NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Pancreatic cancer is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030 surpassing colon cancer; however, much of the biologic basis of the disease is still not well understood. Dr. Rohit Chandwani, a surgical oncologist at #NYPWeillCornell, and his team recently published research that discovered early-stage pancreatic cancer patients are more likely to have a mutation in the KRAS gene, and that different KRAS mutations also yield different clinical outcomes. On #NYPAdvances, Dr. Chandwani discusses how this research is shedding light on why pancreatic tumors develop and how it could impact treatment and prevention: https://nyphosp.co/4fWvjGr Columbia University Irving Medical Center , Weill Cornell Medicine #WPCD

Refractory pulmonary hypertension (PH), high blood pressure in the lungs that does not respond to conventional treatment, can be life threatening for newborns and infants. Dr. Usha Krishnan, a pediatric cardiologist and director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Comprehensive Care Center at #NYPColumbia, recently led a study looking at the efficacy of the PH medication iloprost as a continuous inhaled therapy for severely ill NICU patients with the condition. She and her colleagues found that by delivering it directly into patients’ lungs, the medication was able to reach its target organ without causing significant side effects, and nearly half of patients recovered without having to go on an ECMO machine. Read more on #NYPAdvances: https://nyphosp.co/4eAu9PT Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine #PHAwareness

GLP-1 medications are known for their weight-loss effects, but fewer people may know that they could benefit the heart too. In fact, Wegovy was approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, in certain populations. On the latest episode of #HealthMatters, #NYPWeillCornell cardiologist Dr. David Majure explains how these drugs work, including the heart health benefits and the risks to consider. Listen today: https://nyphosp.co/4fzhM7U Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine

Prominent colorectal surgeon Dr. Alessandro Fichera has joined #NYPWeillCornell to assume the role of chief of the Division of Colorectal Surgery. Dr. Fichera’s clinical and research interests include inflammatory bowel disease, minimally invasive surgery, and the prevention, treatment, and management of colorectal cancer. He has been involved in numerous clinical trials that have helped advance treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, including surgical techniques that help reduce the risk of Crohn’s disease recurrence. Join us in welcoming Dr. Fichera to #NYP. https://nyphosp.co/410QsL8 Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine

Building off #NYP’s expertise in laser ablation — a minimally invasive procedure that uses a targeted laser to destroy brain tissue — Dr. Brett Youngerman, a neurosurgeon at #NYPColumbia, is exploring whether the technology can be an effective treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. In the largest multicenter study of its kind to date, Dr. Youngerman and his colleagues studied the effectiveness of magnetic resonance image-guided interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT), which uses MRI thermal imaging and laser technology to remove the area of the brain where seizures originate while minimizing risk to surrounding structures. They found that the long-term outcomes were positive: At a median follow-up of over four years, approximately two-thirds of patients were either free of disabling seizures or had rare seizures. Learn more about this novel approach to treating epilepsy on #NYPAdvances: https://nyphosp.co/4fVqf5g Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine #EpilepsyAwareness

In her new Broadway play, “Left on Tenth,” writer Delia Ephron brings her personal life to the stage, chronicling not only her unlikely love story but also her battle with leukemia and the care she received at #NYP. When she was diagnosed in 2017, Delia had just fallen in love again after losing her husband to cancer. Dr. Gail Roboz, her #NYPWeillCornell hematologist oncologist — who is described in the play’s script as “a doctor with a touch of girlfriend” — quickly put a treatment plan in motion, recommending a new chemotherapy that was in clinical trials at the time. Delia’s intense treatment regimen required an extended stay in the hospital and her new love, Peter Rutter, never left her side. “They were walking around the hospital with an IV pole instead of walking around Central Park, but they still radiated,” Dr. Roboz recalls. Dr. Roboz and her team helped them plan a wedding in the hospital, hiding Delia’s PICC line and bandages, and managing her medications so that she would feel her best during the ceremony. The hospital chef even made her favorite pie, lemon meringue. “It was like there was nothing she couldn’t do for us,” says Delia, describing the event as “a room full of joy.” Although she went into remission, the leukemia came back a few months later, and Delia underwent a bone marrow transplant. Despite some harrowing moments, the transplant was successful. Delia has now been cancer-free for more than six years. Today, she says she was saved by “love, medicine, friendship and dogs,” and thanks Dr. Roboz for never giving up on her. Click to learn more about her inspiring story: https://nyphosp.co/4i8kwej Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine

Elana Claire Wright was born at just 24 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 5 ounces, in November 2010 at #NYPKomansky. During her stay in the NICU, she received 25 blood transfusions and faced seven major surgeries, which included a procedure to close a vessel in her heart, surgery to treat a severe intestinal disease that affects premature babies, and the emergency repair of a benign tumor near her chin. After seven months of intensive care, Elana was finally discharged and began her path to recovery at home. Today, 13-year-old Elana is thriving. Now in eighth grade, she plays the piano, enjoys volleyball and is passionate about creating art. She also loves writing and has recently completed a fantasy book, with a second and third already in the works. Elana’s mom, Lea—seen here peeking into her incubator—and her dad, Stephen, described their time in the NICU as a frightening rollercoaster ride, but say the hospital’s staff carried them through the ordeal. “Every single person—from the security team to the people at the front desk, to the person taking out the trash, and all the nurses— was on the same page, wanting to support everyone who was coming here,” said Stephen. “It really made a huge difference. They felt like family to us.” Drop a ❤️ to show support for Elana and all our neonatal patients and their families this #WorldPrematurityDay, and click to learn about #NYP’s newborn care: https://nyphosp.co/48QqWdL Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine

To improve the treatment of diabetes and other endocrinologic conditions, physicians need a better understanding of the molecular and cellular underpinnings of the diseases. Dr. Laura Alonso, chief of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at #NYPWeillCornell, led a team that discovered a novel mechanism to stimulate growth of pancreatic beta cells, the body’s source of insulin. Their findings could potentially influence cellular therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Read more on #NYPAdvances: https://nyphosp.co/3ASVH4Z Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine #DiabetesLife

#NYPWeillCornell and #NYPWestchester Behavioral Health proudly celebrated their Magnet redesignation at the ANCC National Magnet Conference, a recognition awarded to healthcare organizations that provide high-quality patient care and innovation in nursing practice. “This accomplishment reassures patients and staff that they’re part of an institution that provides exceptional care and a supportive, high-quality work environment,” said Maria Del Mar, an #NYPWeillCornell clinical nurse specialist. Janette O’Connor, a nurse from #NYPWestchester Behavioral Health, echoed this sentiment. “The Magnet Redesignation reinforces the exemplary quality of care that is offered here.” Drop a 👏 to join us in congratulating them on this incredible achievement! Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine

At the end of 2021, Andreas Melitsanopoulos, then 26, began experiencing blurred vision and numbness in his feet. Within weeks, the former Division 1 soccer player was unable to walk. After an initial misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis, he wanted a second opinion and was referred to #NYPColumbia neurologist Dr. Claire Riley, who discovered that he had a rare autoimmune disorder that attacks the central nervous system known as MOGAD (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease). His care team devised a treatment plan that included intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions, immune system-strengthening antibodies administered through an IV, and, after two weeks in the hospital, Andreas began to regain both his vision and his ability to walk. Today, Andreas receives his IVIG infusions monthly. “I am incredibly grateful to be where I am today,” shared Andreas. “I am back to playing soccer weekly, and this past May, I completed graduate school, got married, and have a new job. I have NewYork-Presbyterian to thank for their determination to find my diagnoses.” Earlier this month, Andreas reached an incredible milestone by running the #NYCMarathon in honor of the doctors, nurses, and specialists who made his recovery possible. “Running the marathon is a tremendous feat and truly speaks to Andreas’ mental toughness, spirit, and determination,” Dr. Riley said. “I am so proud of him and all his accomplishments.” Join us in celebrating Andreas’ remarkable achievement and applauding him while he continues to raise awareness for MOGAD. 👏 Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine