An interview by: Lennard Goetze, Ed.D /Editor of Balance & Longevity Magazine
Source: MIT News
Dr. Robert Langer is a pioneering figure in the fields of chemical engineering and biotechnology. His groundbreaking work has paved the way for major advancements in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Despite facing skepticism early in his career, his perseverance has led to innovations that have transformed medical treatments worldwide.
A BOLD BEGINNING IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH In 1974, fresh out of his chemical engineering degree, Dr. Langer
made an unconventional decision that set the course of his illustrious career.
Instead of joining an oil company like most of his peers, he chose to work in a
hospital under the mentorship of Dr. Judah Folkman. Their goal was ambitious:
to isolate the first blood vessel inhibitors, which could revolutionize cancer
treatment.
This endeavor required the development of a novel bioassay to
study these inhibitors, necessitating the creation of nanoparticles or
microparticles capable of delivering large molecules. At the time, many
believed such an approach was impossible. Undeterred, Dr. Langer persevered
through hundreds of failed attempts before finally succeeding. Even after
proving feasibility, he encountered significant skepticism, with his first nine
research grant applications being rejected and facing challenges in securing a
faculty position in chemical engineering.
TRANSFORMATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO MEDICINE Despite these early hurdles, Dr. Langer’s innovations led to major
medical breakthroughs. His work on blood vessel inhibitors helped to lay the
foundation for widely used cancer drugs such as Avastin, Eylea, and Lucentis.
These drugs have since become crucial in treating various cancers and eye
diseases, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
His pioneering efforts in drug delivery also had far-reaching
impacts beyond oncology. The techniques developed in his lab helped to facilitate
new treatments for schizophrenia, heart disease, and even the development of
mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, alongside Jay Vacanti, he explored
using materials and cells to create new tissues and organs, a field now known
as tissue engineering or regenerative medicine.
A
COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION, TRANSLATION, AND MENTORSHIP
Dr. Langer’s career has been driven by three core objectives:
1. Developing
groundbreaking ideas with the potential to revolutionize medical treatments.
2. Translating these
discoveries into practical applications by founding companies and facilitating
commercialization.
3. Training and
mentoring the next generation of scientific leaders. Over a thousand
individuals have trained in his lab, many of whom have gone on to become
professors, start companies, and contribute to significant scientific
advancements.
DRIVING THE FUTURE OF CANCER DETECTION AND COLLABORATION A strong advocate for early cancer detection, Dr. Langer
highlights the importance of biomarkers and cutting-edge technologies such as
genomics, proteomics, and advanced imaging techniques. Companies like GRAIL,
Seer and PrognomiQ are at the forefront of these innovations, with several
promising approaches currently undergoing clinical trials.
Collaboration remains a cornerstone of his work. His lab engages
in partnerships with leading institutions such as Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins, as well as researchers in Spain, Israel,
and Japan. Many of his former students and colleagues continue to contribute to
scientific advancements worldwide.
PERSEVERANCE IN THE FACE OF SKEPTICISM Dr. Langer’s career is a testament to the power of persistence. He
often shares a message of resilience in his speeches: dream big and never give
up, even in the face of criticism. He emulates his problem-solving approach to
that of Thomas Edison—experimenting with different designs, materials, and
methods until success is achieved.
One notable example of this perseverance is his work on artificial
skin. Alongside dermatologist Rox Anderson, Dr. Langer developed a
polymer-based coating initially designed for cosmetic applications, such as
wrinkle reduction. This technology, however, has potential broader applications
in dermatology and wound healing.
THE ROLE OF SCIENCE IN MEDICINE AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Dr. Langer emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific
validation, particularly in medicine. He advocates for regulatory oversight by
organizations like the FDA to ensure medical treatments are both effective and
safe. While scientific publishing plays a critical role in advancing knowledge,
he underscores the necessity of FDA approval before medical applications reach
patients, warning against false advertising that could mislead vulnerable
individuals.
9/22/24- (L) Dr. Robert Langer was the keynote speaker at the SCIENCE ABROAD medical conference in NYC from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).| (M) Dr. Langer shared his work on “Second Skin” or artificial skin under a discussion on wound healing with Dr. Robert Bard. “There are two kinds of artificial skin that I've been involved in… one I call CELL-BASED which they now use for treating burn victims - where you take certain types of cells and put them on a scaffold. I also worked with Dr. Rox Anderson and others on (R) coating based on polymers… its original goal was to be able to put it on skin and remove wrinkles- we got pretty good results with it.”
THE
LEGACY OF A SCIENTIFIC TRAILBLAZER Dr.
Robert Langer’s impact on biotechnology and medicine is immeasurable. His work
has saved countless lives, improved the quality of healthcare, and inspired
generations of scientists. As research continues to evolve, his contributions
serve as a foundation for future breakthroughs, ensuring that innovation in
medical science remains vibrant and transformative.
DermalScan News and the AngioInstitute is proud to present
Dr. Babar K. Rao. With over twenty years of dermatology experience, Dr. Babar
K. Rao is considered a pioneer in the industry. Board certified in both
Dermatology and Dermatopathology and a leading authority on pigmented lesions,
Dr. Rao is a pioneer in Dermoscopy and Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM).
He brings his vast and diversified experience to every patient he sees, with
established offices in California, New Jersey, and New York. Dr Rao has been
published hundreds of times and is always working with Medical Students on new
studies. In addition, he supports numerous philanthropic causes in the United
States and abroad. Dr. Rao founded the NIDISKIN medical educational symposium
series, delivering the most innovative and effective educational content for
Dermatologists and Pathologists in both live and virtual curated environments.
Dr. Rao is considered an international authority and provides each of his
patients a high caliber of care, from coast to coast.
FOUNDATION YEARS My journey in medicine began in Pakistan,
where I pursued medical school and specialized in dermatology. Seeking further
knowledge, I moved to London for additional studies before eventually settling
in the United States. Over the years, I trained at several esteemed
institutions, including UT Southwestern in Dallas, Boston University, NYU, and
ultimately graduated from Cornell in New York City.
Initially, I aspired to be in academia, a path that led me
to become the Program Director for the dermatology training program at Rutgers
in New Jersey. I later served as the Chair of Dermatology for over 22 years.
However, my ambition extended beyond academic leadership—I wanted to expand my
clinical practice and bring innovative solutions to dermatology. This drive led
me to establish practices in New York, New Jersey, and California, where I
primarily focus on skin cancer and complex medical dermatology.
Throughout my career, I have prioritized the advancement of
non-invasive diagnostic techniques in dermatology. Traditionally, diagnosing
skin conditions required a biopsy, which involved removing tissue and sending
it for pathological examination—a process unchanged for over two centuries. I
firmly believe that technology should progress beyond such invasive methods.
This belief has shaped my focus on non-invasive diagnostics, allowing for
precise diagnosis and management without the need for cutting.
PIONEERING INNOVATIONS IN DERMATOLOGY Early in my career,
I recognized the need for better diagnostic tools. The first major advancement
in this area was dermoscopy, which enhances the visualization of skin lesions
using magnification and polarized light. While this significantly improved upon
the limitations of the naked eye, it still had its constraints. The next
breakthrough came with confocal microscopy, which allows for high-resolution
imaging of the skin at a cellular level, providing diagnostic insights
comparable to histology without requiring a biopsy.
EXPERTISE IN PIGMENTED LESIONS My expertise in pigmented
lesions—moles, birthmarks, and other skin growths—stems from my fellowship at
NYU, where I trained under Dr. Alfred Kopf, a renowned expert in melanoma and
pigmented lesions. Traditionally, dermatologists diagnose these conditions
through dermoscopy or biopsy, but I was determined to explore alternative
methods. Given that nearly 99% of excised moles are benign, I sought out
technologies that could provide more accurate assessments before resorting to
surgical removal. Around the time I was completing my training at Cornell,
confocal microscopy was emerging as a promising tool. Recognizing its
potential, I immersed myself in its study and implementation, ultimately
integrating it into my practice over 16 years ago.
EXPANDING THE FIELD OF STUDY Dermatopathology, a
specialized field that combines dermatology and pathology, requires additional
years of fellowship training and board certification. Not all dermatologists
pursue this path, but I saw it as an essential extension of my expertise. My
passion for non-invasive diagnostics led me to recognize a gap in formal
training for confocal microscopy in North America. To bridge this gap, I
learned from leading experts, including Dr. Giovanni Pellacani in Italy, and
later established a dedicated training program. Today, this initiative has
trained numerous dermatologists across the United States, advancing the field
of non-invasive dermatological diagnostics.
COLLABORATION AND ADVANCEMENTS Collaboration has been a
cornerstone of my career. I have worked closely with esteemed colleagues such
as Dr. Pellacani in Europe and Dr. Manu Jain at Memorial Sloan Kettering in the
U.S. Together, we have conducted training courses and mentored professionals
who now practice these techniques nationwide. Additionally, I have collaborated
with Dr. Robert Bard, a cancer radiologist and a pioneer in high-resolution
ultrasound imaging, to explore its applications in dermatology. My ultimate
goal is to develop a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to skin cancer
diagnosis and treatment—what I call "cutting-edge without cutting."
COMMITMENT TO BURN CARE Beyond my clinical practice, I
have been deeply involved in global burn care, particularly in underserved
regions. Recognizing the high mortality rate associated with burn injuries in
developing countries, I helped establish a burn hospital in Pakistan in 2012,
providing free treatment to those in need. This initiative has generated
valuable research on scar management using laser therapy and other non-surgical
interventions. My goal is to explore innovative methods for wound healing and
scar reduction without relying solely on plastic surgery.
A LEGACY OF TEACHING AND MENTORSHIP My dedication to
education extends beyond my clinical work. When I began my journey in
dermatology, there were very few trained dermatologists in Pakistan—only two or
three for a population of 170 million. Recognizing this disparity, I sought
advanced training in England and later became a skin pathologist, a field with
even fewer specialists worldwide. Today, I teach dermatopathology and confocal
microscopy to students across the globe, from Iran to Ukraine, Brazil to
Pakistan, ensuring that future generations of dermatologists are well-equipped
with the latest knowledge and techniques.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Philanthropy and community
service remain integral to my mission. In New Jersey, I provide free
dermatological care to nursing home residents who lack access to medical
services. In California, my team offers complimentary tattoo removal for
formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them reintegrate into society. Through
the American Academy of Dermatology, I actively participate in skin cancer
screenings and public health initiatives.
LOOKING AHEAD While I have achieved significant milestones
in dermatology, my work is far from over. My primary focus remains on revolutionizing
skin cancer treatment—eliminating the need for surgical intervention whenever
possible. By continuing to develop and implement non-invasive technologies, I
hope to make dermatological care more accessible, effective, and
patient-friendly.
The key to my success has been collaboration, humility, and
openness to new ideas. I firmly believe that by working together and embracing
innovation, we can transform the field of dermatology and improve the lives of
countless patients worldwide.
Collectively produced by every networker who ever used the word “SILO” & assembled by Lennard Goetze, Ed.D
As an independent contractor, a company owner or an owner of a practice, leadership usually starts with pursuing your own ideas into fruition. Upon starting out, it is exciting to create and to earn the fruits of your labor as your own without having to be accountable to anyone else. Nobody gets in your way as you work (as hard as you like) to build out your vision exactly the way YOU want it. YOU’RE IN COMPLETE CONTROL! There are unimaginable rewards to owning your own “house” and materializing concepts. To remove the obstacles of employers, supervisors, partners or systems that you have to deal with and drag down your progress & creative style is true empowerment. Years or decades later, you marvel at your greatest achievements and the wealth of knowledge that can only happen with owning your own.
CROSSROADS: THE CHAPTER CHANGER It appears that everything comporting to the cycle of life follows the same path of a BELL CURVE. In nature (that which we are all students of) Gravity is our best teacher. What comes up WILL eventually come down – and there gets a point where you realize that ‘going it alone’ has its limits. The dark cloud of STAGNATION and COMPLACENCE rolls in as that paralyzing cement that forms on your once resilient wings. You may also find yourself in a RUT, where your solo drive has slowed you to a crawl, and then a dragging resistance; where your energy and vision has become sedentary and your output just doesn’t feel as rewarding as it once was. If you feel any or all of these things, this is the next road to your creative lifeline called THE CROSSROADS.
Perhaps it’s time to open the windows, let the winds of new ideas in—and open yourself to COLLABORATION. Every creative leader hits this point where connecting with other innovators, visionaries, shakers and doers could easily breathe new energy to your superpower. Moreover, you will find other exciting versions of your concept can on the road to your evolution. Collaboration is a great form of research- by meeting and exchanging ideas that you could adapt into your work- or perhaps even joining a team of like-minded creators.
STEP 1: EMBRACE NETWORKING •Engage with like-minded (SYNERGISTIC) connections •Explore ways of COLLABORATING to build a bigger something •Promote REFERRAL partnerships •Find your VILLAGE (or professional community) •SHARE and learn from fellow achievers
GET OUT OF THE SILO! There’s a world of amazing fellow doers out there waiting to build with you. Mama once said, “True strength is knowing when you need help and asking for it. But true POWER comes from building the solution together!”
THE PROFOUND POWER OF BUILDING TOGETHER As a serial entrepreneur, I know the journey of the exhilarating freedom and empowerment that comes with being your own boss. I identify with the excitement of bringing my ideas to fruition and enjoying the fruits of my labor without external interference. I've also experienced the natural ebb and flow of this journey. Len's metaphor of a bell curve clearly illustrates how periods of stagnation can follow the initial highs.
The call to embrace collaboration and networking is a refreshing reminder that even the most independent leaders can benefit from the energy and ideas of others. The practical steps offered for networking and building a professional community are valuable and actionable. More is achieved when we engage, share, and grow together, creating community. Len champions the balance between independence and collaboration, because true strength lies in knowing when to seek help and work collectively. Solo achievements are commendable, but there is profound power and growth in building together.
AUTHOR: Mary Nielsen is the entrepreneurial founder of Clinical Cognitive Facilitator Training. Mary is the Executive Director and founder of Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Institute (www.spectrumlasertraining.com), the OG of Fearless Beauties (www.fearlessbeauties.org) and an author of several textbooks. She believes in the empowerment found in education and in supporting complementary methods for enacting the highest level of healing, including psychedelic facilitator training. Mary serves on the Advisory Board for Private Career Schools in Oregon.
Research overview: MAMMOGRAPHIC DENSITY, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BREAST CANCER
Written by: Dr. Noelle Cutter / Sept. 12, 2021 Edited by: the publishing team @ NYCRANEWS.com
Mammography, as the primary screening modality, has facilitated a substantial decrease in breast cancer-related mortality in the general population. However, the sensitivity of mammography for breast cancer detection is decreased in women with higher breast densities, which is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. With increasing public awareness of the implications of a high breast density, there is an increasing demand for supplemental screening in these patients. Yet, improvements in breast cancer detection with supplemental screening methods come at the expense of increased false-positives, recall rates, patient anxiety, and costs. Therefore, breast cancer screening practice must change from a general one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized, risk-based one that is tailored to the individual woman's risk, personal beliefs, and preferences, while accounting for cost, potential harm, and benefits.
FACTOIDS & FIGURES- The Inspiration behind our research initiative [1]:
▪ Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States and about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
▪ In 2021, it is estimated that over 280,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S.,
▪ Over 40,000 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2021 from breast cancer. Unfortunately, death rates have been steady in women under 50 since 2007, despite advancements in treatment options.
▪ For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
▪ As of January 2021, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.
▪ Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2021, it's estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.
▪ Breast cancer became the most common cancer globally as of 2021, accounting for 12% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
▪ A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
▪ About 5-10% of breast cancers can be linked to known gene mutations inherited from one’s mother or father. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2genes are the most common. On average, women with a BRCA1 mutation have up to a 72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. For women with a BRCA2 mutation, the risk is 69%. Breast cancer that is positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations tends to develop more often in younger women.
▪ About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer.
The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are sex (being a woman) and age. But recent research is beginning to clarify additional risk factors associate with BC
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Physical activity is considered a significant modifiable factor in breast cancer risk, and since exercise reduces fatty tissue and BMI, it has been thought to increase breast density. However, studies into the relationship between physical activity and breast density have been inconclusive. Other factors such as alteration in metabolism of endogenous hormones, are suggested to influence mammographic density (MD) as well. Therefore, it is evident that the links between physical activity and breast cancer risk need to be clarified.
BREAST TISSUE DENSITY Breast density levels refer to the appearance of the breast tissue on a mammogram. Breast density is part of the supportive or connective tissue that makes up the breast tissue. As you can see in this image, breast tissue is white to gray and transparent against a dark background. Denser breast tissue appears more white whereas fatty/non-dense tissue appears grapy and transparent.
Levels of density are described using a results reporting system called Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). The levels of density are often recorded in your mammogram report using letters. The levels of density are:
A: Almost entirely fatty indicates that the breasts are almost entirely composed of fat. About 1 in 10 women has this result.
B: Scattered areas of fibroglandular density indicates there are some scattered areas of density, but the majority of the breast tissue is non-dense. About 4 in 10 women have this result.
C: Heterogeneously dense indicates that there are some areas of non-dense tissue, but that the majority of the breast tissue is dense. About 4 in 10 women have this result.
D: Extremely dense indicates that nearly all of the breast tissue is dense. About 1 in 10 women has this result.
In general, women with breasts that are classified as heterogeneously dense or extremely dense are considered to have dense breasts. Almost half of women undergoing mammograms have dense breasts.
FATTY TISSUE vs. DENSE TISSUE A close up here shows the difference in imaging for a breast tumor on non-dense vs dense breast tissue using a mammogram. Breast density has been widely considered a strong risk factor for breast cancer, with statistics suggesting as much as a six times higher likelihood of the disease in breasts, compared with those with a less dense breast tissue. Not only does dense breast tissue make it harder for a mammogram to pick up small tumors, but dense breasts themselves have been associated with a higher chance of cellular abnormality.
WHY IT MATTERS? Women who have dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer compared to women with less dense breast tissue. It’s unclear at this time why dense breast tissue is linked to a higher lifetime risk of breast cancer. Understanding that link is extremely important.
Dense breast tissue also makes it harder for radiologists to see cancer. On mammograms, dense breast tissue looks white. Breast masses or tumors also look white, so the dense tissue can hide tumors. But fatty tissue looks almost black. On a black background it’s easier to see a tumor that looks white. So, mammograms can be less accurate in women with dense breasts.
One of the challenges in promoting the widespread utility of breast cancer risk prediction models has been the assertion that most women with a diagnosis of breast cancer have no established clinical breast cancer risk factors or are not considered to be high risk. [1][2] Although it is impossible to determine the cause of breast cancer in any individual case [3] easily assessed risk factors that explain a substantial proportion of incident breast cancers can be used to stratify breast cancer risk for targeted screening [4] and primary prevention [5] and improve public health interventions to reduce breast cancer risk.
Recent research has suggested that for women with dense breasts, a screening strategy that also takes into account a woman’s risk factors and protective factors may be the best predictor of whether a woman will develop breast cancer after a normal mammogram and before her next scheduled mammogram.
MAMMOGRAPHIC DENSITY Breasts contain glandular, connective, and fat tissue. Breast density is a term that describes the relative amount of these different types of breast tissue as seen on a mammogram. Dense breasts have relatively high amounts of glandular tissue and fibrous connective tissue and relatively low amounts of fatty breast tissue.
HOW COMMON ARE DENSE BREASTS? Nearly half of all women age 40 and older who get mammograms are found to have dense breasts. Breast density is often inherited, but other factors can influence it. Factors associated with lower breast density include increasing age, having children, and using tamoxifen. Factors associated with higher breast density include using postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and having a low body mass index.
Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer than women with fatty breasts, and the risk increases with increasing breast density. This increased risk is separate from the effect of dense breasts on the ability to read a mammogram. MD one of the strongest risk factors. And because individuals with denser breasts tend to develop more serious types of breast cancer, understanding the connection is important.
ATHLETES A common question that invariably comes up when discussing breast density relates to breast density in athletes. As an athlete myself who has dense breasts, I was struck by the number of individuals in my athletic community who also have dense breasts. A shocking trend was seen in the overwhelming amount of young women with dense breasts who subsequently had received false negative mammogram reports.
What we do know is that your breast tissue tends to become less dense as you age, though some women may have dense breast tissue at any age. Women with less body fat are more likely to have more dense breast tissue compared with women who are obese. From observation (thus far), athletic women are also more likely to have dense breast tissue. One of the main goals of our study is to really try to understand the biological connection of breast density in athletes as well as run a retrospective study on how common this trend is.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES It's not clear why some women have a lot of dense breast tissue and others do not. You may be more likely to have dense breasts if you:
▪ ARE YOUNGER; your breast tissue tends to become less dense as you age, though some women may have dense breast tissue at any age.
▪ HAVE LOWER BMI (body mass index); women with less body fat are more likely to have more dense breast tissue compared with women who are obese.
Breast density is shown to be associated with breast cancer risk in women aged 40 to 65 years, but there is limited evidence thus far of its association with risk of breast cancer among women 18+. Furthermore, a high proportion of women with low BMI present with dense breasts, making them likely candidates to receive false negative readings on a mammogram. We aimed to estimate the proportion of breast cancers attributable to breast cancer risk factors commonly documented in clinical practice and used in breast cancer risk prediction models, including BI-RADS breast density and ultrasounds to confirm mammography readings. Our data will be collected from a cohort of women undergoing ultrasound density scans at the Bard Cancer Center (NYC).
Although breast density is a well-established, strong, and prevalent breast cancer risk factor it’s biological connection is not clearly understood. More research is needed to support the population associated risk proportion in athletic pre-menoposal women. Our data will start with a cohort of women undergoing imaging ultrasounds at the Bard Cancer Diagnostic Center. Our population will include pre-menoposal women with dense breasts.
METHODS Endurance athletes are defined those who participated in one or more endurance events (long course) in the year or as well as those who are (younger, low BMI cohort). MD and classification of “dense breasts” was heterogeneous and extremely dense as noted by the BI_RADS code; (heterogeneously or extremely dense vs scattered fibroglandular densities). Data will be collected as odds ratio (OR’s) and 95% confidence intervals included in our outcomes
Cross-sectional Analysis
1000+ pre-menopausal women aged 18+
Collect information on height, weight, BMI and history of disease
Physical activity assessment
MD measurement performed by radiologist and confirmed by ultrasound
Logistic regression used to estimate the association of MD within participation in physical activity
JAMA STUDY: A recent report in Journal of the American Medical Association found that first-degree family history of breast cancer dense breasts were associated with an increased population associated risk proportion of breast cancer. Among premenopausal women, the largest individual population associated risk proportion was for breast density, with 28.9% (95% CI, 25.3%-32.5%) of breast cancers potentially removed by reducing breast density from BI-RADS heterogeneously or extremely dense breasts to scattered fibroglandular densities. The population associated risk proportion for breast density increased to 65.5% (95% CI, 60.4%-70.6%) if all premenopausal women reduced their breast density to the lowest category of almost entirely fat tissue.
SUMMARY/ WRAP-UP Given that greater breast density as categorized by the BI-RADS remains a factor associated with breast cancer for all ages of women, information about breast density together with life expectancy may benefit clinical decision-making regarding screening. In March 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration recommended changes to the Mammography Quality Standards Act to make it mandatory to report breast density information to both patients and their physicians. However, how women and their physicians should use this information to inform screening recommendations is unclear. Very dense breasts may increase the risk that cancer won't be detected on a mammogram.
What is clear is that additional research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed associations between breast density and risk of breast cancer. As newer and more advanced breast density assessment techniques are developed, evaluation of the diffusion of such innovations with an aim of developing individualized screening strategies will be important, particularly among athletic women, for whom dense breast are more likely seen.
EPILOGUE
Dr. Noelle Cutter is a professor of biology, ironman finisher, and advocate for dense breast screening. United with an expanding research team dedicated to collecting data on women with dense breasts and screening options for these patients, her initiative aims to investigate and gather conclusive information about dense breasts in specific groups- including age, body mass index, and amount of physical activity and the underlying diagnostics of breast cancer tumors. This research program is under a partnership with Molloy College and Dr. Robert Bard, expert diagnostic cancer imaging specialist in NYC and other colleagues from the NY Cancer Resource Alliance.
With your support, we are able to implement this screening program for women's health as well as help fund this clinical research. Our work will advance technology, change legislation and most importantly save lives through awareness.
On July 27-29, Bard Diagnostic Imaging is offering a comprehensive DENSE BREAST SCREENING DAY, employing an array of imaging advancements dedicated to the visibility of dense breast tissue and cancer early detection. This special program is dedicated to supporting dense breasted patients by first identifying one's actual breast density (through a density assessment scan) to establish a base line for the full diagnostic study (est. 15-20 minutes per patient).
Dr. Bard has formulated a comprehensive early detection program specific for dense breasted women. This includes the latest technologies in breast ultrasound, scanning. "We need screening technology for dense breasts because the mammography misses too many cancers in dense breast. So patients are happy to know that this technology is here. If there is a problem, you focus in on it in three dimensions, you find out where it is, and then you, uh, address it with a biopsy or an MRI or a specialized ultrasound." For decades. The ultrasound has advanced greatly in accuracy and reliability to scan quickly. In real time, patients are attracted to its safety aspect, eliminating concerns for radiation and other physical after effects.
2) Cruwys, Cheryl, and JoAnn Pushkin. “Breast density and impacts on health.” ecancermedicalscience 11 (2017).
3) Nazari, Shayan Shaghayeq, and Pinku Mukherjee. “An overview of mammographic density and its association with breast cancer.” Breast cancer 25.3 (2018): 259-267.
4) Boyd, Norman F., et al. “Mammographic density: a heritable risk factor for breast cancer.” Cancer epidemiology. Humana Press, 2009. 343-360.
5) Burton, Anya, et al. “Mammographic density and ageing: A collaborative pooled analysis of cross-sectional data from 22 countries worldwide.” PLoS medicine 14.6 (2017): e1002335.
6) Azam, Shadi, et al. “Determinants of mammographic density change.” JNCI Cancer Spectrum 3.1 (2019): pkz004.
7) Boyd, Norman F., et al. “Body size, mammographic density, and breast cancer risk.” Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers 15.11 (2006): 2086-2092.
8) Masala, Giovanna, et al. “Can Dietary and Physical Activity Modifications Reduce Breast Density in Postmenopausal Women? The DAMA Study, a Randomized Intervention Trial in Italy.” Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers 28.1 (2019): 41-50.
9) Wyshak, Grace, and Rose E. Frisch. “Breast cancer among former college athletes compared to non-athletes: a 15-year follow-up.” British journal of cancer 82.3 (2000): 726.
10) McCormack VA, dos Santos Silva I. Breast density and parenchymal patterns as markers of breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006;15(6):1159-1169.
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Since 2021, I collaborated on a publishing project with Dr. Robert L. Bard (diagnostic imaging specialist) to conduct a tech performance review about AxioBionics wearable therapeutic device. This was the impetus to our advocacy group and educational initiative aptly called HEALTH TECH REPORTER whose goals are to seek out and test drive the latest in non-invasive therapeutic solutions and publish reports on the validity of their claims and health advantages.
In early 2023, we launched an event series called HEALTH TECH DEMO DAY in Dr. Bard's diagnostic imaging practice in NYC. This became the central ground forhosting manufacturers showcase of their latest devices where they provide actual case demonstrations directly to our reporters and Dr. Bard's patients.
Our 2023 search brought us together with a remarkable advancement in red light therapy by a company called Aspen Laser (See event report on March 7, 2023) where a Demo Day with their rep was a great success. Shortly after the event, a heartfelt thanks and congratulatory letter was sent to CEO and founder Mr. Charles Vorwaller for a fantastic product. A stunning surprise was granted us directly by Mr. Vorwaller who immediately booked a flight to NYC to see us. With a growing set of clues about the strength behind this company (and their truly fearless leader), his energy and enthusiasm to connect aligned with the INC5000 list of fastest growing privately owned companies in 2020. Headlines reported Aspen Laser was the only medical laser company on the list. In 202I, it received a five-year GSA contract to sell to VA hospitals. [1]
Setting the industry standard, the TheraLight 360 uses patent pending technologies that ensure tissue saturation regardless of skin color or body type. He brought major spotlight to the scientific term (and treatment modality) "Photobiomodulation Therapy" - the application of Red and Near Infrared light to tissue that is injured, sick or degenerating to increase circulation, increase cellular energy production, reduce inflammation and reduce Oxidative Stress. Hisoriginal vision that began in 1988 over 35 years ago was to redefine Pain Management and Recovery that resulted in the startup in 2014 for a new company called ASPEN LASER. It grew to become a leading edge nonpharmacologic technology and research based products that make a difference in the lives of individuals (including animals) suffering from pain and injury. Mr. Vorwaller's initial focus to accomplish this was through innovative development and breakthrough advancement with lasers providing High Intensity Laser Therapy, incorporating technologies with multiple power levels, multiple wavelengths and multiple operating modes.
We had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Mr. Vorwaller at Dr. Bard's "MedTech Research Lab". We also enjoyed sharing Dr. Bard's arsenal of diagnostic imaging devices used for clinically validating biometric response as part of our Medtech device testing.
We found the exchange with Mr. Vorwaller to be both highly educational and inspiring for our continued research work. He mentioned feeling right at home in deep discussions about exploring the future of therapeutics - aligning with his first passion as a "Technology Tinkerer'. Dr. Bard and I gained so much from his generosity by the way of endless notes on laser and light technology as well as a front row seat to the entire medical device industry. With decades of relentless R&D on expanding therapeutic light penetration and engineering, Charles was not shy to describe his process.
In addition, he also shared impressive insight about other non-invasive cell-regenerative modalities including PEMF, SHOCKWAVE, RT THERAPY, NEUROSTIMULATION, TRANSILLUMINATION and BIOFEEDBACK (to name but a few). He claimed this is all part of his "required reading" as part of identifying the entire pain-healing science. As an inventor, he also looks at the many potential integration opportunities or "stacking" of existing technologies to form the next generation of products.
"Since our company began, our focus has been on developing leading-edge technology in laser therapy," said Mr. Vorwaller. "Our medical lasers represent a number of technological developments that are significantly different than other lasers and light therapy products in the market... which we found to not be very effective". The result of his passion and never-ending pursuit for optimal outcomes has resulted in products delivering new treatment options providing higher dosages, more treatment areas and overall faster treatment times and accelerated healing and recovery.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS INSPIRED BY HIS GREATEST HERO In an exclusive interview with Mr. Vorwaller, he shared a candid look at where it all began for him. The roots to all of his work was heavily inspired by his Dad (Charles J. Vorwaller, LCSW), a 60+ year veteran and recognized visionary leader in the non profit mental health industry.
As a young boy, Charles witnessed firsthand the individuals that were undergoing treatment. They were sufferers of mental diseases and all the challenges that come from that. He witnessed his father develop and pursue forward thinking strategies and programs including therapeutic treatments and modalities beyond the traditional and limited drug-focused programs and protocols, with the incorporation of newer standards, including non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive based treatments and interventions. This humbled him greatly to see that his dad explored all options to help the sufferers when no one could help them. Charles grew up wanting to help the underserved and built this road in health technology. Looking back, Charles Vorwaller is convinced that his laser and red light therapy innovations contributed to mobilizing the science of patient care and impacted others by offering improved quality of life and in some cases, giving people a new chance at life."
Special thanks to ASPEN LASER and THERALIGHT for allowing us to interview CEO Charles Vorwaller - tech innovator and role model to the global community of entrepreneurs! Innovators of today's therapeutic technology are a rare and respected breed. Their life's work is dedicated to offering improved change to the current trends by exploring and introducing safer and more effective ways to resolve health issues both large and small. The success of their work adds to the definition of the future of functional and regenerative medicine. In search of these pathfinders, IPHA celebrates some of the top role models of our day! These solutionists are the next modelers of the non-invasive movement in integrative healthcare. One such visionary is Mr. CHARLES VORWALLER, American Health Innovator and the brainsmith behind Aspen Laser and the Theralight series.
In our continued search for the next voice in support of Integrative and Functional wellness, our editors opted to follow the trail of innovative (or "alternative") healing technologies to the doorsteps of those who truly believe in their benefits. In this case, an early report featuring Dr. Jennifer Stagg and her use of the THERALIGHT 360 prompted us to meet other therapists to get more insight in its clinical uses.
VISIONARY SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Scott Schaeffer (Mt. Kisco, NY)
His treatment approach, in addition to spinal manipulation includes a wide array of modalities and physiotherapy. In our discussion about the Theralight 360 device (and other near-infrared technologies), we covered his holistic and integrative approach to bringing full-body wellness to his patients. Dr. Schaeffer identified his commitment to researching for the latest proven innovations to address soft-tissue injuries, musculoskeletal dysfunction and other inflammatory conditions that his patients commonly present with. "There's so much out there", he started. Learning about these new healing concepts, "whatever I can use within my scope of practice to help people safely and
11/18/2022- RED LIGHT THERAPY FOR TBI (By: Jennifer Stagg, ND) Within the past decade, ads for Red Light Therapy (RLT) devices have exponentially appeared in the health, wellness and commercial markets- drawing significant attention to their claims and challenging their efficacy. As with all technologies, many variables are to be considered as far as concluding on their proposed health benefits. Published reports from clinical (valid) studies detailing the utility of RLT in human health. Encouraging reviews indicate that there is a growing body of evidence for the use of RLT in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative processes, including Stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
PHILOSOPHY BEHIND RED LASER THERAPY
Photobiomodulation is what we're actually doing when we look at red and near infrared light. (it’s different from far infrared-that's a sauna creating deep heating in the tissue and sweating out toxins). Photobiomodulation is the application of red and near infrared light to tissue where there is disease or dysfunction. The mechanism of action of light is very simple. It doesn't treat any specific disease or diagnosis, but it treats the underlying cause of all dysfunction in the body (all disease) and that is cellular health and wellness.
Within the cell, oxygen is supposed to flow into the mitochondria, which is the powerhouse of the cell, and that's supposed to produce adenosine triphosphate or ATP.This is what every cell in the body uses for energy. Due to exposure to via environmental toxins, lack of sleep, stress, injury and disease, lack of exercise, too much exercise, not enough sunlight, poor nutrition etc. oxygen flows in the cell and then it's bound by nitric oxide. That binding of nitric oxide with oxygen forms a deadly particle called a free radical. This causes two problems: #1- that oxygen is now not free to go into the mitochondria- so our ATP production in the body drops. #2- there's the abundance of free radicals is the root of every disease. It's the gene expression for things like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. So what light does very simply is when we shine light in and we can get light into the cell at the right wavelength, dosage and power density, it simply unbinds the oxygen particle and the nitric oxide particle and the free radical is dissipated into the blood vessel walls. So now we have removed free radicals and inflammation inside the cell. Also, the oxygen respiratory chain starts up again and that oxygen particle is allowed to flow into the mitochondria, and the ATP now goes through the roof and rises again the body.
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RELATED ARTICLES
RED LIGHT THERAPY FOR TBI: by Dr. Jennifer Stagg ’Infrared’ refers to a type of light that is below the spectrum of visible light. The naked eye cannot see this type of light. Light is measured in wavelengths, and to further define infrared, there are near infrared (NIR) and far infrared (FIR) wavelengths. FIR is what is typically found in many of the devices sold to the general public like infrared blankets and saunas. (Although, saunas, combine heat with light so the effects of FIR are not comparable.) FIR offers some mild effects, but it doesn’t penetrate the body as much as NIR. As a result, most clinical research published to date is on visible red/NIR because these have been shown to be more effective. (See full review)
DEMO DAY WITH ASPEN LASER - PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY: IPHA NEWS and HEALTH TECH REPORTER covers DEMO DAY at the Bard Diagnostic Imaging Center in NYC @ March 7, 2023. National clinical trainer Mark Murdoch speaks in an interview about the Aspen Laser technology while he treats registered patients suffering from various chronic disorders (including a rotator cuff tear & other MSK joint injuries, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis on the skin. (See full review)
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3D DOPPLER ULTRASOUND: A MAJOR ASSET TO RESEARCH
From simple case studies to double blind clinical trials, the many benefits of non-invasive imaging offers visual proof of treatment efficacy. Ultrasound in particular is more widely used to collect a patient's biometric data safely and efficiently, thanks to its vastly improved quantitative reporting capacity.
Under exploratory device tech reviews, this video shows the effects of electromagnetic pulse waves neurostimulat stimulation and the induction of cold laser on the body are just some of the noninvasive modalities that are easily monitored with an ultrasound scan. In the case of electromagnetic devices, the involuntary muscle contraction is evidence of the electrical changes in the targeted muscle developers of this technology continue to find new evidence, supporting its ability to recover the body's process through cellular regeneration on a preliminary study, quantitative measurement that the regenerative timeline through the use of a neurostimulator through a simple before and after comparison can easily show the body's reaction to the therapeutic device.
Everything is energy. Quantum physics has demonstrated that everything exists as a vibrational energy. Some forms of energy have a frequency low enough to make the object solid and therefore visible and physically tangible, such as concrete, trees, mountains, and the human body. Others, such as sound, light, heat and gravity are invisible – but they are no less real. The Biofield is a relatively new term developed in 1992 to describe the concept of energy in a more unified way, integrating knowledge gained from traditional practices with that of modern science. Three of the main scientific principles underlying our current understanding of the Biofield energy are thermodynamics, physics and quantum physics. (See complete feature article)
"GETTING MY LIFE BACK FROM CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME" 2/15/2022- Mrs. Suzanne Wheeler of Minneapolis, Minnesota is celebrated as IPHA NEWS' Researcher of the Month. After years of suffering a life-altering disorder that currently continues to challenge the scientific community of its root causes, Mrs. Wheeler explored “outside the conventional box” of opioid prescriptions, uncovering alternative solutions that got her back on her feet and joining life again. Invoking CHANGE against all odds by diligently searching for what’s beyond the convenient takes courage and conviction. It is this level of academic strength and strategic leadership that comprises the Alternative Health and Wellness community. (see full feature on Mrs. Wheeler's PEMF review)
BRAIN HEALTH REVIEW [Part 3]: POST-COVID BRAIN FOG & WORK PERFORMANCE
Written by: Marilyn Abrahamson, MA,CCC-SLP - CBHC
For some, Post-Covid brain fog can cause everyday cognitive tasks to be more difficult, causing the thought of returning to work to become daunting. Among the many symptoms of Long Covid, one study suggests that up to 80% of Covid-19 survivors suffer from neuropsychological symptoms such as memory impairment, attention deficit, executive dysfunction, difficulty with word finding, multitasking, and impaired visual/spatial skills. These are skills people need to properly perform their jobs, and without these skills, people can become overwhelmed by the smallest tasks.
CONTRIBUTORS
MARILYN ABRAHAMSON, MA, CCC-SLP : As a Brain Health Education Specialist at Ceresti Health, Marilyn offers initiatives that supports education and empowerment of family caregivers. She also writes for and edits the Ceresti’s monthly newsletter and produces all brain health education and brain-health coaching programs for caregivers. Marilyn's prior work is as a NJ Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist since 1987 and is an Amen Clinics Certified Brain Health Coach.
SORAYA BEHZADI is an aspiring medical student and researcher in neurological studies focusing on holistic practice to help alleviate mental health, like generalized anxiety disorder. She received a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology with a minor in biological sciences from Hunter College. Aside from being a medical assistant at local urgent cares, her current field placement under affiliations with the Integrative Pain Healers Alliance/Brain Health Collective fuels her interests in brain health initiatives from imaging to holistic perspectives.
ROBERTA KLINE, MD (Educational Dir. /Women's Diagnostic Group) is a board-certified ObGyn physician, Integrative Personalized Medicine expert, consultant, author, and educator whose mission is to change how we approach health and deliver healthcare. She helped to create the Integrative & Functional Medicine program for a family practice residency, has consulted with Sodexo to implement the first personalized nutrition menu for healthcare facilities, and serves as Education Director for several organizations including the Women’s Diagnostic Health Network, Mommies on a Mission. Learn more at https://robertaklinemd.com/
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