DONOR HONOR ROLL - UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER - INVEST IN PEOPLE. SEEK SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS. BUILD CLINICAL ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
INVEST IN PEOPLE.
SEEK SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS.
BUILD CLINICAL EXCELLENCE. BEAT CANCER.
UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
2015 – 2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL
FEATURES
8 16
Fox fights bone marrow The Williams major gift
cancer and wins advances cancer research
Superior Court Judge Carl Fox is “We have faith scientists will
back on the bench after a cord unlock mysteries behind this
blood transplant saved his life. disease.”
26 36
Clinical trials lead to Opening up the lines
new treatments of communication
Amy Charney didn’t let breast Basch lab receives $5.45 million
cancer stop her from reaching to study patient-reported
the finish line. outcomes.
IN SIDE
5 Director’s Message
6 Section One: Invest in People to Find a Cure
14 Section Two: Venture to Seek Scientific Solutions
24 Section Three: Build Clinical Excellence –
Research and Care to Advance Hope
34 Section Four: Unite Across Population Sciences
to Beat Cancer
44 Major Gifts and Pledges
46 Memorial Tributes
48 Honor Roll Donors
52 The Berryhill Society
53 Our Comunity
“Cutting edge science, marvelous, humane clinical care, and
transformative training: those are the things I think we do
really well. That’s what comes to mind when I think of what
UNC Lineberger is all about.” Norman E. Sharpless, MD
UNC Lineberger Director
Ashley, neuroblastoma, Eric, lymphoma Trent, natural killer cell leukemia
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Cancer started this fight.
We will finish it.
Elaine, breast cancer
Rengate, head and neck, lung, Coach Hatchell, leukemia Jo Anne, ovarian cancer
and prostate cancer
4 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
A message from our director
Inventor and Apple, Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs once said, “I want to put a ding in the universe.” As a
researcher and physician, that’s how I feel about cancer. I truly believe our work at UNC Lineberger
Comprehensive Cancer Center is making the kind of significant impact to which Jobs was referring,
and your generosity helps make that happen. Day in and day out, our team strives to unlock the
mysteries of a disease that claims nearly 600,000 lives in the U.S. annually. But we couldn’t do it
without you.
If there’s a song title that describes this past year at UNC Lineberger, it’s “On the Road Again.” During
the last twelve months, we’ve taken our cancer center’s powerful story across state lines to places like
Palo Alto, California, a city teaming with high-technology companies seeking out early investment
opportunities. We’ve also shared our work with new groups of potential donors in Palm Beach, Florida,
who, like you, know a good investment when they see it and want to be a part of an organization that
can make the world a better place for generations to come.
Cancer is a costly disease, and new philanthropic commitments will be key to the future success of
UNC Lineberger. We recently set a preliminary fundraising goal of $200 million from private sources
over an eight-year period as part of the university’s larger capital campaign. That goal represents
significant growth in yearly fundraising results and is befitting an institution of our caliber. Thanks to
you, our fundraising is pushing the pace and keeps UNC Lineberger on its amazing trajectory.
This year’s Donor Honor Roll is filled with inspiring stories of scientific discovery, as well as thrilling
accounts of hope, survival and appreciation from patients and families who have become a part of our
growing Lineberger family. We’ve also featured some of the 6,520 donors who helped us raise more
than $29 million during the last fiscal year – a truly amazing feat. It’s taken all of these people to
make UNC Lineberger the top cancer center in North Carolina, and I’m personally grateful to each
and every one.
With thanks for all that you do –
Norman E. Sharpless, MD
Director, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 5
Julie Blatt, MD
Invest in
SECTION ONE
6
to find
people a cure 7
INVEST IN PEOPLE TO FIND A CURE
Judge Carl Fox and Julia Smith
FOX FIGHTS BONE MARROW CANCER AND WINS
S
uperior Court Judge Carl Within weeks, Fox was transferred to marrow donor registries, there was
Fox has been a fixture in the N.C. Cancer Hospital under the no bone marrow match for Carl. ”
Orange and Chatham care of Josh Zeidner, MD. Given
While Fox initially tolerated the
County courtrooms since Fox’s diagnosis of MDS and severe
chemotherapy treatment well, his
1978, when he first began blood count abnormalities,
blood counts did not improve. Then
his law career as an assistant district Zeidner began treatment with a
he developed complications of MDS,
attorney. “After nearly 40 years of chemotherapy called Azacitidine
including multiple hospitalizations
practicing law in the same and referred Fox to see Thomas
for infections, and it was clear the
community, I’ve made many, many Shea, MD, to consider a bone
chemotherapy was not helping his
friends and a few enemies along the marrow transplant. Shea, a UNC
disease. However, there was another
way,” Fox says, laughing as he recalls Lineberger member, professor of
treatment option: a cord blood
some of his high-profile cases. Hematology and Oncology at the
transplant. This type of blood
“Overall, it’s an extremely rewarding UNC School of Medicine, and
donation is collected from the
career and a real honor to serve.” director of the UNC Bone Marrow
placenta and umbilical cord after a
and Stem Cell Transplantation
But in the spring of 2015, Fox baby’s birth. The cells are then
Programs, says Fox suffered from
worried that he might not be able to tested, frozen, and stored as a cord
bone marrow failure, meaning his
go back to the bench at all. For blood unit at a public cord blood
bone marrow was not producing red
months he’d been losing weight, he bank for future use.
blood cells, white blood cells, or
tired easily, and his leg bothered him
platelets effectively. Shea was thrilled to find two cord
so much he’d begun limping. His
blood units on the registry that were
internist, Tim Carey, MD, ordered “In high-risk forms of MDS, like
a close match for Fox. The units were
lab work and found that Fox’s Carl’s case, a bone marrow
immediately shipped from New York
platelets were low. He was admitted transplant is recommended and
to North Carolina, and Fox’s medical
to the hospital. “After more tests, I represents the only chance to
team began preparing him for the
was diagnosed with myelodysplastic provide a cure for this disease,” says
transplant. This meant completely
syndrome (MDS), a form of bone Shea. “Unfortunately, when we
wiping out his immune system with
marrow cancer, and I knew it researched the national bone
chemotherapy and full body
wasn’t good.”
8 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER
radiation so the new, healthy cord blood Thomas Shea, MD
stem cells could be infused and begin
reproducing on their own. On September
30, 2015, Shea performed Fox’s cord
blood transplant.
After Carl’s transplant, he suffered
significant weight loss,” says Zeidner, a
UNC Lineberger member and assistant
professor of Hematology and Oncology
at the UNC School of Medicine. “But
with good nursing care, he began to
recuperate, steadily putting on pounds
and regaining his strength. He was
discharged after a lengthy stay in the
bone marrow transplant unit.
Josh Zeidner, MD
SHEA NOMINATED FOR PROFESSORSHIP
Private funds to support both established faculty and junior
researchers are critical as we develop the best and brightest
physicians here at UNC. We are grateful to The John William Pope
Foundation for its $1 million gift to UNC Lineberger to fund cancer
research and treatment through the creation of the John William
Pope Distinguished Professorship in Cancer Research.
Thomas Shea, MD, has been has been nominated to be the first
recipient of this professorship. Shea was one of the late John William
Over the following months, with rest and Pope’s physicians when he was treated for cancer in 2006 and is an
TLC from his long-time partner, Julia international leader in the care of patients with hematologic
Smith, Fox continued his recovery. His malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
white blood cell and platelet counts went
up; the cord blood transplant had been a “I am humbled that the Pope family
success. Fox returned to the courtroom chose to make such a significant gift in
on July 11, 2016.
my honor and pleased to be considered
“I’m in complete remission, I’m back at
work, and I’m living my life, thanks to the
as the first recipient,” Shea said.
care I received at UNC Lineberger,” says With this professorship, Shea hopes to expand research surrounding
Fox. “I’m so grateful to have a world-class hematologic malignancies and lay the foundation for Lineberger’s
cancer center right here in my own back continued excellence in transplant and blood cancer initiatives.
yard, filled with people like Dr. Shea and
Dr. Zeidner who go to great lengths to
help and heal their patients. Words can’t
express my gratitude.”
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 9
INVEST IN PEOPLE TO FIND A CURE
Jonathan Serody, MD
SEED GRANTS YIELD RETURN ON INVESTMENT
T
he Seed Grant Program offered a faculty position in the investments from other institutions
at UNC Lineberger Department of Medicine at UNC. and organizations. There’s a real
gives skilled “My wife did her undergraduate multiplying effect,” explains Serody.
researchers the work at UNC, and I really liked the “Unfortunately, even if a researcher’s
opportunity to find area,” says Serody. “We agreed that findings are novel, even
answers to some of cancer’s biggest Chapel Hill would be a great place to groundbreaking, if they don’t have
challenges and develop promising raise our children, so in 1993, we enough money to pay for their
new concepts for basic cancer moved across the country and research, it’s difficult for them to
research, clinical care, prevention, became Tar Heels. We’ve been here validate their work to potential
early detection and survivorship. An ever since.” financial suitors.”
increasingly competitive funding
environment has magnified the need Funded by private Serody is now the associate director
of translational science at UNC
for and impact of investments in this support and state Lineberger and a medical oncologist
type of innovative research.
funds, seed grants in the UNC Lineberger Leukemia
For UNC Lineberger physicians and and Lymphoma Multidisciplinary
scientists, seed grants not only yield
have helped UNC Care Program. When asked why he’s
early results; they also help develop become a top 10 stayed at UNC Lineberger for 26
the ideas that grow into large, institution for years, Serody says his family has put
federally funded projects aimed at down roots here, and he’s had the
transformative breakthroughs in research funding. opportunity to work with some
cancer care. In his early days at UNC, Serody was amazing people. “But to be a
the recipient of several small successful researcher, that’s not
Serody: “Grants were pivotal” research grants that proved to be enough,” Serody explains. “I’ve
Jonathan Serody, MD, had just pivotal in his career. “Oftentimes, if stayed here at UNC because of their
completed a fellowship in clinical you’re just starting out in research or commitment to supporting
bone marrow transplantation at Fred you’re new to an area, a small grant advanced research. It has been
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center can help fund experiments and critical to my work and the resulting
in Seattle, Washington, when he was produce enough data to spur larger accomplishments.”
10 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERMonty and Nancy White
MONTY AND
NANCY WHITE
Putting down roots, planting
the seeds of discovery
M
onty and Nancy
White met as
undergraduates at
UNC-Chapel Hill,
and like most Tar
Heels, the couple’s devotion to the
place we call “Blue Heaven” has
become stronger through the years.
“Even after we graduated from
Carolina in 1970, we found ourselves
coming back time and time again,
attending sporting events and
enjoying the company of good
friends,” says Nancy. “We have roots
here. It’s always been our home-
away-from-home.”
Monty grew up in Raleigh, working
in his grandfather’s automotive parts
business during summer vacations
and in the years following his
graduation from UNC. The family the invitation. “Cancer has directly “When Nancy and I attend
eventually sold the automotive parts affected our lives in very personal Lineberger board meetings, we get
business to CARQUEST, and then in ways,” says Nancy. “Monty’s father excited hearing about cutting edge
1987, he and his brother Bill, also a died of lung cancer when he was 71, technology, new clinical trials and
UNC alum, began a real estate and I lost my mother to the same lives being saved,” says Monty. “We
company called White Oak disease when she was just 69. My realize there is hope. Researchers and
Commercial. “That’s when Nancy father passed away from melanoma physicians are making progress in
and I began investing more of our at age 93. As you can imagine, UNC fighting this horrible disease, and
time, energy and resources into the Lineberger’s cancer research is a scientific breakthroughs are
academic and research needs of the cause near and dear to our hearts.” happening right here in Chapel Hill.
university.” We want to be a part of that success.
In 2003, Monty and Nancy
One day our seed grant fund could
For years, Nancy has been active on established the White Seed Grant
help spark a discovery that leads to a
various UNC boards, including The Fund, which was designed to provide
cure. That is money well-spent.”
Institute for the Environment and seed grant support for UNC
the College of Arts and Sciences. In Lineberger faculty research. The
1998, Monty and Nancy were asked couple agrees it is one of the
to join the UNC Lineberger Board of smartest investments they’ve ever
Visitors, and they happily accepted made.
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 11INVEST IN PEOPLE TO FIND A CURE
Chuck Perou, PhD, and Nicholas Valvano
VALVANO HONORED FOR WORK TO FIGHT CANCER
U
NC Lineberger established relationships with Lil Loewenbaum and Neill and Linda
hosted its 2nd Blue several cancer centers nationwide – Currie, for a total of $500,000 in
Ribbon Gala on including UNC Lineberger – and cancer research funding.
September 18, 2015, awarded more than $100 million in
“We are extremely grateful for this
gathering more grants across 38 states. The
funding, which will allow us to
than 400 people to celebrate Foundation proudly awards 100
pursue a novel form of research
advancements in cancer care at percent of direct cash donations to
called immunogenomics,” explains
UNC. A select few were honored at cancer research and related
Perou. “By approaching the immune
the black-tie event who have made programs, continuing Coach
system from a genomics perspective
significant contributions to UNC Valvano’s legacy and his inspiring
using DNA and RNA sequencing, we
Lineberger in the fight against words, "Don't give up...Don't ever
can now sample tumors and study
cancer, including Nicholas Valvano, give up!"
the immune response in hundreds of
president emeritus of The
individual patients at a personalized
V Foundation for Cancer Research. Perou awarded V Foundation
level never seen before. This is all a
Grant, matched by others
Valvano is the eldest brother of the part of our quest to harness the
late N.C. State University basketball Chuck Perou, PhD, a UNC power of the immune system to fight
coach Jim Valvano, who founded Lineberger member and world- tumors.”
The V Foundation for Cancer renowned researcher in the field of
Perou says this type of matching gift
Research after being diagnosed with genomics and breast cancer, was
provides researchers greater
cancer at the young age of 46. honored to receive a 2015 V
freedom to pursue high risk, high
Nicholas served as chief executive Foundation “Partners in Excellence
reward translational research, as
officer of The V Foundation for 13 Collaborative Grant” for $250,000.
opposed to government-based
years (1999-2012) and has been a The award was matched by a
funding. It is this type of intellectual
member of the Board of Directors $250,000 gift from long-time donors
freedom that drives innovation and
since its inception. Under his and UNC Lineberger Board of
is most likely to result in novel
leadership, The V Foundation Visitors members Wally and
findings of high importance that
directly affect cancer patients.
12 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERVS. CANCER FUNDS PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH
C
hase Jones was a the best research facilities in the Chase, in addition to this
freshman at UNC- world. Immunotherapy is a research gift, you’ve also made a
Chapel Hill when he promising tool that will provide hope very generous donation through
was diagnosed with to many pediatric cancer patients Vs. Cancer to replace/repair
stage IV brain cancer. who have no other treatment options, items in the N.C. Cancer Hospital
After being successfully treated at and as a cancer survivor, it’s Pediatric Oncology and
UNC Lineberger, he started his own humbling to play a role in Dr. Hematology Clinic.
non-profit organization called the Vs. Savoldo’s research to help these kids.
Our whole goal for Vs. Cancer is to
Cancer Foundation with the goal of
fund local research and to help kids
fundraising for pediatric cancer Dr. Savoldo, what does it mean to
have the best experience possible in
research and supporting the needs of be able to offer immunotherapy
the Peds Oncology Clinic. Part of our
patients and families during treatment here in North
gift will be used for up-fitting the
treatment. Since 2013, Vs. Cancer has Carolina?
technology that operates interactive
generously granted UNC Lineberger Patients can be treated closer to their games in the clinic waiting room.
more than $245,000, including the home, which lightens the load for the We’re also repairing the clinic’s kid-
most recent gift of $115,000 to entire family, both financially and sized racecar so children can
support UNC pediatric cellular emotionally. It is always a struggle continue to play, have fun and, as
immunotherapy trials and research, for parents to stay with their sick much as possible, enjoy their visit to
and specifically, the work of Barbara child during therapies while they try the N.C. Cancer Hospital. To think
Savoldo, MD, PhD. to continue working to financially that we can help provide a positive
support the needs of the other environment for children who are
Chase, tell us why you’ve
members of the family; having to going through this disease is
expanded the scope of Vs. Cancer
travel to another state for treatment extremely rewarding.
research funding to include
only compounds that problem.
pediatric immunotherapy.
Treatment at UNC also makes life Dr. Savoldo, what kind of impact
It’s very rewarding to me to be able easier during a very difficult do donors like Chase Jones and
to give back through Vs. Cancer to diagnosis, enabling loved ones to Vs. Cancer have on your
the cancer center that saved my life. provide the emotional support research?
Knowing that UNC Lineberger, system that is particularly critical for
Although we have made great
where I was treated, is a public the family, including hospital visits,
progress in treating certain pediatric
hospital and serves everyone, home-cooked meals, housekeeping,
cancers like leukemia, there is still
regardless of their ability to pay, is childcare and transportation for
much work to do in our fight against
really amazing, because it’s one of siblings.
resistant solid tumors in children.
However, childhood cancer research
is vastly underfunded, which is a
tragedy, as these children have their
entire lives ahead of them. As a
researcher, I see this not only as a
challenge, but also, as an opportunity
to help save lives. Philanthropic
support from donors like Chase
Jones and Vs. Cancer will help in
translating our continuous lab
discoveries and studies into the
clinic as cures for children.
Vs. Cancer team From L to R: Brant Masters, Tiffany Drummond Armstrong,
Kathleen Kenney, Chase Jones (founder), Ashleigh Kincaid, and Eric Stahl.
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 13Venture
S ECT I O N TWO
14
scientificNirali Patel, MD to seek solutions 15
VENTURE TO SEEK SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS
David Routh, Vice Chancellor
for University Development,
presents Ken and Cheryl
Williams with an Elaine O’Neil
custom design during the
dedication of The Tony
Williams Lobby.
16KEN AND CHERYL WILLIAMS MAKE $10 MILLION GIFT
TO ADVANCE CANCER RESEARCH
K
en and Cheryl “The pain of losing Tony is a sorrow Williams gift supports
Williams were that will always be a part of our lives,” $200 million goal
overwhelmed with Ken says. “Cheryl and I hope that
Ken and Cheryl’s generous gift
gratitude when through our gift to UNC Lineberger,
played a pivotal role in UNC
dozens of their and because of the life-saving cancer
Lineberger fundraising success
colleagues, friends and family research it will fund, eventually, other
during the 2016 fiscal year, which
members gathered on Thursday, families won’t have to experience the
totaled a record $16.2 million in
January 21, 2016, to celebrate the suffering that accompanies the loss
naming of the N.C. Cancer Hospital of a loved one.”
lobby in memory of the couple’s
Through the Ken and Cheryl
beloved son, Tony Williams. The
Williams Fund for Venture Initiatives
occasion was bittersweet, as Ken and
at UNC Lineberger, the couple chose
Cheryl’s son passed away just four
to make the extraordinary gift of $10
years ago, but it was also the
million to fund cancer research
celebration of a transformational $10
initiatives that hold the greatest philanthropic gifts and new
million gift the couple believes will
promise for cures. The gift is commitments. The cancer center
provide hope to families facing
unrestricted, giving leaders of the also secured $12.9 million in grants
potential heartache.
cancer center the greatest flexibility from corporations and private, non-
to earmark the funds for emerging governmental foundations. This
research opportunities that can make brought the total funds raised from
the greatest impact against cancer. private sources to more than $29
million for a second year.
“I spent my professional career in
pharmaceutical research,” explains “Every day, our care providers and
Ken, who retired as a senior vice scientists commit themselves to the
president from Quintiles, the world’s pursuit of today’s best care and
largest provider of commercial tomorrow’s best hope,” says Martin
outsourcing services and Baucom, senior executive director,
biopharmaceutical development. UNC Lineberger Development and
“So I’ve always been interested in Communications. “Ken and Cheryl’s
new, cutting edge treatments and gift demonstrates a similar level of
“When you look back therapies. That’s one of the things commitment to fighting cancer.
UNC Lineberger is known for – They’ve set a lofty leadership
on your life, you have being a world-class leader in cancer standard for what philanthropy can
to ask yourself, ‘Have research – so Cheryl and I were very do to advance the life-saving mission
I done what I can to interested in finding a way we could of UNC Lineberger, and their sense
support the cancer center’s mission. of timing couldn’t be better. We are
help others? Is this Also, we both have personally viewed nationally as a cancer center
world a better place suffered loss due to cancer, so we’re on the move, and we are also in the
because I was here?’ passionate about the quest for cures.
We have faith that researchers will
early stages of an eight-year
fundraising campaign. Ken and
Those are big eventually unlock the mysteries Cheryl’s philanthropy harnesses our
questions, but cancer behind cancer, and there’s no reason tremendous momentum and will
is a big disease.” those discoveries can’t be made right
here in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.”
inspire additional investments
throughout the campaign. That’s
– Cheryl Williams what leadership is all about.”
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 17VENTURE TO SEEK SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS
Janet Mazzureo
“I’ve learned to live
every day as if it’s
the last day.”
– Janet Mazzurco
IMMUNOTHERAPY: BREAKING BARRIERS, BEATING CANCER
F
or decades, scientists However, scientists recently Janet Mazzurco: “Dr. Collichio
have been trying to discovered that cancer has the ability never gave up hope.”
figure out how to use the to put on what some call an
Janet Mazzurco’s seven-year battle
body’s own immune “invisibility cloak.” Simply put,
with melanoma began with a simple
system to fight off cancer can disguise itself and
biopsy at her dermatologist’s office
cancer. After all, our immune prevent the immune system’s attack,
in December 2009. What she
systems can fight off all kinds of which keeps the patient’s body from
thought was a small spot on her right
other health threats, so why not this healing. Fortunately, thanks to a
arm – just the size of a pencil eraser –
disease? But nothing seemed to breakthrough in therapies called
turned out to be an extremely deep
really work – that is, until the 1990s, checkpoint inhibitors, scientists have
melanoma that required surgery
when researchers began expanding found a way around one part of the
under general anesthesia. “My
the use of a treatment called invisibility cloak.
surgeon had to cut through muscle
immunotherapy that resulted in
Checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that to get the cancer, removing three
slowed tumor growth and longer
turn off the invisibility cloak so some lymph nodes in the process,” says
patient survival rates.
cancers can’t hide from the immune Janet. “Those lymph nodes were
An important part of the immune system. Researchers are thrilled that negative, but I decided to come to
system is its ability to tell the these drugs seem to be working for UNC Lineberger for a second
difference between normal cells in up to one quarter of patients with opinion.”
the body and those it sees as advanced cancer — melting away the
“foreign.” This lets the immune toughest tumors, such as some
system attack the foreign cells while melanomas, which are the deadliest
leaving the normal cells alone. kind of skin cancer.
18 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERWhen UNC oncologist Fran sicker,” Janet says. “There was “After four months, her scans showed
Collichio, MD, did a PET scan on nothing else my Greensboro medical obvious disease regression, and by
Janet, the results showed no visible team could do, so I came back to see March 2016, there were no visible
signs of cancer, so Janet returned Dr. Collichio. She ran more tests and tumors. Her LDH levels, which are
home to Greensboro, believing her found the cancer had spread to my markers we use to evaluate a
bout with melanoma was over. But liver and lungs.” patient’s response to treatment, fell
on July 4, 2014, she awoke with a into the normal range. I was thrilled
As luck would have it, a checkpoint
splitting headache. “I went to our to give Janet the news: she was in
inhibitor drug called Ipilimumab
local emergency room the following remission.”
day, where they performed a CT
Fran Collichio, MD However, Janet’s recovery wasn’t
scan,” Janet explains. “They told me I
without its struggles. After her last
had a large tumor on the back of my
treatment, she was plagued by colitis,
cerebellum. I was terrified.”
which is a known side effect of
“Studies are being Ipilimumab. “I was hospitalized four
times because I was so sick, but,
done on the thankfully, steroid treatments were
combinations of effective. And other than having a bit
of fatigue, I’ve done really well.”
these checkpoint
inhibitor drugs so Janet is slowly but surely returning
to the things she loves to do. She and
that in the future, her husband Tony own a marble and
doctors can tile company as well as a home
determine the best renovation and construction
business. Public service is also high
course of treatment on Janet’s list of priorities. She was
for each specific just reappointed to a three-year term
on the Greensboro Zoning
patient.” Commission, and she proudly serves
– Fran Collichio, MD on UNC’s CCNE board as a patient
advocate, sharing her first-hand
A month later, neurosurgeon Henry (known commercially as Yervoy) had
experiences as a metastatic
Elsner, MD, removed the mass on just come out of clinical trials and
melanoma survivor.
Janet’s brain, and pathology reports was approved by the Food and Drug
confirmed Janet had stage IV Administration (FDA). Collichio “I’m a survivor because of my faith in
metastatic melanoma. Within weeks, immediately prescribed a series of God, and I also have great faith in Dr.
she underwent stereotactic radiation four treatments – each four weeks Collichio,” says the 56-year-old. “She
surgery, a targeted form of radiation apart – that began in January 2015. is absolutely amazing – an attentive,
to obliterate a small remaining By May, Janet’s tumors began compassionate, brilliant doctor. But
lesion without subjecting her entire disappearing. there’s no ego. She’s always treated
brain to unnecessary treatment. me as an equal, and she respects my
“I was very pleased with Janet’s
Unfortunately, subsequent scans thoughts and opinions. Most
progress,” says Collichio, a UNC
showed the lesion had doubled in importantly, Dr. Collichio never gave
Lineberger member and clinical
size, and in December 2014, her up hope, and as someone who knows
professor of Hematology and
surgeon operated again. “Still, the what it’s like to face cancer, that’s all I
Oncology at UNC – Chapel Hill.
cancer grew, and I was getting could ask for.”
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 19VENTURE TO SEEK SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS
CANCER: IT’S ALL IN THE GENES
A
ccording to the genetic testing because so many of Next Steps and Choices
National Cancer our family members had battled
In April 2008, Beth came to UNC to
Institute, inherited various kinds of cancers, and she
meet with James P. Evans, MD, PhD,
genetic mutations encouraged me and my sister Amy
a UNC Lineberger member and
play a major role in to be tested as well.”
Bryson Distinguished Professor of
about five to 10 percent of all
When Beth’s genetic results came Genetics and Medicine, along with
cancers. At UNC Lineberger, our
back, she learned she had tested Catherine Fine, MS, CGC, a genetic
Cancer Genetics Program provides
positive for the BRCA1 gene counselor. “We reviewed Beth’s
consultations and risk assessments
mutation, the same mutation her genetic results and mapped out her
for people who have a strong,
mother and grandmother had. She family history, and we determined
inherited predisposition to having
was heartbroken. that her risk for developing breast
cancer.
The following patient profile features
Beth Silverstein, a remarkable young Beth Silverstein
woman who was told that, because of
her genetic profile and family
history, she had an 80 percent risk of
getting breast cancer and a 50
percent risk of getting ovarian
cancer. Beth’s parents, John and
Leslie Silverstein, serve on UNC
Lineberger’s Board of Visitors.
Silverstein finds health, hope and
freedom at UNC Lineberger
When Beth Silverstein looks into the
mirror, it’s easy to see her
resemblance to her mother, Leslie
Silverstein. However, while the
similarities in their outward
appearances are obvious, Beth didn’t
know if she had inherited her
mother’s genetic history that
predisposed her to cancer.
“We are of Ashkenazi Jewish decent,
an ethnicity with a much higher risk
of certain gene mutations that
frequently lead to breast and ovarian
cancer,” explains Beth. “My
grandmother died at age 36 of breast
cancer, and my mother was
diagnosed with the same disease at
age 39. My mom went through
20 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERcancer was in the upper 80th percentile,” explains Evans. “Catherine and I SILVERSTEINS HONOR
discussed her options with her, which included having a bilateral
mastectomy, or she could choose enhanced surveillance consisting of
EVANS WITH GIFT TO
regular visits to our high-risk breast cancer clinic for periodic breast exams, LINEBERGER
mammograms and MRI’s.” John and Leslie Silverstein were
But that wasn’t the only difficult decision Beth would have to make. Due to introduced to UNC Lineberger in 1988,
her genetic history, Beth had a 50 percent chance of developing ovarian the same year Leslie was treated for
cancer. During their counseling session, Evans explained to Beth that as stage I breast cancer. “We attended a
she aged, her risk would substantially increase. “As a geneticist, I become Lineberger fundraising event, where we
very nervous when patients like Beth reach their mid-40s and have not heard (former UNC Lineberger director)
taken preventive measures,” says Evans. “Unfortunately, there are no good Shelley Earp, MD, talk about the
modalities for detecting early-stage ovarian cancer; the symptoms are groundbreaking research taking place at
vague at best and often mimic other health issues. Once a woman has the the cancer center,” says Leslie. “We were
disease, it can be extremely difficult to treat.” fascinated, and we joined the Board of
Visitors soon after, serving on various
Beth was overwhelmed by the news but decided to approach the situation committees.”
with a positive attitude. To protect her fertility, she chose to go through egg
retrieval and then to have the eggs frozen for later fertilization and
implantation. Then in 2014, Beth met with oncologist Carey Anders, MD,
and surgical oncologist, David Ollila, MD. After an extensive review of
Beth’s case, Ollila recommended she have a bilateral mastectomy. While
the recommendation may seem aggressive to some, Ollila says the
opposite is true in BRAC gene mutation carriers.
“Surveillance is not the same as prevention. Obtaining annual breast
imaging only serves to try to detect the cancer early. It doesn’t prevent the
cancer from forming. If Beth had chosen to forgo surgery and decided
instead to take a wait-and-see attitude, it’s very likely that at some point in
the near future, we would be discussing a cancer diagnosis, followed by Then, in 1990, Leslie was diagnosed with
surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. And that’s IF we caught it early stage IV lung cancer. Her lung was
enough. Beth didn’t make this decision lightly; it was a thoughtful, rational removed, and since there was no
choice, and a wise one, in my professional opinion, supported by concrete evidence of any more disease, she was
genetic evidence.” treated with Tamoxifen. She remains
On February 3, 2015, Ollila performed Beth’s bilateral mastectomy, and cancer-free. Meanwhile, cancer struck the
Beth’s reconstruction surgery was completed in the summer of that same Silverstein family again in 2015, when
year. She also met with Evans and Fine again, this time to review her lab John was treated for prostate cancer.
work and to further discuss the surgical removal of her ovaries. “We have experienced cancer in very
In February 2016, Beth had a salpingo-oophorectomy, which is the removal personal ways, and, of course, our
of the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy). The daughter Beth has gone through a series
two-and-a-half hour surgery went well, but it immediately sent Beth into of surgeries to protect herself against the
menopause. She’s now dealing with the after-effects that include hot flashes, disease,” Leslie explains. “John and I are
insomnia and “foggy brain.” But for Beth, this is the new normal. While the very grateful for the care our family has
surgeries have changed her, both physically and emotionally, she feels received at the N.C. Cancer Hospital, and
empowered as she enters the next decade of her life. we wanted to make a gift to express our
appreciation. When we considered the
“Some people ask me why I decided to take, what they perceive to be, such incredible work Dr. Jim Evans is doing
radical steps. I won’t lie, it was hard,” she says. “But the moral of this story is with genetics and how it has directly
that you need to know your family history, and recognize that genetics affected our family, we chose to make a
affect every generation. I’m not a victim; I took control of my health, naming gift in his honor. UNC
making the choices that were right for me. Now I get to live my life without Lineberger is fortunate to have him on
fear of what’s going to happen. That’s liberating.” their team.”
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 21VENTURE TO SEEK SCIENTIFIC SOLUTIONS
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:
A tool for solving questions about cancer
P
artnerships – both you’ll find him at the Greensboro Affinitor), which is FDA approved for
local and global – play Country Club, decked out in his other cancers, but not for bladder
a key role in UNC finest haberdashery. He’s a fixture on cancer. Hal agreed to try it, and he
Lineberger’s success as the course, having served on the had a wonderful response. He
a comprehensive cancer club’s board of directors for years. immediately started feeling better,
center. We frequently collaborate But in 2014, Hal put away his golf and subsequent scans showed a
with individuals or organizations clubs and made his way to UNC reduction in the cancer that was
to achieve goals that may otherwise Lineberger for a second opinion after originally in his lymph nodes. But to
be unattainable if pursued being diagnosed with advanced be honest, we didn’t know why.”
independently. The ultimate purpose bladder cancer.
In December 2015, IBM’s Watson
of our partnerships is to seek
“I wasn’t feeling well, and after gave Kim his answer. “I took the
scientific solutions that provide the
running some tests, my family sequencing data from Hal’s tumor
best possible cancer care to our
practitioner referred me to a local biopsy and ran it though the Watson
patients.
urologist,” explains the 75-year-old technology. Within 24 hours, Watson
Within the last year, our partnership retired furniture merchandiser. “The was able to provide a scientific
with IBM/Watson has been urologist found a tumor and explanation as to why Hal was
extremely productive and shows removed it, but he was unable to get considered an “exceptional
great promise for the future use of all the cancer. I came to UNC to responder.” That’s the value of
artificial intelligence at UNC discuss my treatment options.” Watson,” Kim says. “It’s can quickly
Lineberger. Watson is a technology extract key information from a huge
Hal met with Billy Kim, MD, who
platform that uses natural language amount of scientific data and reveal
soon began treating his stage III
processing skills to understand insights, patterns, and explanations
bladder cancer with a standard of
grammar and content, process large that we might not have discovered
care chemotherapy. But Hal’s cancer
amounts of “big data,” and then, on our own.”
progressed, and the medicine caused
based on evidence and the quality of
him to become very ill. After more These days, Hal is back on the golf
the information it’s given, it’s able to
testing, Kim recommended surgery course, and he is extremely grateful
present answers and solutions to
to remove Hal’s bladder. for the care he continues to receive at
questions or problems. You may
UNC Lineberger. “You know, it’s sort
remember Watson as the computer “Following the procedure, I sent a
of ironic,” the UNC alum (’65) says.
that played on the game show biopsy of Hal’s tumor to be
“When I was an undergrad at
“Jeopardy!” a few years ago. sequenced – or de-coded – through
Carolina, I shared a house with one
UNCseq, comparing it to normal
of the Lineberger boys. Now I’m
Hal McAdams: Back on the tissue samples,” says Kim. “That
being treated at the cancer center
greens, back to life analysis told me that Hal would very
that is his family’s namesake, and I
likely respond well to a drug called
Hal McAdams loves to play golf, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Everolimus (commercially known as
if the weather is good, most days
22 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERMcAdams has chosen to invest in Dr. Billy Kim’s
bladder cancer research. “It’s one of the most
expensive cancers to treat, yet research is woefully
underfunded,” says a grateful Kim.
23SECTION THREE
Build clinical
researc
to advanc
24al excellence:
ch and care
ce hope
25B U I L D C L I N I C A L E X C E L L E N C E : R E S E A R C H A N D C A R E T O A D VA N C E H O P E
Amy Charney
“I wanted to be Amy,
the marathon runner,
not Amy, the woman
with cancer.”
– Amy Charney
CLINICAL TRIALS LEAD TO NEW TREATMENTS
C
linical trials are an
Lisa Carey, MD
Who says you can’t go home?
important step in
Amy Charney, a wife, mom and avid
discovering new
runner, had already registered to run
treatments for breast
the 2015 Boston Marathon when she
cancer and other
was told she had breast cancer. But
diseases, as well as new ways to
her diagnosis didn’t stop her from
detect, diagnose, and reduce the risk
reaching the finish line.
of disease. While clinical trials
provide evidence of what does and Amy’s diagnosis came as a complete
doesn’t work for patients, trials also surprise back in November 2014,
help researchers and doctors decide when her family was getting ready to
if the side effects of a new treatment celebrate her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah.
are acceptable when weighed against
“We’d gone shopping for party
the benefits. On average, a new
dresses, and I was trying on some
medicine to treat breast cancer has
things in the fitting room,” says Amy.
been studied for at least six years -
“And that’s when I saw it: a small,
and sometimes, many more - before
pea-sized lump on my breast. I made
a clinical trial testing the efficacy of
an appointment with my doctor, and
the medicine begins.
since it was almost time for my
26 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERannual visit, she suggested I have a Carey explains that normally, because it’s such a targeted form of
diagnostic mammogram. That’s patients are given high doses of treatment. I was pleased that Amy
when I came to the N.C. Cancer several chemotherapy drugs with agreed to be a clinical trial
Hospital.” Herceptin added, followed by participant.”
completion of a year of Herceptin.
Amy’s mammogram results were
Off and Running
negative, but because she has dense
breasts, her breast radiologist Amy began taking TDM1, but still,
recommended an ultrasound, which she kept on running with her
led to a biopsy. Amy was diagnosed doctor’s permission. Then on April
with ductal carcinoma in situ, or 20, 2015, just six days after a
DCIS, the most common type of non- chemotherapy treatment, Amy stood
invasive breast cancer. After at the starting line of her seventh
evaluating her options, Amy chose to Boston Marathon while her husband
have a lumpectomy and radiation. Jonathan and daughters Julia,
However, her case was sent to the Elisabeth and Ava cheered her on. “I
radiology review board. Due to the kept thinking, ‘You can’t finish if you
density of her breasts, they wanted don’t start.’ I just wanted to cross the
more information and asked Amy to finish line, not necessarily beat my
have an MRI. own time. And before I knew it, we
were off and running.”
Those results showed even more
DCIS in the tissue, and after another The Boston Marathon is a grueling
biopsy, the board strongly suggested race with a course that winds
that Amy have a mastectomy. On through eight Massachusetts cities
January 13, 2015, David Ollila, MD, and towns. One of those is Brookline,
surgical director of the UNC Breast the place where Amy grew up and
Center, performed a partial where her mother, who died of lung
mastectomy and sentinel node cancer, was laid to rest. “Miles 22
biopsy. Fortunately, Amy’s lymph through 24 of the Marathon run
nodes were clear, but she did have However, while this treatment through my hometown,” explains
a six millimeter stage I invasive protocol is very effective, the side Amy. “It was a pretty emotional
breast cancer called “HER2-positive.” effects can be tough on the patient. moment for a number of reasons.”
Her oncologist, Lisa Carey, MD, the “So when Amy and I talked about her Amy crossed the finish line feeling
Richardson and Marilyn Jacobs treatment options, I told her about a exhausted, relieved, and most
Preyer Distinguished Professor in clinical trial initiated by colleagues importantly, like a champion. “By
Breast Cancer Research, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. running the Boston Marathon, I
recommended chemotherapy for UNC is part of a group of academic learned that, in spite of breast cancer,
Amy. institutions that work together on I am still me,” she says. Meanwhile,
“Years ago, this was worst, most trials like this one,” says Carey. “In Carey says she’s happy with Amy’s
aggressive type of cancer,” explains this study, we’re using a new drug response to the clinical trial drug and
Carey. “But then studies began to called trastuzumab emtansine, looks forward to seeing the final
show that the anti-HER2 drug known commercially as Kadcyla, results of the study. “We’re finding
Herceptin, combined with which is a chemotherapy drug that it’s as important to tailor a
chemotherapy, really changed the attached to Herceptin, so the patient’s course of care to less
game and made it a much more chemotherapy only goes into the treatment if possible, as it is to tailor
treatable cancer. But questions cancer instead of all over the body. care to more treatment if necessary,”
remain about the best way to The combination is called TDM1, but says Carey. “It’s good to have
administer these treatments.” its nickname is the ‘Trojan Horse’ options.”
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 27B U I L D C L I N I C A L E X C E L L E N C E : R E S E A R C H A N D C A R E T O A D VA N C E H O P E
Matt Ewend, MD
Long-term survivors of
glioblastoma are rare.
We hope to change that.
– Matt Ewend, MD
SKIN CELLS: CANCER-FIGHTING WARRIORS
A
stem cell is Glioblastoma is a fast-growing, desperately need a better standard
essentially a “blank” aggressive form of brain cancer. The of care,” says Matt Ewend, MD, a
cell, capable of survival rate beyond two years for a UNC Lineberger member, Van
becoming another, patient with a glioblastoma is only L. Weatherspoon, Jr. Eminent
different type of cell 30 percent because it is so difficult to Distinguished Professor and chair
anywhere in the human body. treat. Even if a surgeon removes of the Department of Neurosurgery
Microscopic in size, stem cells are most of the tumor, it’s nearly at UNC.
big news in medical and science impossible to get the invasive,
circles because they can be used to cancerous tendrils that spread
Induced neural
replace or even heal damaged tissues deeper into the brain, and inevitably, stem cells (shown
and cells in the body, a sort of built- the remnants grow back. Most in green)
in repair system for humans. patients die within a year and a half engineered from
skin cells and
of their diagnosis. armed to kill
In a first for medical science, UNC
cancer are shown
Lineberger researchers are turning “Current strategy to treat the disease as they attack
skin cells into cancer-hunting stem is surgical removal of the tumor, glioblastoma cells
(pink) that are
cells that destroy brain tumors followed by radiation and invading the brain.
known as glioblastoma – a discovery chemotherapy in hopes of killing
that can offer, for the first time in remaining cancer cells. All of those
more than 30 years, a new and more treatments help, but it’s a very
effective treatment for the disease. difficult disease, and patients
28 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERResearchers want to improve those these so-called ‘induced neural stem cause the recurrences.”
statistics by developing a new cells’ have an innate ability to move
Researchers are already collecting
personalized treatment for throughout the brain and home in on
biopsies from glioblastoma patients
glioblastoma that starts with a any remaining cancer cells. The team
to test the concept on human tissue.
patient’s own skin cells, with the goal also showed that these stem cells
They hope it will result in human
of getting rid of the cancerous could be engineered to produce a
trials and an effective therapy to add
tendrils, effectively killing the tumor-killing protein, creating a
to current treatments. If ultimately
glioblastoma. promising new strategy for killing
successful in human trials, UNC
glioblastoma cells embedded
Shawn Hingtgen, PhD, a UNC researchers envision the concept
throughout the normal brain.”
Lineberger member and an assistant being adapted to fight other types of
professor of molecular In mouse studies, survival rates brain cancer, including pediatric
pharmaceutics in the UNC doubled and tripled. The hope is the cases and “breast-to-brain-cancer” in
Eshelman School of Pharmacy, says new method would do the same in women.
his team has engineered these stem human patients.
“Our work represents the newest
cells so that they can actually hunt
“In a test dish with pink human evolution of the stem-cell technology
down the cancerous tumor cells.
tumor cells, scientists can see the that won the Nobel Prize in 2012. It’s
“This requires a conversion process green stem cells hunting down the the first time this direct
called ‘direct reprogramming’,” tumor cells,” says Ewend. “Those reprogramming technology has
explains Hingtgen. “We turn skin cells can see things that I can’t see as been used to treat cancer, and we
cells known as fibroblasts into a surgeon. They can find cells I can’t have high hopes for success,”
special neural stem cells. Working find and offer us a chance to get rid Hingtgen says.
with mice, our team has shown that of those last few remaining cells that
Shawn Hingtgen, PhD
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 29B U I L D C L I N I C A L E X C E L L E N C E : R E S E A R C H A N D C A R E T O A D VA N C E H O P E
generosity of others. “This cancer
Bill and Nancy Graham center is making a significant,
positive impact on the lives of North
Carolinians, and it’s time for people
to step forward and show their
support,” the donors said. “Therefore,
we will match every gift, dollar for
dollar, up to $50,000. We hope our
friends and neighbors will rise to
the challenge.”
And did they ever! Within two weeks
of the initial gift challenge, the
cancer center received $50,000 in
matching gifts. But it didn’t stop
there. After hearing about the
campaign’s success, UNC
Lineberger Board of Visitors
members Bill and Nancy Graham
were inspired to issue an additional
$50,000 challenge, effectively
quadrupling the gift! As of this
newsletter print date:
• UNC Lineberger had received
795 gifts, totaling $253,828.
• 86 donors made their first-ever
gift to the cancer center.
• Many contributors increased their
fiscal year giving by making a
special gift to the match.
• This matching challenge resulted
in the largest number of donations
to UNC Lineberger for any online
fundraising effort of its kind.
DONORS’ MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE
“This campaign accomplished
O
RAISES MORE THAN $250,000
two major goals,” explains Betsy
ne-in-two men and next-generation cancer research and Gentry-Bumm, director of annual
one-in-three women exceptional patient-centered care. So giving. “It increased awareness about
will face cancer in it’s with heart-felt thanks that we UNC Lineberger, North Carolina’s
their lifetimes. At share the success of our first-ever only public NCI comprehensive
UNC Lineberger, we annual matching gift opportunity, a cancer center. It also raised an
are diligently working to change campaign that truly shows the power extraordinary amount of money for
these statistics – not just for the of the collective good. cancer research, something we will
patients who are currently battling feel the effects from for years. For
In March 2016, an anonymous these reasons, we are truly humbled
cancer, but for all those who will be
couple made a gift to UNC by everyone who supported this
diagnosed with cancer in the future.
Lineberger, but there was a catch – matching challenge.”
However, we can’t do it alone. Your
the amount would be based on the
financial support is critical to our
30 UNC LINEBERGER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTERBILL AND NANCY
GRAHAM
Trent and Tyuss Handley
There’s power in a match
Like many UNC Lineberger supporters,
Bill and Nancy Graham were drawn to our
cancer center for dual reasons – both
familial and medical. Bill’s uncle, Page
Graham, was one of the original members
of the UNC Lineberger Board of Visitors
and was extremely proud of the cutting-
edge research being done here to help his
fellow North Carolinians. Page recruited
Bill and Nancy to serve on the board, and
through the years, the two have become
avid cheerleaders for the cancer center.
They have also been personally affected
by cancer and have a keen understanding
of UNC Lineberger from a patient’s
perspective.
“In 2007, I was diagnosed with breast
cancer and began treatment here in
Winston-Salem, but our daughter
encouraged me to get a second opinion at
Lineberger. I’m so glad I did,” says Nancy.
“When I walked in the door at UNC, I
knew I was in the right place. Dr. Lisa
Carey was my oncologist and provided
superlative care. The late Dr. Keith Amos
was my surgeon, and I adored him. I feel
like I hit the jackpot with regards to my
physicians. I had chemo in Chapel Hill HANDLEY TWINS FEATURED
and came back home to Baptist Hospital IN LINEBERGER CAMPAIGN
for my radiation. Today, I’m thankful to be
cancer-free.” In March of 2015, Trent Handley was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer
called “natural killer cell leukemia.” Worldwide, there are only about 60
When asked what appealed to the couple known cases of this kind of cancer. Trent was admitted to the N.C. Cancer
about the ‘matching’ nature of this giving Hospital; his fraternal twin brother Tyuss was devastated.
opportunity, Nancy says it’s all about
doubling the power of the gift. “Bill and I Pediatric oncologist Brent Weston, MD, and a team of caregivers worked
knew time was of the essence if we wanted feverishly to get him the right protocol and treatment while the family
our contribution to have the most impact, spent months in the cancer hospital. And then the good news came: Trent
and we are so pleased that others rose to was in remission.
the challenge, matching the funding “As a mom, when you watch your child going through something that’s
dollar-for-dollar,” says Nancy. “Looking life-threatening, and then to see that miracle…there are no words to
back at the campaign’s success, we’ve seen express our gratitude,” says the twins’ mother, Tanisha Handley.
the collective abilities of gifts, whether
large or small, to help patients like Trent As part of the matching gift challenge, we featured Trent and Tyuss in our
Handley have a fighting chance to beat online campaign video. To learn more, go to
cancer.” www.unclineberger.org/twins.
2015–2016 DONOR HONOR ROLL 31You can also read
