New Studies Link Toxic Sites to Aggressive Breast Cancer Risks

UPDATE: New research from Sylvester Cancer Center has revealed alarming links between residing near federally designated Superfund sites and a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of breast cancer, including the tough-to-treat triple-negative subtype. These findings emerge as October 2025 marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, underscoring urgent public health concerns.

Women living close to these hazardous waste locations are not just facing increased cancer risks; they are also grappling with the impact of social adversity. This critical research highlights the intersection of environmental factors and health, raising questions about regulatory protections and community health initiatives.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Sylvester researchers will co-lead a multi-institutional clinical trial supported by a hefty $16 million grant from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The PRISM Trial (Pragmatic Randomized Trial of Artificial Intelligence for Screening Mammography) aims to assess whether artificial intelligence can enhance the accuracy of mammogram interpretations, potentially transforming breast cancer screening processes across multiple states including California, Florida, Massachusetts, Washington, and Wisconsin.

In a related study, Sylvester researchers have made significant strides in understanding glioblastoma, a notoriously deadly brain cancer. Their findings suggest that glioblastoma cells that cluster together are less lethal compared to their dispersed counterparts. This insight could shift the paradigms of solid tumor biology, offering new avenues for treatment and research.

As technology advances, patients are increasingly turning to AI for medical advice. However, a recent study led by Justin Taylor, M.D. evaluated responses from ChatGPT regarding blood cancer queries. The results showed that while the chatbot excels at general inquiries, it falters on newer therapies. “Patients should remain skeptical and consult their doctors for specific cancer treatments,” Taylor warns.

Mapping the timeline of DNA damage leading to multiple myeloma, the second most common blood cancer, Sylvester researchers have illuminated pathways that could refine patient classifications and treatment strategies. This study, published in Nature Genetics, is pivotal for tailoring precision medicine.

In another significant development, Sylvester has secured a $2.4 million award from the National Cancer Institute to delve deeper into the role of the protein GAK in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most prevalent form of blood cancer. Under the leadership of Jonathan Schatz, M.D. and Hassan A. Ali, Ph.D., researchers aim to explore potential treatment options targeting this protein.

Additionally, a trial co-led by Sylvester has shown that remote perioperative monitoring (RPM) substantially improves recovery times and reduces complications for patients post-cancer surgery. The study, involving nearly 300 patients, indicates that the crucial first two weeks after surgery benefit greatly from continuous monitoring.

In leadership news, Mikkael Sekeres, M.D., M.S., chief of the Division of Hematology at Sylvester, has been elected to the executive committee of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). Sekeres will begin his four-year term following the ASH Annual Meeting set for December 6-9, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

These developments from Sylvester Cancer Center reveal a multifaceted approach to understanding and combating cancer, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness, research, and innovative treatment strategies. As the landscape of cancer treatment evolves, these studies highlight the critical intersections of environmental factors, technological advancements, and patient care. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop.