August 2004 | VOL. 8 | www.McGowan.pitt.edu

Dr. Eric Lagasse has joined the McGowan Institute as an associate professor in the Department of Pathology and the Director of the Cancer Stem Cell Center. In 1985, he received his Diplôme d’Etat de Docteur en Pharmacie from University of Strasbourg, France and in 1989 he completed his Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Basel, Switzerland. From 1989 to 1997, Dr. Lagasse was in the Department of Developmental Biology and Pathology, Stanford University. Dr. Lagasse served as the Director, Liver Stem Cell Discovery Program at StemCells Inc, Palo Alto, CA. from 1997 until he joined the McGowan Institute in July 2004.

Liver disease is an exceptionally common cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. It is estimated that 1 in 10 Americans suffer from liver disease, and liver disease routinely ranks in the top ten causes of death in modern societies. The most prevalent causes of liver disease are viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and genetic mutations, with fibrosis and hepatocarcinoma as an outcome for most of these disorders. Despite the medical importance of this problem, major advances in medical therapy have been generally restricted to the prevention and treatment of certain forms of viral hepatitis. A wide spectrum of acute and chronic liver dysfunction is still treated with supportive rather than curative approaches.

Dr. Lagasse’s research focuses on the development of novel cell-based therapies for patients suffering from degenerative diseases using stem/progenitor cells. In addition he is establishing a Cancer Stem Cell Center, a collaborative effort between the McGowan Institute and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. His current research includes:

IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN STEM/PROGENITOR CELLS FOR LIVER DISEASES.
The goal of this research is to develop a novel stem cell-based therapy for liver diseases. His current focus is on the identification of new human stem cells. The specific aims of this research program include:

IDENTIFICATION OF CANCER STEM CELLS FOR LIVER AND PROSTATE.
The goal of this program is to develop a Cancer Stem Cell Center focusing initially on liver and prostate cancers in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center. The specific aims of this research program include:

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW MODELS FOR HEPATITIS.
One of the goals of this program is to develop a "humanized" mouse model to enable the study of in vivo pathogenesis of human hepatitis viruses in the context of a small animal model. Such animal model could allow the discovery and testing of better therapeutics for the detection, treatment, or prevention of this prevalent infectious agent.

 

The program for the 2005 McGowan Institute Scientific Retreat is beginning to take shape. Dr. Timothy Billiar, George Vance Foster Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery is chairing the 2005 McGowan Institute Scientific Retreat Program Committee. The retreat will be held at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort from March 7-8, 2005. The Committee consists of Constance Chu, Tracy Cui, William Federspiel, Bradley Keller, Barry London, Kacey Marra, John Murphy, Amit Patel, and Charles Sfeir.

The Program Committee will be responsible for determining the events for the retreat, how researchers will be networked during the event. The retreat is probably the most important event that the Institute sponsors during the year and we hope that all of the faculty will be able to participate. Remember to Save the Date: March 7-8, 2005!

 

Congresswoman Melissa Hart visited the Institute on August 11, 2004. The visit provided an opportunity for the Congresswoman to see first-hand the pioneering research underway in the areas of medical devices, tissue engineering and cellular therapies. The projects surveyed were in different stages of maturity, ranging from basic studies, such as the tissue engineering research in the Wagner Lab, to new clinical procedures. An example of the later was the meeting with Dr. Amit Patel, Institute Director of Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy who shared with the Congresswoman the results of his pioneering clinical trials on stem cell therapy during by-pass surgery: see “Adult Stem Cell Injections in Heart Failure Patients”

 

The Department of Bioengineering and the McGowan Institute have announced the schedule for the Fall seminar series. The seminar program is under the leadership of Dr. Kacey Marra, and the speakers who will come to campus will address an exciting list of topics. The first session will be on September 9, 2004 and will feature John Edmund Mayer, MD who is Professor of Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Boston. Dr. Mayer will speak on “Use of Progenitor Cells for Tissue Engineered Heart Valves”. Dr. Mayer is internationally recognized for his work in tissue engineering and clinical translation.

The seminars are held in 1104 Scaife Conference Center at 4 PM each Thursday. For additional information, please click here.

 

Editors Note: the following story was prepared by Shelley Zomak, Heart Transplant Coordinator who helped organize the Team Pittsburgh participation and attended the transplant games in Minneapolis. For more on Shelley, please see the “Profile” in this edition of the McGowan Institute Newsletter.

As we are all into watching the Summer Olympics, which are being sent to us from Athens, Greece, there is a local group who has a personal story to tell. Team Pittsburgh, a group of 53 transplant recipients and 1 donor family, recently returned from the 2004 U.S. Transplant Games in Minneapolis, MN.

"The National Kidney Foundation organizes the U.S. Transplant Games to demonstrate to the public that transplantation works and to illustrate the tremendous need for more organ donors. Transplant athletes compete as if they've never been sick a day in their lives. In fact, many have been very sick and would have died without an organ donor," says John Davis, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation.

This year was extremely memorable, as it was the Celebration of 50 Years of Transplantation. Dr. Murray, who preformed the first kidney transplant between twin brothers, was in attendance.

Team Pittsburgh is composed of heart, liver, lung, kidney and pancreas transplant recipients. As a group the Team meets every month the year prior to the Games and every few months in the off-years. Fundraising for this event is continuous by means of cook book, Sarris candy bar and gift-of-life bear sales. Also, special events help to support the team in their endeavors such as a fashion show at Kaufmann’s, golf outings, card party’s and month-long raffles. Sponsorships for the Team are a valuable part the fundraising as well.

Profiles of Some Team Pittsburgh Participants:

Ervin Roszner, heart recipient, waited for transplant on a Novacor (Ventricular Assist Device) as a bridge to transplantation. This was his first Games; Ervin participated in the 1500-meter race walk, 100 meter and 200 meter dash. He took a Silver and Bronze in the last 2 events. An avid runner prior to transplant he was very eager to get back to running after transplant and trains regularly. Ervin was named Track and Field Captain and worked to get the athletes to practice together.

Trine Brady, liver recipient, was transplanted by Dr. Thomas Starzl 20 years ago. She now lives in Australia and works with their Organ Procurement Agency. Recently married, Trine returned to the U.S. to join Team Pittsburgh to present Dr. Starzl with the Legions In Transplant Award during a special ceremony at the Games. Trine is a swimmer who medals in 100-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke and 50-meter backstroke. She also has been off all immunosuppression for 6 years. She is looking forward to returning in 2006 as a member of Team Pittsburgh – her husband cannot wait to accompany her to those Games. Pictured with Trine is Terry Starrett (left), see below.

 

Ronald Gainsford ten years out from his heart transplant has swam into the record books. In May he was elected into the Western Pennsylvanian Hall of Fame. In June he went to Italy to participate in the International Masters competition. At 74 years of age he took a Gold Medal in the 50-meter breaststroke (45.03 sec), 50-meter freestyle (38.63 sec) and 50-meter backstroke (48.53 sec). He also received a Silver Medal in 50 meter Butterfly (48.79). The Team will be looking forward to cheering him on as he participates in the 2005 Senior Games to be held here in Pittsburgh next summer.

Twelve-year-old Samantha Scholl, had her first heart transplant - due to a hypoplastic heart, underdeveloped left heart - when she was just three days old, and was retransplanted in 2000. This was her 4th U.S. Transplant Games. She took a Silver Medal in the 25-meter freestyle. While a great Transplant Athlete and supper support of her teammates, Samantha also works with her local gymnastics center. This year she went to Regional Competition. This year Samantha encouraged a few friends from Children’s Hospital to also attend the Games.

 

Emily Petrillo, 7 years old, also received her heart transplant as an infant. The excitement in her parents, Greg and Michelle while watching the events, not only those that Emily participated in but the entire event, made everyone see the true meaning of the Games.

 

Terry Starrett (left), kidney recipient and employed at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, participated in the 400 meter freestyle (Silver), 100 meter breaststroke (Gold), 50 meter breaststroke and 100 meter dash (Silver). In addition to these individual events she was also a member of the Swimming and Running relay teams.

 

The newest transplant on Team Pittsburgh is Dana Shinko (right) who received her heart in January and eagerly joined the team within months of her life saving transplant. Accompanying her to the games was her daughter Paula (12 years old). Dana participated in the 1500-meter race walk, shot put, discus (exhibition) and was a member of the volleyball team. When not participating in an event, Dana was an extreme cheerleader.

 

Carl Patrizi (kidney/pancreas) and Bill Myers (kidney) were Gold Medal winners in Double Racquetball. They took the gold in 6 consecutive games (3 matches) in a best of 3. His son Dustin accompanied Carl this year as well. In 2002 Carl took the Silver in Singles Racquetball. His wife and kidney donor Beth accompanied Bill. Bill was ranked 4th in his age group in Pennsylvania five or six years ago, before his transplant. Bill also took a Silver Medal in Singles Racquetball. Carl was a member of the 3 on 3 Basketball Team who brought home a Bronze medal.

 

M. Linda Stocke, lung recipient, returned to the Games for her 2nd time. Linda who bowled in 2002 tried some new events this year. In the Table Tennis tournament she took a Silver Medal in her age bracket. She also participated in the softball throw. Her son Matthew attended both Games with her as her biggest supporter.

Team Pittsburgh Medals
Toni Ott	Golf – Net, 60 & over	Bronze
Trine Braidy	100 Meter IM; 18-29	Silver
Matthew Repasky	100 Meter IM; 30-39	Bronze
Terry Starrett	400 Meter Freestyle; 50-59	Silver
Terry Starrett	100 Meter Breaststroke; 50-59	Gold
Trine Braidy	100 Meter Freestyle;18-29	Bronze
Trine Braidy	100 Meter Backstroke; 18-29	Gold
Matthew Repasky	100 Meter Backstroke; 30-39	Silver
Matthew Repasky	100 Meter Butterfly; 30-39	Gold
Ronald Gainsford	50 Meter Breaststroke; 60+	Gold
Samantha Scholl	25 Meter Freestyle; 11-14	Silver
Ronald Gainsford	50 Meter Freestyle; 60 & over	Gold
Trine Braidy	50 Meter Backstroke; 18-29	Disputed
Mark Shaw	50 Meter Backstroke; 30-39	Gold
Ronald Gainsford	50 Meter Backstroke; 60+	Gold
Matthew Repasky	50 Meter Butterfly; 30-39	Bronze
Ronald Gainsford	50 Meter Butterfly; 60+	Silver
Nicole Redlinger	Table Tennis; 18-29	Gold
Jane Barrett	Table Tennis; 50-59	Bronze
Linda Stocke	Table Tennis; 60 & over	Silver
Tony Alprete Brad Davern Stanley Holbrook Carl Patrizi Nathan Repasky Mark Shaw	3 on 3 Recreational Basketball	Bronze
Nicole Redlinger	Bowling; 18-29	Gold
Christy Williams	Bowling; 18-29	Silver
Al Jones	Bowling; 30-39	Gold
Tina Rothermal Kari Wisniewski	Team Bowling	Bronze
Al Jones Brad Davern	Team Bowling	Bronze
Jane Barrett	Tennis; 50 – 59	Gold
Jane Barrett Mark Shaw	Doubles Tennis	Silver
Tracy Minnear	1500 Meter Racewalk;40 – 49	Bronze
Terry Starrett	100 Meter Dash; 50 – 59	Silver
Esther Suss	800 Meter Run	Silver
Ervin Roszner	100 Meter Dash	Silver
Ervin Roszner	200 Meter Dash	Bronze
Jared Burk	5K Road Race; 6-10	Bronze
Tracy Minnear	5K Road Race; 40-49	Bronze
Bill Myers	Racketball; 50 – 59	Silver
Bill Myers Carl Patrizi	Doubles Racketball	Gold

MEDAL TOTALS:  12 Gold, 12 Silver and 12 Bronze

Congratulations to all of the participants, winners and organizers!

 

She’s seen it all—deathly ill patients awaiting a new heart or lung, disappointment when an organ is available and doesn’t match, fear, pain, and organ rejection, as well as the successful transplantation of an organ to save a life. Yet, Cardiothoracic Transplant Coordinator Shelley Zomak, RN, MS, CCTC says she wouldn’t trade transplant nursing for any other specialty.

While organ transplant is a remarkable procedure saving many lives each year, the process is only the beginning of a new life journey for the transplanted patient. For every transplant that occurs, there is a nurse or transplant coordinator working in conjunction with the clinicians, administering a lifetime of care to the patient. One unsung hero to many UPMC cardiothoracic transplant recipients is Shelley Zomak who works tirelessly to help transplant patients adjust to life after transplantation and to help the patient reclaim as normal a life as quickly as possible.

Ms. Zomak graduated from Carlow College, first in 1991 with a BS in Nursing, and a minor in Psychology and again in 2000 with a Masters degree in Health Science Education. Her thesis consisted of the creation of a training manual for heart and lung transplant patients that is still used today.

After working as a floor nurse in Cardiology for seven years, it was a natural progression to move into the transplant coordinator role, where she would become a critical link in the lives of many transplant patients.

She serves as the main point of contact with patients representing the transplant team. Not only does she counsel them about their anti-rejection and other necessary medications, but also about emotional issues, life-styles and overall health. Her background in psychology has been very helpful in dealing with the patients’ lives after transplantation.

“My main role is educating people about the entire process,” she explains. Although she is inundated with daily calls and messages, she loves the work. “I find it challenging and exciting, partly because we are at the forefront of new developments.” She also likes the idea that staff and surgeons share a common goal: “There is mutual respect—the physicians and patients rely on you to sort it all out. It’s a huge responsibility but it is a rewarding one.”

Ms. Zomak is very passionate about optimizing the quality of life for patients and encourages them to strive for good health and well being. She is currently working with colleagues to develop an interactive web-based training program for Cardiothoracic transplant patients, where they will have 24-7 access to latest information and education.

Another endeavor that Ms. Zomak is heavily committed to is the U.S. Transplant Games. These Games, which are the Olympics for Organ Transplant recipients are held in various locations every other year. In 2000, Shelley along with Judi Vensak, RN (now Team Manager) were invited to a meeting that introduced her to the Games. She immediately began organizing a group of her patients to participate, and has not looked back since! For the past two years, she has had approximately 50 participants and looks to increase this number in 2006.

She sees this opportunity as a positive reinforcement for patients, demonstrating their ability and desire to return to a healthy and vibrant life after a strenuous and traumatic time in their life. During the Games, Shelley is no longer just their transplant coordinator. She becomes their friend, their coach and often like a family member. The Games are filled with emotion, each is player competitive, yet supportive of one another. Pittsburgh is on the list of potential destinations for the 2008 Games and Shelley holds out hope that they will come to Pittsburgh.

Being a transplant coordinator is not a job to Shelley, but a life commitment. She understands the demands of the job, often being on call 24 hours per day. “It is for the patients” she commented with complete sincerity.

Excited about the breakthroughs in heart devices and longevity that these technologies provide to many patients, Ms. Zomak believes transplant nurse coordinators play a vital role. Her position combines evaluations with complex postoperative management. “It’s the best of both worlds because I like doing the management and long-term follow-up,” she says.

Furthering her contribution to transplant nursing, Shelley servers on the Boards of Directors of the local chapter of the International Transplant Nurses Society and the National Kidney Foundation. She is a member of the American Board for Transplant Certification, the Transplant Recipient International Organization and Team Pittsburgh Transplant Games.

In the little spare time she has, Ms. Zomak enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and gardening.

 

Diana Spencer
412-235-5156
spencerdk3@upmc.edu

 

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