OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

03/06/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Brian Druker on being named to the Forbes 250 list of "America's Greatest Innovators!"

Dr. Druker revolutionized the treatment of cancer through research that resulted in the first drug (Gleevec) to target the molecular defect of a cancer while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

His discovery turned a once-fatal cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, into a manageable condition.

03/05/2026

Researchers found that certain nerves, called sympathetic nerves, that play an integral role in the body’s “fight or flight” stress response, can support pancreatic tumor growth:

New research from OHSU points to an unexpected player in cancer research: nerves.

03/04/2026

“Someone should be talking about all the [other] basic health screenings, all the basic wellness things, every single year.”

- Dr. Amanda Bruegl on the benefits of annual OB-GYN visits (via Science News Magazine):

Breast exams, birth control and family planning are just some of the reasons not to skip your annual ob-gyn appointment.

03/03/2026

"A cancer diagnosis can impact not just your whole body, but it can also impact your family and community.

The fact that they've trusted us to take care of them is a real privilege."

- Dr. Divya Sood, a surgical oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with abdominal cancers

02/24/2026

“This plan helps guide our research to implementation priorities, from early detection to new therapies.

When science and community needs move in the same direction, we can make remarkable strides in reducing cancer’s toll.”

- Dr. Brian Druker

Plan developed by OHSU, OHA offers five areas of focus: liver, breast, colorectal and lung cancers, boosting HPV vaccination rates.

02/22/2026

Margot Rocha, mother to physician-in-chief, Dr. Flavio Rocha, traveled from Chicago to Portland to receive treatment at OHSU for meningioma, which are tumors in the central nervous system that are typically benign.

It was the right decision as Dr. Huan Vo uncovered another form of cancer hiding in the shadows, leading her to start a new, personalized treatment immediately.

This is Margot's story:

Margot Rocha survived a meningioma tumor and lung cancer with treatment at the Knight Cancer Institute and the support of her son, Flavio Rocha, M.D., FACS, FSSO.

02/21/2026

New national guidelines dispel any myth that physical activity is too risky for older cancer patients and survivors.

Exercise is essential during treatment, throughout recovery, and beyond, for cancer survivors older than 65, according to leading experts ⤵️

New national guidelines dispel myth that physical activity is too risky for older patients, survivors.

02/20/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Julia Maxson on receiving a Childhood Cancer Grant from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation!

"Our project tackles a hard-to-treat form of pediatric leukemia. This grant will help us explore a new target and whether drugs focused there can slow leukemia."

02/19/2026

Earlier this week, OHSU President Dr. Shereef Elnahal and OHSU Knight Cancer Institute CEO Dr. Brian Druker invited members of the media for a tour of Vista Pavilion.

Scheduled to open on April 7, Vista Pavilion is a new 14-story tower on Marquam Hill that will add 128 new inpatient hospital beds.

The building will be entirely dedicated to the treatment of cancer, freeing up space in OHSU’s existing footprint to expand care for patients in need of other types of complex specialty care.

02/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Amy Moran on receiving The Hollander Foundation's annual Prostate Cancer Research Award! 🏆

"This investment in the Moran Lab will directly support our research efforts to improve immunotherapy treatment outcomes for prostate cancer patients."

- Dr. Amy Moran

02/06/2026

✨ Registration is now open! ✨
Join us on March 10 for the Symposium, in partnership with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute: "The Power of Persistence — Women Transforming Cancer Research and Care."
Co-chaired by Lustgarten's Chief Medical Advisor Elizabeth Jaffee, MD and Lisa M. Coussens, MD, PhD, of OHSU, this inspiring event celebrates the impact of women driving innovation in cancer research and care.
Researchers, trainees, and guests will gather in Portland at OHSU to connect, be inspired, and continue pushing the boundaries of pancreatic cancer research. The Lustgarten community can register to join us online.💜🔬
👉 Register now: www.lustgarten.org/IWD

02/06/2026

: Sandra Youngworth DNP, APRN-BC, ANP, AOCNP, Early Therapeutics/Phase I Clinical Research Nurse practitioner and CHH2 OP HemOnc APP Manager

What is your favorite part about working in your field?

The patients, seeing the improvements in treatment options, and the research that we do.

What led you to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute?

It is a University Medical Center, and we provide services that other practices can’t. University medical centers are renowned for their research, the exceptional quality of their providers, and the high standard of care they provide to patients.

What inspired you to become an APP, specializing in oncology?

I was a leukemia/bone marrow transplant nurse at the UW and knew I wanted to do more, which meant advancing my education. I have never imagined working outside of Oncology, regardless of the degrees I have.

What was your “Dream Job” as a kid?

I wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer.

What do you like to do for fun?

I travel and do photography; each New Year, I create a calendar and give it out as a New Year’s gift.

What is your favorite thing to do/eat/explore in Oregon?

Going to the mountains/beaches and finding new places in the area.

What is the best emoji to describe you? Or one you use often? ⁠

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