An observational cohort study out of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center demonstrates that race and ethnicity affect a woman’s 21-gene recurrence score, a tool used to determine risk of recurrence and distant metastasis in patients with early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Based on the expression of 21 cancer-related genes detected in pre-treatment tumor specimens, recurrence score is used routinely in clinical care to identify patients who might benefit from chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan. Scores range from 0-100, with a score of 26 or higher indicating greater risk of recurrence and poorer overall survival.

Oncologists, epidemiologists and basic, translational and clinical researchers from Roswell Park have been invited to present their own research surrounding cancer management, ongoing clinical trials and more at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Research (ASCO) in Chicago, Illinois, June 2 to 6.

Every year, more than 30,000 people contact the New York State Smokers’ Quitline for help in ending their dependence on commercial tobacco products. That lifeline will remain in place, thanks to the New York State Health Department’s renewal of its contract with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, home of the Quitline since it began 23 years ago. Awarded on a competitive basis, the $20 million contract ensures funding for the program for the next five years.