News from NYU Langone Health
Live with Kelly and Mark - WABC-TV (New York, NY)
It is breast cancer awareness month. Nancy Chan, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Clinical Research Director, Breast Cancer, explains that breast cancer incidence is on the rise. For example, in the past decade, the incidence or number of new cases of breast cancer in the United States has been increasing by about 1% per year. This increase is higher for younger women, about 1.4% per year. "Some of the more modifiable risk factors I like to highlight are what we are eating, the diet that we, every day, are putting into our bodies. Processed foods are directly linked to increasing breast cancer risk, for example. Smoking and alcohol also contribute an increased risk for breast cancer," Nancy Chan, MD, points out.
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10/20/2025
Good Day New York - WNYW-TV (New York, NY)
A new vodcast dives deeply into prevention, longevity, and optimising people's health. The vodcast will be exploring the hormone and health connection at every age through conversations between experts and celebrity guests who bring their personal perspectives to the table. The vodcast was created by Priya Jaisinghani, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, the Holman Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Rich Dorment, Editorial Director of Men's Health and Women's Health. According to Dr. Jaisinghani, hormone therapy is having its moment, as there is a need to talk about men's hormone health and women's hormone health.
10/20/2025
Five O’Clock News - WNYW-TV (New York, NY)
More research shows the shingles vaccine can help save people's lives. Purvi S. Parikh, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains that the shingles vaccine is extremely beneficial, as, besides helping people avoid an extremely and painful rash, the study showed that it reduced your risk of heart disease by 25%, overall death by 27%, and even vascular dementia by 50%. Getting that shingles vaccine not only protects people from the rash, but the study even showed it decreases people's risk of blood clots as well.
10/19/2025
StreetInsider
Verismo Therapeutics announced its participation and sponsorship of the iMig 2025 Conference, highlighting its STAR-101 Phase 1 clinical trial for SynKIR™-110 in advanced mesothelin-expressing cancers, including mesothelioma. Daniel Sterman, MD, Thomas and Suzanne Murphy Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Director of Division of Pulmonary Medicine at the NYU Langone Medical Center, and an iMig 2025 organizer, emphasized Verismo's dedication to advancing mesothelioma treatment. SynKIR™-110, targeting mesothelin, received Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations from the Food and Drug Administration.
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10/22/2025
Healio Neurology
Focal treatment-resistant epilepsy symptoms improved in patients with multiple medication failures when additional antiseizure medications were used, according to data in JAMA Neurology. Jacqueline A. French, MD, epileptologist at NYU Langone Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Director, The Epilepsy Study Consortium (TESC), highlighted that about one-third of focal epilepsy patients are treatment resistant. This research offers positive news, indicating that patients who persist in trying new therapies with their care provider can experience improvement. The Human Epilepsy Project 2 study, involving 146 patients, reported a 68.73% reduction in monthly seizure frequency for the overall cohort.
10/22/2025
Becker's Spine Review
The article ranks US News' top neurosurgery hospitals for 2025-26, with NYU Langone Hospitals in New York City listed as number one. John Golfinos, MD, chair of neurosurgery and co-director of the brain and spine tumor center at NYU Langone Hospitals, is highlighted for his research on neurofibromatosis type 2. Other leading institutions mentioned include UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell, Mayo Clinic-Rochester, and Rush University Medical Center, along with their respective neurosurgery department leaders.
10/23/2025
The ASCO Post
A new clinical trial from the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN) presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 Congress found that adjuvant therapy with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab appeared to reduce the risk of distant metastases for an aggressive form of skin cancer when given immediately after surgery, but did not significantly reduce the overall risk of recurrence, which was a co-primary endpoint of the trial (Abstract LBA56). The STAMP trial found that after 2 years, 73% of patients receiving pembrolizumab showed no cancer recurrence, compared with 66% who were assigned to the observation arm. “The STAMP trial provides the first evidence that immunotherapy with pembrolizumab after surgery may help people with Merkel cell carcinoma by preventing their cancer from returning in organs considered distant from the site of the original disease,” said lead investigator Janice M. Mehnert, MD, Co-Chair of the ECOG-ACRIN Melanoma Committee and Director of Melanoma and Cutaneous Medical Oncology at NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center. “This is much-needed good news for people who are living with the highly aggressive cancer that is Merkel cell carcinoma,” Mehnert, MD, added.
10/19/2025
Everyday Health
Gerald Voelbel, PhD, an associate professor at New York University, faced a medical mystery leading to a diagnosis of rare composite lymphoma and paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. He received care from Janet Rucker, MD, a neuro-ophthalmologist at NYU Langone, Director, Division of Neuro-Ophthalmology, whose diagnostic efforts, including ordering a crucial spinal tap, were pivotal in identifying cancer biomarkers. Voelbel underwent extensive chemotherapy and other treatments, achieving remission from lymphoma in December 2019. His experience underscores the vital role of scientific research and patient self-advocacy in navigating complex health conditions and recovery.
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10/22/2025
American Journal of Managed Care
Douglas Lazzaro, MD, professor of ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs and Business Development, advises on Halloween eye safety. He recommends masks that tie in the back over elastic bands to prevent injuries from snapping elastic. Face paint is an alternative, but should not be applied directly above the eyes due to potential toxicity. Lazzaro also highlights environmental hazards during trick-or-treating, such as poorly lit areas, staircases, and the risk of accidents involving bikes and cars, especially at dusk and nighttime.
10/22/2025
Medical Product Outsourcing
Imperative Care Inc. reported positive efficacy and safety results from its pivotal SYMPHONY-PE Trial for the Symphony Thrombectomy System, used in acute pulmonary embolism treatment. The study, published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions, demonstrated a strong safety profile, high efficacy, and procedural efficiency, with no device-related serious adverse events. Sripal Bangalore, MD, Director, Research, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Professor in the Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, served as a national co-principal investigator and lead author, highlighting the device's potential to improve patient hemodynamics and reduce morbidity. The system received FDA 510(k) clearance in August for pulmonary embolism treatment.
10/21/2025
Popwire
NYU Langone surgeons performed the world's first whole eye and partial face transplant in 2023 on a 46-year-old lineman who suffered a 7,200-volt electric shock. This 21-hour surgery involved 140 medical professionals. While vision has not been restored, the transplanted eye shows healthy blood flow, a healthy retina, and normal pressure. This achievement defies expert expectations that the eye would shrink and die, marking a significant medical breakthrough.
10/23/2025
HCP Live
A study published in BMC Nephrology, co-authored by David Goldfarb, MD, clinical director of the division of nephrology at NYU Langone, found that patients with primary hyperoxaluria and chronic kidney disease face increased healthcare costs as CKD progresses. The retrospective analysis highlighted that those with advanced CKD and PH incur 1.5-times higher semi-annual costs than those with early CKD. Findings emphasize the importance of early PH diagnosis to prevent CKD progression and reduce healthcare expenditures.
10/23/2025
Head Topics
Menopause significantly affects brain function, causing cognitive issues like memory problems, attention deficits, and mood swings due to declining estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal shifts impact brain regions crucial for learning and memory. Marika Osterbur Badhey, MD, an ob-gyn and assistant professor at NYU Langone Health, notes an increased risk of depression during perimenopause, linking it to estrogen's role in emotional stability. Experts emphasize understanding symptom timing and pattern, along with medical evaluation and management strategies. Timely intervention, lifestyle optimization, and hormone therapy can help preserve cognitive function.
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10/23/2025
Targeted Oncology
The FDA has approved belantamab mafodotin in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (BVd), and with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (BPd), for multiple myeloma patients after at least one prior therapy. This approval follows phase 3 DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 trials, which showed significant overall survival and progression-free survival benefits. The journey included prior accelerated approval withdrawal due to confirmatory study results. Neil Vasan, MD, PhD, acting chairperson of the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee and director of Breast Cancer Translational Research at Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, noted the strong efficacy data but also significant ocular toxicity concerns and suboptimal dosing. Unmet needs persist despite CAR T-cell therapies, highlighting the demand for effective, accessible treatments.
10/23/2025
Men's Health
The article explores the viral 'lion meme' on TikTok, used by Gen Z to share health concerns like long COVID symptoms in a coded manner. Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor of psychology at NYU Langone Health, notes that while the meme allows people to avoid dwelling on issues, it can have a serious side. Experts suggest this approach might lead to trivializing symptoms or delaying proper medical treatment for conditions such as brain fog and memory loss, despite the desire to disregard health concerns.
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10/23/2025
Yahoo
Genetic testing for breast cancer helps determine risk and inform treatment, especially for those with family histories. While it offers valuable insights, limitations include not predicting disease onset, potential unclear results, and insurance coverage issues for some. Melissa D. Fana, MD, director of women’s health for Suffolk County at NYU Langone Health, noted that insurance coverage has significantly improved and emphasized the importance of genetic counseling to navigate overwhelming information. Genetic testing results can profoundly impact treatment options, such as personalized therapies, and influence preventive measures like increased surveillance or prophylactic surgeries.
10/23/2025
West Hawaii Today
A new analysis of a major clinical trial affirmed that Wegovy, a popular obesity drug, lowers the risk of major heart issues like heart attacks and strokes, with weight loss only partially explaining the cardiovascular benefits. The mechanism for the remaining two-thirds of the benefit remains unknown, with theories including reduced inflammation and improved blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Melanie Jay, MD, director of the NYU Langone Comprehensive Program on Obesity, noted the presence of 'unexplained factors.' The findings suggest potential benefits for overweight individuals with cardiovascular conditions, prompting a reevaluation of drug dispensation.
10/23/2025
Head Topics
Following a hockey fight between Matt Rempe and Ryan Reaves at Madison Square Garden, which saw Rempe exit with an upper-body injury, Andrew S. Bi, MD, Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, offered expert commentary. , M, participated in the weekly Injury Report segment, detailing the adverse effects athletes experience from concussions. He also explored technologies that might help prevent or lessen the impact of these brain injuries, providing valuable insights into athlete safety in contact sports.
10/22/2025
Garden City News
The American Legion Auxiliary of Garden City expressed gratitude to community members and merchants, including Iavarone Bros. and Kings, for supporting their 2025 Annual Poppy Drive. This initiative assists needy veterans and their families. The letter also thanked Garden City's police and fire departments, along with NYU Langone emergency medical staff, for providing security and unwavering assistance. A Veterans Day program is scheduled for 11 November 2025, featuring 'Meet the Veterans' at the Garden City Library and a service at the Village Memorial Plaza.
10/23/2025
Reuters
Inception Fertility announced that 37 abstracts from its Prelude Network, including NYU Langone Fertility Center, have been accepted for presentation at the 2025 ASRM Scientific Congress. Jamie Grifo, MD, Program Director at NYU Langone Fertility Center and Chief Executive Physician at Inception Fertility, emphasized the research's role in advancing reproductive medicine and improving patient outcomes. The abstracts cover critical topics such as mosaic embryos, genetics, LGBTQ+ family building, oncofertility, and male factor infertility. The congress, a key event for reproductive medicine professionals, will take place from 25 October to 29 October 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
10/23/2025
Gizmodo
New research indicates semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, protects hearts independently of weight loss. A re-analysis of the SELECT trial, published in The Lancet, found no clear link between early weight loss and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Howard Weintraub, MD, preventive cardiologist and clinical director at the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Heart, noted these findings suggest expanding drug indications beyond BMI. The study estimated only one-third of semaglutide's cardiovascular benefits are due to waistline reduction, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects or other mechanisms play a role.
10/24/2025
