Deborah Myer, M.D., shares milestones, including four transplants and 13 ventricular assist devices, since the OHSU Heart Transplant Program reactivated in August 2019.

Former OHSU patient Bryce Olson is featured in a magazine profile on his journey with metastatic prostate cancer. Brian Druker, M.D., says: “We know that advanced cancer changes quickly. Targeting one genetic abnormality can get a great response, but then it changes and becomes resistant. Other pathways can take over for the original mutation and drive the cancer.”

Mark Slifka, Ph.D., discusses the various COVID-19 vaccines in development.

OHSU and Self Enhancement, Inc. will use saliva testing and wastewater screening to detect early signs of COVID-19 outbreaks in four outer east Portland neighborhoods; Donnal Hansel, M.D., says: “To my knowledge this combination is unique and based on community preference for testing modality, which we worked to accommodate."

Maria Fleseriu, M.D., is the lead investigator for a Phase 3 trial investigating an oral drug to treat the hormonal disorder acromegaly. New trial results indicate the drug is comparable to injections.

In an article that says patients pay thousands for back pain treatment with little scientific evidence that it works, Richard Deyo, M.D., says eight in 10 people with back pain get better on their own.

Matt Hansen, M.D., describes OHSU's capacity challenges after the number of patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization doubles.

NanoString announces a collaboration with OHSU to develop spatial profiling assays for breast cancer. Chris Corless, M.D., Ph.D., says: “The development of novel GeoMx DSP protein assays expands the potential applications of spatial biology with the goal of providing better patient care through advanced molecular testing.”

In a story about the dual threats of a pandemic and winter to mental health, George Keepers, M.D., and Larry Sherman, Ph.D., suggest a series of steps to maintain mental health, including routines, exercise, physical touch within the household, and keeping social connections by phone or video.

Many outlets cover the surge in patients and spiking demand for COVID-19 tests.