Every summer, thousands of people bike, walk, row, golf, or volunteer in The Prouty, raising funds that fuel cancer research and support programs at Dartmouth Cancer Center (DCC). Thanks to the more than $10 million raised this year, new pilot projects are now underway. Here’s a look at the latest work your efforts are making possible.
Could folic acid reduce cancer-causing chemicals?
Sometimes called “forever chemicals,” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made substances that build up in the body over time. They have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer. PFAS chemicals don’t break down easily in the body, and there are currently few safe, effective ways to reduce them. DCC researchers Megan E. Romano, PhD, MPH, and Caitlin G. Howe, PhD, are looking into whether folic acid, a common vitamin supplement, could help lower PFAS levels in the blood.
They will analyze stored blood samples from a past cancer prevention study in which some participants took folic acid for several years. By comparing PFAS levels in those who took folic acid versus those who did not, the team hopes to learn whether the vitamin plays a role in reducing these harmful chemicals. If it does, this non-invasive and inexpensive approach could offer new protection in communities exposed to PFAS.
Removing “forever chemicals” linked to kidney cancer
Romano and Howe are not the only team researching PFAS. Rates of kidney cancer are rising, especially in New Hampshire and Vermont, where PFAS contamination has been found in drinking water. Veterans are at particularly high risk because of military exposures.
Researchers Lucas A. Salas, MD, PhD, and Zbigniew M. Szczepiorkowski, MD, PhD, are testing a procedure called Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE). This procedure removes and replaces the plasma part of blood, where PFAS tends to accumulate. Their project will examine how safe, tolerable, and effective this method is at lowering PFAS levels in people with high exposure. It will also track signs of organ health over time. The long-term goal is to see whether this procedure could become a new way to lower cancer risk in affected communities.
AI to guide safer cancer surgeries
Head and neck cancers often require the removal of the main tumor and nearby lymph nodes where cancer may spread. The number of lymph nodes removed can affect how well the cancer is treated and the patient's outcome. Currently, surgeons lack the information they need to determine how much lymphatic tissue should be surgically removed for optimal patient outcomes.
With their Prouty dollars, David Pastel, MD; Joseph Paydarfar, MD; and Indrani Bhattacharya, PhD, are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) model that uses CT scans to provide this needed information. Early versions of the model show promise, but more data is needed to make it accurate and reliable. The team will train and test the AI system on hundreds of scans from several hospitals. If successful, the model could help surgeons plan operations more precisely and improve patient outcomes.
Light therapy for skin lymphoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare cancer that starts in immune cells and appears on the skin as red, scaly patches. One common treatment is UVB (ultraviolet B radiation) light therapy, which works by activating the immune system in the skin. UVB light therapy works well for some patients but not for others. Understanding why could help more people benefit.
In their Prouty Pilot, Sladjana Skopelja-Gardner, PhD; Joi Carter, MD; Frederick Lansigan, MD; and Robert LeBlanc, MD, are studying a protein called VISTA, which normally slows down the immune response. They believe that patients with lower VISTA levels respond better to UVB therapy. By studying skin biopsies, they will test whether VISTA levels predict who will benefit from treatment. They will also explore whether blocking VISTA can make UVB therapy work even better. This research could lead to more personalized treatments and better outcomes for people living with CTCL.
Thank you, Prouty Community!
Each of these projects started with an idea. Your generosity has allowed Dartmouth Cancer Center researchers to turn these bold ideas into new studies with goals toward earlier detection, better treatments, and even cancer prevention. Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing cancer research and providing hope to patients and their families.