Updates from the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute: May 2024

Dr. Celano Takes Leadership Role in State Council

Paul Celano, MD, FACP, FASCO, Herman & Walter Samuelson Medical Director of the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Maryland State Council on Cancer Control.

The Council works with the Governor to develop state policy and programs to reduce the incidence of cancer in Maryland. Access to testing, screening, treatment, and programs for public education, prevention, and treatment of cancer are recommended by the Council. The Council also evaluates programs and promotes public-private partnerships to lower the incidence of cancer.

In addition, goals and priorities of the Cancer Surveillance System are set by the Council through its Cancer Surveillance Committee. The System collects data on incidence, diagnostic stage, mortality, and risk factors for cancer. Through the Maryland Cancer Registry Advisory Committee, the System also uses the Maryland Cancer Registry as a tool to plan, evaluate, and target cancer control programs.

Oncology Support Services and Advanced Radiology Partner for Breast Cancer Outreach

Staff members from Oncology Support Services and Advanced Radiology joined the GBMC marketing team and other colleagues from all around GBMC at the BMore Healthy Expo on February 10 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Attendees were greeted by the friendly Advanced Radiology team and 52 patients signed up for a mammogram screening.

Additional opportunities to sign up for a mammogram screening will be held at the Cancer Survivor Celebration in June 2024.

Dr. Levinson Gives Presentation at National Conference

Kimberly L. Levinson, MD, MPH, Director of the Johns Hopkins Gynecologic Oncology at GBMC, was a presenter at the Annual Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SCO). Dr. Levinson gave an oral plenary presentation entitled: Therapeutic Vaccination for the Elimination of HPV16+ High Grade Dysplasia: A Phase I Clinical Trial of the DNA Vaccine pNGBL4aCRTE6E7L2, administered via the TriGrid Electroporation Device.

Dr. Levinson also had two posters presented.

The SCO contributes to the advancement of women’s cancer care by encouraging research, providing education, raising standards of practice, advocating for patients and members, and collaborating with other domestic and international organizations.

Bringing Joy to GBMC in Her Free Time

During the work week, Kathy Fletcher is the Executive Assistant to the leaders of the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, Dr. Paul Celano and Walter Benton, Executive Director of Oncology Services. On her weekends, Kathy and her dog, Kyra, are back at GBMC, volunteering to deliver pet therapy.

Dog handlers (owners) and dogs go through an extensive training and certification process before they can begin making pet therapy visits. Kathy visits several inpatient units and invites staff to enjoy some dog cuddles. Many staff tell her, “That’s just what I needed today!” For her part, Kathy “just feels so lucky to be a part of this program that brings happiness to people right when they need to most.”