MedNotes | Spring 2026

Dear Colleagues:

Across every specialty at Brown University Health, clinical practice continues to evolve in response to new evidence, innovative models of care, and the complex needs of our patients. 

This Spring edition of MedNotes offers a snapshot of how Brown Health colleagues are discovering and advancing novel treatments across disciplines. Read about a breakthrough treatment for stubborn low back pain now being studied in a Phase 3 clinical trial. There’s progress being made in neuro-oncology research through two initiatives: a first-in-the-nation clinical trial combining non invasive focused ultrasound with immunotherapy for patients with brain metastases, and a study offering new insight into chemotherapy resistance in glioblastoma. 

Brown Health continues to expand access to high-quality healthcare throughout Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts. Teens with mental health challenges now have access to the Newport region’s first adolescent behavioral health unit, the James P. Nolan, MD and Peggy Nolan Adolescent Behavioral Unit at Newport Hospital. Further north, we’ve opened a new Cancer Institute in Foxborough. 

In this issue, we also recognize care teams across our system whose dedication and quality outcomes have earned awards, including the surgical team at Saint Anne’s Hospital that has achieved accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. 

I’m proud to share these and other updates from across our organization with the broader physician community. Thank you for your contributions to advancing care across specialties in and beyond our region. 

In partnership,

Babar Khokhar, MD, MBA Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Officer, Brown University Health 
President, Brown Health Medical Group 
Professor and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

State’s First Mitral Valve Procedure is Performed at Rhode Island Hospital

A team of specialists with the Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute performed a first in state heart procedure to treat a patient with severe narrowing of the mitral valve, a condition that can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. 

The innovative, minimally invasive treatment known as transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) occurred at Rhode Island Hospital. It included a specialized technique known as LAMPOON, which helps keep blood flowing safely out of the heart during the procedure. TMVR is a specialized procedure available at a limited number of hospitals and a relatively uncommon procedure nationwide.

A Team Approach to TMVR

The patient’s mitral valve was heavily calcified and could not be treated safely with open heart surgery. In this case, TMVR was a viable option, but not without the risk of blocking blood flow out of the heart (called LVOT obstruction). To prevent this, the care team used the LAMPOON technique, an approach developed to gently split part of the valve leaflet so it does not interfere with blood flow during valve replacement. 

The case was led by Marwan S. Saad, MD, PhD, director, Interventional Structural Heart Research, at the Cardiovascular Institute. He was supported by a multidisciplinary team that included: 

• Paul Gordon, MD, interventional cardiologist
• Barry L. Sharaf, MD, interventional cardiologist 
• Kaushik Mandal, MD, MS, MPH, co-director of Minimally Invasive and Valve Surgery 
• Philip G. Haines, MD, director, Structural and Interventional Echocardiography 
• Anum Asif, MD, interventional cardiologist 
• Leslie A. Vargas Galvan, MD, anesthesiologist 
• and the entire Catheterization Lab team. 

“This approach allows us to treat patients who might otherwise have no safe options for valve replacement,” said Dr. Saad. “It reflects the level of collaboration and advanced planning required for this type of highly specialized heart care.”

Expert Care, Convenient Location

The procedure was a success, with the patient recovering remarkably well and discharged home in excellent condition.

With successful outcomes like this one, more patients in and near Rhode Island can receive advanced heart care without leaving the state or their support networks. Brown University Health continues to expand access to innovative heart procedures and new, evidence-based treatment options. 

For more information about the Brown Health Cardiovascular Institute, visit the website.

Morton Hospital Offers Endobariatric Procedures

Patients in the greater Taunton area now have access to a new, incisionless weight loss option. Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA, offers the region’s only program specializing in minimally invasive endobariatric procedures, designed to help patients achieve meaningful, long lasting weight loss without incisions or hospital stays. 

David Leenen, MD, a member of the Brown Health Medical Group surgical team at Morton Hospital, is currently the only surgeon in the southeastern Massachusetts region to perform ESG (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty) and TORe (transoral outlet reduction) procedures. Dr. Leenen is a board certified minimally invasive surgeon who specializes in laparoscopic and endoscopic treatment of disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

ESG and TORe offer patients a non surgical pathway to meaningful, sustained weight loss by reshaping the stomach from the inside using advanced endoscopic techniques which reduce stomach volume and support weight loss in patients with obesity and related metabolic conditions. 

Morton Hospital is a Surgical Quality Partner of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and is accredited as a low acuity center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), certified by the ACS and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. MBSAQIP accreditation reflects adherence to rigorous national standards for safety, quality, and outcomes in bariatric care. 

For more information about endobariatric procedures at Morton Hospital, including patient eligibility criteria, see the website. To make a referral, call 508-301-2434.

Two Brown University Health Hospital Units Recognized for Excellence

Two units in Brown University Health hospitals have been recognized for excellence by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). 

Rhode Island Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) has earned its second consecutive Silver Beacon Award for Excellence. This national designation recognizes sustained achievement in patient outcomes, exceptional nursing care, and a healthy work environment. This was the CCU’s second submission—and its second Silver designation. 

Hasbro Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) received a Silver Beacon Award for Excellence for 2025, its second consecutive recognition since AACN transitioned to an annual application cycle in 2024, the same year the PICU received the bronze distinction. Previously, when the recognition was a three-year designation, the PICU earned a silver designation three times. 

The Beacon Award for Excellence honors units that demonstrate improvement in patient outcomes and align their practices with AACN’s Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units earn gold, silver, or bronze designations based on meeting specific criteria related to unit leadership, staffing and effectiveness, communication, and patient care practices. 

Read about Rhode Island hospital’s Beacon award in this press releases and read about Hasbro Children’s Beacon award in this press release.

Brown Health Reaches Major EHR Milestone

All Brown Physicians, Inc. (BPI) practices are now live on LifeChart, marking a major milestone in operational integration following the merger last fall with Brown Health Medical Group. 

More than 769,000 patients across Brown University Health are now covered by a single electronic health record, enabling coordinated, seamless care across specialties. Providers can more easily share test results, manage referrals, and collaborate on care, while patients benefit from a simpler, more cohesive experience through MyChart, with all records in one place. 

In addition, content from the legacy BPI websites has been migrated and integrated into BrownHealthMedicalGroup.org, creating a more consistent virtual experience for patients seeking information, and further reflecting the strength and scope of the expanded multispecialty network.

The Miriam Hospital Celebrates 100 Years of Healing, Health, and Hope

The Miriam Hospital is celebrating its centennial throughout the year. 

Recently, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien joined hospital employees and leadership to mark The Miriam’s 100th birthday. Each mayor presented a proclamation honoring The Miriam’s legacy of service. Another proclamation was shared from Governor Daniel J. McKee, expressing the state’s gratitude for the caregivers, staff, volunteers, and supporters who have shaped The Miriam’s mission for a century. 

Said Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, president of The Miriam Hospital and chief quality executive for Brown University Health: “From our early beginnings as a community hospital to an award winning, internationally renowned hospital, we recognize and thank those who came before us, those with us now, and the next generation of healthcare professionals who will lead The Miriam into its next century.” 

To follow the history of The Miriam from its grassroots beginnings to its current $125 million modernization project that will define the next century of patient centered care, see its centennial website.

The Studio: Advancing Medicine Through Visual Storytelling

François Luks, MD, PhD, has long relied on drawing to accomplish what words alone often cannot: explain medicine clearly. A pediatric surgeon, educator, and self taught artist, Luks believes visual communication is central to good care. That belief is now the foundation of The Studio, a new service supporting clinical care, research, and education through medically accurate illustration. 

The Studio grew out of more than a decade of Luks’ work teaching medical illustration at Brown University as demand increased for professional visuals that clarify complex medical ideas. As pediatric surgeon in chief and division chief of pediatric surgery at Hasbro Children’s, Luks has brought visual communication far beyond the proverbial “drawing on a napkin,” transforming sketches into precise tools for understanding. 

Recently launched in collaboration with Mahesh Jayaraman, MD, chief of diagnostic imaging at Brown University Health, The Studio is housed within Radiology at Rhode Island Hospital and supported by start up funding from Brown Health’s Office of Research Administration. Its mission reflects a renewed recognition that high quality visuals are essential to quality healthcare — a tradition dating back to pioneers like Leonardo da Vinci and Andreas Vesalius. 

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” said Luks. “Sometimes it’s much easier to have something tangible to explain what’s happening, whether it’s for a patient, a journal article, or a research grant.” 

The Studio brings together three certified medical illustrators and an imaging clinical specialist with expertise in surgical and gross anatomy, molecular and cellular illustration, 3D animation, and industrial design. Together, they provide customized illustration services to clinicians, researchers, educators, and health system teams. Requests are submitted through a simple online intake form and are typically routed quickly, allowing projects to move efficiently without sacrificing accuracy. 

For Luks, illustration has always been integral to medicine. “When I was learning to operate, I would sketch what I’d learned from different surgeons,” he said. “Over time, others began asking me to illustrate their work.” 

While artificial intelligence tools are increasingly common, Luks emphasized the importance of professional expertise. “You can get a beautiful image from AI that’s completely wrong,” he said. “Scientific accuracy is what matters.” 

Looking ahead, Luks hopes The Studio will become a nationally recognized resource supporting internal teams, attracting external collaborators, and offering training opportunities for future medical illustrators. 

Learn more or request an illustration here: www.StudioRI.org.

Saint Anne’s Hospital Named Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery

Saint Anne’s Hospital has achieved accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery. This accreditation affirms Saint Anne’s dedication to delivering the highest standards of excellence in robotic surgery and patient safety, meeting nationally and internationally recognized standards. 

Healthcare facilities and surgeons seeking SRC accreditation undergo a rigorous evaluation and inspection process to confirm they meet SRC’s high standards for quality and patient safety. The review assesses surgical volumes, facility resources, clinical pathways, and standardized operating procedures, with a strong emphasis on patient education and continuous quality improvement. 

“Receiving SRC accreditation reflects the care, skill, and dedication our entire surgical team brings to every patient we serve,” said Ashish Misri, MD, chief medical officer at Saint Anne’s Hospital. “Our talented and compassionate team is deeply committed to safety and excellence, delivering the highest quality care to the patients in our community.” 

SRC accreditation serves as an independent validation of a facility’s commitment to the highest standards of surgical quality and patient safety. It ensures adherence to standardized best practices, consistent surgical outcomes, and a continuous focus on quality improvement, all of which help enhance patient confidence and trust in their care. 

For a complete list of awards and recognitions Saint Anne’s Hospital has earned, see the hospital’s webpage.

Newport Hospital Opens Region’s First Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit

With the recent opening of The James P. Nolan, MD, and Peggy Nolan Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit at Newport Hospital, a critical gap in the region’s acute behavioral health services for youth has been filled. 

The eight-bed inpatient unit was developed in partnership with Bradley Hospital following more than two years of comprehensive planning and coordinated fundraising that raised more than $5 million. 

The new unit provides short term stabilization, assessment, and treatment for adolescents ages 12 to 18 experiencing significant mental health challenges. 

“This unit represents hope for families in our community,” said Tenny Thomas, MD, president and chief medical officer, Newport Hospital. “We know the mental health crisis for this age group is real and urgent. With this dedicated space, we will be able to offer specialized care close to home, ensuring that young people receive the support they need during their most vulnerable moments.” 

The unit includes modern group therapy spaces, activity rooms, and an enclosed outdoor area, and is expected to serve more than 240 adolescents and their families annually. 

Major contributors to the project include the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust, The Champlin Foundation, and Bellevue Asset Management and the Schorsch and Weil families, among others. The unit is named in honor of retired doctor James Nolan and his wife, Peggy, who designated $1 million toward its construction as part of a larger gift to Newport Hospital.

Saint Anne’s Hospital, Somerset EMS Partnership Improves Sepsis Outcomes

Saint Anne’s Hospital and the Somerset Fire Department have launched Bristol County’s first program aimed at improving outcomes for patients experiencing sepsis — a life-threatening medical emergency in which early intervention is critical. Under this new program, emergency medical personnel can now begin administering IV antibiotics in the field, allowing time sensitive treatment to begin minutes before patients arrive at the hospital. This is the first initiative of its kind in Bristol County. 

The program is informed by emerging evidence supporting prehospital sepsis care. A recently published study on protocol fidelity for prehospital antibiotic administration found a 15 percent reduction in mortality among septic patients who received antibiotics at first EMS contact. Under the new protocol, Somerset EMS clinicians screen for sepsis on arrival, and if the patient meets clinical criteria, they initiate immediate intervention. 

Saint Anne’s emergency services leaders Ian Dennen, MSN, RN, and Andrew Old, MD, led comprehensive training for Somerset paramedics that included: 

• Operation of new high precision medication infusion pumps 
• Use of advanced lactate monitoring meters 
• Implementation of enhanced protocols for prehospital antibiotic administration 

For an abstract of the study, refer to Academic Emergency Medicine, “Evaluation of Protocol Fidelity for Prehospital Antibiotic Administration.

Bradley Hospital Expands Access to Trusted Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Resources in Newly Redesigned Website

Bradley launched its newly redesigned website, www.bradleyhospital.org, marking a significant step in our ongoing efforts to advance mental health care for children and adolescents. As behavioral health needs among young people continue to rise nationwide, the site offers clinicians, educators, and community partners streamlined access to Bradley’s specialized services, clinical expertise, and evidence‑based programs. To learn more, read the press release and check out the site!

New Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Liver Disease Established

Brown University Health has launched the Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Liver Disease, a new specialty program designed to streamline and strengthen care for patients with complex gastrointestinal and liver conditions.

Located at 950 Warren Avenue, Suite 302, in East Providence, the center provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a full range of inflammatory bowel and liver diseases. Its physicians specialize in gastroenterology and hepatology and work alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes nutritionists, social workers, and other experts to support the full spectrum of patient needs. 

For more information about the new center, its staff and services, visit the website. 

Expanded Cancer Care Arrives in Foxborough

Brown University Health has expanded its cancer care footprint into southeastern Massachusetts with the opening of its new Cancer Institute in Foxborough. Located at 70 Walnut Street near the I 95 interchange, the center brings high quality medical and radiation oncology services directly into the community, making expert cancer care more accessible for patients in the Foxborough region and nearby. 

Medical oncology is led by Jonathan B. Croopnick, MD, who specializes in benign and malignant hematology and the treatment of most solid tumors. Jonathan M. Glanzman, MD, leads the institute’s radiation oncology services, which offers customized radiation therapy plans as part of a multidisciplinary cancer team.

The Brown University Health Cancer Institute is certified as a quality oncology practice by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The new Foxborough location offers coordinated treatment delivered by specialists in hematology, solid tumor oncology, and radiation therapy, supported by an onsite infusion center and advanced technology including a state of the art linear accelerator. Additional services such as imaging, CT, ultrasound, bone density testing, 3D mammography, and walk-in lab care provide patients with comprehensive support in one convenient location. 

More information about the Brown University Health Cancer Institute is available on the website.

Brown University Health Expands Urgent Care to Barrington

Brown University Health has expanded its urgent care network with a new Urgent Care and Walk In Clinic in Barrington, offering convenient, same day care for children and adults across the East Bay. Located at 236 County Road, the clinic provides treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, along with x rays, vaccinations, COVID testing, and more; no appointment needed. Open seven days a week with extended hours, the new location gives residents timely access to Brown Health providers. 

Comprehensive Gastroenterology Services Relocate within East Providence

Brown University Health has expanded its gastroenterology services at 58 Amaral Street, East Providence. 

The expertise of 11 Brown Health clinicians and providers is brought together at one new convenient location on the East Bay, which is next door to the Brown University Health Endoscopy Center. 

Patients can receive a full range of medical treatments for digestive diseases, including conditions of the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, gallbladder, pancreas and colon. 

See a complete list of doctors practicing at this location on our website.

Brown Health Medical Group Brings Orthopedics to Norwood

Residents of Norwood, MA and the nearby communities now have greater access to advanced joint replacement with robot-assisted MAKOplasty technology, along with comprehensive orthopedic care. Brown Health Medical Group has expanded its Norwood team with orthopedic surgeon Mark Messineo, MD, and physician assistant Alicia M. McKersie, MS, PA C, joining longtime local orthopedic surgeon Susan Chabot, MD.

The practice also offers coordinated care within Brown Health Medical Group, connecting patients seamlessly to imaging, surgery, and specialty services across the Brown University Health system.

Dr. Messineo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced training in hip and knee total joint replacement, including robot-assisted MAKOplasty procedures. His background includes Harvard Medical School along with residency and fellowship training through Tufts and New England Baptist Hospital.

McKersie is a board-certified physician assistant with expertise in outpatient orthopedic care, surgical assistance, and perioperative support. She has special interests in pediatric orthopedics, fracture care, and sports medicine, particularly equestrian related injuries, and is MAKOplasty certified in robot assisted knee and hip procedures. 

Dr. Chabot, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, treats musculoskeletal disorders and injuries with both operative and non-operative interventions.

For more information about Brown Health Medical Group Orthopedics – Norwood, located at 1345 Boston Providence Turnpike, Norwood, call 781-769-4660.

Neurology Infusion Center Transitions to Rhode Island Hospital 

Brown Physicians, Inc., including Brown Neurology, has joined Brown Health Medical Group, part of Brown University Health. With this transition, the Neurology Infusion Center is now a program of Rhode Island Hospital. 

Located in the APC Building, the Infusion Center offers improved coordination and convenience for patients. All infusion-related information is now available in one place through the Brown University Health MyChart patient portal, making it easier for patients to view appointment details, communicate with their care team, and stay informed about their care.

Thomas Ng, MD, Returns to Brown Health as Thoracic Surgery Chief

After leading the Division of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine for five years, Thomas Ng, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, has returned to Brown University Health to assume the position of Chief of Thoracic Surgery, Brown University Health Cancer Institute. 

For nearly two decades, his work at Brown University Health spanned critical care, trauma surgery, and oncology. He served as a staff surgeon in the SICU and trauma divisions, an associate surgeon member at the Radiosurgery Center of Rhode Island, and co director of the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Clinic at the Rhode Island Hospital Cancer Center. 

While serving at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Ng helped build an interdisciplinary cancer program with a focus on developing a specialization in robotic thoracic surgery, held the Eastridge Cole Endowed Chair of Thoracic Surgery, and served as a professor of surgery in the College of Medicine. 

To learn more about Dr. Ng’s experience and education, see his profile.

Chief Medical Officer Named at Saint Anne's Hospital

Brown University Health has named Ashish Misri, MD, as the new Chief Medical Officer at Saint Anne’s Hospital. A respected clinician and leader, Dr. Misri oversees quality, safety, and clinical operations while continuing his work in hospital medicine at Rhode Island Hospital, strengthening alignment across the Brown Health system. In this role, he helps guide strategic clinical initiatives, support ongoing performance improvement efforts, and advance systemwide collaboration to enhance patient outcomes. Read the full announcement in this press release.

J. Dawn Abbott, MD named SCAI president for 2026–27

Jinnette Dawn Abbott, MD, MSCAI, director of interventional cardiology and cardiac catheterization laboratories at Brown University Health Cardiovascular Institute, has been named president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) for 2026–27. 

Dr. Abbott’s expertise in cardiac catheterization and coronary and endovascular intervention is recognized nationally. She has helped shape SCAI’s education and workforce strategy, including co-leading the Interventional Cardiology Match and strengthening fellowship engagement. 

“Training is the foundation of everything we do in interventional cardiology, and we have an opportunity right now to strengthen that foundation for the next generation,” said Dr. Abbott. 

As president, she will focus on strengthening training and education, engaging program directors, and advancing efforts to better understand and sustain the workforce.

Akelman and Barrett Receive Top Physician Honors

The Rhode Island Hospital Medical Staff Association has named Edward Akelman, MD, chief of orthopedics at Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital, the 2025 Milton W. Hamolsky, MD Outstanding Physician of the Year. 

A nationally and internationally respected leader in hand surgery and orthopedic education, Dr. Akelman exemplifies the award’s criteria through his clinical expertise, academic leadership, and long-standing contributions to orthopedic training and research. The Hamolsky Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Rhode Island Hospital medical staff, is named for the hospital’s first full-time physician-in-chief of medicine, who played a foundational role in the development of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. The award recognizes physicians who demonstrate exceptional skill, leadership, and professionalism. 

The Miriam Hospital has also honored excellence in clinical care, recognizing Thomas Barrett, MD, orthopedic surgeon, as its 2025 Provider of the Year. Dr. Barrett was selected for his unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, ensuring each patient receives the time, attention, and clarity they need. He was also recognized for his responsiveness to staff and his collaborative approach to care coordination—helping ensure that every patient and clinical team member remains informed and aligned.

New Spine Center Co-Director: Bassel George Diebo, MD

Brown University Health has appointed renowned spine and scoliosis surgeon Bassel George Diebo, MD, as co-director of The Miriam Hospital’s Spine Center—bringing nationally recognized expertise that will help elevate the program’s innovation, clinical excellence, and growing regional reputation. Dr. Diebo’s leadership in complex spine care and his prolific research portfolio position the center to advance multidisciplinary treatment and strengthen its standing as a destination for high-quality, evidence-based spine surgery across New England. Read more in this press release.

Hasbro Children’s Leader Helps Shape Vision for Pediatric Research

A new congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) calls for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to adopt a unified, agency wide strategy that elevates research and funding for pediatric health. 

The report highlights rising rates of chronic disease and worsening mental, emotional, and behavioral health among US children, noting that American children experience poorer health outcomes than their peers in other developed nations. It calls for system level changes within NIH to strengthen research that supports healthier outcomes from childhood through adulthood. 

Phyllis Dennery, MD, pediatrician in chief and medical director of Hasbro Children’s, co-chaired the committee that produced the report. “NIH is uniquely positioned to lead the efforts in advancing children’s health,” she said. “They can lead us into a brighter future for America’s children.” 

Dr. Dennery presented the report, Strategies to Enhance NIH-Funded Pediatric Research: Optimizing Child Health, during a winter NASEM webinar. For access to the full pre published report, visit the National Academies website.

Brown Health Drives Groundbreaking Brain Cancer Research

Through two major research initiatives, Brown University Health is advancing its position as a national leader in brain cancer research. Led by Clark C. Chen, MD, PhD, an internationally recognized neurosurgeon at the Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute at Rhode Island Hospital and director of the Brain Tumor Program, this work is pushing the boundaries of how brain metastases and glioblastoma are treated, two of the most difficult cancers in neuro-oncology.

Pioneering a First-in-the-US Clinical Trial

Rhode Island Hospital recently launched Limitless, the nation’s first clinical trial combining non invasive focused ultrasound with immunotherapy for patients with brain metastases. The approach uses sound waves to temporarily open the blood–brain barrier, enabling immunotherapy drugs to reach tumors more directly. Dr. Chen, who leads the study, notes the potential impact: “For patients with brain metastases, this approach could redefine how we treat tumors in the brain. Our laboratory research suggests this technique has the potential to significantly improve outcomes.” 

The trial explores a targeted, lower risk alternative to surgery or radiation and reflects Brown Health’s ability to bring novel, highly technical research directly to patients.

Breaking New Ground in Glioblastoma Treatment Resistance 

Dr. Chen also served as senior author of a second major study published in Cell Reports, which sheds new light on why glioblastoma often resists chemotherapy. His team discovered that a molecule called miR 181d acts as a “master switch,” controlling how much of the DNA repair protein MGMT each tumor cell produces, an important factor in whether a cell survives treatment. 

“Rather than focusing on the average response,” Dr. Chen said, “we focused on the differences between individual cells within the same tumor, and what we found could change how we treat glioblastoma.” 

Restoring miR 181d levels made tumor cells respond more uniformly to chemotherapy, opening the door to a potential new gene therapy strategy.

Advancing Science in Rhode Island 

Together, these studies highlight the expanding neuro oncology research led by Dr. Chen and colleagues at Brown University Health. 

Read more about the first US clinical trial combining focused ultrasound and immunotherapy in this press release.

Read more about Brown University Health researchers uncovering a key to improving glioblastoma treatment in this press release.

The Miriam Treats First Patients Worldwide in Prostate Cancer Trials

Brown University Health has reached a landmark in prostate cancer research, with The Miriam Hospital treating the first patients in the world to be enrolled in two early phase clinical trials for prostate cancer. 

Led by Benedito Carneiro, MD, director of clinical research, through Brown University Health’s Early Phase Clinical Trial Program, the trials are designed to precisely target prostate cancer cells while minimizing effects on healthy tissue.

One study is testing a cutting edge immunotherapy that helps the immune system identify and attack prostate cancer. The second uses a targeted drug delivery approach that delivers cancer killing medication directly to tumor cells with the goal of reducing side effects. Both are sponsored by AstraZeneca. 

In addition to these first-in-the-world studies, The Miriam’s multidisciplinary prostate cancer team continues to participate in multiple clinical trials for newly diagnosed and advanced diseases, supported by ongoing research at the Legorreta Cancer Center. 

For more information about this study and to learn how to participate, read this press release.

A New Shot at Beating Back Pain

A potential breakthrough for stubborn low back pain is happening right here in Rhode Island. Brown University Health’s Norman Prince Spine Institute at Newport Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital is the only location in New England enrolling patients in a Phase 3 clinical trial testing a stem cell–based injection for chronic low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. 

Led locally by Alexios G. Carayannopoulos, DO, MPH, DABPMR, FASOMR, FFSMB, chief of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Rhode Island and Newport hospitals, the study is evaluating whether a single injection of rexlemestrocel‑L combined with hyaluronic acid and delivered directly into the damaged disc can reduce pain, improve function, and decrease reliance on pain medications. Participation is free, and all diagnostic testing and travel reimbursement are covered.

For more information about this study and to learn how to participate, read this press release.