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Articles by Christina Sumners
4 notable presentations from ASH 2025
MD Anderson researchers are working diligently to transform our understanding of blood cancers and bring the latest cutting-edge therapies to our patients. At the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, they are sharing their latest research with colleagues from across the globe. Here are four of their latest advances that are being presented at ASH 2025. 1.
Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD): What you need to know
Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a very rare form of skin cancer, affecting an estimated one in a million people in the U.S. It tends to grow slowly, but if left untreated, it can become invasive and spread to other parts of the body. That’s why early detection is so important. Because it’s so rare, many doctors may never see a case in their careers. To help us understand more, we spoke with Phyu Aung, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatopathologist who specializes in rare skin cancers like EMPD.
7 things to know about myelofibrosis
A myelofibrosis diagnosis can be scary, especially since it’s not a disease that many people have heard of. That’s why having more information about the condition is so important and can help determine your best path forward. We sat down with Prithviraj Bose, M.D., who specializes in myelofibrosis and related conditions, to answer common questions about this rare blood cancer. 1. What is myelofibrosis? Myelofibrosis is a subtype of a group of blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).
Is talc in makeup safe?
Talcum powder, also known as talc, is a naturally occurring mineral that is a common ingredient in products from baby powder to chewing gum and even pharmaceuticals. It is also often present in powder cosmetics, such as blush, bronzers and eye shadow. However, despite its prevalence, there has been some concern that talc may increase the risk of cancer, depending on where and how it’s used.
Exploring pancreatic cancer vaccines: What’s next?
When most people think of a vaccine, they think of the prevention of a disease. For pancreatic cancer vaccines, though, it’s a little bit different. The vaccines don’t entirely prevent the disease, but they can help prevent it from coming back once someone has been diagnosed and treated.
Exploring pancreatic cancer vaccines: What’s next?
When most people think of a vaccine, they think of prevention of a disease. For pancreatic cancer vaccines, though, it’s a little bit different. The vaccines don’t prevent the disease entirely, but they can help prevent it from coming back once someone has been diagnosed and treated.
Newest research in sarcoma
Sarcomas are a broad group of cancers that originate from connective tissues, such as the blood or lymph vessels, gastrointestinal tract, fat tissue, tendons, smooth muscles and tissue around the joints. These tumors are broadly divided into bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas. With more than 70 subtypes of sarcoma, there are also a wide variety of treatment approaches and prognoses, and everything about the disease, from diagnosis onward, is complex.
What’s new in KRAS mutation research?
Cancer cells often develop genetic mutations that initiate and sustain the growth of tumors. The most frequently mutated of these oncogenic driver genes, called KRAS, is associated with some of the most fatal cancer types: lung, pancreatic and colorectal cancers. The replacement of the amino acid glycine at position 12 leads to mutations that have been dubbed G12C, G12D, G12R, G12V and others, depending on which amino acid replaces the glycine.
Can leukemia be treated with a pill?
Leukemia treatments have been constantly improving from the days when patients had to come to the hospital or clinic for intravenous doses of chemotherapy that caused unwanted side effects. Now, leukemia treatment often can be as convenient as a medication taken at home — a pill (or pills) with drugs highly customized to the person’s type of leukemia and even the genetic mutations present within those individual’s cancer cells.
Can leukemia be treated with a pill?
Leukemia treatments have been constantly improving from the days when patients had to come to the hospital or clinic for intravenous doses of chemotherapy that caused unwanted side effects. Now, leukemia treatment often can be as convenient as a medication taken at home — a pill (or pills) with drugs highly customized to the person’s type of leukemia and even the genetic mutations present within those individual’s cancer cells.
What new research is being done in bile duct cancer treatment?
For patients with cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, the first line of treatment often includes standard cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, in the last few years, oncologists have found that there may be a better option for patients whose cancer has a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). FGFR inhibitors, in combination with standard treatments, have extended the lives of many with this disease.
What new research is being done in bile duct cancer treatment?
For patients with cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, the first line of treatment often includes standard cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, in the last few years, oncologists have found that there may be a better option for patients whose cancer has a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). FGFR inhibitors, in combination with standard treatments, have extended the lives of many with this disease.
What new research is being done in bile duct cancer treatment?
For patients with cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, the first line of treatment often includes standard cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, in the last few years, oncologists have found that there may be a better option for patients whose cancer has a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). FGFR inhibitors, in combination with standard treatments, have extended the lives of many with this disease.
Clinical trial of new AhR inhibitor shows cancer might be even more wily than we thought
The human immune system is constantly attacking damaged cells that might turn into cancer, thus protecting us from these cells growing out of control and becoming malignant. However, cancer cells have many ways of protecting themselves from the body’s immune system. One of these is a protein, called aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is common on tumor and immune cells. When AhR is activated, it causes immunosuppression and promotes growth of the malignant tumor.
Clinical trial of new AhR inhibitor shows cancer might be even more wily than we thought
The human immune system is constantly attacking damaged cells that might turn into cancer, thus protecting us from these cells growing out of control and becoming malignant. However, cancer cells have many ways of protecting themselves from the body’s immune system. One of these is a protein, called aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is common on tumor and immune cells. When AhR is activated, it causes immunosuppression and promotes growth of the malignant tumor.
Your questions about BCMA and multiple myeloma, answered
You may have heard someone with multiple myeloma mention the possibility of BCMA-targeted therapy and wondered what BCMA means and why it is relevant in cancer treatments. For answers to these questions and more, we spoke to Hans Lee, M.D., director of multiple myeloma clinical research at MD Anderson. What is BCMA? BCMA stands for B cell maturation antigen, and it's emerged as an important target in multiple myeloma over the last five years or so.
Your questions about BCMA and multiple myeloma, answered
You may have heard someone with multiple myeloma mention the possibility of BCMA-targeted therapy and wondered what BCMA means and why it is relevant in cancer treatments. For answers to these questions and more, we spoke to Hans Lee, M.D., director of multiple myeloma clinical research at MD Anderson. What is BCMA? BCMA stands for B cell maturation antigen, and it's emerged as an important target in multiple myeloma over the last five years or so.
What’s new in CAR T cell therapy? Solid tumor advances
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been an amazing advance for treating blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Now, it is showing promise for solid tumors — from lung cancer to kidney cancer to bone cancer — as well.
New Technology Shows Promise For Safer Cancer Therapy
For patients with certain types of blood cancer, a treatment called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy can be a “miracle” cure, keeping them cancer-free for many years. These “living” drugs are a type of immunotherapy that use the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer.
Repairing gut saves brain function after stroke
Research by scientists at School of Medicine indicates that restoring the walls of the intestine could help prevent cognitive impairment after strokes Stroke is a leading cause of death, dementia and serious long-term disability. According to the American Heart Association, stroke patients also have a greater risk of depression, which negatively affects functional and cognitive recovery.
A closer glance at long COVID: What to know
Long COVID, long haulers, post-COVID syndrome, post-acute sequelae of COVID — from the early days of the pandemic — there have been news stories about people who don’t recover from the virus in 10 to 14 days. Instead, they are still ill weeks or months after their original infection and more than two years on, and no one completely understands why. The uncertainty, combined with the millions affected, makes long COVID a trendy (but crucial) topic for health journalists to cover.
Tips for freelancers - from ideas to rewrites and beyond
Freelance writers, even those with years of experience, can run into challenges working with the editors who commission their pieces. At the “How to be your own copy editor (and advocate),” panel at Health Journalism 2022 in Austin, editors and successful freelancers shared tips in a session that evolved into a broader conversation between the panel and the audience.
Texas A&M To Grow Medical Education In Round Rock, Surrounding Area
The Texas A&M University Health Science Center Round Rock campus. Texas A&M Health Science Center The Texas A&M University College of Medicine will grow the educational opportunities on its Round Rock campus by allowing students to once again choose it as the site of their clinical training. Starting with the class of 2024, medical students at Texas A&M can choose Round Rock for their clinical training.
Does Scientific Publication Inform Public Discourse? A Case Study Observing Social Media Engagement Around Vaccinations
Abstract In the early 2000s, there was a shift in the use of the internet. Individuals on the internet began seeking information from other creators and creating their own content. These online communities allowed individuals to communicate across the globe, gravitating toward people like them or those who shared similar beliefs.
Texas A&M Professor Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award
Texas A&M University neuroscience researcher Samba Reddy received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th annual Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy (ABAP) & International Biotechnology Conference. Texas A&M Health Science Center Samba Reddy, PhD, RPh, professor at the Texas A&M University College of Medicine, was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th annual Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy (ABAP) & International Biotechnology Conference Dec.
Preventing Saturated Fats From 'Jet Lagging' The Body Clock
David Earnest, a professor in the College of Medicine, studied the affect of saturated fatty acids on circadian clocks. Texas A&M University Health Science Center Circadian clocks in cells throughout the body regulate the local 24-hour timing of important cellular processes necessary for normal functioning, and help keep inflammatory responses in check.
Are you immune to the measles?
By Christina Sumners, Texas A&M University Health Science Center |  Posted: Wed 5:49 PM, May 29, 2019  |  Updated: Wed 5:49 PM, May 29, 2019 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - There have been more than 700 cases reported during the measles outbreak in the United States so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the highest number since measles was considered eradicated in the United States nearly 20 years ago.
Am I Immune To The Measles?
A bottle containing a measles vaccine is seen at the Miami Children’s Hospital on January 28, 2015 in Miami, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty Images There have been more than 700 cases reported during the measles outbreak in the United States so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the highest number since measles was considered eradicated in the United States nearly 20 years ago.
Texas A&M Lands $14.2 Million DARPA Grant
DARPA has awarded a $14.2 million grant to a team led by professors at Texas A&M to develop a way to quickly detect which bacterial pathogens are present in a soil or water sample. Adobe Stock A teaspoon of soil can contain as many as 1 billion bacteria, but most of them are completely harmless, or even beneficial. That also means that if someone with nefarious intentions adds dangerous bacteria to the soil, it can be difficult to sort out the good from the bad.
Laws against texting while driving save lives
By Christina Sumners, Texas A&M School of Public Health New evidence from the Texas A&M School of Public Health indicates that texting-while-driving laws may avert the need for emergency treatment following motor vehicle crashes. Researchers found that states with primary texting bans on all drivers saw, on average, an 8 percent reduction in emergency department visits resulting from motor vehicle crashes. The research, led by Alva O.
Texas A&M Research Leads To First Drug For Postpartum Depression
About one out of every nine American women experience postpartum depression. Getty Images Earlier this month, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first drug to treat postpartum depression, brexanolone, which will be marketed under the brand name Zulresso. About one out of every nine American women experience postpartum depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Laws Against Texting While Driving Reduced Emergency Room Visits
Primary bans on texting while driving prevent motor vehicle crash-related visits to emergency departments. Getty Images New evidence from Texas A&M School of Public Health indicates that texting-while-driving laws may avert the need for emergency treatment following a motor vehicle crash. Researchers found that states with a primary texting ban on all drivers on average saw an 8 percent reduction in emergency department visits resulting from a motor vehicle crash. The research, led by Alva O.
A New Way To Stop Brain Cancer
Yubin Zhou, PhD, associate professor at the Texas A&M Institute of Biosciences and Technology. Texas A&M Health Science Center Glioblastoma (GBM) is among the most common and malignant types of primary brain tumors in adults, and one with a poor prognosis. The tendency of this type of tumor to aggressively and widely spread through the brain makes it nearly impossible to completely remove the cancer through surgery.
Time's Up For Inequality And Harassment In Healthcare
Carrie L. Byington. Texas A&M Health Science Center Health care institutions must commit to eliminating sexual harassment in medicine, science and health care. Four American leaders in the field voiced their support of a gender equity #TimesUp movement through a letter published by The Lancet. Sexual harassment is an enduring problem in scientific fields, and especially in medicine. Examples of abusive and discriminatory treatment continue to emerge.
Stem cell-derived neurons stop seizures and improve cognitive function
Home Neuroscience December 20, 2018 December 20, 2018 by Christina Sumners, Texas A&M University Ashok K. Shetty. Credit: Texas A&M University Health Science Center. About 3.4 million Americans, or 1.2 percent of the population, have active epilepsy. Although the majority respond to medication, between 20 and 40 percent of patients with epilepsy continue to have seizures even after trying multiple anti-seizure drugs.
Training To Reverse Opioid Overdoses
Texas A&M is the first health science center in the nation to commit to train every health professions student to administer a reversal agent to opioid overdose victims. (Texas A&M Health Science Center) By Christina Sumners, Texas A&M University Health Science Center With 91 Americans dying each day from opioid overdose, the Texas A&M University Health Science Center is responding, advancing training and education in pain management and substance abuse in innovative ways.
Improving Patient Outcomes After Heart Attacks
By Christina Sumners, Texas A&M University Health Science Center An American has a heart attack about every 40 seconds. Many factors contribute to how well a patient does after a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, to use the technical term. The two biggest factors are the size of the initial infarction (the obstruction of the blood supply) and the efficiency of the recovery process.
Improving patient outcomes after heart attack
An American has a heart attack about every 40 seconds. Many factors contribute to how well a patient does after a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, to use the technical term. The two biggest factors are the size of the initial infarction (the obstruction of the blood supply) and the efficiency of the recovery process.
Dodge The Flu: Get Vaccinated
It’s that time of year again: time to get your flu vaccination. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead this flu season. Every year, local clinics begin providing flu vaccinations in the fall. While flu can be detected year-round, the virus is most common during the fall and winter. During typical flu seasons, influenza activity peaks in January or later. “Flu season typically lasts from fall to spring,” said Cindy Weston, DNP, RN, FNP-BC an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing.
Texas A&M welcomes national center to improve rural health care
When rural hospitals close, it’s a loss that reverberates throughout the community and sometimes the region. People who experience a major injury or illness might suffer complications from the delay in treatment as they rush to the nearest health care facility miles away. Pregnant women have to travel long distances not only to deliver their babies, but also for their basic prenatal care. Patients with chronic conditions have difficulty maintaining their health.
Texas A&M Welcomes National Center To Improve Rural Health Care
When rural hospitals close, it’s a loss that reverberates throughout the community and sometimes the region. People who experience a major injury or illness might suffer complications from the delay in treatment as they rush to the nearest health care facility miles away. Pregnant women have to travel long distances not only to deliver their babies, but also for their basic prenatal care. Patients with chronic conditions have difficulty maintaining their health.
Diagnosing The Tiniest Victims Of The Opioid Epidemic
The opioid epidemic doesn’t discriminate—people of all ages, races, and genders are affected. However, perhaps the most vulnerable population may be the newborn babies born to women who were taking opioids during their pregnancy—two groups that researchers don’t yet completely understand. More than 20,000 babies in the United States were born addicted to opioids in 2012 (the most recent year with data available).
Diagnosing the Tiniest Victims of the Opioid Epidemic
Babies born to women who were using opioids during their pregnancy are easily the most vulnerable victims of the surging opioid epidemic. As their bodies suddenly adjust to life without the drug postpartum, infants may experience neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Symptoms can include seizures severe enough to cause permanent cognitive impairment. Ludmila Bakhireva, MD, PhD, MPH, a professor and epidemiologist at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, and her colleague Rajesh C.
Ability To Taste RNA Speeds Growth And Increases Fruit Fly Survival
Fruit fly larvae can taste ribonucleosides, the building blocks of RNA, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS Biology by Texas A&M College of Medicine researchers. Hubert Amrein, PhD, and Dushyant Mishra, PhD, the lead authors of the study, hypothesize that the ability to detect ribonucleosides in the environment helps promote the rapid growth needed by developing larvae and dramatically increases their survival.
A little-known enzyme could help develop smart cancer drugs
A type of enzyme that you’ve probably never heard of, called matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), could be key to the development of ‘smart’ cancer drugs. In a review article published in the journal Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, Lin Zhu, PhD, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, and his colleagues explained the potential of these enzymes.
A Little-Known Enzyme Might Hold The Key To Cancer Drug Targeting
A type of enzyme that you’ve probably never heard of, called matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), could be key to the development of ‘smart’ cancer drugs. In a review article published recently in the journal Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, Lin Zhu, PhD, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, and his colleagues explained the potential of these enzymes.
Can Studying Autism Also Yield Clues About Addiction?
Drug addiction and autism may not seem to have much in common. However, Laura N. Smith, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics at the Texas A&M College of Medicine, studies both. Her research into how brains are wired informs our understanding of both these conditions, but her original interest was in a third topic: learning and memory.
Collaborating To ‘Scale Up’ Stem Cell Technology
When biomedical researchers have a technology they believe can help patients, they want to get it into the clinic as soon as possible. However, some therapies that look promising in the lab are challenging to ‘scale up’ and produce in sufficient quantities to test in a larger group, or eventually make broadly available to patients.
Texas A&M Founding Member Of New Texas Medical Center Research Center
Texas A&M University Health Science Center will join the other founding organizations and the Texas Medical Center (TMC) to break ground on TMC3—a 30-acre collaborative research campus—in 2019. The forthcoming health care nexus will bridge the geographic gap between TMC’s existing clinical and research campuses and establish Houston as an international hub for biomedical research.
Husband-And-Wife Research Team Unlocks The Potential Of Mitochondria
Structures within body cells called mitochondria are the ‘power plants’ of the cell, turning glucose and other dietary fuels into energy the body can use. Many of us remember this from our high school biology classes—but it turns out that there is far more to these organelles than we ever knew. Mitochondria play essential roles in many cellular pathways, and when they stop functioning normally, they can contribute to diseases such as diabetes, autoimmunity and cancer.
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