A group of middle school students from the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) is receiving national recognition for work rarely associated with students their age: using artificial intelligence to study the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

The ASFA students have been awarded a $1,000 Promising STEM Innovation Award in the 2025–2026 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national competition for a cancer research project developed in collaboration with Birmingham-based biotech company CerFlux.

Selected from thousands of student submissions nationwide, the ASFA middle school team was recognized for a project that applies AI and advanced imaging tools to better understand how tumor structure influences whether cancer treatments succeed or fail.

While cancer research is typically the domain of universities and professional laboratories, these students are working with real-world scientific methods—analyzing data, interpreting digital pathology images and using artificial intelligence to examine the tumor microenvironment.

Their project, titled “Human-Relevant Method to Match Cancer Treatments to Tumors,” blends biochemistry, computational analysis and AI to explore how treatments could be better matched to individual patients.

Rather than focusing on abstract concepts, the students are tackling a concrete medical problem: why certain cancer therapies work for some patients but not for others.

By studying tumor structure and treatment response through AI-supported analysis, the students’ work mirrors techniques increasingly used in modern biomedical research.

ASFA Math Science Instructor Dr. Walter Uhoya, who mentors the team, said the recognition highlights what young students can accomplish when exposed early to complex scientific challenges.

“This recognition shows what’s possible when students are introduced to complex scientific problems early and are trusted to solve them with their natural curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking,” Uhoya said.

Beyond the classroom, the project connects STEM education to broader real-world impacts. Cancer treatment failure contributes significantly to global healthcare costs and lost productivity, and research aimed at improving treatment matching could help reduce those burdens.

While the students’ work is exploratory, it introduces them to how AI and data-driven tools are reshaping medicine.

CerFlux CEO and research advisor Dr. Karim I. Budhwani emphasized the importance of engaging students in meaningful scientific work at an early age.

“This project demonstrates the power of early exposure to meaningful, real-world STEM experiences,” Budhwani said. “That science and new knowledge is about making a difference in the lives of real people.”

ASFA, a state-funded public school serving grades 7–12, is known for blending rigorous academics with creative disciplines. Its math and science program places students in advanced, research-oriented environments that encourage hands-on problem-solving — an approach exemplified by this project.

For the middle school students involved, the award represents more than prize money. It marks an early step into fields where artificial intelligence, medicine and innovation increasingly intersect — and shows that impactful research can begin well before college.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Desmond Wingard spent half of his all-too-short life working on directing the news from WSFA-TV 12 News in Montgomery.

His co-workers and the tens of thousands of viewers who watched the news that Wingard directed are saying goodbye.

Wingard, called “Des” by friends, died October 30 of cancer.

He had started at WSFA in 1999 as a 19-year-old junior studying at Troy University. He worked for 11 years as assistant news director. In 2022, he landed his goal – news director.

His station published a tribute to him on their website.

Funeral arrangements will be announced.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com

Justin Williams, 42, an Alabama State Trooper and member of Governor Kay Ivey’s security detail since 2019, passed away following a “courageous” battle with cancer, Ivey announced on Tuesday.

“Today, we lost a member of our team, Justin Williams. Justin has served on my security detail since 2019, and tomorrow would have marked 19 years of service as a state trooper. Justin was a professional in every sense of the word. He was effective, worked well with his colleagues, my staff and me. Truly, he was a real gentlemen,” Governor Ivey said.

“This Earth will be a little less bright – and funny – without Justin, but I am confident he is at peace with God in Heaven. My prayers are with his family, especially his daughter. God bless, Justin! He was a faithful public servant until the end.”

In addition to his 19 years as a state trooper, Williams earned his Bachelor of Science, as well two masters from Faulkner University. 

https://x.com/ALEAprotects/status/1876814386112709096

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency also mourned the loss of their own. “His sacrifice and devotion will always be honored within our Agency and beyond,” the agency wrote.

HUNTSVILLE – In the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death, behind heart disease. When it comes to cancer treatment and survival, two significant challenges can arise: metastasis and chemoresistance.

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. This can happen through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, making it harder to treat and control the disease.

Chemoresistance is the ability of cancer cells to become resistant to chemotherapy drugs, making them less effective in fighting the disease. This resistance can occur due to various factors, such as genetic mutations within the cancer cells or protective mechanisms that prevent the drugs from effectively targeting the cancerous growth.

Both chemoresistance and metastasis pose considerable hurdles in cancer treatment, highlighting the need for ongoing research and innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes.

Investigating a deadly type of cancer 

One type of cancer plagued by chemoresistance and metastatic complications is pancreatic cancer. About half of the patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer already have cancer spread beyond the area of the pancreas. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 11 percent, due to the lack of early diagnostic markers for PDAC to catch the disease early and its high rate of treatment resistance.

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology Faculty Investigator Dr. Sara Cooper and her lab focus on identifying novel targets to prevent cancer chemoresistance, especially in pancreatic cancer. They recently published results in “BMC Cancer” from a promising study led by senior scientist Dr. Emily Gordon identifying several potential targets for reversing chemoresistance in PDAC.

In 2016, Cooper and colleagues at HudsonAlpha identified genes that correlated with PDAC patient survival. High expression of a gene called ANGPTL4 was linked with poor patient survival and, when knocked down in cell lines, increased their sensitivity to a common pancreatic cancer treatment. ANGPTL4 has a defined role in cardiovascular disease and lipid metabolism, but its role in cancer is unclear.

“This work builds upon an earlier finding that highlighted ANGPTL4 as a possible drug target,” said Cooper. “We are considering ANGPTL4 as a possible drug target based on its link to patient outcomes and the evidence that inhibition can improve response to treatment.”

ANGPTL4 is a potential target for reversing chemoresistance 

The team sought to dive further into ANGPTL4’s function to understand possible mechanisms contributing to patient survival. Through a series of cell-based experiments, the scientists found that overexpression of ANGPTL4 leads to chemotherapy resistance in PDAC. The overexpression also increased the migratory potential of the cells, a factor that plays a role in metastasis.

ANGPTL4 is not alone in its ability to influence patient survival. The expression of several genes downstream of ANGPTL4 was altered by its overexpression. The genes were linked to epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a phenomenon that allows cancer cells to detach from the main tumor site and move to other parts of the body.

Overexpression of genes downstream of ANGPTL4 also predicts patient outcomes, providing more potential targets to study.

The scientists showed that the chemoresistance could be reversed and also reduced the migratory potential of cells. This means that targeting ANGPTL4 or its downstream partners with a drug could be a potential solution to reverse chemoresistance in PDAC.

The data from this study suggest that ANGPTL4 and its downstream pathway are potential therapeutic targets for the reversal of treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer.

“These data help us understand the function of ANGPTL4 in pancreatic cancer and provide evidence to support advancing ANGPTL4 and its targets as potential drug targets and aid in developing much-needed treatments for pancreatic cancer,” said Cooper.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Trygve Tollefsbol, Ph.D., professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Biology, has spent nearly 20 years researching cancer prevention methods with his team.

At the center of their research are the very things many young people avoid: vegetables.

Epigenetics is defined as the research and study of the modifications to DNA or surrounding proteins that impact gene expression without changing the actual DNA sequence. The changes can result in the formation of tumor cells, which could then lead to cancer.

Research shows that the bioactive components found in plants, specifically the phytochemical sulforaphane, have the ability to inhibit and even reverse these ongoing epigenetic changes to the genome when they occur.

“While all vegetables contain some form of phytochemical, which are plant-derived chemicals, it is cruciferous vegetables that contain much higher concentrations of sulforaphane,” Tollefsbol said.

Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables that belong to the plant family of “crucifers,” including but not limited to broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts.

Ultimately, a diet rich in these specific vegetables can help decrease the likelihood of the development of cancer through the neutralization and correction of these genomic abnormalities. Acting as inhibitors, these components can help prevent the development of tumor cells, thus decreasing the probability of cancer.

“Unlike mutations, epigenetic aberrations are readily reversible,” Tollefsbol said. “The bioactive components in these vegetables, notably sulforaphane, impact the epigenetic factors and processes in our bodies by inhibiting the development of tumors through the suppression of tumor-causing genes.”

Tollefsbol says studies show that broccoli contains some of the highest concentrations of this component.

“Stream Cruciferous Veggies
Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables that belong to the plant family of “crucifers,” including but not limited to broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts.
Virtually all cruciferous vegetables contain a good amount of sulforaphane; however, it is found in particularly large concentrations in broccoli sprouts,” Tollefsbol said. “Cabbage and Brussels sprouts also contain notable beneficial levels.”

While eating cruciferous vegetables is not an overnight remedy, Tollefsbol encourages everyone to increase their intake of these potentially life-changing vegetables.

“It is never too late to prioritize your health,” Tollefsbol said. “While including these foods in your diet is more impactful at a younger age, it is healthful at all ages.”

Tollefsbol suggests that preparing vegetables in a way that makes them enjoyable to you is key to improving your vegetable intake.

“Low-calorie sauces and spices are a great way to help incorporate these vegetables into your eating routines,” Tollefsbol said.

Tollefsbol says recent studies are showing that these positive effects can not only be seen in our bodies, but have the potential to decrease the likelihood of our children developing cancer later in life. Through the utilization of mouse models, studies have shown that the impact of an “epigenetics diet” can be seen generationally in the offspring of mice.

“We found that the offspring of the mice that were placed on these phytochemical diets had the genetic markers to support that they would be less likely to develop cancer,” Tollefsbol said. “We refer to these factors as transgenerational effects.”

Tollefsbol believes that, with more research and clinical trials, investigating these epigenetics factors can become the catalyst to new prevention and treatment methods.

“Imagine how many more lives we could save if we leverage prevention research,” Tollefsbol said. “If we could successfully prevent the development of cancer cells, we could ultimately save countless lives, which in itself is the goal of all health care research: How can we save and improve the quality of life?”

(Courtesy of UAB News)

For young children, hospitals with their noises, alarms and constant bustling of people can be intimidating. For Serenity Lane, hospitals became her second home when she was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 4.

She spent more than two-and-a-half years in and out of the Children’s of Mississippi Hospital. Almost 15 years after beating leukemia and graduating from one children’s hospital, Lane will return to another, this time as an emergency medicine nurse.

On Aug. 13, Lane will graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing and begin her first job in the Children’s of Alabama emergency department.

While the Jackson, Mississippi, native was no stranger to the medical field as a child, it was not until her high school’s health sciences program that she realized her own passion for science and anatomy. She originally considered becoming a hematology/oncology physician until she learned more about the nursing field.

“I realized how hands-on nurses are with their patients, and I wanted to have more of the patient care aspect of working in the medical field,” Lane said. “I also thought back to my nurses who stayed by my side through my leukemia journey. They treated me like their family and helped ease my worries.”

Upon hearing her desire to pursue nursing, Lane’s father suggested the UAB School of Nursing. After he moved to Alabama, her father heard many stories of the exceptional nursing program and its consistent ranking as a top nursing school within the state and nationally.

Lane applied to UAB and was accepted into the Dean’s Nursing Scholars Program, a program designed for academically talented high school seniors who are considering pursuing nursing. Being accepted as a scholar, and gaining priority admission into the competitive nursing program, motivated her to stay dedicated to her schoolwork even when COVID-19 hit.

“I was only a few semesters into school when the pandemic hit and everything went virtual,” Lane said. “It was a difficult time. Being a dean’s scholar kept me motivated to push through and keep my grades up. I knew I was meant to be a nurse, and having the opportunity to go through the UAB program was something I did not want to lose.”

Once starting her Bachelor of Science in Nursing classes, Lane realized why the school consistently ranked high — it came with high expectations.

“They pushed me past being ‘good enough’ and helped me dig deeper into my studies and assignments while teaching me how to think critically about real-world situations, not just hypothetical textbook ones,” Lane said. “It wasn’t always easy. While the school expected a lot from its students, everyone from the faculty to the staff was there to offer guidance and resources.”

During her clinicals, Lane was introduced to pediatric emergency medicine and quickly fell in love with the fast-paced environment.

“You see everything and everyone in an emergency department. I saw how closely the team, whether they be doctors, nurses or therapists, had to work together to care for their patients,” Lane said. “I saw it as an opportunity to be part of a team that could positively impact and touch so many different patient lives.”

Lane continued to stay in touch with her leukemia medical team throughout her childhood and college career. When she was younger, she attended yearly reunions, usually at Camp Rainbow, a Mississippi camp for children with cancer. Later, she began working side by side with members of her old care team as a camp counselor.

“The last time I saw the team, I made sure they knew they were the main reason that I pursued a career in the medical field,” Lane said. “The next time I see them, I will officially be their colleague. I look forward to providing the care and support to others that they provided me.”

This story originally appeared on the UAB News website.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

April through July 2022, Bill Bradley Services alongside Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama, launched their FuelTheFight campaign which funded gas and transportation vouchers for patients traveling back and forth to treatment.

What started as a small donation for each air conditioner purchased, quickly turned into a momentous fundraiser.

“We saw a huge need as gas prices rapidly increased, and quickly knew we had to do more,” said Will Imbusch, grandson of Bill Bradley and campaign spearhead.

He continued, “[F]or years I saw my mom, granddad, and uncle driving back and forth to cancer centers all over the country. After a while, it begins to take a toll. If we can alleviate just one burden these patients are facing, we’re going to do just that.”

If you followed the campaign, or know the Bradleys, you’ve heard their unfathomable story in the fight against cancer. Brenda Bradley lost her son, Brad, to pancreatic cancer in 2006, lost her husband, Bill, to Lymphoma in January 2009, and lost her daughter, Vickie, to Melanoma in April 2009. Brenda recently opened up publicly about this experience for the first time.

“After Brad died, I remember praying, God just leave me one of them. You know. I wasn’t even asking for both.” Brenda does not take pity at all, in fact, according to Imbusch, “she’s one of the most joyful people on this earth.”

He continued, “I felt our story could provide some glimpse of hope or spirit of fight for families currently in the heart of the cancer battle, and based on feedback, it’s done just that.” Brenda finished her interview with a word of encouragement to families going through cancer, “you keep fighting, you keep looking for something else, because there’s always hope.”

As funds continued to grow, so did momentum. Artist Alisa Beck was inspired to share her story of beating breast cancer.

“For those who receive a cancer diagnosis, I tell them to have a good cry, then get busy fighting. Cancer doesn’t have to be your life’s story. Remember your purpose,” said Alisa. She went on to donate a beautiful painting to the campaign titled “Carrying Hope.”

Alabama News Network and Bluewater Broadcasting joined the fight as media partners, which instantly increased the campaign’s reach. Many leaders in the community began to show vocal support including: Montgomery County commissioner and survivor Ronda Walker, voice of the Montgomery Biscuits, Rick Hendrick, and city councilman C.C. Calhoun. A video was later produced, with intent to inspire that featured former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, Montgomery County Probate Judge J.C. Love and PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh.

“This is a cause that derives solely from my heart which is why we made it a 4 month campaign, and why I’ve spent every ounce of energy I have raising support,” said Will Imbusch. “It struck a nerve very close to home for a lot of people, and fueled a roar
of passion.”

The campaign held a wrap-up event on July 22, Vickie’s birthday. This event provided an opportunity to gather many boxes full of chemo comfort care items (pill bottles, thermometers, blankets, etc.), for the Cancer Wellness Foundation to distribute.

Imbusch said, “Many people from many different places came out to support. City councilman Charles Jinright spoke a few words of encouragement, and rising country star Cameron Dubois put on a phenomenal performance. Overall, I feel it was a tremendous success.” The silent auction at this event was able to raise $2,505 which put Fuel The Fight past its donation goal of $20,000.

“In a way, I was able to continue my family’s battle against cancer, by spreading the same spirit of fight that Bill, Vickie, and Brad all embodied. Our campaign is over, but I want to ask everyone to continue supporting the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama. They have tremendous leadership in Board President, Jenniffer Pugh, and Executive Director, Carol Gunter, who truly care for the patients and make their lives a little bit easier everyday. I’d also like to ask anyone who has not seen Brenda Bradley’s story, to go to BillBradleyFuelTheFight.com and watch it – my hope is that it provides you with inspiration as well.”

Bill Bradley Services, in its 53rd year, continues to provide quality plumbing, heating, and air throughout the tri-county area. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @BillBradleyServices for campaign recap, home tips, and announcements on their next endeavors.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham broke ground this week on the new Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building and the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center.

The ceremony, which included senior leaders from UAB, UAB Medicine, the Heersink School of Medicine, the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System, key donors, and representatives of state and local governments, including Gov. Kay Ivey, was held on the site of the new facility, at Seventh Avenue South, between 19th and 20th streets, in Birmingham.

“This facility, made possible by the foresight and help of our state and local leaders, as well as generous donors, will position UAB and Alabama to be a global leader in precision medicine and genomic sciences, enhancing world-class clinical care for our community and beyond,” said UAB President Ray Watts, M.D. “Advancements in precision medicine, informatics and data sciences will now be accelerated, and we will gain greater understanding of the roles our genes and the environment play in major human diseases. These discoveries will lead to the development of new lifesaving treatments.”

The 175,000-square-foot building will be iconic in its architecture, which features a visible-to-all double-helix design. Most importantly, it will be profound in its impact locally, statewide and globally.

The building will bring together researchers, equipment and staff for the Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute, the Informatics Institute, the Bill L. Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and translational scientists from many different disciplines to increase national and global competitiveness of both UAB and the state of Alabama in research, innovation, commercialization and economic development.

The project is being funded through $50 million from the state of Alabama via the Public School and College Authority — the largest-ever investment from the state in a university facility. An additional $5 million from Jefferson County also supports the project, as do funds supplied by UAB donors Altec/Styslinger Foundation and Marnix and Mary Heersink. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has expressed interest in working with other city leaders to support the project as well.

It is a facility that represents the power of public/private partnership among UAB, the UA System Office, individual and corporate donors, the local business community and elected leaders in an effort to drive better health and prosperity for the people of Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama and beyond.

“Right here in Birmingham, Alabama, the future of modern medicine is taking shape every day,” Ivey said. “Genomic medicine is the future of health care, and yet again, Alabama is leading the nation in finding innovative ways to create a healthier society for us all.”

UAB will recruit more than 75 additional investigators and some 350 new support staff over the next five-plus years to work alongside the talented and renowned team of researchers already in place. The leading-edge research they conduct in the facility will attract an estimated $100 million in additional research funding annually.

“The University of Alabama System and the board of trustees are grateful for the visionary leadership of our elected officials and the generosity of our donors, who all recognized this project will truly change lives,” said Finis St. John, chancellor of the University of Alabama System. “This facility represents the future of modern health care and positions UAB to be the leader in genomics and personalized medicine. This transformational initiative was our top priority, and it is now becoming a reality thanks to the Altec/Styslinger Foundation, Dr. Marnix E. and Mary Heersink, Governor Ivey, state Senators Jabo Waggoner, Rodger Smitherman and Greg Reed, Commissioner (Jimmie) Stephens, Mayor Woodfin and other dedicated leaders in Birmingham, Jefferson County and the state.”

UAB’s efforts in research and development — from basic research to commercialization, drug discovery and the formation of startup companies — will also dramatically increase, says Dr. Selwyn Vickers, dean of the Heersink School of Medicine and CEO of the UAB Health System. Vickers says recruitment and retention efforts made possible by the project will attract dozens of “startups” to Birmingham and Alabama, each pursuing potentially groundbreaking ideas and treatments.

“When an investigator gets a federal grant, many of which are more than $1 million, their lab is like a startup company with employees often making more than $50,000 annually,” Vickers said. “This building will house dozens of these ‘small companies’ that would not be in Alabama if it weren’t for UAB and its research engine. It is a constellation of companies providing jobs at a high level and attracting new talent that will increase our competitive advantage in supporting researchers who will in turn bolster our economy and aid in the care of all Alabamians.”

Watts adds that UAB, working together with Southern Research and other partners, will make Birmingham the biotech commercialization leader in the southeastern United States and a national and global nexus for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Private/public collaboration

Support from the Altec/Styslinger Foundation was the first major investment in the project. Altec Inc. is a global company headquartered in Birmingham that provides equipment and service for international markets, including electric utilities, telecommunications and contractors. The Altec/Styslinger Foundation “is a collective family effort,” noted Lee Styslinger III, chairman and CEO of Altec Inc., and a board member of the Altec/Styslinger Foundation.

“The main driver of this gift is the transformational impact that genomics will have in medicine,” Styslinger said. “As a foundation, we wanted to be supportive of breakthroughs in genomic sciences, and of a facility that will have a tremendous impact not only on UAB but on the state of Alabama and beyond.”

Collaboration among government entities was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

“The Jefferson County Commission is excited to support UAB and such a special project that will be a global center for personalized medicine,” said Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens. “You can’t ignore the unmistakable potential this cutting-edge facility will provide, and our investment will continue to have power far beyond this initial gift as it positively impacts the people of Jefferson County for years and years to come.”

“The city of Birmingham believes in UAB and appreciates its commitment to our residents through the education and jobs it offers and the care it provides,” said Mayor Woodfin. “This investment will enable our city to attract more world-class talent, create more high-tech jobs, and help continue our upward trajectory as a destination for the best and brightest in Alabama and beyond.”

The new facility will involve renovation of the existing Lyons-Harrison Research Building, located at 701 19th St. South on the UAB campus. Two buildings — the Kracke Building and the Pittman Center for Advanced Medical Studies — have already been removed to make way for the project, which will include the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center. The Heersinks recently provided a transformational $95 million gift to name the Heersink School of Medicine, and a portion of that gift will fund the conference center.

The Altec/Styslinger building will include space for computational research, research support, offices, administrative and scientific collaboration, and meeting spaces designed to meet the specific needs of genomics and precision medicine investigators and their programs.

Initial initiatives will include cancer research, neuroscience research, rehabilitation medicine and pediatric research, as well as research into the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the new collaborations will include clinicians serving on the front lines of patient care and enhance translational health initiatives already active at UAB.

Total project costs are expected to exceed $78 million. Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2024.

This story originally appeared on the UAB News website.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

For many patients, a stage 4 cancer diagnosis can be crippling. Though stage 4 diagnoses look different based on the type of cancer, treatment options are generally limited and the road to potential recovery looks daunting.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Division of Surgical Oncology continues to offer more treatment options for patients with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Recently, the division launched the hepatic artery infusion pump program, which offers targeted chemotherapy for patients with colon cancer that has spread to their liver.

The division now offers a heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) program to treat patients with stage 4 appendix, colorectal, peritoneal mesothelioma, peritoneal and gastric cancers; eventually expanding to treat ovarian cancer.

UAB is the only hospital in Alabama offering this treatment, according to HIPEC.com. The treatment is a two-step surgery: In the first step, surgeons perform a cytoreductive surgery, in which they remove all visible tumor from the patient’s abdomen followed by heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

The CRS is usually done through an incision in the center of the patient’s abdomen. In some patients, this can be done laparoscopically, meaning with the use of a camera and smaller incisions. Though it varies from case to case, the CRS may involve removal of some organs, bowel and/or the lining of the abdomen to remove all of the visible tumor.

Once all of the visible tumor is removed, the surgeons perform the chemotherapy heated to 108 degrees, instilled and flushed into the abdomen via catheter for 90 minutes to kill the remaining microscopic tumor.

Following the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days until they are ready for discharge; this duration varies for every patient. Division of Surgical Oncology clinical instructor Dr. Salila Hashmi and her team are pleased with the procedure.

“HIPEC is a viable option for eligible patients,” Hashmi said. “The surgery allows for a deeper penetration of chemotherapy medication into the abdominal tissues and greater effectiveness at killing cancer cells in the abdomen.”

Director of the Division of Surgical Oncology Vikas Dudeja looks forward to offering this option to patients.

“Although it can be an intensive surgery, our team of experts is glad to offer this option for our patients who may be good candidates,” Dudeja said. “Patients no longer have to travel outside of the state for this option; we have it right here in Birmingham, Alabama.”

Patients eligible for the HIPEC program and those seeking an opinion regarding a patient may call UAB at 205-934-3028 to make an appointment.

This story originally appeared on the UAB News website.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

In September 2020, Steve Young noticed a weird feeling in his stomach over the course of a few days. He wasn’t alarmed because he had been healthy all his life, never missing a day of work in 17 of his 20 years at the Honda plant in Lincoln.

But the stomach pain worsened. Young attributed it to ulcers from stress over the death of a family member, but he had also noticed other health abnormalities.

He went to the UAB Medicine freestanding emergency department in Gardendale. After initial tests, Young thought he was receiving an unusual amount of concern from nurses and doctors.

“I could definitely tell there was more to this stomach ache than I originally thought,” Young said. “I was sure at that point that it was no longer an ulcer. Everyone around me was extremely nice, but I could tell that there was something wrong.”

His fears were confirmed when he was admitted to UAB Hospital shortly after his test and heard his diagnosis: pancreatic cancer. The cancer was thought to be stage 3, borderline stage 4, a grim prognosis that brought a life expectancy of 12-15 months.

“Thank goodness I had a stomach ache to signal to me that something was up,” Young said.

His first CT scans showed the cancer had not spread to other organs. The next three months, Young received chemotherapy at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. The cancer was contained and surgery was planned to remove the tumor from Young’s pancreas.

Young’s friends celebrated by planning a fishing trip and hiring a guide for him and his daughter.

“My daughter actually caught an 18-pound catfish on that trip,” Young said of the trip to Tennessee. “My friends were so nice to think of me and to plan that. It was such a great trip, and I just knew that it could not be my last.”

Dr. Bart Rose removed part of Young’s pancreas, bile duct, gallbladder and a 1-foot section of small intestines during a 12-hour surgery. Following surgery, Young was able to celebrate Pancreatic Cancer Month in November as a patient who has overcome the deadly disease.

“I can’t even begin to thank Dr. Rose enough. To be honest, I don’t even have the words to describe how thankful I am to him and his entire team,” Young said. “He encouraged me the whole way through the process and gave me so much hope. That is the important part of cancer – holding on to your hope.”

Rose was inspired by Young’s outcome.

“Mr. Young is a great patient and had the absolute best outcome that we could have hoped for,” Rose said. “He recovered amazingly after surgery, and I suspect that he will do well during his final rounds of chemotherapy completing his planned cancer treatment. Mr. Young’s outcome for pancreatic cancer is one that everyone hopes for.”

Young is grateful for many things.

“God makes miracles, and I am one of them,” Young said. “I think it’s time to plan another fishing trip with my daughter.”

This story originally appeared on the UAB News website.

(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)

Tara Bowman knows the statistics by heart. She can also recite health manuals nearly from memory when it comes to cancer awareness, health disparities and the need for early screening and treatment.

Bowman’s own family history is a painful lesson in the urgency of cancer screenings and health awareness, which she generously shares. (more…)

Women in 13 counties across Alabama are gaining better access to education and screening for cervical cancer through a collaboration between the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Alabama Department of Public Health.

The ADPH Family Planning Community Education and Outreach Pilot, which began Aug. 1, provides a team of community health workers who will work to increase cervical cancer screenings throughout the state in Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Bullock, Butler, Chilton, Dallas, Fayette, Lowndes, Macon, Shelby, Walker and Winston counties. (more…)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) continues to evolve as a worldwide leader in biomedicine, research and innovation.

Incysus Therapeutics, Inc., a Birmingham-based biopharmaceutical company, has now announced the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical study of a novel Drug Resistant Immunotherapy (DRI) technology for the treatment of patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma.

This trial is being conducted at UAB and is now active and open for enrollment.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM or glioblastoma) is a devastating and fast-growing brain tumor that typically results in death within the first 15 months after diagnosis. GBM is inherently resistant to conventional therapy and accounts for approximately 52% of all primary brain tumors. (more…)

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday shared some tremendous news with the people of Alabama regarding her health.

Ivey in September announced that a routine exam had revealed she had a spot on her lung. After more testing, “a tiny, isolated malignancy” was confirmed, meaning the spot was indicative of cancer. She then underwent an outpatient procedure at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), followed by radiation treatments, remaining upbeat throughout the process.

Words of support and prayer have poured in for Alabama’s governor since the initial announcement — and now Alabamians have a reason to celebrate.

“Yesterday, my doctors performed a follow-up examination on the site where I received three radiation treatments last September to treat the small, isolated malignancy that was discovered on my lung,” Ivey advised in a statement. “Needless to say, I was extremely appreciative to receive another good report from my doctor.” (more…)

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville last week hosted its 11th annual Tie the Ribbons event where over 1,300 members of the community convened at the Von Braun Center to hear about the institute’s world-class breast and ovarian cancer programs.

Tie the Ribbons is an annual luncheon that supports breast and ovarian cancer research and programs like Information is Power, a free and reduced cost genetic cancer risk testing initiative launched in 2015.

Since then, 4,200 men and women have discovered more about their cancer risks through this initiative.

This includes Huntsville’s Charles Horton. After losing his daughter to breast cancer, Horton wanted to find out more about his cancer risk — and his grandchildren’s risk. He participated in Information is Power and learned he carried a mutation in the BRCA2 gene. (more…)

Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced the completion of her radiation treatment for early-stage lung cancer, saying she expects “to make a full recovery.”

In a statement, Ivey outlined, “Three weeks ago, I announced that during a routine exam, my longtime family physician discovered a tiny, isolated malignancy on my lung. The day after I shared this news, I went in for an outpatient procedure, which allowed me to begin a series of specialized radiation treatments.” (more…)

Thomas Roberts was an atheist for most of his life. However, in his final days earlier this month, he was reborn, deciding he wanted to be baptized.

According to a story posted on the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) website on Monday, Thomas specifically wanted to be fully submerged in water, per his newfound faith.

However, Roberts, dying of lung cancer, was wheelchair-bound and unable to breathe without oxygen tubes.

In stepped the incredible team at UAB to help his final wish come true. (more…)

Governor Kay Ivey on Monday appeared in public for the first time since announcing she has early-stage lung cancer.

Coming just three days after undergoing an initial outpatient procedure at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Ivey delivered remarks during an event hosted by the White House Historical Association at Fort Rucker’s U.S. Army Aviation Museum.

Per The Montgomery Advertiser, Ivey also spoke with reporters after the program had concluded.

Addressing her health, she said, “I’m doing fine. I feel fine. I hope I look fine.” (more…)

Governor Kay Ivey on Friday underwent an initial outpatient procedure at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for early-stage lung cancer.

This followed her Thursday announcement that disclosed the next day’s procedure and radiation treatments to follow.

In a statement, Ivey’s press secretary, Gina Maiola, said, “The governor’s outpatient procedure today at UAB went well and as planned.”

“She is back in Montgomery and looks forward to returning to her regular schedule next week,” Maiola concluded. (more…)

7. Trump is going to protect his tax returns 

• After a federal judge halted a California law demanding President Donald Trump turn over his tax returns, the president has filed a lawsuit in an effort to protect his tax returns over efforts from Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance to subpoena Trump’s accounting firm, Mazars USA, for the last eight years of Trump’s personal and corporate tax returns.
• Trump’s lawsuit claims that the subpoena for his tax returns is unconstitutional. Trump’s legal team is also asking for a court order that would grant a “permanent injunction staying the subpoena while the president is in office.”

6. Eight now dead from vaping-related illness (more…)

Reaction poured in from around Alabama on Thursday afternoon after Governor Kay Ivey announced that she will undergo an outpatient procedure on Friday, soon to be followed by radiation treatments, after the early discovery of lung cancer.

Elected officials and politicians from across the Yellowhammer State — and the nation — offered heartfelt words of support and prayer for Ivey.

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth (R-AL) tweeted, “Throughout her career, Kay Ivey has proven herself to be a strong and determined woman who will confront any obstacle placed in her path. The courage and tenacity she has shown in the past will serve her well in the challenge that lies ahead.”

“Throughout her treatment, Gov. Ivey will carry with her the prayers, thoughts, and well-wishes of millions of Alabamians, and those of my family and I will certainly be among them,” he concluded. (more…)

Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced that she will undergo an outpatient procedure at UAB on Friday after a recent routine exam revealed she had a spot on her lung.

After more testing, “a tiny, isolated malignancy” was confirmed, meaning the spot was indicative of cancer.

The procedure and subsequent radiation treatments are not expected to interfere with her duties as governor, Ivey said in a statement.

Ivey said “this was discovered early, and it is very treatable.” (more…)

At first glance, Kevin, Kiala and Keaira Perkins may seem like typical 17-, 14- and 11-year-old children, respectively. But, after getting to know them, you might be shocked to find out that all three have suffered from thyroid cancer.

The siblings, from Madison, Alabama, all suffer from a rare genetic condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN2A), a rare, hereditary condition occurring in roughly one in 35,000 people in the United States. It is caused by a mutation in the RET gene, which provides instruction for producing a protein that is involved in cell signaling and is needed for the normal development of several kinds of nerve cells.

“In December 2018, Kevin was tested for MEN2A by his pediatrician, and later received a call from UAB and Dr. Herb Chen,” said LaToya Wade, the mother of Kevin, Kiala and Keaira. “Dr. Chen said, ‘we need you here as soon as possible,’ and soon after we met with Dr. Chen, we scheduled surgery for Kevin.” (more…)

Thanks to a $25,000 donation from Wind Creek Hospitality (WCH), Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center (FORGE) and its clients are not fighting alone.

FORGE was established in 2016 as a unique partnership between the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Brookwood Baptist Health, Grandview Medical Center, UAB Medicine and St. Vincent’s Health System. The FORGE mission is to provide breast cancer survivors and co-survivors with supportive services from the day of diagnosis onwards. Services include mentorship, advocacy, education, counseling and individualized action plans.

On Thursday, WCH formally presented FORGE with a check at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which FORGE partners with to offer gardening lifestyle classes, to help advance the center’s mission. FORGE staff, volunteers and breast cancer survivors were present to share their stories and answer questions about how the donation will be used. (more…)