Moffitt Cancer Center is a global leader in patient care, research and education with a mission to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
Articles by Patty Kim
Nuclear energy jobs are back – and powering Central PA communities
The cloud-like water vapor rising from the cooling towers over the Susquehanna River has been a familiar sight for generations of Central Pennsylvanians. While that vapor has not yet returned to the former Three Mile Island Unit-1, something just as important has: the jobs. Many workers are former neighbors who left in 2019 and are now coming home to power up our communities once again.
House Insurance Committee advances landmark legislation to strengthen health coverage for Pennsylvanians
House Insurance Committee advances landmark legislation to strengthen health coverage for Pennsylvanians HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – In a pivotal moment for health insurance reform, the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee, chaired by state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, has reported out three significant pieces of legislation that promise to protect health insurance coverage if the Affordable Care Act were repealed. House Bill 2562, sponsored by state Rep.
Kim applauds bill to establish state Alzheimer’s, dementia office
Kim applauds bill to establish state Alzheimer’s, dementia office HARRISBURG, June 27 – A bill that would establish a state office to respond to Alzheimer’s, dementia and related disorders passed the House today, announced state Rep. Patty Kim, who co-sponsored the measure.
Kim bill offering Pennie enrollees help for premiums passes House
Kim bill offering Pennie enrollees help for premiums passes House Pilot program would answer governor’s call for health care insurance improvements HARRISBURG, June 5 – Pennsylvanians who buy health insurance through Pennie would receive financial assistance to help pay premiums under a bill that passed the House today. House Bill 2234, introduced by House Insurance Committee Chair Patty Kim, would award financial assistance to Pennie customers to help pay their premiums.
Kim plan empowers Pennie enrollees with grants for premiums, expenses
Kim plan empowers Pennie enrollees with grants for premiums, expenses Pilot program would answer governor’s call for health care micro grants HARRISBURG, May 6 – Individuals who buy health insurance through Pennie could receive a new state subsidy to help pay for their insurance premiums under a proposal introduced by state Rep. Patty Kim, chair of the PA House Insurance Committee. Today, that proposal, H.B. 2234, was favorably voted out of that committee and is ready for a full House vote.
Raising the minimum wage: Economic justice for Pennsylvania's workers | Opinion
In my 10 years as a legislator, I’ve always tried to error on the side of altruistic caution in my support of programs and legislation that help those who need it most. You know them: the underprivileged, the marginalized, the single mother with three kids, three jobs and no generational wealth. Pushback from the opponents of these measures herald the line “help those who help themselves” in response to proposals that would alleviate the burdens of poverty.
Increase overdue on Pennsylvania's minimum wage
In my 10 years as a legislator, I’ve always tried to err on the side of caution in support of programs and legislation helping those who need it most. You know them: the underprivileged, the marginalized, the single mother with three kids, three jobs and no generational wealth. kAm!FD9324< 7C@> @AA@?6?ED @7 E96D6 >62DFC6D 96C2=5 E96 =:?6 “96=A E9@D6 H9@ 96=A E96>D6=G6D” :?
OP-ED: Raising the minimum wage: Economic justice for Pennsylvania’s workers
In my 10 years as a legislator, I’ve always tried to error on the side of altruistic caution in my support of programs and legislation that help those who need it most. You know them: the underprivileged, the marginalized, the single mother with three kids, three jobs and no generational wealth. Pushback from the opponents of these measures herald the line “help those who help themselves” in response to proposals that would alleviate the burdens of poverty.
Top 10 Moffitt Stories of 2022
By Staff Writer - December 20, 2022 As the highly contagious omicron variant of COVID-19 spread around the world and inflation continues to surge, 2022 has been another challenging year. See what stories were making headlines at Moffitt Cancer Center this year. First Lady Visits Moffitt. President Joe Biden pledged to “end cancer as we know it” by revitalizing the Cancer Moonshot Program. And the first stop for first lady Dr. Jill Biden was Moffitt.
Moffitt Cancer Center Introduces Speros FL, its 775-acre Pasco County Global Innovation Center
TAMPA, Fla. — Today, Moffitt Cancer Center, a national leader in innovative, comprehensive cancer research at the forefront of revolutionizing the technology and treatment to prevent and cure cancer worldwide, proudly unveils “Speros FL” as the name of its planned 775-acre global innovation center in Pasco County, Florida.
Miles for Moffitt
Miles for Moffitt will take place November 19, 2022. From now until June 15, registration is just $25! Register Now! Miles for Moffitt is Tampa Bay’s premier community-wide movement of courage and hope, raising funds for life-saving cancer research which is at the core of Moffitt’s mission. On November 20, 2021, over 7,000 total supporters moved for what matters in the 16th annual Miles for Moffitt, raising a record-setting $1.25 million for cancer research.
DRIVE Study Offers New Treatment Options for Vulvar Cancer
By Amanda Sangster - October 31, 2022 Vulvar cancer is rare. According to the American Cancer Society, it accounts for only 0.7% of all cancers in women. However, its incidence has been gradually increasing over the past few decades with more than 6,330 estimated new cases in the United States in 2022. Vulvar cancer affects the vulva, the external female reproductive genitalia, which consists of labia, the opening to the vagina and the clitoris.
7 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Breast Cancer Patients
By Staff Writer - October 10, 2022 There are many breast cancer risk factors that are beyond our control: age, race and ethnicity, personal history and family history. But there are some things that we can modify, like eating healthy, avoiding alcohol, exercising and maintaining a healthy well-being. Dr. Aixa Soyano, assistant member of the Department of Breast Oncology at Moffit Cancer Center, discusses some healthy tips for people currently diagnosed with breast cancer. 1. Maintain a healthy diet.
Moffitt researchers identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among cancer patients
TAMPA, Fla. – Cancer patients are at higher risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19 infection due to their disease and therapies that may weaken the immune system. The development of COVID-19 vaccines has greatly reduced mortality associated with COVID-19 infection; however, some people are hesitant to be vaccinated. While many studies have addressed vaccine hesitancy in the general population, few studies have analyzed why cancer patients may be reluctant to receive the vaccination series.
5 Financial wellness benefits small businesses should consider offering
Photo: Financial Wellness.©mnimage – stock.adobe.com With a global pandemic, rising inflation rates, and warning signs of an oncoming recession, it’s no wonder that 72% of employees are stressed about their finances. In fact, finances are the No. 1 cause of stress for employees – more so than work, health, and family issues. When employees are stressed, there is often a decline in their productivity, which can lead to a significant loss of revenue for small businesses with limited teams.
5 Financial Wellness Benefits Small Businesses Should Consider Offering
With a global pandemic, rising inflation rates, and warning signs of an oncoming recession, it’s no wonder that 72% of employees are stressed about their finances. In fact, finances are the – more so than work, health, and family issues. When employees are stressed, there is often a decline in their productivity, which can lead to a significant loss of revenue for small businesses with limited teams.
Moffitt researchers use computer modeling to understand how self-renewal processes impact skin cell evolution
TAMPA, Fla. — All normal human tissues acquire mutations over time. Some of these mutations may be driver mutations that promote the development of cancer through increased proliferation and survival, while other mutations may be neutral passenger mutations that have no impact on cancer development. Currently, it is unclear how the normal self-renewal process of the skin called homeostasis impacts the development and evolution of gene mutations in cells.
Moffitt physicians lead international study to identify melanoma patients with high-risk disease
TAMPA, Fla. – The use of additional adjuvant therapy beyond initial treatment has greatly improved outcomes and reduced the risk of disease recurrence for high-risk patients with melanoma. While there is a consensus regarding the use of adjuvant therapy in many high-risk patients, the use of adjuvant therapy in patients with early stage 3A disease is unclear.
Moffitt researchers discover cancer-associated fibroblasts induce drug sensitivity
TAMPA, Fla. — Cells in the surrounding tumor microenvironment have a significant impact on cancer growth, survival and responses to therapy. Cancer associated fibroblasts in the tumor environment have typically been associated with tumor progression and resistance to therapy, despite some studies suggesting that these fibroblasts may also sensitize cancer cells to therapy.
Return to Radio Marks a Milestone in Drew Garabo’s Testicular Cancer Journey
By Pat Carragher - August 08, 2022 In part one of our two-part series, we look at how Drew Garabo’s cancer journey brought him to Moffitt Cancer Center. In part two we’ll take a closer look at how stem cell transplants are used to help patients whose testicular cancer doesn’t respond to standard chemotherapy. As Drew Garabo prepares to return to work, the talk radio host recently provided a positive update on his year-long battle with testicular cancer.
Moffitt researchers use mathematical modeling to explain immunotherapy responses
TAMPA, Fla. — Immunotherapies that activate the immune system to seek and kill cancer cells have greatly improved outcomes for many patients with solid tumors. There is still, however, a subset of patients who do not see benefit from this type of therapy. Currently, there are no immune biomarkers that explain how patients with similar disease and patient characteristics can have different outcomes.
Moffitt researchers create software program that allows simultaneous viewing of tissue images through dimensionality reduction
TAMPA, Fla. — Imaging of tissue specimens is an important aspect of translational research that bridges the gap between basic laboratory science and clinical science to improve the understanding of cancer and aid in the development of new therapies. To analyze images to their fullest potential, scientists ideally need an application that enables multiple images to be viewed simultaneously.
Moffitt researchers discover DNA copy number alterations lead to changes in RNA circuits that impact melanoma metastasis
TAMPA, Fla. — Changes in DNA can lead to the development and progression of cancer. DNA serves as a template for an intermediary molecule called RNA that, in turn, codes for proteins that control all cellular processes. Most cancer research and available anticancer drugs focus on the impact of DNA and protein alterations that contribute to cancer; however, it is now understood that RNA molecules can also both positively and negatively impact the development of cancer.
Moffitt researchers identify pathway that regulates angiogenesis in tumors
TAMPA, Fla. – The formation of new blood vessels, also known as angiogenesis, is critical to the development and progression of cancer. Angiogenesis is controlled by many different protein messengers that can either stimulate or inhibit vessel growth. The protein YAP1 has been suggested to play a role in angiogenesis, but the molecular mechanisms of this process are not completely understood.
Moffitt study shows adaptive therapy improves outcomes, reduces care costs for prostate cancer patients
TAMPA, Fla. — The number of new cancer treatment options has increased tremendously over the past 20 years, resulting in significant improvements in patient outcomes. Despite these improved therapies, most patients will eventually develop drug resistance and disease recurrence. Scientists continue to develop new drugs and drug combinations to overcome resistance, but the cycle often continues with patients developing resistance to these therapies, as well.
Moffitt researchers determine 1st crystal structure of LAG3
TAMPA, Fla. — Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer care. The therapy works by preventing tumors from shutting down the immune response, which in turn allows T cells to kill cancer cells. Established checkpoint inhibitors target the proteins PD-1 and CTLA-4 and are used to treat a variety of solid tumor types, including melanoma and lung cancer. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting the protein LAG3.
Moffitt researchers contribute to discovery of mechanism leading to drug resistance in prostate cancer
TAMPA, Fla. — Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. Many patients can live long lives due to early detection and treatment with androgen deprivation therapy. However, despite the benefits of this therapy, almost all patients will eventually develop drug resistance and recurrent disease.
Moffitt Researchers Contribute to Discovery of Mechanism Leading to Drug Resistance in Prostate Cancer
News Release | June 15, 2022 TAMPA, Fla. — Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. Many patients can live long lives due to early detection and treatment with androgen deprivation therapy. However, despite the benefits of this therapy, almost all patients will eventually develop drug resistance and recurrent disease.
Women Benefit from Earlier Colorectal Cancer Screening
By Sara Bondell - May 06, 2022 A new study shows screening women before age 50 for colorectal cancer can significantly reduce the risk of the disease compared to those who begin screening at 50. The research, completed at Massachusetts General Hospital and published in JAMA Oncology, supports recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society to start screening at age 45 to address the increase of colorectal cancer in younger patients.
Moffitt researchers identify tumor-based methylation patterns as cancer biomarkers
TAMPA, Fla. — Biomarkers are often used during the management of cancer to guide treatment decisions and predict patient outcomes. However, it is often difficult to identify appropriate biomarkers that that can be consistently reproduced and are easily analyzed with limited patient specimens.
Moffitt researchers identify pathway that regulates lipid synthesis and contributes to tumor survival
TAMPA, Fla. — Alterations in metabolic processes are a hallmark of cancer and can lead to a tumor environment that is acidic. As a result, cancer cells must adapt to survive in this inhospitable environment. In a new study published in the journal Cell Reports, Moffitt Cancer Center researchers show that cancer cells in an acidic environment undergo lipid synthesis and accumulation.
Moffitt researchers identify key factors impacting adaptive therapy
TAMPA, Fla. — Most cancer treatments are based on using the maximum tolerated dose of a drug to kill as many cancer cells as possible. While this approach has led to patients achieving good responses to therapy, most patients develop drug resistance and disease recurrence.
Moffitt researchers discover new target for CAR T cells in solid tumors
TAMPA, Fla. — Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, or CAR T, has made a big impact on the treatment of certain blood cancers, allowing patients with relapsed/refractory disease to live longer, healthier lives. But in clinical study, the cellular therapy has not been as successful for patients with solid tumors, due in part to the lack of tumor targets not expressed in vital tissues.
Moffitt Researchers Discover New Target for CAR T Cells in Solid Tumors
TAMPA, Fla. — Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, or CAR T, has made a big impact on the treatment of certain blood cancers, allowing patients with relapsed/refractory disease to live longer, healthier lives. But in clinical study, the cellular therapy has not been as successful for patients with solid tumors, due in part to the lack of tumor targets not expressed in vital tissues.
Moffitt researchers identify splice variant biomarkers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
TAMPA, Fla. — Kidney cancer accounts for only 4% of all cancers in the United States; however, its incidence has more than doubled since 1975, with the most common type being clear cell renal cell carcinoma. While outcomes of patients have been improving due to new treatment options, the five-year survival rate of patients is 50% to 69% and even less for patients with metastatic disease.
Moffitt researchers develop model to predict patients with poor lung cancer outcomes
TAMPA, Fla. — Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the leading cause of cancer death. The outcomes for lung cancer patients have improved, partly due to earlier detection through better screening approaches. However, overtreatment of lung cancers identified from screening is a concern.
Moffitt researchers identify key characteristics of immune cells in ovarian cancer
TAMPA, Fla. — Ovarian cancer is a difficult to diagnose malignancy that is often caught at a more advanced stage. Treatments for this cancer have changed little over the past few decades, with surgery and chemotherapy being the most common therapeutic approaches. Immunotherapy, a type of treatment that activates a patient’s immune system to target cancer cells, has been successful in many diseases but not ovarian cancer and it is unclear why.
Moffitt researchers identify immunosuppression as a key factor leading to colorectal cancer development
image: To perform a spatial ecological analysis the team developed a new tool called VALIS that aligns histology slides, making it possible to construct highly multiplexed images from tissues stained via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or immunofluorescence. This image shows one of the 11-plex IHC used in the spatial analysis, which revealed that progressed adenomas reside in an immunosuppressive niche. view more Credit: Moffitt Cancer Center TAMPA, Fla.
Clinical Informatics Fellowship Program | Moffitt
The field of Clinical Informatics is a novel, fast-growing subspecialty which first established board certification through the American Board of Preventive Medicine in 2013. The program was established to meet this growing need as the first-ever Clinical Informatics Fellowship in Florida, and the first-ever located at a dedicated cancer center in the nation.
Moffitt Named a Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare for 10th Time
By Steve Blanchard - March 28, 2022 At 19 years old, Artemis Martinez had to make a difficult decision. She needed chemotherapy to treat her pelvic sarcoma. But to do so, she had to stop her hormone therapy, a necessary part of her transition. Artemis identifies as a transgender female. “I understood why I needed to stop the hormone therapy for chemotherapy and surgery,” she said.
Moffitt Grand Rounds
Request an Appointment at Moffitt Cancer Center Please call 1-888-663-3488 for support from a Moffitt representative. New Patients and Healthcare Professionals can submit an online form by selecting the appropriate button below. Existing patients can call 1-888-663-3488. Click here for a current list of insurances accepted at Moffitt. NEW PATIENTS To request a new patient appointment, please fill out the online form or call 1-888-663-3488.
Moffitt Study Finds Cancer Patients Do Benefit From COVID-19 Vaccination
News Release | March 10, 2022 TAMPA, Fla. — Cancer patients who have compromised immune systems due to their disease or therapy remain at high risk for COVID-19 infection. It is why this population was one of the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, while clinical trials showed vaccination could prevent infection or lessen the risk of severe illness in healthy individuals, it was unclear if those considered immunocompromised would have a similar response.
First Lady Visits Moffitt Cancer Center Following Moonshot Relaunch
By Amanda Sangster - February 21, 2022 First lady Dr. Jill Biden toured Moffitt Cancer Center on Friday with National Cancer Institute Director Dr. Ned Sharpless and U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. The visit comes on the heels of President Joe Biden’s pledge to “end cancer as we know it” through the newly revitalized White House Cancer Moonshot program. The initiative first launched in 2016 during Biden’s vice presidency. It aims to accelerate the progress of cancer research in the United States.
Moffitt Researchers Use Computer Modeling to Predict Patient Tumor Responses to Radiation Therapy
News Release | October 18, 2021 TAMPA, Fla. – Radiation treatment is one of the most frequently used therapies against cancer. However, despite its long and wide-ranging use, radiation therapy tends to be more of a one size fits all treatment with little regard to the biology of an individual patient’s tumor. Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center are trying to improve the personalization of radiation therapy through computer modeling.
Moffitt Researcher Receives NIH Director’s New Innovator Award
News Release | October 05, 2021 TAMPA, Fla. — Ana Gomes, Ph.D., assistant member of Moffitt’s Molecular Oncology Department, has been awarded a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director’s New Innovator (DP2) Award. The five-year grant will fund research aimed at understanding how metabolic and epigenetic changes that occur during aging may drive cancer. “Aging has always been considered a risk factor for cancer development.
Crowned to be Strong, Smart and Bold
By Steve Blanchard - September 27, 2021 This month, Moffitt Cancer Center’s McKinley Outpatient Center has something new for you to see: an art display by the young women participating in the Girls Inc. of Pinellas program. Their artwork, which features crowns, is a play on the organization’s mission statement to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold. “The display itself reminds the girls that they are the queens of their own lives, hence the crowns,” said Girls Inc.
Investigational combo therapy shows benefit for TP53 mutant MDS and AML patients
TAMPA, Fla. -- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are rare hematologic malignancies of the bone marrow. They can occur spontaneously or secondary to treatment for other cancers, so called therapy related disease, which is frequently associated with a mutation of the tumor suppressor gene TP53. Standard treatment for these patients includes hypomethylating agents such as azacitidine or decitabine but unfortunately outcomes are very poor.
Spontaneous cell fusions amplify genetic diversity within tumors, Moffitt researchers say
TAMPA, Fla. -- Evolution within groups of tumor cells follows the principles of natural selection, as evolution in pathogenic microbes. That is, the diversity of cellular characteristics within a group leads to differences in the ability of cells to survive and divide, which leads to selection for cells that bear characteristics that are most fit to the malignant environment.
Moffitt researchers identify how cancer cells adapt to survive harsh tumor microenvironments
TAMPA, Fla. - Cells need energy to survive and thrive. Generally, if oxygen is available, cells will oxidize glucose to carbon dioxide, which is very efficient, much like burning gasoline in your car. However, even in the presence of adequate oxygen, many malignant cells choose instead to ferment glucose to lactic acid, which is a much less efficient process. This metabolic adaptation is referred to as the Warburg Effect, as it was first described by Otto Warburg almost a century ago.
Moffitt researchers discover biochemical pathway that protects cells from ferroptosis
TAMPA, Fla. -- The hallmarks of cancer include rapid cell reproduction and metabolic activity. But these processes also lead to increased cellular stress and oxidation, and the risk of cell death. To circumvent these negative consequences of supercharged growth, cancer cells stimulate pathways to reduce oxidative stress and avoid cell death.
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