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BROADENING THE CONVERSATION ABOUT CANCER | WINTER/SPRING 2021 Cutting- Edge Care for Blood Cancers Bone Marrow Transplant, Cellular Therapies Offer Many Options
FORWARD THINKING
P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E
THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSISTENCE
N
o matter the problems of specially altered T cells—a part
the world or the personal of the immune system—to fight
challenges in our lives, cancer.
cancer persists. Its impact We also explore the field of
is still felt, and the urgency geriatric oncology. With other di-
that accompanies it cannot be agnoses like heart disease and di-
ignored. Cancer is persistent. abetes in our older population, as
As we regularly adapt to caring well as cognitive ability and social
for our patients amidst a global environment factoring into care, a
pandemic, our Fox Chase Cancer holistic approach is most appro-
Center community continues the priate. It is critical to understand
important work of advancing can- and care for each patient as an in-
cer care. In our mission to prevail dividual, addressing their unique
over cancer, we are persistent too. needs. As much as we advise our
In this issue of Forward, our patients, they have much to teach to improve clinical outcomes and
cover story highlights advances us. It starts with listening. quality of life for these patients.
in treatment for patients with Caring for the whole person in With so much happening
blood cancers. Clinicians in our our patient-care approach also around us, especially now in 2021,
Department of Bone Marrow applies to areas such as nutrition we are more challenged than ever.
Transplant and Cellular Therapies and physical activity. This con- We are also more determined, and
are inspiring hope through leader- cept is especially important for so, we carry on. Cancer will not
ship in developing novel therapies patients who suffer from cachexia, stop. Neither will we.
with encouraging results. Among a lack of appetite and loss of body
them is the first and only CAR fat and muscle due to disease or
T-cell therapy approved by the malnourishment. This syndrome
Food and Drug Administration affects about half of cancer pa-
to treat patients with mantle cell tients, and its effects can be dev-
lymphoma. A type of immuno- astating. Fox Chase researchers Richard I. Fisher, MD
therapy, CAR T-cell therapy uses and dietitians are studying ways PRESIDENT AND CEO
Forward
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Camille Ragin, PhD, MPH Donald E. Morel Jr., PhD FORWARD magazine is published
Professor, Cancer Prevention Leon O. Moulder Jr. twice a year for friends of Fox Chase
Andrew Becker Cancer Center by the communications
and Control Program Michael A. Young
Director of Donor Relations department of Fox Chase. One of the
WINTER/SPRING 2021
George Beschen Glenn F. Rall, PhD leading cancer research and treatment
FOUNDATION BOARD centers in the United States, Fox Chase
Chief Academic Officer
Patrick McGee LEADERSHIP Senior Director of Individual Giving OF DIRECTORS was founded in 1904 as one of the
Editor Martin J. Edelman, MD, FACP Jennifer Barsky Reese, PhD nation’s first cancer hospitals, and
Richard I. Fisher, MD Associate Professor, Cancer Donald E. Morel Jr., PhD Chair was among the first institutions to be
Marian Dennis Chair, Department of Hematology/Oncology Louis E. Della Penna Sr. Vice Chair
President and Prevention and Control Program designated a National Cancer Institute
Staff Writer Chief Executive Officer Erica A. Golemis, PhD William J. Federici Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974.
Deputy Chief Scientific Officer Anna Liza Rodriguez, MSN, Richard I. Fisher, MD Fox Chase joined Temple University Health
Sarah Hughes Jeremy Moore MHA, RN, OCN, NEA-BC System in 2012.
Edward A. Glickman
Editorial Assistant Senior Director of Joel Helmke, MSHP, FACHE Chief Nursing Officer
Communications Chief Operating Officer Julia Gopelrud Temple Health refers to the health,
B&G Design Studios Rosalia Viterbo, MD, FACS Lewis F. Gould Jr. education and research activities carried
Design Patrick McGee Shawn Kleitz Associate Professor, Department Thomas W. Hofmann out by the affiliates of Temple University
Publications Manager Chief Development Officer of Surgical Oncology Health System (TUHS) and by The Lewis
Brilliant Graphics Barbara Ilsen Katz School Temple University School
Printing Inquiries: Joshua E. Meyer, MD Margot Wallace Keith of Medicine. TUHS neither provides nor
editor@fccc.edu Associate Professor, Radiation BOARD OF DIRECTORS Geoffrey Kent controls the provision of health care. All
Joseph Lertola and
Bryan Christie Design Oncology Lewis F. Gould Jr. Chair Philip E. Lippincott health care is provided by its member
John M. Daly, MD Solomon C. Luo, MD organizations or independent health care
Cover Ryan O’Neill-Moon providers affiliated with TUHS member
William J. Federici David G. Marshall
COLIN LENTON
Contributors: Director of Marketing organizations. Each TUHS member
Edward A. Glickman Tina Pidgeon organization is owned and operated
Jill Horne Andrea S. Porpiglia, MD, MSc Sandra Harmon-Weiss, MD Thomas R. Tritton, PhD pursuant to its governing documents.
Assistant Professor, Department Thomas W. Hofmann
of Surgical Oncology
Solomon C. Luo, MD 333 Cottman Avenue,
Amanda Purdy, PhD David G. Marshall Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497
Director, Academic Affairs John W. Marshall III foxchase.org
Christopher W. McNichol 1-888-FOX-CHASE
Forward WINTER/SPRING 2021
CONTENTS
F E AT U R E S
6 Cutting-Edge Care for
Blood Cancers
Approximately 1.3 million Americans are living
with, or are in remission from, leukemia,
lymphoma, or myeloma. Luckily for patients
in the Philadelphia area, Fox Chase Cancer
Center has one of the leading programs in the
country for the treatment of these conditions.
12 The Art of Listening
There is nothing standard about caring for elderly
patients with cancer. Currently, individuals age
85 and older are the fastest growing cancer
population in the United States. With this rapidly
growing population, effective and individualized
care—and the art of listening—have become
more important than ever.
20
16 Coping With Cancer Weight Loss
Perhaps one of the most challenging thing about 22 Faculty Perspective: A Scientist
CLOSE-UP:
cancer and its treatment is cachexia (pronounced With Passion
“kuh-KEK-see-uh”), a wasting syndrome in which Tomasz Skorski’s dedication to science and medicine
patients experience loss of body fat and muscle. has been a lifelong passion. An associate professor
Researchers are exploring the relationships at Fox Chase, Skorski focuses on determining the role
between specific cancers, nutrition, and physical of DNA repair mechanisms in leukemia.
activity with the goal of improving clinical
outcomes. 24 Exceptional Experience
MAKING A DIFFERENCE:
Leads to Exceptional Gift
D E PA R T M E N T S Roberta R. Scheller and her husband Ernest were so
impressed with the treatment she received for her
2 FOCUS: Around Campus kidney cancer at Fox Chase that they established the
Researcher Receives NIH Award | Center Roberta R. Scheller Chair in Urologic Oncology.
Awarded Competitive SPORE Grant | Study
Links Lipids, Pancreatic Cancer | Exploring 26 REVIEW: News of Note
Roles of BRCA1 Gene in DNA Repair Special Events | Honors & Awards | Notable
Accomplishments
20 Patient Perspective: Taking a
CLOSE-UP:
Holiday From Cancer 28 Robert ‘Bob’ Perry: A Scientist
REWIND:
Doug Payne has been in the music business since Ahead of His Time
he was a child, so music is his life. But after being Robert “Bob” Perry, who has been called “a scientist’s
diagnosed with a rare type of sarcoma, he had scientist,” was a pioneer who spent most of his career
CARDONI
to put the music on hold. After surgery and at Fox Chase. His lab was one of few in the 1960s
radiation therapy, Payne is back in the studio. trying to understand how DNA was copied to RNA.
WINTER/SPRING 2021 FOX CHASE FORWARD 1
FOCUS
A R O U N D C A M P U S
RESEARCHER RECEIVES 2020 NIH DIRECTOR’S
NEW INNOVATOR AWARD
J
oan Font-Burgada of the
Cancer Biology Research
Program has received
a National Institutes of
Health (NIH) Director’s
New Innovator Award from the
NIH Common Fund’s High-Risk,
High-Reward Research Program.
NIH Director’s Awards are pres-
tigious honors given to exception-
ally creative scientists proposing
unconventional approaches to
major challenges in biomedical
and behavioral research. The
New Innovator Award specifi-
cally supports unusually innova-
tive research from early career
investigators.
“This initiative
encourages us to
Joan Font-Burgada’s
be imaginative and research focuses on
cancer metastasis,
bold in tackling the direct cause of
over 90% of cancer
unsolved biomedical deaths.
issues.”
— J O A N F O N T- B U R G A D A ,
direct cause of over 90% of cancer reduced resistance, since the cells
CANCER BIOLOGY RESEARCH
deaths. Historically, research has being targeted are not cancer cells
PROGRAM
focused on determining specific and are therefore devoid of escape
properties of the metastatic cells strategies. Font-Burgada defines
“Innovation is inherent in the that could be used to develop this as an extensive medicine ap-
kind of science that Fox Chase has therapies. This approach has proach as opposed to mainstream
long nurtured—work that has led become unattainable because precision medicine.
to important discoveries in how of the high genetic diversity of “I am really grateful to the NIH
we understand and treat cancer. metastatic cells, resulting in mul- for promoting the High-Risk,
Dr. Font-Burgada’s work honors tiple “unique” tumors in a single High-Reward Research program
this legacy by pursuing novel ap- patient. and supporting early stage investi-
proaches to addressing metastatic Font-Burgada proposes switch- gators like myself. This initiative
disease, something that holds ing the spotlight from metastatic encourages us to be imaginative
great potential for many patients cells to the so-called metasta- and bold in tackling unsolved
with various types of cancer,” said sis-interacting resident cells. If biomedical issues. It is truly an
THOMAS STEPHANO
Richard I. Fisher, president and successful, this approach could honor to receive this award and
CEO of Fox Chase. result in effective treatments for join the ranks of such an excep-
Font-Burgada’s research focuses many patients regardless of cancer tional list of past awardees,” said
on cancer metastasis, which is the type, with the additional benefit of Font-Burgada.
2 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021
FOX CHASE RECEIVES LARGE GRANT FOR HEAD
AND NECK CANCER RESEARCH COLLABORATION
F
ox Chase Cancer Center Institute. In 2021, over 65,000 chief science officer and co-leader
has been awarded a grant people are estimated to be newly of the Molecular Therapeutics
through the National diagnosed with head and neck can- Program at Fox Chase. Her proj-
Institute of Dental and cer, and over 14,000 will die from ect as part of the SPORE will be
Craniofacial Research to this disease. performed in collaboration with
fund a Specialized Program of The five-year, $11.7 million grant Barbara Burtness, professor of
Research Excellence (SPORE) for funds a SPORE collaboration medicine (medical oncology) at
Head and Neck Cancer. among Fox Chase, Yale Cancer Yale Cancer Center, who was previ-
Head and neck cancers are a Center, and the Lineberger Cancer ously a researcher at Fox Chase.
group of cancers that start in the Center of the University of North
lining of the oral cavity, throat, Carolina to address obstacles in
voice box, or vocal cords. These treating head and neck cancer.
“It’s an exciting
cancers account for approximate- “It’s an exciting opportunity to opportunity to focus
ly 4% of all cancers in the United focus sustained effort on improv-
States and can be complex to treat, ing treatment for this devastating
sustained effort on
according to the National Cancer disease,” said Erica Golemis, deputy improving treatment
for this devastating
disease.”
— ERICA GOLEMIS,
DEPUTY CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER
“This project aims to develop
therapy for patients that have
resistance to normal forms of
treatment for advanced head and
neck cancer by targeting combi-
nations of proteins that control
cell division and DNA damage.
The work is designed to directly
connect insights generated in the
labs to clinical trials taking place at
Yale, Fox Chase, and Lineberger,”
Golemis added.
Other Fox Chase members
of the SPORE team include
John A. “Drew” Ridge, chief of
head and neck surgery; Camille
Ragin, a professor in the Cancer
Prevention and Control Program;
and leaders of the Fox Chase core
facilities. Pilot studies that helped
Fox Chase successfully compete
for SPORE designation were
ADRIÁ FRUITÓS
strongly supported by J. Robert
Beck, the H.O. West and J.R.
Wilke Chair in Cancer Research.
WINTER/SPRING 2021 FOX CHASE FORWARD 3
FOCUS
S C I E N C E
ROLE OF LIPIDS IN CONTROLLING PANCREATIC
CANCER AGGRESSIVENESS HIGHLIGHTED
A
ltering lipid metabolism But they were not able to prove that changed it from glandular to
may contribute to sus- the hypothesis, he said. Instead, basal subtype.
taining tumor growth in the researchers found something “Working collaboratively, we
patients with pancreatic entirely unexpected. Typically, ep- found, quite disturbingly, that
ductal adenocarcinoma, a ithelial tumors, such as pancreatic, patients who take statins and have a
finding that could help overcome a grow in clusters that mimic normal lower level of blood cholesterol have
major problem in pancreatic cancer glands. When cancers become a higher prevalence of the EMT
treatment resistance and metastat- aggressive, they begin to grow in cells in their tumors,” Astsaturov
ic spread. sheets resembling fibroblasts. This said.
“The initial assumption was that effect is known as epithelial-mesen- He added that researchers are
if we block biosynthesis of choles- chymal transition (EMT), which is now beginning to look at a larger
terol in cancer cells, that should the hallmark feature of a subtype of collection of human samples to
prevent cancer development,” said pancreatic cancer known as basal. determine how blood lipids cor-
Igor Astsaturov of the Department Using mouse genetic models of relate with a patients’ nutrition,
of Hematology/Oncology, the lead pancreatic cancer, the researchers medicines they are taking, and the
author of the study, which was a found that when cholesterol bio- percentage of EMT cells in their
complex, multifaceted investi- synthesis was blocked, the cancer tumors.
gation involving a number of Fox switched its growth pattern and The study was published in the
Chase Cancer Center researchers. acquired the molecular features prestigious journal Cancer Cell.
Researchers found that lower levels
of cholesterol could increase the
aggressiveness of cancer in patients.
ISTOCK
4 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021
RESEARCHERS DETERMINE CRITICAL ROLES OF
BRCA1 GENE IN DNA REPAIR
R
esearchers at Fox Chase
Cancer Center have de- New findings on the BRCA1 gene shed
termined that the BRCA1 light on the response of cancers to
certain chemotherapies.
gene has two distinct and
equally important func-
tions in the process of DNA repair,
a finding which sheds light on the
response and resistance of can-
cers to certain chemotherapies.
The scientists used mice with a
mutation in a part of the protein
known as the coiled-coil domain.
Mice containing this mutation
had developmental disorders sim-
ilar to Fanconi anemia in humans,
a rare genetic disease that affects
bone marrow function.
“Our work suggests
different mutations
may disable DNA
repair by different
mechanisms and
could impact response
and resistance to
PARP inhibitors.” breast and ovarian cancers, added complicated picture.
Johnson, who conducted the study “We were able to genetically
— NEIL JOHNSON, with researchers from Fox Chase separate the functions of BRCA1
MOLECULAR THERAPEUTICS and other centers. in DNA repair. Through addi-
PROGRAM “Our work suggests different tional molecular biology work
mutations may disable DNA we determined that BRCA1 has
When coiled-coil mutation-con- repair by different mechanisms two equal and distinct functions
taining mice were bred with mice and could impact response and in the process of homologous
with another distinct type of resistance to PARP inhibitors,” recombination DNA repair,” said
BRCA1 mutation, the offspring, said Johnson. Johnson.
which contained both muta- BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor “When both of these activities
tions, were completely normal. It suppressor genes that help repair are in place, homologous recom-
was a “surprising” finding, said DNA. Mutations in these genes bination can occur efficiently,”
Neil Johnson, of the Molecular are the strongest known genetic he added. Homologous recombi-
Therapeutics Program. risk factors for breast and epi- nation is an essential process for
The findings have implica- thelial ovarian cancer. Previous maintaining genetic information
tions for cancer therapy because studies suggested that BRCA1 is and ensuring it is transmitted ac-
drugs known as PARP inhibitors important for one function, but curately. The study was published
ISTOCK
successfully treat BRCA1-mutant the new research suggests a more in the journal Molecular Cell.
WINTER/SPRING 2021 FOX CHASE FORWARD 5
CUTTING-EDGE
CARE FOR
BL D
CANCERS
Bone Marrow Transplant, Cellular Therapies Offer Many Options
BY MARIAN DENNIS
E
very three minutes, someone in the United years’ experience working with thousands of patients
States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. These undergoing transplants. Among many other honors, he is
cancers, which include leukemia, lymphoma, consistently listed by Castle Connolly and Philadelphia
multiple myeloma, and many others, ac- magazine as a top doctor in hematology and cancer.
count for nearly 10% of all new cancer cases, The department, which was recently formed from the
according to the Leukemia Research Foundation. The Fox Chase-Temple University Hospital Bone Marrow
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society estimates that 1.3 mil- Transplant Program, treats patients with different types
lion Americans are living with, or are in remission from, of blood cancers. It also provides bone marrow and stem
leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. cell transplantation and cellular therapies to patients with
Luckily for patients in the Philadelphia area, Fox Chase blood disorders and other life-threatening diseases with
Cancer Center has one of the leading programs in the coun- the goal of improving their long-term outcomes.
try for the treatment of these conditions. Fung said he is privileged to run the department because
“Every week our staff sits down together and offers the it offers unparalleled opportunities to work with state-of-
best to our patients, whether it’s chemotherapy, radiation, the-art, life-saving technology. In 2018, the department un-
immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, bone marrow trans- veiled a new 11,500-square-foot outpatient clinic. Together
plant, cellular therapy, or a combination of all of them,” with the inpatient BMT unit, the $2 million facility occupies
said Henry Chi Hang Fung, MD, FACP, FRCPE, chair of the entire fifth floor of the Patient Care Center at Jeanes
the Department of Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) and Hospital, which is adjacent to Fox Chase Cancer Center and
Cellular Therapies at Fox Chase. Fung has more than 30 also part of the Temple system.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY
JOSEPH LERTOLA AND BRYAN CHRISTIE DESIGN
6 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021
Cutting-Edge Care for Blood Cancers
I
A PROGRAM OF DISTINCTION
n addition to the updated facility, Fung said the “My philosophy is that we should
department is also distinguished by a collaborative
approach that benefits patients. Before becoming
work together to make an
a department in late 2020, the program earned informed decision about what
the Blue Distinction Transplant – Bone Marrow/
Stem Cell from Blue Cross Blue Shield. The distinction is best for the patient.
takes into account the program’s overall quality measures,
which are developed with input from the medical com-
We can always do better.”
munity. The department has also been honored as a Cigna — HENRY CHI HANG FUNG,
Lifesource Transplant Network program of excellence, C H A I R , D E PA R T M E N T O F B O N E M A R R O W
an Optum Transplant Center of Excellence, and an Aetna TRANSPLANT AND CELLULAR THERAPIES
Institutes of Excellence Transplant Hospital.
In addition to these distinctions, the department has been
honored two years in a row for providing exceptional care and other clinical staff that brings us this success and recogni-
strong clinical outcomes for patients who received bone mar- tion every year. It is a remarkable achievement, especially
row or stem cell transplants by the Center for International considering that our patients often have more advanced
Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Fox Chase is the cases of blood cancer when they come to us than at many
only cancer center in Pennsylvania to exceed BMT outcome other programs in the country,” Fung said.
expectations for patients for both 2019 and 2020, and the only “This is very positive because our institution has recog-
center in four surrounding states—New Jersey, Delaware, nized that this is one of the best clinical programs in the
Maryland, and Virginia—and Washington, D.C. health system, and it has a very big potential to continue
“It is the commitment of our physicians, nurses, and to grow and offer cutting-edge, novel treatments to our
patients. These include different types of T cell and im-
munotherapies like CAR T, AlloCAR T, tumor-infiltrating
lymphocytes, bi-specific antibodies, antibody drug conju-
gates, and others,” he added.
Recently, the BMT program was recognized by the
Foundation for Reaccreditation of Cellular Therapy
(FACT) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
This is also the first time the program was accredited for
immune effector cell therapy, making it the only adult cen-
ter in Philadelphia that has this designation. FACT is an
internationally-recognized accrediting body for hospitals
and medical institutions offering stem cell transplant and
cellular therapy; it indicates the accredited institution has
met the most rigorous standards in every aspect of stem
cell therapy.
In addition to taking on the role of department chair, Fung
is also a member of the Blood Cell Development and Function
Program and the translational research disease groups for
leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes and lymphoma
and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He is also a member of
the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Multiple
Myeloma/Systemic Light Chain Amyloidosis/Waldenstrom’s
Macroglobulinemia Panel.
In addition to conducting its own research, the depart-
ment participates in research with the ECOG-ACRIN
Cancer Research Group and the Bone Marrow Clinical Trials
Network. Its researchers work collaboratively to bring the
most promising discoveries from the laboratory into the
ED CUNICELLI
clinical setting, where they can directly impact patients.
Top: BMT nurse conducts a blood pressure check. Bottom: Inpatient Fung is a well-known leader in the field of blood diseases
BMT staff gather for a quick floor update. and is internationally recognized for his clinical and scientific
8 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021“I have a family, three kids, and my
thinking was that I needed to start plan-
ning and that’s it. This is the end, and I
need to plan for how my family will be
taken care of,” he said.
The day after his diagnosis, Saidi met
with Fung, who immediately started a
treatment plan. Saidi said his worries
gradually diminished the more he met
with Fung and his team. They told Saidi
that various treatments existed for mul-
tiple myeloma and that it was more of a
chronic disease than the death sentence
it was just a decade ago.
“Dr. Fung was very direct with me. He
didn’t try to sugarcoat it. He very plainly
told me, ‘This is what we’re going to try.’
I appreciated that,” said Saidi. “I also
didn’t feel like I had to do anything really.
I just had to show up and follow along
with the appointments. Fox Chase has a
great reputation, and I have all the trust
in my treatment team.”
Saidi qualified for an autologous bone
marrow transplant, one of several bone
marrow and blood transplant procedures
Henry Fung, chair of the Department of Bone Marrow Transplant and the department performs. It averages
Cellular Therapies, oversees an award-winning program. 100 to 150 such transplants each year. The department’s
expertise in the procedure is one of the many assets that
expertise in bone marrow and stem cell transplantation and make Fox Chase an ideal place to be treated.
cellular therapy. He came to Fox Chase from Rush University
B
Medical Center in Chicago, where he was director of the
WHAT IS A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT?
Section of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy and
clinical leader of hematologic malignancies. He was also direc- one marrow is the spongy tissue inside bones
tor of the Coleman Foundation Blood and Marrow Transplant that contains stem cells. These cells can
Center, where he held the Coleman endowed chair. develop into red or white blood cells that carry
blood through the body and help fight infec-
O
tions. When the marrow is affected by cancer
A BENEFIT TO PATIENTS
or another blood disorder, the cells lose their ability to
ne person who has benefitted from all this function properly.
expertise and experience is Firas Saidi. In A bone marrow transplant is similar to a blood transfu-
November 2019, Saidi, 49, of Huntingdon sion. It involves infusing healthy stem cells into the body to
Valley, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with replace damaged or diseased bone marrow. The first trans-
multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that plant in 1956 marked the beginning of standard life-saving
forms in the plasma cells and accumulates in the bone care for patients with blood disorders. Bone marrow trans-
marrow, crowding out the healthy cells. Upon hearing his plants have proven successful in treating certain types
diagnosis, he was overcome with emotion. of cancer, including multiple myeloma, lymphomas, and
“I had back pain that wasn’t going away for a couple of leukemia, as well as other life-threatening blood disorders.
months before the diagnosis was official, but I had a feel- “For each of the diseases we offer transplants for, there
ing it might be multiple myeloma. That feeling got more are set circumstances where it’s an option,” said Michael
intense as I saw the X-rays. Even though I was mentally Jay Styler, MD, a senior transplant specialist who works
COLIN LENTON
ready, thinking something bad was about to be confirmed, with Fung. “For example, with lymphoma, we only consid-
it was just very different when I actually got the phone call er it if someone has relapsed or failed to go into remission
to confirm my diagnosis,” said Saidi. with standard therapy. With myeloma the goal is different.
WINTER/SPRING 2021 FOX CHASE FORWARD 9Cutting-Edge Care for Blood Cancers
We offer transplant as part of the initial treatment with receives is determined by factors such as age, diagnosis,
the goal of achieving a deep reemission that predicts for stage of disease, and overall health. These transplants may
prolonged survival and better quality of life.” be used with chemotherapy alone or in combination with
There are two different kinds of bone marrow/stem cell different levels of total body irradiation.
transplants: allogeneic and autologous. In an allogeneic
F
transplant, healthy bone marrow/stem cells come from a
THE FUTURE OF TREATMENT
matched or partially matched donor or umbilical cord blood.
In autologous transplants, the bone marrow and stem cells ung attributes much of the department’s ex-
are derived from the patient themselves. The bone marrow cellence to the dynamic and nuanced care the
is harvested from the hip bone and stem cells are collected center is able to provide, as well as its history of
from peripheral blood though a procedure called apheresis. leading the way with emerging therapies. One
The type of transplant and stem cell source a patient such example is a new certification Fox Chase
received to offer a therapy called brexucabtagene autoleucel.
The treatment, also known by the brand name Tecartus,
is the first cell-based gene therapy approved by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of
patients with mantle cell lymphoma, a type of B-cell
non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the immune system.
Tecartus, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell ther-
apy, was approved for adults with mantle cell lymphoma
who have not responded to or who have relapsed following
other kinds of treatment. According to its developer, Kite
Pharmaceuticals, the treatment works by first separating
white blood cells from a patient’s blood. The T-cells are
then sent to a lab where they are modified into CAR T cells
that are later infused back into the patient’s body during a
30-minute intravenous infusion administered at an autho-
rized treatment center.
“This is probably one of the most promising therapies
for patients with mantle cell lymphoma, including those
with a type of disease called P53-mutated mantle cell
lymphoma,” said Fung, who served as an investigator on
the clinical trial that led to FDA approval. “When patients
failed these treatments, even after having durable respons-
es, we had nothing to offer them. The responses we are
seeing with Tecartus are like nothing we have seen in the
history of mantle cell lymphoma.”
Fung and his team were also co-investigators on a study
that was the basis for the recent FDA approval of axicabta-
gene ciloleucel, also known by its brand name Yescarta, which
is also made by Kite Pharmaceuticals. It is the first CAR T-cell
therapy approved for indolent follicular lymphoma, a form
of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in patients who have
relapsed after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
As Fox Chase continues to expand the BMT department
with therapies like Tecartus that will benefit blood cancer pa-
tients, the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating other
hematologic malignancies is also being explored. Ongoing
clinical trials include investigations into multiple myeloma,
chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and follicular lymphoma.
“There has been an explosion of new drug development
ED CUNICELLI
for cancer, especially in our field, over the last several
Top: Transplant specialist Rashmi Khanal reviews a patient’s status
with their nurse. Middle and bottom: BMT nurses prep treatment and years,” said Styler. “The pace of that development seems to
check patient records. be accelerating. As they come out, most of them tend to be
10 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021“Dr. Fung was very direct with
me. He didn’t try to sugarcoat it.
He very plainly told me,
‘This is what we’re going to try.’
I appreciated that.”
— FIRAS SAIDI,
M U LT I P L E M Y E L O M A S U R V I V O R
Top: BMT nurse preps supplies for a patient’s treatment. Bottom: Thank
better tolerated and more specifically geared toward some you notes and words of encouragement for the BMT staff from fellow
aspect of the cancer, which makes more and more patients staff members and patients.
eligible to receive those types of therapy.”
Fox Chase and Temple University Hospital continue to referred from the system’s 12 hospitals and more than 300
make strides in the battle to improve treatment opportu- outpatient sites. For example, patients can undergo blood
nities for patients with blood cancer and blood disorders. and marrow transplant and cellular therapy at Fox Chase and
The BMT department at Fox Chase partners with other have pre- and post-transplant care at St. Luke’s. Additionally,
institutions to offer the same patient care outside of the this partnership and the access it provides allows patients to
Temple University Hospital-Jeanes Campus. participate in a wider range of clinical trials.
Fox Chase partners with St. Luke’s University Health Fung said he believes much of the center’s continued suc-
Network-Anderson Campus in Easton, Pennsylvania, to cess will be due to a robust quality improvement program
provide blood cancer care to patients closer to home to avoid that provides it with continuous feedback. “My philoso-
ED CUNICELLI
multiple trips to Philadelphia, which is 80 miles away. Fung phy is that we should work together to make an informed
and his team work collaboratively with colleagues at St. Luke’s decision about what is best for the patient. We can always
to provide the highest quality of care to patients who are do better,” said Fung.
WINTER/SPRING 2021 FOX CHASE FORWARD 114
The
8
12
of
Listening
4 Holistic Approaches to Geriatric Oncology 4
BY MARIAN DENNIS
There is nothing standard about more clinical data specific to geri-
caring for the oldest cancer popu- atric oncology patients.
lation in the United States. Cancer There is no specified age at
care can be complicated, and which an individual should begin
treatment can become even more receiving geriatric care; most
complex as patients age. Geriatric patients don’t need it until about
oncology is an area of medicine age 70 or older. Currently, indi-
that considers the best ways to viduals age 85 and older are the
treat such patients. fastest growing cancer population
Experts in the field say physi- in the United States. The number
cians need to look at older patients of individuals in that age group
more holistically by considering is projected to increase from 6.4
not just how to treat their cancer, million in 2016 to 19 million in
but also other factors such as co- 2060, according to the American
morbidities like diabetes and heart Cancer Society.
disease, as well as their cognitive With this rapidly growing popu-
abilities and social environment. lation, effective and individualized
Researchers say they also hope care has become more important
to advance the field by obtaining than ever.
ILLUSTRATION BY TIM O’BRIEN
4 4 4
12 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021The Art of Listening
Challenges in Another challenge in the field is a lack of evidence-based
data and clinical trials. Many of the studies conducted over
Geriatric Oncology the last decade include median age ranges that are much
erhaps no one is more familiar with these needs lower than those actually seen in the clinic, Dotan said.
than Efrat Dotan, a medical oncologist at Fox “Cancer by itself is a disease of older adults, but if we don’t
Chase Cancer Center specializing in gastro- have any data to guide us on how to use various treatments
intestinal cancers. Dotan has been working in older patients, it makes it very challenging. Physicians
in geriatric oncology since 2010 and has been end up using their own judgement in terms of dose reducing
at the forefront of researching and developing new ways of or adjusting therapies without clear evidence telling us that 4
thinking about the field. that’s the right thing to do and that’s the way that the patient
“Medical oncology is an art. There’s no one treatment would benefit from the treatment the most.”
that fits all,” said Dotan. “The way to think about this is
that we have to look at the patient, look at who is in front of
us and what they can tolerate.” She said there are a few ma-
Matching Treatment
jor obstacles in the field that need to be addressed in order to Situation
to find that balance. The first group of challenges has to do n many cases at Fox Chase, social workers such
with determining the true fitness of the patient. as Anjali Albanese, MSW, LSW, OW-C, and Mark
“We know today that chronological age by itself is not a Itzen, MSW, LCSW, work with patients through-
good marker. There are many patients who are in their 70s out their treatment and serve as key players in
or 80s who are physiologically in better shape than some performing thorough evaluations of patients’
of the 60-year olds,” said Dotan. “That is one area that is cognitive abilities, social environment, and more. These
a big challenge within geriatric oncology, and a lot of the assessments are pivotal to understanding not only the
research is focused on how we determine that and what patient’s best course of treatment, but also the patient as
assessments we need to do.” an individual.
One of the current approaches used by physicians to “These patients were an entire person with an entire
determine the overall health and well-being of a geriatric life before they walked through our doors, and cancer
patient is the geriatric assessment. This multidisciplinary is meant to be a part of that, but not really the way we
tool considers the patient’s physical health, cognitive func- identify who you are,” said Albanese. “So we follow them
tion and mental health, social interactions, and functional through their trajectory of care and really get to know
ability. But, Dotan said, doing these geriatric assessments who they are as people.”
takes time and resources that make them difficult for a “We just need to be sensitive,” Itzen said, “and continue to
busy oncologist to perform. listen to older adults about what their challenges are so that
we can try to the best of our abilities to fit the treatment to
their situation rather than their situation to their treatment.”
Sheila Kondrosky, 88, learned about the importance of
“Cancer by itself is a clinicians listening firsthand. Kondrosky, a retired nurse
disease of older adults, but if from Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, never had any
major medical problems until she was diagnosed with
we don’t have any data to guide colon cancer in 2017.
“It was a shock. Within four months I needed a knee
us on how to use various replacement and then a laparoscopic surgery for my colon
4 treatments in older patients, cancer,” said Kondrosky. “My experience as a nurse made
me even more aware of what had to happen for treatment,
it makes it very challenging.” and surgery at my age really scared me.”
Kondrosky was also concerned about dealing with the
— E F R AT D O TA N , M E D I C A L O N C O L O G I S T
other aspects of cancer at her age, even though she was one
of the few geriatric patients who had no comorbidities to
further complicate her treatment.
“There’s a lot of research going on in geriatric oncology “It was hard to go through because I thought to myself,
looking at how we can refine the evaluation of older adults ‘I lived all this time and now I have to have cancer,’” said
and develop tools that can be used quickly in clinic to help Kondrosky. It was also confusing sometimes, she said,
the oncologist in doing the thorough assessment without because she couldn’t tell which ailments were caused by her
loading them down with a process that is too complicated,” age and which were caused by her cancer. Kondrosky found
said Dotan. comfort, however, in knowing the doctors at Fox Chase
14 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021Efrat Dotan (left) focuses on geriatric oncology. Sheila Kondrosky a more holistic approach, said William Zirker, chief of
(right), who is 88, often couldn’t tell the difference between ailments geriatric medicine at Crozer-Chester Medical Center and
caused by her age and those caused by her cancer.
program director of the geriatric fellowship program at
Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Zirker said it
focused specifically on her type of cancer and that, most is vital to look at a patient’s social and living conditions in
importantly, they heard her. addition to their medical history.
“They listened to me, which is so important in geriat- “It’s also really important that someone, whether it’s a
rics. It was quite interesting. Sometimes when you’re in geriatrician or another doctor, look at medications with
your 80s, they may listen to you, but not all the time,” said
Kondrosky. “I got the sense that the doctors and medical
professionals really followed through with me.”
“My experience as a nurse
Refining Care made me even more aware of
urses at Fox Chase are also working to listen what had to happen for
4 4
to patients and refine care for them, said
Susan Copley Cobb, PhD, RN, NPD-BC,
treatment, and surgery at my
director of Professional Development and age really scared me.”
Practice Innovation. For the last four years,
teams of nurses have received training in geriatric oncolo- — S H E I L A K O N D R O S K Y, C O L O N C A N C E R S U R V I V O R
gy at City of Hope in Duarte, California, which is, like Fox
Chase, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehen-
sive cancer center. “The program was such a great experi- some regularity, not only whether a patient needs to be on
ence for our staff to go through,” said Cobb. a number of medications, but also what they’re actually
According to Jessica Karen Wong, a radiation oncologist taking,” said Zirker. “It’s also important that we screen for
at Fox Chase who has coauthored several papers on treating things like memory loss, weight loss, and depression.”
geriatric cancer patients, another part of improving patient Dotan said although a holistic approach can prove chal-
care is recognizing how different types of care intersect. lenging for many small community practices that are not
Wong said there has traditionally been a “sharp” divide as well equipped, patients who go to Fox Chase are fortu-
between definitive care and palliative care in geriatric nate to be treated at a facility that can provide an array of
oncology. “Definitive” refers to using maximal therapy in services for older patients.
treating a patient’s cancer, while “palliative” care focuses “The ability to be able to sit down with a patient and
on keeping symptoms at bay but not necessarily working really make a difference in their life, and give them hope
on eliminating cancer from the body. “Now I think we’re that there’s things to do for their cancer, is such a satis-
finding it to be more of a spectrum. Treatment isn’t so fying feeling,” said Dotan. “I think one of the big areas of
JOE HURLEY
black and white, and we’re finding that middle ground research will continue to be how to provide these holistic
between the two extremes.” approaches in centers that are small and more remote that
One important way to find that balance is through taking don’t have access to these services.”
WINTER/SPRING 2021 FOX CHASE FORWARD 15Wasting Syndrome Causes
Loss of Body Fat, Muscle
Coping
With Cancer
Weight
Loss
BY MARIAN DENNIS
ILLUSTRATION BY GERARD DUBOIS
16 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021Coping With Cancer Weight Loss
mong the many changes that
cancer and its treatment bring, perhaps none is more
challenging than cachexia (pronounced “kuh-KEK-see-uh”),
a wasting syndrome in which patients experience loss
of body fat and muscle as a result of advanced cancer or
malnourishment. One female patient who weighed 120
pounds before her illness saw her weight drop significantly,
by upwards of 20 to 30 pounds, even though she was able to
eat regularly.
For Rishi Jain, a medical oncologist at Fox Chase
Cancer Center who specializes in cancers of the gastro- For Rishi Jain, the wasting syndrome known as cachexia is one
intestinal tract, cachexia is one of the most pressing of the most pressing issues for cancer patients.
issues for cancer patients. He is currently researching the
relationships between specific cancers, nutrition, and
physical activity with the goal of improving clinical out- DIAGNOSING
comes by enhancing treatment effectiveness and reduc- CANCER CACHEXIA
ing therapy-related side effects. This risk of death makes identifying early signs of cachexia
“Cancer cachexia is best described as a syndrome that paramount to its treatment. However, although there is
can accompany cancer in approximately half of patients. evidence-based guidance on identifying stages of cachexia,
Cachexia is the loss of appetite, weight loss, and more there is no universal standard for its diagnosis and identi-
specifically, skeletal muscle fying it can get complicated
loss, that occurs,” said Jain. when patients have differ-
It is common in cancer “We have to do a better job of ent symptoms.
in general, but even more In addition to monitoring
common with advanced helping patients and their family symptoms like weight loss to
cancer, specifically certain
types like lung or pancre-
members understand that at diagnose cancer-related ca-
chexia, physicians may also
atic, Jain added. “The appe- some point cancer cachexia is diagnose cancer-associated
tite, weight, and muscle muscle loss through rou-
loss can lead to fatigue, irreversible and we have to accept tine diagnostic scans, said
weakness, and ultimately, it as a complication that Charles Loprinzi, a medi-
reduced quality of life, cal oncologist at the Mayo
more complication risks, comes with cancer.” Clinic who served as senior
hospitalizations, and even — RISHI JAIN, MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST author on the American
reduced survival.” Society of Clinical Oncology
Jain said there is usually (ASCO) guidelines on cancer
a great deal of overlap in cachexia.
cases of malnutrition and cachexia, so much so that the “These patients have a propensity to lose muscle mass ear-
terms are often used interchangeably. In some cases, ly on. They might still be a bit heavy and yet have thin mus-
malnutrition can be reversed by meeting the body’s cles,” said Loprinzi. “We didn’t understand that so much
nutritional needs. But for most patients with cancer-re- in the distant past, but we understand it quite a bit more
JOE HURLEY
lated cachexia, nutritional support alone is not enough now. The one way you can see that is on CT scans.” CT scans
to reverse the underlying process through which skeletal combine X-ray images from different angles to provide more
muscle and fat are broken down uncontrollably. in-depth images than X-rays alone can provide.
18 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021According to the ASCO guidelines, the international less inclined to eat when family members become involved.
consensus is that cancer cachexia is a continuum that can be “There’s a story I heard about a psychiatrist who inter-
categorized into three phases: pre-cachexia, cachexia, and viewed cancer cachexia patients. She talked with a patient
refractory cachexia. who had advanced cancer and the patient was in her dying
The guidelines describe pre-cachexia as occurring in weeks. The patient told the psychiatrist that when some of
patients who experience only minimal weight loss and have her family members would come to visit her, she would pre-
early clinical and metabolic signs that could indicate more tend she was asleep, because otherwise they would try to force
weight loss in the future. These signs include anorexia, insu- feed her,” said Loprinzi.
lin resistance, inflammation, and hypogonadism. “I get chills when I say that. The person has limited time,
The ASCO guidelines and valuable family inter-
describe the onset of ca- actions are more important
chexia as weight loss that “A dietitian is always available at that stage of the disease
exceeds 5% over the previous process than trying to get
six months or depletion of and is the best person to get the in a few more calories,” he
muscle mass and more than patient in touch with if they added. Loprinzi said he tells
2% weight loss. Refractory struggling family members
cachexia is characterized by are struggling with eating and that they should give a
poor performance status,
progressive cancer, and a life
maintaining their weight.” patient food if they want it,
but trying to force an indi-
expectancy of less than three — TA R A M A U R O , R E G I S T E R E D D I E T I T I A N vidual to eat may ultimately
months. be counterproductive.
Not every patient will “Sometimes cachexia,
necessarily experience all stages, and risks of experiencing particularly toward the end of life, can cause a lot of stress
them vary based on different factors. In all of these stages, on patients and family members because eating is some-
appetite and food consumption can play a vital role. thing that is very social and very important as a behavior,”
For cancer patients, treatments can often be accompanied said Jain. “We have to do a better job of helping patients and
by nausea or lack of appetite. For some patients, eating is no their family members understand that at some point cancer
longer enjoyable. Some patients lose their sense of taste and cachexia is irreversible and we have to accept it as a compli-
can find that when eating, they feel like they are consuming cation that comes with cancer.”
something akin to wet paper.
Loprinzi says although there is no guarantee it will lead
to increased survival or weight gain, seeing a dietitian can LOOKING AHEAD
help patients learn about what they should and should not be Although many cases of cachexia can make a cancer diag-
eating. It can also provide helpful methods for dealing with nosis look bleak, there is still some hope on the horizon,
loss of appetite. according to researchers.
“Cancer cachexia can be very difficult,” said Tara Mauro, Loprinzi said some exciting developments in clinical
a registered dietitian who works as the oncology nutrition trials include a recent paper he published on the use of the
care coordinator at Fox Chase. “As a dietitian, trying to opti- anti-psychotic drug olanzapine for patients with advanced
mize a patient’s nutrition is really important to help prevent cancer. The research showed olanzapine to be effective in
further weight loss and maintain the muscle mass they still controlling nausea and vomiting in patients with advanced
have. It’s difficult when a patient doesn’t have an appetite, cancer; additionally, olanzapine appeared to significantly
so it can be helpful to set a schedule to remind themselves to impact a patient’s appetite and improve their quality of life.
eat. That way, it’s less of a push from the caregiver.” Jain said researchers at Fox Chase are also currently
Mauro said it’s imperative that patients dealing with ca- doing novel work to develop more effective approaches to ca-
chexia consume more protein to help maintain muscle mass. chexia. This includes clinical trials in which researchers are
She recommends against diets that are overly restrictive and looking at chemotherapy in combination with an anti-ca-
suggests educating both patients and caregivers on preparing chexia medication to determine if cachexia that arises from
nutrient-dense foods that are higher in protein and calories. pancreatic cancer is preventable.
“I think it’s beneficial for patients, caregivers, and med- “From a diet perspective, I’m also doing some trials look-
ical providers to know that a dietitian is always available ing at a computerized diet assessment tool to see if we can
and is the best person to get the patient in touch with if better capture what people are eating, which could better
they are struggling with eating and maintaining their signal a person who is developing cachexia,” said Jain.
weight,” said Mauro. “We absolutely have to put in all our effort to try to use the
In some cases, patients dealing with cachexia may be even tools in our toolbox to manage cachexia.”
WINTER/SPRING 2021 FOX CHASE FORWARD 19CLOSE-UP
A P A T I E N T ’ S P E R S P E C T I V E
TAKING A HOLIDAY
FROM CANCER
BY TAYLOR JOHNSON
D
oug Payne has been in the plum that he decided it was time to that leads to the development of
music business since he go to the doctor. After conducting tumors in the deeper layers of the
was a child, so music is his a physical, the doctor told him skin. He had three surgeries with
life. He graduated from they would perform surgery to Dr. Farma to remove the tumor,
Fiorella H. LaGuardia remove the tumor. At his follow-up as well as plastic surgery with
High School of Music & Art and appointment, they told him he had Sameer A. Patel, a plastic and
Performing Arts in Manhattan, cancer and referred him to Jeffrey reconstructive surgeon.
made famous by the movie M. Farma, a surgical oncologist at It was a difficult experience at
“Fame,” and Howard University. Fox Chase Cancer Center. first, but Payne said he was able to
He is a singer and guitar player Payne said he wasn’t totally adjust with support from his wife,
who was a member of the Sister surprised by the news, but he who has worked in doctors’ offices
Sledge touring band. In 1982, his wasn’t looking forward to treat- and as a medical transcriptionist
band, Doug Payne & Polygon, re-
leased their first single, “Holiday,”
which received a good deal of air- “I’ve been able to return to the studio
play on radio stations that played
funk and R&B music.
and am recording, producing, and
But at age 63, Payne was spend- performing music.”
ing his time writing and record-
— D O U G PAY N E , S A R C O M A S U R V I V O R
ing music with artists ranging
from pop to R&B to funk. From
producing songs to performing ment. “Very rarely have I spent for years. Her experience gave him
for local television, these things a prolonged amount of time in a the in-house help he needed.
were a regular part of his life. hospital or had any kind of sur- After Payne was allowed to re-
He had also spent 25 years as gery previously. Not to mention, turn to work, he started substitute
an instrumental music teacher cancer isn’t common in my family, teaching again. Around the same
until he retired and returned to so the diagnosis led me to reflect time, he began radiation therapy
the recording industry. Little did on different aspects of my life.” with Krisha J. Howell, a radiation
Payne know that he would have to Payne added that he was glad he oncologist. He would leave school
put his music on hold. had listened to his wife when he in the afternoons and go to his
In September of 2018, Payne was did, although he should have done appointments. From January
producing a song when he no- so earlier. through March 2019, he received
ticed a lump on his back. His wife When Payne first met with Dr. 30 radiation treatments.
encouraged him to get it checked Farma, he ordered a CT scan. The “I went in every day from
out, but he elected to wait. It wasn’t results revealed that Payne had Monday to Friday, and that’s how
until the lump had grown from dermatofibrosarcoma protu- I got to know everybody on a first-
the size of a grape to the size of a berans, a rare type of sarcoma name basis. I was able to meet
20 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021friends just by going to Fox Chase, Chase for his treatment. “I can Payne said he still has follow-up
from the receptionist to staff in the say that they saved my life.” appointments at Fox Chase and
radiation department,” Payne said. “It’s been two years since my every time he goes back, he makes
During one of his radiation diagnosis, and I feel great today!” sure he thanks everybody. “I don’t
treatments the staff played Payne said. Other than slight stiff- know if they hear it often, but they
“Holiday.” “When I told them I ness in his back, he feels extreme- deserve it. The staff are all really
wrote it, they were laughing behind ly healthy and is back to his nor- great, and I appreciate what they
the glass the whole time. I was able mal life. “I’ve been able to return did for me,” he said.
to talk to them about my time in to the studio and am recording, Payne said he’s glad he listened
the music industry, and we really producing, and performing mu- to his wife about his tumor when
got a kick out of that,” Payne said. sic.” In addition, Payne recently he did. “Nowadays, I always try
His treatment process turned received the Martin Luther King to motivate people who are going
out to be a pleasant experience Jr. Honoring The Dream Award through a similar experience to
overall. Everybody was very pro- for promoting peace in his Phase get medical advice as soon as pos-
CARDONI
fessional and friendly, he said, 5 Records music video, “Our Lives sible. I’m a living example of how
and he really enjoyed being at Fox Matter, (Wake Up Rise Up).” Fox Chase can save your life.”
WINTER/SPRING 2021 FOX CHASE FORWARD 21CLOSE-UP
F A C U L T Y P E R S P E C T I V E
A SCIENTIST WITH
PASSION
BY MARIAN DENNIS
T
omasz Skorski is a self-pro- on determining the role of DNA Medical Academy of Warsaw with
claimed workaholic. He repair mechanisms in acute and a medical degree and later received
works six days a week and chronic leukemias. His interest a PhD from the Medical Center for
says his top priority when in research and biology began as a Postgraduate Education in 1986. He
he bought a vacation home young man. Growing up in the sub- then studied at the Medical Center
was making sure he had high-speed urbs of Warsaw, Poland, Skorski for Postgraduate Education and
internet so he could work. Skorski’s spent much of his time outdoors. graduated in 1990 with a doctor of
dedication to science and medicine Until high school, he enjoyed science degree.
has been a lifelong passion that has nature so much that he planned to “I grew up in a communist coun-
never subsided. become a forest ranger. That goal try, where the research opportuni-
Skorski is an associate professor quickly shifted, however, when he ties were very limited. So I decided
in the Blood Cell Development received his first microscope as a that if I go to medical school, I’ll
and Function Program at Fox Christmas present. get a medical education and know
better what kind of problems we
should address by doing research,”
“I think the most valuable thing I can said Skorski.
After postdoctoral work
tell people who are getting into the in Poland, Skorski came to
research field is that they need to have Philadelphia with his wife,
Margaret Nieborowska-Skorska,
very thick skin. They have to live with who also had a medical degree
rejection after rejection to eventually and a PhD, after receiving an offer
from the Department of Pathology
be successful.” at Temple and the Fels Institute.
He worked there as a postdoctoral
— TOMASZ SKORSKI, DIRECTOR, FELS INSTITUTE FOR CANCER
fellow from 1990 to 1991.
RESEARCH AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
“I was doing very well in
Poland, and I didn’t want to leave,
Chase Cancer Center, which is “I got so excited because I could but you have to go abroad to see
part of the Temple University see all these small things moving other labs. I figured if I went back
Health System. He is also the around. I immediately decided I to Poland after that, my career
director of the Fels Institute for wanted to be a researcher,” said would accelerate,” he said. “So I
Cancer Research and Molecular Skorski. came to Philadelphia, and after
Biology at Temple University’s That excitement led him to half a year I knew this was the
Lewis Katz School of Medicine. his future as a scientist. In 1982, place I should stay.”
As a researcher, his lab focuses Skorski graduated from the Currently, Skorski’s lab is doing
22 FOX CHASE FORWARD WINTER/SPRING 2021You can also read
