Dartmouth Medical School Digest
August 2009

News for our community

In this issue

Trojan horse for cancer
Using nanoparticles Dartmouth Medical School immunologists have devised a Trojan horse to turn immune system soldiers against ovarian cancer. Researchers, led by Dr. Jose Conejo-Garcia, retooled a protective cell that ovarian tumors corrupt to feed their growth, unleashing a surprise killer amid the cancer cells. Their feat of trickery, published online July 13 for the August Journal of Clinical Investigation, offers a promising approach to beat back an aggressive tumor.

Colon polyp screening
Surveillance intervals for patients at low risk for colon polyps could be increased, based on prior exams, say DMS-VA researchers. The team, led by Dr. Douglas J. Robertson, calculated the probability of high-risk findings on a third colonoscopy for patients with a past colon adenoma, using results from the first and second followup. Their findings, reported in the July Annals of Internal Medicine, help establish appropriate screening guidelines tailored to selected patients.

Treating peripheral artery disease
Examining trends for restoring normal blood supply to a lower limb affected by peripheral artery disease, DMS vascular surgeons compared less invasive endovascular interventions, conventional surgical bypass and amputation. Following Medicare beneficiaries between 1996 and 2006, they suggest that the more widely used, less invasive procedures to reopen peripheral arteries improved outcomes, but called for further trials to determine best approaches. The work, led by Dr. Philip P. Goodney, is published in the July Journal of Vascular Surgery.

No smoking courses
Tobacco counseling strategies for young girls have been launched by Pediatrics in Practice, the online hub for child and family health promotion based at Dartmouth Medical School and Children's Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD). The three-module series supports nurses, pediatricians and other child health professionals in conveying smoking prevention messages to early adolescent females and their families. Dr. Henry (Hank) Bernstein led the team that developed the interactive program.

Depression care
A family-focused model can minimize risks and problems for parents with depression and their children, says a new report that included a DMS pediatrician. Dr. Ardis Olson was a member of the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine committee that calls for comprehensive depression care to tackle not only the adult health, but also the possible spillover effects on over 15 million children nationwide. The report, by the Committee on Depression, Parenting Practices, and the Healthy Development of Children, was announced in June, and will be released this month.

Movie smoking influence
Seeing people smoke on screen plays many roles in the likelihood of teenagers lighting up, according to two recent DMS studies of youths and smoking.

Cancer fundraiser
A record crowd turned out to help raise $1.93 Million in the Prouty Bike Ride and Challenge Walk July 13. The 28th annual community benefit drew more than 5,500 participants and to help fund cancer research and patient services at the Norris Cancer Center.


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