UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Researchers from #UNCLineberger and the University of Cincinnati developed an art therapy application to help improve quality of life in young adult cancer survivorship patients. UNC Lineberger's Soma Sengupta, MD, PhD, FRCP, FAAN, FANA, will lead a study using a new art therapy application designed for patients ages 18-24 (AYA) brain tumor survivors at UNC Health.

Today is Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day At #UNCLineberger, our Center for Triple Negative Breast Cancer is dedicated to advancing research, improving treatments, and supporting those affected by this aggressive form of breast cancer. Our experts are working to uncover new therapies and better outcomes for patients. #TNBC #bcsm

“I just fell in love with the environment and being able to personally help those kids and families" Carolina Pediatric Attention, Love and Support (CPALS) is a student-run nonprofit that supports our pediatric hematology-oncology patients and their families at the North Carolina Basnight Cancer Hospital.

Michaela Erbstoesser, MBA, BSN, RN, CMSRN, knew early in her career that she wanted to help patients navigate all stages of the cancer journey. In her new role as the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund Manager, she hopes to help patients who are experiencing financial challenges while undergoing treatment.

Part of UNC Project Malawi, the cancer program provides clinical care, pathology training and other services to the African nation. The program is entering the second phase of developing a low-cost cancer diagnosis method.

Alan Spurgin and members of his family traveled to UNC Lineberger last week to present Chad Pecot, MD, with a check to support his lab’s research. The Spurgin family and their friends and community raised $53,000 in memory of Stephanie Spurgin, Alan’s wife, who passed away from metastatic lung cancer. Stephanie lived with the disease for five years. “Her life was extended due to a remarkable targeted drug therapy called Tagrisso and the efforts of an incredible oncology team at the University of North Carolina’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, led by Dr. Chad Pecot,” Alan shared. “The time that was granted to Stephanie was truly a gift to our family.”

UNC Lineberger has opened a two-arm clinical trial to determine the optimal combination treatment for patients with advanced unresectable or metastatic basal-like subtype pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

"I think just giving patients a chance to celebrate their little victories is important. And also, I thought that other patients watching someone celebrate their victory would give them encouragement and carry forward." Eric Bigham, a cancer survivor and volunteer, knew patients on the second floor of the North Carolina Basnight Cancer Hospital needed a way to celebrate all victories in their cancer journey so he built the victory bell.

The PRO-TECT randomized clinical trial was conducted in 52 community oncology practices in 26 states to assess the real-world impact of electronic patient-reported outcomes symptom monitoring on clinical outcomes compared to usual care.

Today marks #WorldCancerDay, a global initiative to raise awareness and drive action against cancer. This year's theme, “United by Unique,” emphasizes placing people at the center of care and highlighting their personal stories. At UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, we stand in solidarity with the global cancer community to raise awareness, inspire action, and work toward a future without cancer.