Tryptophan has long been known for its role in producing serotonin, which promotes a good night’s sleep. But researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center are exploring a new mechanism for the amino acid, which supports the immune system’s efforts to fight cancer. Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, FRCOG, FACOG, who is Deputy Director, M. Steven Piver Professor and Chair of the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Executive Director of the Center for Immunotherapy at Roswell Park, will present results from novel research on the role of tryptophan in tumor development at the Frontiers in Cancer Immunotherapy symposium, to be held Feb. 27–28 in New York City.

Blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) is a standard therapy used to treat leukemias and other life-threatening blood diseases. A Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center-led team has identified genetic variations in the DNA of both transplant recipients and their unrelated cell donors that were associated with poor patient outcomes.

Patient navigators serve as personal health care guides, maintaining one-on-one relationships with patients and their families. Roswell Park Cancer Institute has expanded its breast cancer navigation program due, in part, to a new contract from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Breast Cancer Patient Navigation Project.