent grants.
- Immunotherapy Advances
Wilmot has been a pioneer in the field of advanced cellular therapies, particularly CAR T-cell therapy. In 2017, Wilmot was among the first globally to offer CAR T-cell treatment for aggressive lymphoma and has since expanded this to cancers including solid tumors like breast cancer.
- Clinical Trials and Research Funding
The institute is actively supporting new clinical trials, partly funded by donations and grants. The funds from the 2024 Wilmot Warrior Weekend were allocated to support promising new clinical trials in 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to develop novel treatments for breast cancer.
- Supportive Care Innovations
While specific details were not provided, cooling caps (scalp cooling) are commonly adopted supportive therapies to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Given Wilmot’s comprehensive breast cancer program and focus on patient-centered care, it is likely that such supportive care methods are part of their integrative clinical practice.
- Lifestyle and Risk Optimization Research
A pilot study led by Dr. Farhan Bajwa at Wilmot focuses on optimizing cardiac imaging protocols in women with HER2-positive breast cancer to prevent cardiotoxicity, a side effect of HER2-targeted therapies. Tailoring imaging frequency based on individual risk aims to reduce harm and unnecessary procedures, indirectly supporting lifestyle and quality of life during treatment.
- Educational and Collaborative Models
Wilmot is also implementing and evaluating new care models and educational curricula to enhance treatment and supportive care for cancer patients, including breast cancer. This includes training for hospitalists and residents for improved management of complex patient needs relevant to cancer care.
- Bench Science and Innovation
Wilmot participates in large consortia enabling basic scientists and junior investigators to access cutting-edge facilities and data to innovate gene and cellular treatments for solid tumors like breast cancer. This fosters discovery from laboratory “bench” science to clinical application.
The institute's breast cancer service line has been featured in the latest edition of Dialogue (Vol 1, 2023), and Wilmot is collaborating with a community group to reshape yoga studies for breast cancer survivors, adding appropriate cultural references to a standard yoga program.
The team at Wilmot, led by graduate student Zachary Sechrist, who has a special interest in cancer due to his mother's battle with breast cancer, embodies team science, hard work, and enthusiasm. Sechrist emphasizes the importance of teamwork, stating that no role is small.
These recent advancements demonstrate Wilmot's commitment to making significant strides against cancer, with a focus on innovative clinical trials, gene and cellular therapies, and supportive care approaches, as well as lifestyle and risk management research. The integration of emerging technology and educational initiatives further supports progress in comprehensive breast cancer treatment at the institute.
[1] Wilmot Cancer Institute [2] New York State Empire Consortium [3] Wilmot Cancer Institute's 2023 Dialogue [4] Wilmot Warrior Weekend [5] Seed Grants for Regional Breast Cancer Researchers
- The Wilmot Cancer Institute's work in clinical trials extends to breast cancer, with funds from the 2024 Wilmot Warrior Weekend being allocated to support promising new trials in 2025.
- In addition to medical-conditions like breast cancer, Wilmot is also active in the field of science, pioneering advanced cellular therapies such as CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors.
- Beyond cancer research, Wilmot is also focused on health-and-wellness initiatives, collaborating with a community group to reshape yoga studies for breast cancer survivors, adding appropriate cultural references to a standard yoga program.
