Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1223331
Pharmaceutical Combo Provides New Options for AML Cancer Therapy BY HILLARY EAMES RESE ARCHERS AT RICE UNIVERSIT Y HAVE DISCOVERED WHAT MAY BECOME THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO FIGHT ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA. C OMBINING A NTI- C A NCER DRUG S that affect the cells' mitochondria with a glycoly tic inhibitor has shown to be highly adept at killing leukemia cells while leaving healthy cells intact, according to a recent open access paper published in Cell Death & Disease. In collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, researchers at Rice University found that exposing leukemia cancer cell lines to low doses of mitocans combined with a glycolytic inhibitor killed a significant amount of cancer cells. ADVANCEMENTS IN LEUKEMIA TREATMENT The study showed a significant correlation between the cells' ability to convert oxygen into ATP and their resistance to mitochondria-targeting cancer drugs. By combining them with ATP-producing glycolysis, the cocktail produces a synergistic effect: ATP production is blocked in the mitochondria, and mito- cans are able to attack the cancer cells more effectively. The most successful test results showed that 86% of targeted leukemia cells were killed with the cocktail, suggesting new ways to individualize treatment for leukemia patients. n 059990059_InnovationTech2.indd 1 1/3/20 9:36 AM Healthcare Provider Recruitment in Rural Areas BY HILLARY EAMES IN RUR AL AMERICA, PHYSICIANS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND AND SHORT SUPPLY. HOSPITALS ARE USING A MULTITUDE OF CRE ATIVE ME THODS TO RECRUIT THEM. SINCE 2005, 161 hospitals have been closed in rura l America, according to the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Hea lth Services Research. What's more, a study sponsored by the National Rural Hospital Association estimates 673 facilities are vulnerable to closing. Shortages of physi- cians and other healthcare professionals contribute to closures, leaving populations in rural areas without lifesaving care. As a result, health systems are using several different methods to encourage physi- cians to practice in rural hospitals and medical centers. RECRUITMENT METHODS A hospital in central Idaho focused on recruiting semi-retired physicians willing to work part-time, while a hospital in Lakin, Kansas, helps new physicians house-hunt and manage renovations. The hospital also provides babysitting services to physicians, as there are no nanny services in town. Similarly, a hospital CEO in Clark County, Kansas, focused on niche physicians who may be drawn to rural practice, such as those involved in missionary or community work. In both cases, recruiters focused on the ability to contribute to the community in a significant, meaningful way. n 1 8❱❱❱❱❱ I N N O V A T I O N / T E C H N O L O g Y