Research & Investigations

Research Results

New Cervical Cancer Vaccine Results From URMC Researchers’ Work

One of the greatest breakthroughs in the entire history of cancer prevention has its origins in research done by three virologists at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Richard Reichman, M.D., William Bonnez, M.D., and Robert Rose, Ph.D., discovered a method to protect against several strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), including those that cause the most prevalent forms of cervical cancer. This research led Merck & Co. to develop Gardasil®, the first pure anti-cancer vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June, 2006.
More information about the New Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Cox-2 Inhibitors and Cancer

In April 2000, the University of Rochester Medical Center received a pioneering patent for the use of the entire class of drugs known as cox-2 inhibitors. To date they have been used to create medications like Vioxx and Celebrex, developed to ease pain and inflammation in patients with chronic diseases such as arthritis. Our ongoing studies, as well as those of researchers around the world, have also demonstrated that the use of cox-2 inhibitors may allow us to reduce the incidence and death rates for a variety of cancers. More information about the Discovery of the Cox-2 Enzyme

Optimized Brachytherapy For Prostate Cancer

A software-based device called PIPER (Prostate Implant Planning Engine for Radiotherapy) was developed and patented by the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2001. Bracytherapy involves surgically implanting tiny radioactive seeds into the prostate to destroy cancer cells. While physicians have been using computer programs to help them decide how and where to place the seeds, the PIPER system is revolutionary because of its speed and optimization capabilities. More information about PIPER

Shaped Beam Surgery™ For Patients with Metastatic Cancer

In early 2000, the University of Rochester Medical Center / Cancer Center took a historical step forward in curative therapy for patients with metastatic cancer by establishing the world's first Shaped Beam Surgery™ Center. This new center is the first in the world to use shaped beam surgery, also referred to as radiosurgery, to treat the body. Previously, shaped beam surgery had only been possible for the brain. More information about Shaped Beam Surgery