Wilmot Cancer Institute

02/26/2026

A cure is possible for some patients with follicular lymphoma.

While follicular lymphoma has been treatable for decades, it was always considered incurable - the cancer always came back.

But a new study looking at long-term clinical trial data shows that things have gotten better, thanks to additional novel treatments like immunotherapy.

The study, published in JAMA Oncology and led by Wilmot Cancer Institute's Dr. Jonathan Friedberg, reports that 42% of follicular lymphoma patients in the trial who received a combination of chemo and immunotherapy treatment were functionally cured, some going as long as 20 years (and counting) with no evidence of disease and no need for additional treatments.

"The fact that a subset of patients achieved cure is truly remarkable," Dr. Friedberg says.

Link in our bio has the full story 🔗

02/26/2026

Congrats to Dr. Gorbunova and team! 🎉

Big news for aging research at the University of Rochester. 🎉

A team led by Professor Vera Gorbunova has been awarded a $22 million contract from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to launch one of the first comprehensive studies targeting a root biological driver of aging.

Instead of tackling diseases one by one, our researchers will test whether calming a chronic, DNA-triggered immune response can help older adults stay healthier, stronger, and mentally sharper for longer.

Congratulations to Professor Gorbunova and our team from University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Rochester School of Nursing, Wilmot Cancer Institute, and across URochester!

02/25/2026

Dr. Jonathan Friedberg spoke with the Rochester Living podcast about our National Cancer Institute designation. Worth a listen! 🗣️

02/20/2026

After Art Sullivan found out he had a brain tumor, he came for treatment to Wilmot Cancer Institute, where timing became serendipitous.

Not only was Nimish Mohile, MD, his neuro-oncologist, part of an expert panel that wrote the first-ever national guidelines for treating brain cancer, but Art would also benefit from a new targeted therapy called vorasidenib. It had recently been approved by the FDA and was included in the new guidelines the group released last year.

It's the first new treatment for astrocytoma since the 1990s, and it's kept his tumor at bay with fewer side effects than other treatments. He's able to continue spending time with family, working, and running along the Erie Canal (when weather permits, of course).

“I feel super lucky," he said.

02/20/2026

Do you have cancer prevention on your 2026 bingo card? February is Cancer Prevention Month and a great time to start taking small steps to reduce your risk of many types of cancer.

Can you complete a full row or four corners before the end of February? If you do, yell BINGO in the comments below! 🗣️

02/19/2026

Eyes on the future. 👀 As we celebrate 100 years, we're also looking forward to the next century of care in Rochester: research breakthroughs, ever better education, and exceptional care.

02/18/2026

Cancer care is complex but new leaders like Lori Medeiros, MD, want to make the patient experience better.

She is a breast cancer surgeon also serving as Wilmot’s associate medical director, Regional Surgical Services, and director of Cancer Surgery Business Development.

In these roles, she's working to improve many facets of patient care and is excited to offer innovative ideas at an NCI-designated cancer center that has already embraced change.

Read more about her story and other recent leaders who've joined Wilmot: https://urmc.info/2ig

02/17/2026

February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Have you seen, given, or received any random acts of kindness recently?

02/14/2026

From our ❤ to yours: Happy Valentine's Day!

02/13/2026

It's almost Valentine's Day! 💗 Share a little love here for someone who helped you after a cancer diagnosis. ⬇

02/13/2026

Do you know the basics when it comes to colorectal cancer?

Getting screened and knowing your family history is important! These tips will help you be informed ➡️

02/12/2026

Surprise! 🎉 Clayton Berardi's 80th birthday fell on a day he had a check-in with his team at WCI Webster - so his daughter surprised him with special cupcakes at his appointment! This allowed him to celebrate his birthday with his Wilmot team.

Happy birthday, Clayton! 🥳