Reporter March 1 2019
Lighting up colorectal cancer
Feb. 28, 2019—A nanobeacon imaging agent that binds specifically to colorectal cancer cells may aid the early detection of cancer during colonoscopy.
Achilles’ heel for kidney cancer
Feb. 28, 2019—The discovery that kidney cells with mutations in a certain gene are sensitive to therapies called PI3K inhibitors opens new opportunities for applying precision medicine to cancer treatment.
Personalized pain management
Feb. 28, 2019—Understanding how natural brain chemicals with pain-relieving properties interact with administered opioids may guide personalized approaches for pain management.
Protein loss promotes cell migration
Feb. 28, 2019—The protein kinase STK17A plays a novel role in epithelial cells and its loss may contribute to colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis, Vanderbilt researchers report.
Terhune named to senior GME leadership role
Feb. 28, 2019—Kyla Terhune, MD, MBA, associate professor Surgery and director of the Surgery Residency Training Program in the Section of Surgical Sciences, has been named Vice President for Educational Affairs for Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education for Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Her appointment is effective July 1.
Gene identified that increases risk of antibiotic reaction
Feb. 28, 2019—Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and colleagues have identified a gene that increases the risk for a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to the commonly prescribed antibiotic vancomycin.
VUMC employees poised to Celebrate March 7 and 8
Feb. 28, 2019—A chance to win seats at a Predators hockey game, updates on recent successes, a free meal, live music, patient stories and a Vanderbilt Health logo T-shirt for all attendees are just part of what’s in store at the employee appreciation event — Celebrate the Difference WE Make Every Day! — being held next week on March 7 and 8.
Investigators map genomic landscape of very rare cancer
Feb. 28, 2019—A team of Vanderbilt researchers mapped out the genomic landscape of a metastatic malignant proliferating tricholemmal tumor and identified a targeted treatment for this very rare cancer.
Precision health talk
Feb. 28, 2019—Stanford University School of Medicine’s Lloyd Minor, MD, center, spoke about health care in the era of precision medicine during his recent Flexner Discovery Lecture.
Novel DNA repair mechanism preserves genome integrity: study
Feb. 28, 2019—Biochemistry investigators at Vanderbilt have discovered a new DNA repair mechanism that prevents gene mutations during DNA replication.
VU basketball great Foster relates crucial role of mentors
Feb. 28, 2019—Vanderbilt Behavioral Health (VBH) recently hosted Shan Foster — former basketball player for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Dallas Mavericks — for a Black History Month presentation on achievements that stem from strong mentors.
VUMC shines in new advanced practice book
Feb. 28, 2019—Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a leading institution for advanced practice professionals, recently reached another milestone for prominence in this area.