Top 5 MD Anderson abstracts at AACR 2025
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting showcases exciting new cancer therapies that help link translational science and clinical trials. MD Anderson researchers will be presenting more than 200 studies at AACR this year.
This research spans many topics, from gaining a better understanding of how cancer treatments are working to ways we can continue to improve our cancer therapies while minimizing side...
Are food dyes unhealthy?
You¡¯ve probably heard that you should eat the rainbow to get the vitamins and nutrients your body needs.
Eating whole foods in a variety...
How digital twins are shaping the future of cancer care
Imagine a future where an oncologist could assess your response to multiple treatment options using a virtual simulated model of your tumor...
Triple-negative breast cancer survivor: Why I chose a clinical trial at MD Anderson??
Cancer runs very strongly on one side of my family. Several members have had either breast cancer or ovarian cancer. Two tested positive for the BRCA1 genetic mutation. So, I knew the odds were pretty high that I carried it, too.?
After finding out about the mutation, I put off getting genetic testing for about two years. I didn¡¯t want to know yet.
But I became the first person of my generation in my family to take...
Cell therapy: The evolution of the ¡®living drug¡¯
For decades, researchers have been exploring ways to harness the power of the immune system to treat cancer. One breakthrough is cell therapy...
Nuts 101: How to work these nutritional powerhouses into your diet
Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. But some people aren¡¯t quite sure how to incorporate...
Oncofertility specialist: Don¡¯t let cancer keep you from building a family
As a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at MD Anderson, I bridge oncology and reproductive medicine to expand family-building...
What to expect when you have a mole removed
Moles are common growths on the skin. Moles are benign, which means they¡¯re not cancerous. But when melanocytes, the cells that make up moles...
Head shaving and brain surgery: 4 things to know
If you¡¯ve been diagnosed with a brain tumor and told you need surgery, you might have some concerns. Does this mean your entire head will...
CT scans and cancer risk: What patients need to know
A computerized tomography scan, also called a CT scan, provides detailed images of your body to help doctors diagnose and treat various health...
Does sugar cause cancer?
Does sugar cause cancer?
As a senior research dietitian at MD Anderson, I hear this question a lot. So, let¡¯s look at the evidence...
Head of Cancer Medicine: ¡®MD?Anderson is the place I bring my loved ones¡¯
As a physician-scientist, I have a series of roles at MD Anderson. I¡¯m the division head of Cancer Medicine where I oversee 16 medical oncology...
Is seed oil healthy?
There have been mixed messages about whether seed oils are healthy or unhealthy. On one hand, seed oils are unsaturated, or ¡°healthy¡± fats...
Invasive ductal carcinoma: 6 things to know about this common breast cancer
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is breast cancer that starts in the breast ducts and spreads to surrounding tissue. It is the most common...
Gynecologic oncologist: Why I¡¯m passionate about cancer care at MD Anderson
I¡¯ve always sought out opportunities to advocate for women and women¡¯s health. That¡¯s what drew me to the field of gynecologic oncology.
What can a pathology report tell you?
If you¡¯ve ever noticed a pathology report pop up in MyChart after a biopsy or a surgical procedure, you might have some questions.? ...
Diet soda and cancer risk: What you should know
Diet soda has few, if any, calories. So, you may think it¡¯s a healthier, waist-shrinking alternative to regular soda. But that¡¯s not the case...
What are the symptoms of liposarcoma?
Liposarcoma is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma, making up about 15% to 20% of diagnoses. Liposarcoma develops in the fat cells...
Personalized treatment helps retired physician overcome dual cancer diagnoses
As a medical student at Baylor College of Medicine, Steve Meltzer traveled past MD Anderson many times. However, he never thought he would...
How to get your heart rate up
Exercise is an important part of disease prevention ¨C and that includes cancer prevention. But not all exercise is created equal. It¡¯s essential...
Young adult breast cancer survivor: Why I volunteer at the Texas Children¡¯s Houston Open
I have volunteered at the Texas Children¡¯s Houston Open golf tournament for three of the last five years.??
The first time...
Cancer treatment side effect: Muscle cramps
If you¡¯ve ever had a charley horse ¡ª or a severe sudden spasm in your calf ¡ª you know that muscle cramps are no joke.??
But...
Olfactory neuroblastoma didn¡¯t stop this survivor from achieving his goals
When Justin Masse was diagnosed with a type of skull base tumor called olfactory neuroblastoma, he wanted to learn everything about this rare...
What happens when you overeat?
Sometimes it¡¯s because something tastes good. Other times, it¡¯s due to stress or anxiety. Occasionally, it¡¯s just a mindless habit. But chances...
How to make colonoscopy prep better
Clear liquid diets, giant containers of prep solution, heightened nerves, and spending the majority of an evening tied to your toilet¡ªit¡¯s...
Surgical drains 101: What to know about their use, care and removal
When you need surgery as a part of your cancer treatment, you usually know that you¡¯re going to have something removed. But many patients...
Negative effects of vaping on teens
When e-cigarettes were first sold, many claimed users would be adult smokers who wanted to stop smoking regular cigarettes.
But youth...
Estate planning checklist: How to start ¡®getting your affairs in order¡¯
Many patients come to MD Anderson for a second opinion after being told elsewhere: ¡°Get your affairs in order.¡±??
But what...
Breast medical oncologist: Collaboration, education and research are pillars of patient care
After graduating from medical school, I moved to Houston with the goal of becoming a cardiologist. But a clinical rotation at MD Anderson...
Artificial sweeteners vs. natural sweeteners: Which one is better?
The baking aisle at the grocery store can be a little overwhelming. There are so many different ingredients ¡ª especially sweeteners. There...
What types of cancer can cause itchy skin?
Your skin can itch for many reasons, such as allergies, insect bites and dry skin. The itch, called pruritus, will usually go away once you...
What is a total laryngectomy?
A total laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx, or voice box. It is a common procedure used to treat laryngeal cancer.
...
How to avoid injury when starting a new exercise routine
You¡¯ve dusted off your dumbbells, washed out your water bottle, and retrieved your sneakers from the back of the closet. But it's important...
Why I began my nursing career at MD Anderson
Growing up, I was drawn to the medical field because it combined my passion for helping others with my love for the sciences. So, after I...
How to clean your ears safely: Tips to avoid harm
Cleaning your ears may sound simple. But you might be wondering about the best way to clean your ears, how often you should do it and which...
What is hematemesis? Vomiting blood, explained
Hematemesis is the scientific term for vomiting blood. But it¡¯s not the same thing as hemoptysis, which is coughing up blood. The difference...
How to deal with changes in your appearance due to cancer treatment
Cancer treatments have the potential to cause sudden, significant changes in your appearance.?
Whether it¡¯s a scar due to surgery...
Need a punch biopsy? Here¡¯s what to expect
As a dermatologist, I examine skin all day, every day. If I see something concerning on your skin, I may perform a punch biopsy to learn more...
Breast cancer survivor-volunteer and colorectal cancer patient share unique friendship
It all began over a hot cup of coffee, a warm smile and the need to speak with someone who knew what she was going through.
Colorectal...
Can¡¯t give blood yourself? Here are three other ways to support blood donation
If you know how much blood donations benefit cancer patients, you may already be eager to roll up your sleeve.
But what if you¡¯ve been...
7 bird flu questions, answered
It¡¯s flu season ¨C and not just for humans. Bird flu, or avian influenza, refers to many viruses that typically infect birds, similar to human...
Why is it harder to lose weight as you get older?
As you get older, you may have a hard time losing weight. Even shedding just one to two pounds can prove difficult.
So why is it so...
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer: What to know
If you have received a prostate cancer diagnosis, you may be wondering which treatment options are available to you. Prostate cancer treatment...
Thyroid biopsy: Purpose, process and recovery
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your lower neck. A thyroid biopsy is a procedure that helps diagnose or rule out thyroid...
8 viruses that cause cancer
Researchers know that several infections can lead to cancer. This includes infections caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Studying...
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...
How to take medications properly: 6 questions, answered
A lot of people don¡¯t think twice when the pharmacist at the drugstore asks them if they have any questions or need counseling about how to...
What is yoga therapy?
While yoga may draw to mind images of mat-filled studios, yoga can be practiced in many places, including healthcare settings. The use of...
Clinical Ethics Fellow passionate about improving patient care
Maureen Pontarelli, D.Be, describes her career path as a bit unconventional.
The Rochester, New York, native attended college in Rhode...
What¡¯s the best diet for insulin resistance?
The complex way our bodies process food and keep us functioning is something many of us don¡¯t have to think about that in-depth ¨C until we...
Bronchoscopy 101: How it helps diagnose and treat lung conditions
A bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure in which doctors use a special scope to examine the inside of your lungs and airways...
Infectious diseases specialist: 10 things to know about measles
Declining community vaccination rates over the past decade have led to a re-emergence of measles as a major public health concern in the United...
Music to a mother¡¯s ears: Awake craniotomies bring musicians together
Witnessing her adult son, Adrian, suffer a severe seizure at their home in the Rio Grande Valley during the spring of 2022 was nerve-wracking...
How non-scientists are helping cancer researchers
As a teenager, Sophia Russell dreamed of making the world a better place. Today, she¡¯s doing that by improving research studies. But she¡¯s...
What is a lobectomy?
A lobectomy is the surgical removal of one of the five lobes ¡ª or main sections ¡ª of the lungs. It is the most common type of operation used...
36 foods that can help lower your cancer risk
Is there such a thing as a cancer-fighting food? Can certain foods actually prevent cancer??
Unfortunately, the answer is "...
Senior speech pathologist: Patients are my No. 1 priority
When I started my career in speech pathology, I fell in love right away. It was truly rewarding to help people communicate better, which improved...
Motivated to do more for pediatric patients
Drawing from a deep well of motherly instinct, Lashee Jones made a life-changing decision in 2022.?
She gave up her job as a building...
Macronutrients 101: What to know about protein, carbs and fats
Many?eating plans?focus on changing the amount of carbohydrates, fat or protein in your diet.?
That¡¯s because changing how much...
Leukemia nurse fulfills promise to her late mother
For Clinical Nurse Mikela Pettigrew, MD Anderson is more than a workplace ¨C it¡¯s a place of healing, hope and a promise fulfilled.
...
Weight loss during cancer treatment: 5 do¡¯s and don¡¯ts
The basic formula for weight loss is no secret: burn more calories than you consume. But actually doing that can feel like cracking an impossible...
Ovarian cancer survivor, employee: Treatment at MD Anderson is ¡®the best decision I ever made¡¯
I work in Philanthropy at MD Anderson, and I¡¯m a cancer survivor. This means I can say I¡¯ve been both an employee and a patient at the greatest...
Dogs boost employee wellness and morale
It all started with a question: ¡°Why not?¡±
The question, posed to employees by Human Resources leaders, got Adam Siegman thinking.<...
What is the 5:2 diet?
The 5:2 diet has been receiving a lot of attention lately because of its possible connection to weight loss. But what is it, and how does...
5 things to know about raised moles
When people talk about moles, they are usually referring to a variety of skin growths, including true moles ¡ª which are also called nevi ¡ª...
Hematochezia vs. melena: What¡¯s the difference?
Hematochezia and melena are two terms that describe different ways blood can appear in your stool.
Hematochezia is bright red blood that...
Video producer¡¯s storytelling supports MD Anderson¡¯s mission to end cancer
Alex King came to MD Anderson after 20 years of working in TV production in Las Vegas. The work was fun, but it was a constant grind....
What is mucositis? 4 things to know about this cancer treatment side effect
Mucositis is a disruption in the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract that causes inflammation. It is often accompanied by symptoms...
Prebiotics versus probiotics: What¡¯s the difference?
Prebiotics and probiotics sound similar, but these nutrients benefit your gut health in different ways.
Here, I answer common prebiotic...
4 questions with immunology researcher Susan Bullman
Susan Bullman, Ph.D., has studied bacteria and how it contributes to cancer for decades. Her research led her from her home in Ireland and...
Art Space volunteer draws inspiration from young friend
If you ask David Simon what he likes best about volunteering at MD Anderson, you¡¯ll get a grin and a one-word answer.
¡°³§³¦³ó³¾´Ç´Ç³ú¾±²Ô²µ.¡±...
What is anal dysplasia? Causes, treatment and outlook
Anal dysplasia is a condition in which cells in the anal canal change and become abnormal. Anal dysplasia is not cancer. But it can turn into...
Gynecologic oncologist: How I combine art and science
My career path has been full of surprises. Growing up in a small town in northern Pennsylvania, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. It wasn...
Understanding sarcoidosis: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes the growth of lesions called granulomas. Although it is most commonly found in the lungs...
4 questions for mathematical oncologist Heiko Enderling, Ph.D.
For Heiko Enderling, Ph.D., the start of a question to solve a problem often begins with a pen on a paper napkin or chalk on a chalkboard....
Asbestos exposure and cancer: 8 things to know
Most cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to a substance called asbestos. This rare cancer develops in the mesothelial cells, the...
10 years of EndTobacco
What¡¯s in a name? For MD Anderson¡¯s EndTobacco? Program, it¡¯s an ambitious commitment to tackling an issue that extends far beyond Texas.<...
Breast cancer survivor¡¯s mindset and trust in doctors got her through treatment
Kristy Mouton started getting annual mammograms at age 26 due to a family history of breast cancer. Her results had always been normal. But...
Cancer survivor summits highest point in contiguous U.S.
I started mountaineering during my time in the Air Force in my 20s. I love being outdoors and going places that most people aren¡¯t able to...
Prostate cancer survivor excited to donate blood again
When Ben Mayer received his race bib for the January 2023 Chevron Houston Marathon, instead of writing his usual, ¡°Go, Ben, go,¡± he wrote...
What is royal jelly?
A bee product called royal jelly has been getting plenty of buzz online lately. A quick search for ¡®royal jelly¡¯ pulls up many purported health...
Understanding adult rhabdomyosarcoma: Types, prognosis and treatment
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in the skeletal muscles. The disease is most common in children and adolescents...
What to know about nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches first became available in the U.S. almost a decade ago. Today, they are the second most used tobacco product among high school...
Chordoma survivor: 'Put your faith in the doctors'
¡°I was very lucky to go to MD Anderson,¡± says Chuck Schlesinger.
In early 2015, Chuck was playing tennis when he felt a sharp pain...
Histotripsy for liver cancer: What to know about this novel cancer treatment
If you, or someone you know, was recently diagnosed with a liver tumor, you may have heard talk about a new type of cancer treatment called...
Next-generation sequencing and immunotherapy give bladder cancer patient hope
Meleah Foreman celebrated her 70th birthday this past year full of gratitude and hope.?
¡°This can sound crazy for cancer, but...
Committed to making cervical cancer screening easier
When it comes to eliminating cervical cancer, prevention and screening are vital. Behavioral science and cancer researcher Jane Montealegre...
Opportunistic infections: What cancer patients need to know
An opportunistic infection is one that a person with a healthy immune system is unlikely to get. It happens when bacteria or some other pathogen...
How to cope with cancer when you live alone
Finding out you have cancer can cause a whirlwind of emotions. Not to mention, you¡¯ll also need to make important?treatment decisions...
8 dos and don¡¯ts for communication during cancer treatment
A cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment provide many opportunities for family members, friends and acquaintances to rally around you....
4 things to know about peripheral nerve stimulation
If you¡¯ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may experience pain during treatment. This pain may be either acute or chronic. Acute pain lasts...