January 2025 Tip Sheet of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Key Updates from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center: Recent Developments in Cancer Research, Prevention, and Treatment

From the FDA’s decision to ban Red Dye 3 in food and drugs to discussions on alcohol-related cancer risks and the importance of healthier lifestyle choices, Sylvester experts are at the forefront of addressing modifiable risk factors and improving outcomes. The center’s research spans a wide range of topics, including cancer survivorship, gynecologic cancer disparities, and global lung cancer trends. Additionally, continued philanthropic support plays a crucial role in funding vital cancer research and care.

Here’s a look at the latest developments from Sylvester’s leading researchers and clinicians.

FDA BANS RED DYE 3 IN FOOD AND INGESTED DRUGS

Citing two studies linking Red Dye 3 to cancer in male laboratory rats, the FDA today revoked authorization for the use of the dye in food and ingested drugs. The move came in response to a 2022 color additive petition.

“This is long overdue. Red Dye 3 has been banned for use in cosmetics and topical drugs for more than three decades. Yet it gives more than 9,000 foods in the United States their red coloring. These colorful foods and drinks are particularly appealing to young children. This is an important step forward in addressing modifiable risk factors that have the potential to reduce cancer risk.” – said Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN., director of Lifestyle Medicine and Prevention at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

ALCOHOL AND CANCER RISK/LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

Alcohol and Cancer Risk: Sylvester Physicians Can Discuss Call for Cancer Warning Labels

Tracy Crane is available to address the Surgeon General’s recent report calling for cancer warning labels on alcohol. In her role as director of Lifestyle Medicine at Sylvester and co-lead of its Cancer Control Research Program, she examines the critical roles of nutrition and exercise on cancer prevention, treatment outcomes and long-term quality of life. Read more about her research here. Additional Sylvester experts in breast, liver, pancreatic and other cancers are also available for interviews.

Mocktails, Anyone? Sylvester Experts Suggest Healthier Alternatives to Alcohol

With the Surgeon General’s recommendation that alcoholic beverages contain cancer warning labels due to mounting evidence showing it as a Group 1 carcinogen, Sylvester physicians suggest people consider mocktails – drinks without alcohol. Doing so could reduce their risk of developing seven known cancer types. Several Sylvester Cancer experts are available to comment.

CANCER SURVIVORSHIP

Sylvester Researcher Focuses on Cancer Survivorship and Preventing Recurrence

Princess Kate announced recently that her cancer is in remission and she is now focused on recovery, adjusting to her new normal. What does remission mean for her and other cancer survivors? Frank J. Penedo co-lead of Sylvester’s Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Program, can address the adjustments and steps that cancer patients face while undergoing treatment, moving to the recovery phase or even after treatment has been completed.

LUNG CANCER

Sylvester-Led Study Highlights Global Trends in Risk Factors Linked to Lung Cancer Deaths

Lung and related cancer deaths decreased in the world’s 10 most populous countries over the past 40 years, but a pressing need still exists for public health measures to combat cancer deaths and risk from tobacco use and exposure to air pollution and asbestos, according to a new study from Sylvester Cancer and collaborators. The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, part of The Lancet, analyzed tracheal, bronchial and lung (TBL) cancer data from the Global Burden of Disease database.

GYNECOLOGIC CANCER DISPARITIES

Sylvester GYN Cancer Researcher Serves as Mentor to Aspiring Specialists

Matthew Schlumbrecht never expected to become a gynecologic oncologist. Now, the Sylvester physician-scientist is not only a leader in the field, but also a trainer/mentor to other physicians seeking to enter his cancer specialty. Schlumbrecht studies disparities in gynecologic cancer, especially endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterine lining. Working together with Sophia George and colleagues with the Transatlantic Gynecologic Cancer Research Consortium, he’s focused on the genomics and genetics of this cancer in women of African ancestry.

CANCER RECOGNITION

Distinguished Sylvester Researcher Honored With Endowed Chair

Daniel Isom has been honored with The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research Endowed Chair at Sylvester. His impactful research in molecular and cellular pharmacology has contributed to development of promising cancer-fighting drugs. The Pap Corps, which has been supporting cancer research for more than 70 years, has been an invaluable partner to Sylvester, raising more than $110 million to fuel scientific progress through vital translational research.

CANCER PHILANTHROPY

Sylvester Cancer, Miller School Benefit From Palm Beach Philanthropists’ Gift

Sylvester Cancer and two other critical health areas within the University of Miami – the Miller School of Medicine and the UM School of Nursing and Health Studies – are the beneficiaries of a $2.5 million donation from Vahan and Danielle Gureghian, owners of a home health care services agency. The gift, celebrated at a recent reception hosted by the Gureghians at their Palm Beach home, includes $1 million for the Sylvester Director’s Innovation Fund to further its extraordinary cancer care and research.

Further Reading:

Using ‘Biological Age’ to Predict Early Colorectal Cancer Risk – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sylvester Cancer Oral Presentations at ASH 2024

Alcohol and Cancer Risk: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory 2025

November 2024 Tip Sheet of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center