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Cancer and the Older Patient

Cancer and the Older Patient
America is growing older. As reported in the 2000 US Census, 12 percent of the population is 65 or older, a number that is expected to grow to 20 percent by the year 2050. By 2011, the first wave of baby boomers -- those Americans born between 1946 and 1965 -- will turn 65. Thanks to advances in medicine and an increased focus on nutrition and exercise, these individuals are expected to live longer lives than their predecessors. This good news is tempered by the fact that the incidence of cancer rises exponentially as the population ages. Memorial Sloan-Kettering is working at the forefront of the effort to prepare for this new reality.

What's New at MSKCC.ORG


Ludwig Fund Gives $120 Million for Cancer Research

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is one of six leading institutions that will share in a $120 million gift from a foundation created by American billionaire Daniel K. Ludwig. The gift will allow Memorial Sloan-Kettering to accelerate the pace at which the findings of basic scientific studies are moved into translational work with clinical applications.

Survivorship Celebrated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Hundreds of patients and their families filled the Rockefeller Research Laboratories Auditorium for a program marking National Survivorship Day.

Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering


New Approach for Treating Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Identified

Memorial Sloan-Kettering researchers report that flavopiridol -- a natural product-based compound being investigated as a cancer drug -- represents a possible new treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), the most common sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Because these tumors sometimes develop resistance to the current standard treatment, imatinib (Gleevec), novel therapies are needed.

Red Blood Cells Deliver Protein Systemically

Memorial Sloan-Kettering researchers have demonstrated in mice that red blood cell precursors derived from bone marrow stem cells could be engineered to produce a secreted protein at therapeutic levels over a prolonged period. This strategy may theoretically be safer than current stem cell-based gene therapies, in which inserted genes are activated in all stem cell-derived cells, increasing the risk of undesirable mutations.

Patient Story


Pediatric Patient Story - Nate Goldstein

Life as they knew it changed for the Goldstein family the day five-year-old Nate was diagnosed with an advanced sarcoma in his leg. Every doctor they met gave him little chance of surviving, with amputation of his entire leg the only treatment choice. Every doctor, that is, until they met Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Leonard Wexler, who accepted neither the survival statistics nor the necessity of removing Nate's leg.

How to Help


Make a Gift

Today, thanks to the efforts of such institutions as Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, about half of those diagnosed with cancer will have their disease brought under control, and many will be cured. Every successful step we make in cancer research today could very well benefit you -- or someone you love -- tomorrow. Make a gift to support our programs of patient care, research, and education.

Public Programs


65+ Educational Lecture Series

Sponsored by the Post-Treatment Resource Program, this lecture series discusses topics of interest to older adults who have been treated for cancer.

Cancer Information


WWW Gateway -- Cancer-Related Information Resources

To help cancer patients and their families find the best, most reliable cancer-related online resources, Memorial Sloan-Kettering has created its WWW Gateway -- Cancer-Related Resources on Other Web Sites.
Last Updated: Dec. 12, 2006
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