Summer 2009

Features

Solving the Mystery of Cancer

The Washington University Genome Center, started in 1993, has always been a leader in innovative genome sequencing, from primitive bacteria to the complex human blueprint. The center helped lead the way in the Human Genome Project and currently is a principal participant in both the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project and the 1000 Genomes Project. Yet the greatest recognition came in late 2008 when the center became the first to sequence and decode the complete DNA of a human cancer genome, tracing acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) back to its genetic roots.

Opening the Time Window Wider for Better Stroke Treatment

When it comes to stroke, where you go for treatment can make the difference between going home afterward with good function or being sent to a nursing home with severe disability. Research and treatment protocols for stroke being developed at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University are giving patients better outcomes and more options than ever for a healthier, more fully functioning quality of life.

It’s Full Speed Ahead in Heart Attack Care

If you’re having a heart attack, there’s no time to waste. Timing is especially critical for patients with a certain type of heart attack called ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions, or STEMIs. These attacks are more immediately life-threatening. The best way to treat STEMI patients is to reopen the clogged artery as quickly as possible using a balloon angioplasty or related procedure in the catheterization lab, now called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

News

• Two Immune Cells linked to IBD and Crohn’s disease

• Milestones for Lung and Kidney Transplant

• Removing Tumors through Nose Offers Quicker Recovery

• Siteman Debuts Radiation Therapy in West County

• Rabbit-derived drug prevents kidney transplant rejection

Also In this Issue

• Breakthroughs: A look at three of the latest technological advances being used at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, including Targeted Cancer Radiation, Dolphin Pads, Ventricular Assist Devices.

• Side by Side - A Classical Recovery: After a his semi-truck overturned on black ice in December 2007, classically trained violinist Ken Wollberg had his left triceps muscle detached and bone scraped away. He didn’t know if he could ever play again.