City of Hope

Physician scientists at City of Hope have made a discovery on how changing a patient’s gut microbiome could improve treatment for people with metastatic kidney cancer. The latest phase 1 trial, published in Nature Medicine (Nature Portfolio), reveals that patients who orally took the live biotherapeutic product CBM588 while undergoing treatment with immunotherapy and enzymatic tyrosine kinase inhibitors experienced improved health outcomes. “We at City of Hope are the first to demonstrate a live bacterial product’s ability to improve clinical outcomes for patients with kidney cancer treated with immunotherapy,” shares Sumanta Pal, M.D., professor and vice chair of academic affairs in City of Hope’s Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research. “CBM588 could be exciting in cancer treatment because of its potential to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based treatment, improve patient outcomes and modulate the gut microbiota in beneficial ways.” City of Hope is advancing research on the connection between a healthy gut and the effectiveness of immune therapies like CAR T cell therapy. The microbiome program, covering basic to clinical research, also explores the gut's role in protecting transplant patients during recovery. This research and commitment to the microbiome program brings new hope to patients and marks a step forward in cancer treatment. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eRN53e5f

“I feel tremendous gratitude for the care and kindness I have received from people all around me and my ability to show up to play my part. This carries me through to the next day,” expresses Ellie Maghami, M.D., chief, Division of Head and Neck Surgery at City of Hope and The Norman and Sadie Lee Foundation Endowed Professor in Head and Neck Cancer. As Dr. Maghami marks her 19th year at City of Hope, she acknowledges the privilege of her profession and its profound impact on patients' lives. Her leadership is guided by a deep-seated compassion, driven by the belief that “we are all interconnected in this universe ... it takes small acts of compassion to make everlasting impact all around us.” In honor of Pride Month, Dr. Maghami affirms the significance of authenticity and mental well-being, emphasizing that “being true to oneself and comfortable in one’s own skin is fundamental to mental health and wellness.” We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Maghami for her dedicated service, and for her unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of her work and life. #CityofHope #PrideMonth

Graduate student Ashlie Munoz feels she can truly be herself at City of Hope. That was one of the reasons she chose to pursue her Ph.D. in T Cell Therapeutics Research at the Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences at City of Hope. “I’ve always felt welcomed being my genuine self. I’m so proud of all the dedication and hard work everyone invests here to make such amazing progress in patient care and scientific research,” she shares. She is also thrilled to celebrate Pride Month, acknowledging that it “exists because of all the brave individuals who came before us.” She is proud to be a part of City of Hope’s employee resource group Pride in the City (California chapter) and hopes to be a beacon of hope for others. Aside from her studies, Ashlie recently proposed to her fiancée, Jellyn, in July 2023. She feels incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of her partner throughout her program. Thank you, Ashlie, for embracing your true self and fostering a culture of inclusivity at City of Hope. #PrideMonth

On Thursday, June 27, City of Hope's Angela Talton will be a panelist at the Reuters Events Healthcare virtual webinar on Advancing Gender Equity in U.S. Healthcare Leadership. Discussion topics include: - The challenges women face in ascending to leadership roles - The tangible benefits of gender-diverse leadership - Actionable strategies to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all Register for the webinar: https://bit.ly/4b5yfO7 #TotalHealth24 #DEI

“Our team wanted to help unhoused individuals in Los Angeles County. We hope to continue supporting this worthy cause," shares Jennifer Baecker, M.S.N., NP-C, R.N. In its second annual fundraiser, City of Hope’s Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Council set a goal to create 100 kits for unhoused individuals in Southern California. Thanks to the generosity of City of Hope employees, the council exceeded its goal, creating over 100 kits, including hygiene kits, feminine product kits and snack packs. Thank you to the APP Council and all who supported this effort for your commitment and mission to help the community.

Garret Larson, Ph.D., a staff scientist at City of Hope and the self-proclaimed "unofficial beekeeper of City of Hope," is leveraging his passion for bees to advance his research on B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common cancer in pediatric patients. Dr. Larson believes that studying bees can pave the way for innovative breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment.

Applications are open for City of Hope's Intensive Course in Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment. To learn more and apply, visit https://bit.ly/4ceZPJX. Participants enrolled in the course will learn to: - Integrate cancer genetics and oncology knowledge into clinical practice - Apply skills commensurate with practitioner-level proficiency into the cancer risk assessment and case management process - Examine the value of hereditary cancer registries, cancer epidemiology and cancer prevention studies for patients and clinicians The deadline to apply is August 1, 2024. Alumni of the course are initiated as members of City of Hope’s Clinical Cancer Genomics Community of Practice, where they join a network of more than 1,800 clinicians and thought leaders across the U.S. for continuing support to grow their cancer risk assessment practices.

City of Hope diabetes experts presented novel study results at the 84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, held June 21 to 24, 2024. Key City of Hope studies focused on: - Reducing hypoglycemic episodes - Gender differences in diabetes susceptibility - New targets for improving glucose control - Imaging functional beta cells for better decision-making Learn more: https://bit.ly/4blGNR8 #ADASciSessions #DiabetesResearch

There is a major change in the treatment of bladder cancer, and City of Hope is at the forefront of using these treatments for patients. It is a huge win for one patient, Patricia Gilleland, at City of Hope Atlanta. Patricia was diagnosed with bladder cancer in April 2022 and had her bladder removed. After surgery, her physician, Bamidele Adesunloye, M.D., had Patricia start on an antibody drug conjugate treatment — a form of targeted chemotherapy. She experienced such a positive result that it made Dr. Adesunloye thrilled to have these additional treatments added to his “tool kit.” “Most of the time, your first-line therapy may be your last line of therapy," shares Dr. Adesunlove. So you had better make sure you have a very good drug as your first line, because if you don’t have a good drug to control the disease, you may never have another option again. This really revolutionized the way we look at bladder cancer.” As for Patricia, she is truly grateful for feeling like herself again so that she can live in the moment. She is thankful every day she wakes up feeling better. Read more about the antibody-drug conjugate that is expanding treatment options for bladder cancer patients like Patricia.

"I am always excited to say I work for City of Hope and feel inspired by the amazing work done by our clinical and research staff," shares Logan Caldwell, City of Hope employee and board member of Pride in the City Employee Resource Group (California chapter). Logan believes that one of the greatest blessings of working at City of Hope are his co-workers who continually inspire him to lead with compassion, "They remind me of the true meaning of compassion and the purpose behind our work." The ongoing efforts of City of Hope to promote inclusivity and address health disparities within the community are a source of pride for Logan. His interest in inclusion practices and addressing health disparities inspired him to earn a master's degree in global public health. Thank you, Logan, for your affinity for helping others and compassion for colleagues, patients and community. #CityofHope #PrideMonth