Leslie Orr

Research

Pushing for Progress: Wilmot Cancer Institute Spotlights Four New Leaders

• Jan. 30, 2026

The Wilmot Cancer Institute stepped into a new era in 2025 when the National Cancer Institute designated it as one of the 73 premier cancer centers in the United States for research and innovation. ...

Research

More News on Taurine’s Link to Cancer: As It Fuels Leukemia, It May Also Impact Bone Health

• Jan. 23, 2026

The work underscores the need to investigate the entire environment around cancer cells.

Research

Researchers Raise Concerns about Faster Aging, Possible Early-Onset Dementia, for Children and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

• Jan. 7, 2026

New research centers on adopting healthier habits.

Community

Wilmot’s Dialogue Magazine: Celebrating Progress in a New Era

• Dec. 22, 2025

The latest edition highlights four key recruits to Wilmot Cancer Institute, and improved treatment for some types of brain cancer.

Research

Giving Less Chemotherapy Can Still Cure Lymphoma Patients in their 80s, Study Says

• Dec. 17, 2025

It validates the "real world" experiences of the oldest patients in cancer clinics across the U.S.

Research

Wilmot Highlights Blood Cancer Research at National Meeting

• Dec. 12, 2025

Investigators participated in nearly 90 presentations at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting.

Patient Care

Five Things to Reduce Side Effects from Most Common Breast Cancer Treatment

• Oct. 30, 2025

Hormone therapy saves lives, and help is available to manage hot flashes, bone loss, and other issues.

Research

Secret to a Long Life? In Bowhead Whales, a Protein Repairs Damaged DNA

• Oct. 29, 2025

Cancer researchers gain clues by studying these giant mammals.

Research

Flu Shot 2026: Why Our Experts Say Skip Advil and Aleve After Your Vaccine

• Oct. 10, 2025

Taking Advil, Aleve, or aspirin after your flu shot may reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness. URMC researchers explain how pain relievers can interfere with antibody production and what to do instead ...

People

Kah Poh “Melissa” Loh, at the Forefront of Geriatric Cancer Care

• Oct. 1, 2025

Award-winning Wilmot oncologist is changing the experience for older adults.

Research

Wilmot Team Receives $3M to Further Study Pancreatic Cancer, New Treatment Scheme

• Sep. 15, 2025

A novel clinical trial is planned as part of the investigation.

Patient Care

First Advance in 20 Years for Rare Brain Cancer

• Aug. 18, 2025

Patients diagnosed with a type of brain tumor called an astrocytoma that tends to afflict younger adults.are benefitting from new approaches with fewer side effects.

Research

Breast Cancer Surgery: Is an Overnight Hospital Stay Really Necessary?

• Aug. 7, 2025

With proper screening, older women can go home right away after a mastectomy.

Patient Care

Bladder Cancer Symptoms and What You Need to Know About Treatment

• Aug. 1, 2025

Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders Shared His Bladder Cancer Story: ‘Get Yourself Checked Out’

Research

New York Consortium Aims to Improve Gene and Cellular Treatment for Cancer

• Jul. 28, 2025

The goal is to expand patient access to clinical trials and the latest advances.

Community

Why are Cancer Rates High in Upstate New York?

• Jun. 9, 2025

Wilmot Cancer Institute serves three million people across 27 counties in western and central New York. The region has excessive rates of cancer. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that living in ...

Research

Why Don’t Bats Get Cancer? Researchers Discover Protection from Genes and Strong Immune Systems

• Jun. 9, 2025

A study to look at why long-lived bats do not get cancer has broken new ground about the biological defenses that resist the disease. Reported in the journal Nature Communications, a University of ...

Research

Karen Mustian, PhD, Wins National Leadership Award at ASCO

• Jun. 2, 2025

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and its foundation, Conquer Cancer, announced that Karen Mustian, PhD, MPH, at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, is the winner of the 2025 Walter Cancer ...

Patient Care

Breast Cancer Prevention: How Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Can Help

• May. 29, 2025

Wilmot study shows that APPs may be the secret to a new approach to care.

Research

A Downside of Taurine: It Drives Leukemia Growth

• May. 14, 2025

Leukemia cells use taurine to produce energy and grow, a study in Nature by a Wilmot Cancer institute team shows.

Research

Achieving NCI Designation: What Did it Take?

• Mar. 19, 2025

Victory in hand, the Wilmot Cancer Institute is entering an exciting era. But looking back to a gray day in March 2016, Wilmot Director Jonathan Friedberg, MD, MMSc, faced a steep climb.

Research

National Cancer Institute Designation: What it is and Why it Matters

• Mar. 19, 2025

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded the Wilmot Cancer Institute a special designation that places it in the top 4% of all cancer centers in the United States. But what is NCI designation ...

Research

Why Research is the Backbone of NCI Designation

• Mar. 19, 2025

National Cancer Institute designation brings a cachet to the clinical side of any cancer center. So, it might be surprising to learn that achieving this highest honor is primarily based on research ...

Research

Long Visit in the ER? It’s a Good Time to Learn about Cervical Cancer Screening

• Mar. 7, 2025

Researchers were able to double the number of screenings with an innovative clinical trial.

Patient Care

Cancer Patients and Survivors: If Heart Health is a Concern, Help is Available

• Feb. 17, 2025

A cardio-oncology clinic is in full swing at UR Medicine.

Research

Influencers: Their Power is Real When a Person has Cancer

• Dec. 13, 2024

Many people have social networks they cherish: Family and friends. A church community. Colleagues at work and online groups. What happens with these networks when a person gets cancer? It’s a ...

Patient Care

Two Nurses, a Generation Apart, Share Cancer Survivorship and a Wish to Help Others

• Nov. 18, 2024

Their experience shifted career goals toward Wilmot patients.

Research

Researchers Aim to Streamline Cancer Detection with Liquid Biopsies

• Nov. 1, 2024

Faster, more accurate detection of cancer cells is the goal of this cross-campus collaboration.

Research

In Landmark Study, Immunotherapy Boosts Survival of Advanced Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Oct. 16, 2024

A treatment that rallies the immune system to destroy cancer raised the survival rate for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma patients to a remarkable 92 percent, suggesting a new standard therapy for the ...

Research

New Cancer Cachexia Treatment Boosts Weight Gain and Patient Activity

• Sep. 19, 2024

Wilmot oncologist Richard Dunne, MD, helped to run the nationwide clinical trial to treat this common complication of cancer.

Research

Research: How the Immune System Fails as Cancer Arises

• Sep. 11, 2024

Wilmot scientists discovered a molecule that reprograms immune cells and turns them into cancer promoters.

Research

More Research Confirms the Value of Knowing the Whole Person in Geriatric Oncology

• Sep. 3, 2024

Cancer care for older adults improves when doctors use a tool called geriatric assessment.

Research

RNA Biology Identifies Colon Cancer Subtypes; Research May Benefit Patients

• Aug. 22, 2024

Translational research at Wilmot focuses on identifying subtypes of colon cancer.

Research

Measuring “Quality of Life” is an Important Trend in Cancer Care

• Aug. 5, 2024

Study shows that life improved for young cancer patients who received a newer treatment regimen.

People

IT Innovations Led by Wilmot’s Eric Snyder Capture National Attention

• Jul. 19, 2024

Eric Snyder says he’s “out to change the world” — and he’s only half joking. At the very least, the director of Informatics at Wilmot Cancer Institute wants to change the nation’s thinking around ...

Research

Louis Constine’s Seminal Contribution to Radiation Oncology

• Jun. 18, 2024

Louis (Sandy) Constine, MD, FACR, FASTRO, has been a specialist in radiation and pediatric oncology for 50 years. This month, his career reached a high point when the premier journal in his field ...

Patient Care

The HPV Vaccine Reduces Risk of Cancer for All, not just Women, New Data Show

• Jun. 11, 2024

One of the big headlines from a major scientific meeting recently: The HPV vaccine not only prevents cervical cancer but reduces the risk of multiple other cancers and even pre-malignant lesions.

Patient Care

Make Life Count: One Longtime Cancer Survivor's Story

• May. 31, 2024

It was college spring break week at the University of Rochester in 1976 for John Saunders, but there would be no fun outings, no hanging out. He had just learned he had Hodgkin lymphoma. He shares ...

Research

New Cancer-Related Fatigue Treatment Guidelines Urge Exercise, Talk Therapy, Mindfulness, Tai Chi

• May. 29, 2024

Karen Mustian, PhD, MPH, led a national panel to recommend what works best for cancer fatigue, a significant side effect for patients.

Research

Can Diet Help with Advanced Breast Cancer? All Indications Are Positive, Researchers Say

• May. 22, 2024

Scientists showed important changes in blood work, and are doing further studies to discover if a plant-based diet can slow cancer growth.

Patient Care

Spotlight on Wilmot Cancer Institute's 50th Anniversary

• May. 17, 2024

Fifty years ago, the University of Rochester established its cancer center, around the time the nation's view of the disease began to change. Today, cancer research and treatment is in its most ...

Patient Care

Breast Cancer Screening: Finally, 40 is the New 50, Experts Say

• May. 2, 2024

A new decision officially allows individuals at age 40 to begin routine screening for breast cancer.

Patient Care

Wilmot's Dialogue Magazine: Celebrating 50 Years of “Unimaginable” Progress and a Bold Future

• Apr. 26, 2024

The latest edition of Dialogue magazine from the Wilmot Cancer Institute is about progress, gratitude, and achievement, as the cancer center reaches its 50-year milestone.

Research

Cancer is a Disease of Aging, but Studies of Older Adults Sorely Lacking

• Apr. 18, 2024

A national review by a Wilmot member calls for research focused on reducing biases that impact older people with cancer.

Research

Deep in the Bile Ducts, Researchers Explore How Cancer Arises

• Mar. 12, 2024

The latest Wilmot study on bile duct cancer shows how two known cancer genes cooperate to fuel it.

Research

Cancer in Rural Upstate NY: Study Reveals Obstacles, Opportunities for Care

• Jan. 26, 2024

Farm life and transportation present unique challenges for Wilmot Cancer Institute patients in the region, where cancer incidence is among highest in the U.S.

Patient Care

Face to Face: Meet 'Upstate Girl' Jamie Flerlage, MD

• Jan. 19, 2024

Get to know Jamie Flerlage, MD, MS. She recently joined URMC as the new Chief and Academic Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Golisano Children's Hospital and Assistant Director of Clinical ...

Research

Sharp Pain in Your Feet? Researchers Test Promising Therapy for Cancer Patients’ Neuropathy

• Jan. 12, 2024

TENS devices, which block pain and are readily available, may be useful for cancer patients, a new study shows.

Patient Care

Mendon Family Gifts Wilmot $50K in Honor of Daughter’s Extraordinary Care

• Jan. 11, 2024

Sarah Moore’s life over the past year has been mind-boggling and, at the same time, miraculous, after she spent more than 200 days in the hospital at Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Research

NIH Awards $7.5M for UR Center to Help Shape Future of Drug Development

• Jan. 9, 2024

A large NIH grant funds UR team to develop drugs without animal testing.

Research

Research Roundup: Research “Wunderkind” Finds Meaning in Cancer Diagnosis

• Dec. 21, 2023

Lauren Ghazal, PhD, FNP-BC, found out she had lymphoma at age 26 while working as a nurse practitioner in New York City. The experience ended up shaping her research career; today, she is part of ...

Research

Wilmot Lab Receives NY State Funds for Research Upgrades

• Dec. 18, 2023

Wilmot Cancer Institute will receive $339,850 from Empire State Development (ESD) to help with renovations and new technology for their Biobank Shared Resource. The grant was awarded through the ...

Research

Wilmot Investigators Showcase Research at National Hematology Meeting

• Dec. 11, 2023

From basic science to communications tools for cancer patients, Wilmot researchers are making an impact.

Research

$13M Boosts a Growing Immunotherapy Research Project at Wilmot, Roswell Park, Kaiser Permanente

• Nov. 17, 2023

A collaborative clinical research project to understand racial disparities in the use of immunotherapy to treat cancer, taking place between UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute and Roswell Park ...

Research

Pancreatic Cancer Discovery Opens the Door for New Clinical Trial at Wilmot

• Nov. 15, 2023

Studies are focused on pancreatic cancer that spreads to the liver.

Patient Care

From Patient to Philanthropist: How One Cancer Patient Gives Back to 'A Place that Gave Us Hope'

• Oct. 26, 2023

Gwyn Hankinson found out she had breast cancer more than two decades ago, while she was also pregnant with their first son. Today, she is doing well, and since then, Gwyn and her husband, Garth, have ...

Community

Community Collaboration Fuels a Compelling Grassroots Perspective

• Oct. 19, 2023

The first time Karen Mustian, Ph.D., a Wilmot Cancer Institute research leader, met the Reverend Patrina Freeman and a group of community advisors, she was so moved that she wept. Freeman is part of ...

Patient Care

Hot Flashes, Vaginal Dryness: Is Endocrine Therapy Worth It for Breast Cancer?

• Oct. 17, 2023

Cancer treatment is riddled with pros and cons, trade-offs. During October, breast cancer awareness month, the spotlight shines on endocrine therapy or “hormonal therapy.”

Patient Care

Guided by Research, Wilmot’s Breast Cancer Program Comes of Age

• Oct. 2, 2023

From basic science to screening to care and survivorship, Wilmot’s growing and flourishing Comprehensive Breast Care program has an impressive list of new initiatives.

Research

What Happens if Your Circadian Rhythms are Disrupted?

• Sep. 28, 2023

If jet lag, nighttime snacking, lack of sleep, or irregular work schedules factor into your life, a recent study adds to the evidence of cancer risk.

Patient Care

Coping with Cancer: Webster Football Coach Practices What He Preaches

• Sep. 20, 2023

Scott Deuschle tapped strength he learned from sports, and community support, to tackle head and neck cancer.

Research

Science Backs Mind-Body Tools Like Meditation and Music for Cancer-Related Anxiety

• Aug. 30, 2023

Science now supports several mind-body interventions - meditation, yoga, acupuncture, music therapy, for example- and a Wilmot faculty member was on the national panel.

Research

A Fountain of Youth? These Researchers See It – Absent of Cancer

• Aug. 24, 2023

Groundbreaking research shows that a longevity gene can be transferred from one mammal to another to extend life and stave off aging-related diseases like cancer.

People

Karen Mustian Named Wilmot Cancer Institute's Associate Director for Population Science

• Jul. 24, 2023

Karen Mustian, PhD, MPH, tenured dean’s professor in the Division of Cancer Control, Department of Surgery, and a longtime leader at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, has been promoted to Associate ...

Patient Care

Dialogue Magazine: Breast Cancer Services Thrive — As Do the Grad Student Researchers at Wilmot

• Jul. 19, 2023

In the latest edition of Dialogue (Vol 1, 2023), read stories about breast cancer care and research at Wilmot Cancer Institute, a community collaboration that is benefitting cancer research, and ...

People

M. Patricia Rivera Shares Life Lessons as She Takes on Presidency of the American Thoracic Society

• Jun. 8, 2023

In an acceptance speech, Patricia Rivera, M.D., inspired colleagues and trainees with her powerful immigrant story of challenges and success.

Research

Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment: Boosting New Options for Young People with Advanced Disease

• Jun. 4, 2023

Thanks to a groundbreaking nationwide study with Wilmot Director Jonathan Friedberg at the helm, a practice-changing treatment emerged for young people with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Patient Care

Breast Cancer Survivor Receives Inspiration Award, Talks About New Screening Guidelines

• May. 12, 2023

Christine Skivington was honored at Wilmot Cancer Institute’s annual Discovery Ball on May 6, 2023, for her inspiring story. She is the mother of three small children who faced an aggressive type of ...

Research

Wilmot Researchers Discover How to Steer Army of Immune Cells toward Cancer

• Apr. 17, 2023

Life-extending immunotherapies, like CAR T-cell cancer therapy, sometimes migrate to places they shouldn’t go. A Wilmot team discovered the molecule that guides T cells toward tumors, setting the ...

Research

More Proof that Too Many Medications Leads to Adversity for Older Cancer Patients

• Feb. 27, 2023

Polypharmacy is a buzz word for the use of multiple medications. A Wilmot Cancer Institute study shows it can have serious consequences for older adults with cancer.

People

Supriya Mohile Earns Spot in Top Medical Honor Society for Outstanding Work in Geriatric Oncology

• Feb. 15, 2023

Trailblazer in the treatment of the oldest cancer patients is elected to the distinguished ASCI.

Patient Care

Hereditary Breast Cancer Created a Mother-Daughter “Unbreakable Bond”

• Feb. 5, 2023

Melissa Selner, 38, and her mother, Alice Pena, 71, practically finish each other’s sentences and have been close throughout life. During the last two years, they added breast cancer to their shared ...

Patient Care

Face to Face: Anna Weiss Strives to Bring "Brightness," Vision to the Breast Cancer Program

• Jan. 27, 2023

Anna Weiss, MD, recently joined Wilmot Cancer Institute as a breast cancer surgeon and director of the Breast Cancer Service Line. A Syracuse native, she shares her vision for Wilmot's Breast Care ...

Patient Care

Pressing Issue: The High Incidence of Lung Cancer

• Jan. 18, 2023

The area around Wilmot Cancer Institute has a much higher rate of lung cancer compared to New York state and the rest of the U.S. Wilmot is working to address this statistic through prevention, ...

Patient Care

Wilmot’s Dialogue Magazine: Progress in Lung and Breast Cancer, Community Outreach

• Dec. 9, 2022

Lung cancer weighs heavy in the Rochester region and Wilmot Cancer Institute has multi-pronged strategies to meet the challenge. Read about the data behind lung cancer cases in the region, early ...

Research

Study: Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors Show Signs of Dementia in Early Adulthood

• Dec. 9, 2022

In a new study, the majority of individuals treated as children for Hodgkin lymphoma who are now in their 30s, showed signs of being an average of 7.7 years older biologically than their peers.

People

Op-Ed: Mentorship Always Matters, Especially for Black Faculty in Academia

• Nov. 8, 2022

In The Hematologist journal, Wilmot investigator Nikesha Gilmore, Ph.D., discusses the challenges faced by Black faculty members.

Patient Care

How to Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

• Oct. 18, 2022

Wilmot's Michelle Shayne, M.D., shares practical information anyone can use.

Patient Care

Do Colonoscopies Prevent Colon Cancer?

• Oct. 13, 2022

Recent reports raised questions about colonoscopy, but don't cancel your procedure because it's still the best way to prevent and detect colorectal cancer.

Research

Skin Cancer Detection: New Device Seeks to Shorten Wait Time for Biopsies

• Sep. 28, 2022

A Wilmot investigator designed a device that can detect skin cancer from a biopsy in minutes.

Research

Ovarian Cancer Detection Takes a Step Forward, Thanks to Wilmot

• Sep. 8, 2022

A simple blood test can predict cancer in people who have a lesion or cyst in the pelvic region, according to a new study in the Obstetrics & Gynecology "Green" journal. The non-invasive test, which ...

Research

As ASBMR President-Elect, Laura Calvi Looks to Expand Connections Among Scientists

• Aug. 19, 2022

Laura Calvi, M.D., take the helm as president-elect of The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Research

In a World Full of 3D Models, Researchers Build a New One for Leukemia

• Aug. 3, 2022

The microchip-like device has more features than others and is intended to evaluate how leukemia responds to treatment.

Research

Wilmot Researchers Bring in $13 Million in New, Peer-Reviewed Grants

• Jul. 20, 2022

The grants showcase growth and initiative at Wilmot's research enterprise.

Research

Concerned about Breast and Ovarian Cancer? Research Brings Progress

• Jul. 5, 2022

New technology and new guidance from two studies help to identify cancer earlier, track it when it's already present, and clarify gray areas of concern.

Research

Is Cachexia All Greek to You? It’s Common with Cancer

• Jun. 16, 2022

Three Wilmot investigators won a Cancer Grand Challenges grant and will work with a global team to study cachexia, a debilitating condition associated with cancer. The team awards were announced ...

Education

First Graduate of New PhD Curriculum is Motivated to Impact Cancer Patients

• Jun. 1, 2022

During this graduation season, here's some nice "firsts" — Carlos Ortiz-Bonilla, Ph.D., is the first to complete a new cancer biology concentration and the first in his family to earn an advanced ...

Research

Conquering Cancer: Wilmot Takes Part in ASCO Meeting

• May. 24, 2022

The latest on Wilmot faculty and trainees who are participating in the year's largest annual meeting for cancer specialists.

Research

If You Take Several Medications, ‘Polypharmacy’ is a Word to Know

• May. 16, 2022

Taking multiple prescription drugs and supplements can be fraught with risk, a new study suggests - but it's hard for many people to part with their medications.

Research

Study: Art at the Bedside of Cancer Patients is Good Medicine

• Mar. 28, 2022

A medical student married her love for art and a desire to help cancer patients by designing an art-appreciation study to ease anxiety.

Community

“They Started an Avalanche” for Pancreatic Cancer Support

• Mar. 24, 2022

Twelve years ago, three women were separately in search of camaraderie as their families were shaken by pancreatic cancer. They had joined a popular nationwide online discussion forum, and to their ...

Patient Care

What is Ki-67 in Breast Cancer? It Can Spell the Difference in Treatment Options

• Mar. 14, 2022

Tumor biology and breast cancer-related genes are qualifying factors in newer CDK inhibitor therapies.

Research

Can a Drug Derived from Magnolia Plants Impact Leukemia?

• Mar. 2, 2022

A trio of investigators are striving for a direct hit to acute leukemia.

Research

Study Shows Misconceptions about Cure, Longevity, Among Cancer Patients Facing 'Terrifying News'

• Feb. 28, 2022

A Wilmot study shows that nothing in medicine is 100%, including how patients and doctors view chances of a cure.

Education

Taking Diversity Seriously: Q&A with Ruth O'Regan

• Feb. 25, 2022

Building a more diverse workforce means reaching out to bright minds and persuading them to embrace the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Wilmot’s associate director for the Cancer ...

Research

Women in Science Day: ‘Times are Changing’

• Feb. 11, 2022

It's International Day of Women & Girls in Science. Read about some of the talent at Wilmot.

Research

New Beginnings: Wilmot's Five-Year Journey to the 'Blue Ribbon'

• Jan. 25, 2022

In September 2021, Wilmot Cancer Institute met a goal set five years ago: To apply to the National Cancer Institute for a P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG). In the following Q&A story, Wilmot ...

Education

Wilmot’s Dialogue Magazine Showcases Diversity and Quest for NCI "Blue Ribbon"

• Jan. 21, 2022

Read about the National Cancer Institute prize that Wilmot seeks in this issue of Dialogue magazine.

Patient Care

Thanks to Clinical Trials, Big Leaps in Lymphoma Treatment

• Dec. 10, 2021

Two major clinical trials are changing the landscape in the most common form of lymphoma.

Research

Cancer Researcher Spins ‘Gold Dust’ from Courage and Collaboration

• Nov. 18, 2021

At 23 years old, Scott Gerber was a cashier at Dunkin Donuts and admittedly “lost” in a master’s program at the URMC. But he took a risk based on an interest in immunology - and it led to a ...