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OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
@ohsuknight.bsky.social
200 followers 42 following 340 posts
A leader in cancer research, the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute provides individually-tailored, compassionate care for patients, from diagnosis through survivorship.
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ohsuknight.bsky.social
In the 80s, Dr. Brian Druker theorized that kinase inhibitors could be transformative for cancer care.

Fast forward, and the FDA approved the 100th small-molecule kinase inhibitor, with scientists exploring kinases as potential drug targets.

🔬(@nature.com): https://go.nature.com/43NHQs5
Illustration of stylized neuron branches with colors including teal, pink, and yellow on a dark blue background, representing neural connections or a neural network.
November 25, 2025 at 5:15 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
“Engaging in this work will allow our team the opportunity to provide culturally based navigation into our existing treatment teams to help support patients and their families as they navigate a cancer diagnosis.”

- Dr. Amanda Bruegl

Learn more ➡️ bit.ly/4ozrjAl
A predominantly blue colored background, with a yellow-green gradient featured in the upper left-hand corner with white text reading, “Engaging in this work will allow our team at @OHSUKnight the opportunity to provide culturally based navigation into our existing treatment teams to help support patients and their families as they navigate a cancer diagnosis. Amanda Bruegl, M.D. OHSU Knight Cancer Institute”
November 21, 2025 at 8:12 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
ICYMI ⤵️

We have received funding through the ACS-Pfizer Addressing Barriers to Cancer Care for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Individuals Grant Program.
An image with three portraits with text reading "Amanda Bruegl, M.D. (L)", "Claymore Kills First, PHARM.D (M)", and "Jackilen Shannon, PH.D. (R)" A white OHSU logo is in the bottom right corner. The background image shows a cloudy sunrise over Portland's South Waterfront.
November 21, 2025 at 8:11 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
Today, our researchers, clinicians, and staff wore purple in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Day.

Every photo represents hope, solidarity, and the shared commitment that drives our team.

Thank you to everyone who wore purple today, helping raise awareness for a disease that urgently needs it. 💜✨
Group of medical staff wearing various uniforms, including lab coats and scrubs, standing in an office with a large monitor displaying data in the background. All are wearing some form of purple in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day. Group of nine individuals posing on a staircase, most wearing shades of purple, in an indoor setting with a curved wooden railing behind them. All are wearing some form of purple in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day. Four colleagues posing together in an office setting, smiling at the camera. Two are wearing scarves and they all are dressed in business casual attire. All are wearing some form of purple in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day. Group of eight medical professionals posing together in a room with landscape paintings on the wall. All are wearing some form of purple in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.
November 21, 2025 at 12:50 AM
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“Engaging in this work will allow our team the opportunity to provide culturally based navigation into our existing treatment teams to help support patients and their families as they navigate a cancer diagnosis.”

- Dr. Amanda Bruegl, gynecologic oncologist at
@ohsuknight.bsky.social
A predominantly blue colored background, with a yellow-green gradient featured in the upper left-hand corner with white text reading, “Engaging in this work will allow our team at @OHSUKnight the opportunity to provide culturally based navigation into our existing treatment teams to help support patients and their families as they navigate a cancer diagnosis. Amanda Bruegl, M.D. OHSU Knight Cancer Institute”
November 13, 2025 at 10:17 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
We’re excited to announce that OHSU has received funding through the ACS-Pfizer Addressing Barriers to Cancer Care for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Individuals Grant Program.
An image with three portraits with text reading "Amanda Bruegl, M.D. (L)", "Claymore Kills First, PHARM.D (M)", and "Jackilen Shannon, PH.D. (R)" A white OHSU logo is in the bottom right corner. The background image shows a cloudy sunrise over Portland's South Waterfront.
November 13, 2025 at 10:17 PM
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“A drug that targets enolase 1 could help improve the treatment of these cancers, too.”

- Dr. Sanjay Malhotra, who expects SU212 could be useful in treating other cancers influenced by enolase 1, such as glioma, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid carcinoma: https://bit.ly/480D3pv
Group of four scientists wearing white lab coats pose for a photo inside of their research lab
November 13, 2025 at 4:53 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
Dr. Jennifer Raybin and FNP Kelly Anderson published a study on post-treatment support for survivors.

The initiative aimed to break down barriers to specialty care for childhood cancer survivors, which has been met with success: https://bit.ly/47yeyyJ
Portrait of two smiling; text underneath the left picture reads, "Kelly Anderson, FNP." Text underneath the right picture reads, "Jennifer Raybin, Ph.D., RN, CPNP." A white OHSU logo is placed in the bottom right-hand corner. The background of the graphic showcases an early morning sunrise with fog settling over Portland's South Waterfront.
November 10, 2025 at 3:52 PM
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Without samples of early cancer, it’s hard to understand the changes that occur as healthy tissue becomes cancerous.

Tissue engineering is helping close that gap.

Recent technologies have enabled scientists to mirror the complexity of cancer in the lab: https://bit.ly/3WC1wew
3D printer in operation, printing an orange object with a glowing nozzle.
November 9, 2025 at 3:54 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
A new molecule developed by researchers at @OHSUNews offers a promising avenue to treat intractable cases of triple-negative #BreastCancer, which is a form of cancer that is notoriously aggressive and lacks effective treatments.

#OHSUResearch: https://bit.ly/480D3pv
Group of four scientists wearing white lab coats pose for a photo inside of their research lab
November 7, 2025 at 6:45 PM
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On the honor, @coussenslab.bsky.social says, “Tremendous gratitude to all past and present members of my laboratory and our collaborators for their passion, commitment and bravery that has impacted our understanding of mechanisms regulating cancer progression.”
A predominantly blue colored background, with a yellow-green gradient featured in the upper left-hand corner with white text reading, “Tremendous gratitude to all past and present members of my laboratory and our collaborators for their passion, commitment and bravery that has impacted our understanding of mechanisms regulating cancer progression. Lisa Coussens, PH.D.”
November 6, 2025 at 11:22 PM
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Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Coussens on being honored with the 2025 @metastasisresearch.bsky.social's Women in Science Research award for her exceptional, demonstrable contribution to scientific discovery in the field of metastasis research.
Portrait of Dr. Lisa Coussens smiling with text below reading, "Lisa Coussens, PH.D. Women In Science Research Award Metastasis Research Society." There is a white OHSU logo above the portrait. The background image is a photo of the OHSU Knight Cancer Research Building with a white-to-blue gradient across it.
November 6, 2025 at 11:22 PM
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Dr. Jennifer Raybin and FNP Kelly Anderson published a study on post-treatment support for childhood cancer survivors.

The study details the creation and rollout of a virtual, interdisciplinary survivorship clinic, launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/47yeyyJ
Portrait of two smiling; text underneath the left picture reads, "Kelly Anderson, FNP." Text underneath the right picture reads, "Jennifer Raybin, Ph.D., RN, CPNP." A white OHSU logo is placed in the bottom right-hand corner. The background of the graphic showcases an early morning sunrise with fog settling over Portland's South Waterfront.
November 4, 2025 at 4:06 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
For more information surrounding #LungCancer, including screening, signs and symptoms, who's at risk, survival rates, and clinical trials: bit.ly/4oljHRU
A blue graphic with white text reading, "Non-small cell lung cancer: This type makes up about 85% to 90% of lung cancers. It has several subtypes, including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma." A blue graphic with white text reading, "Small cell lung cancer: This type makes up about 10% to 15% of lung cancers. It is found almost exclusively in people with a history of heavy smoking. It starts in lung tissue and can spread to other parts of the body."
November 3, 2025 at 10:32 PM
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Share these with a friend, a family member, or a loved one.

#LungCancerAwareness
A blue graphic with white text reading, "Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs, the organs we use to breathe. The lungs fill the upper part of the chest. They bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide and other gases. Lungs contain blood vessels, air tubes, and air sacs." A blue graphic with white text reading, "Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. It makes up about 11% of all new cancer cases." A blue graphic with white text reading, "Lung cancer is more common in people with a history of smoking and people exposed to indoor radon. People who have never smoked also can get it." A blue graphic with white text reading, "Lung cancer is difficult to treat, partly because it is often found after it has spread. Long-term survival rates are discouraging. Still, 5-year survival rates have nearly doubled since 2000, according to the National Cancer Institute."
November 3, 2025 at 10:32 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month 🤍

Here are 🔟 facts to know about lung cancer.
A blue graphic with white text reading, "Lung cancer happens when abnormal cells form and grow out of control in one or both lungs. Lung Cancer has few signs and symptoms early on in its early stages." A blue graphic with white text reading, "Screening for lung cancer with a low dose chest CT scan may reduce lung cancer mortality rate by 20% compared to screening with chest x-rays." A blue graphic with white text reading, "Lung cancer screening is recommended annually for adults aged 50-80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who are current smokers or have quit within the past 15 years." A blue graphic with white text reading, "~15% of lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked. Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer."
November 3, 2025 at 10:32 PM
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“These new technologies give us a window into how cancer forms and progresses, which opens the door to understanding early cancer, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and even predicting cancer initiation.”

- Dr. Luiz Bertassoni on new #OHSUResearch: https://bit.ly/3WC1wew
Portrait of a person wearing a light blue collard shirt and smiling with Portland's Tilikum Bridge visible in the background.
November 3, 2025 at 8:22 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
Spooky season success! 🎃👻

The Maxson Lab brought the Halloween flair and festive fun to the office this year!

📸 Dr. Julia Maxson
Group of people in various creative costumes posing playfully outdoors with a city bridge in the background.
November 1, 2025 at 8:05 PM
ohsuknight.bsky.social
The Byrne lab's findings suggest that improving CD4+ T cell activation in future immunotherapies will improve outcomes for patients who have historically been resistant to immune-targeting treatments.

#OHSUResearch (via @theaacr.bsky.social): https://bit.ly/3Jodsxo
Professional photo of Dr. Byrne smiling while wearing a white lab coat. The background image showcases the OHSU Knight Cancer Research building during sunset. An OHSO logo appears in the bottom-right corner. Text under the photo reads, "Katelyn Byrne, Ph.D."
October 29, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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Using the immune system to fight cancer has revolutionized how scientists treat tumors, but this approach is not effective for all patients.

A new study by Dr. Katelyn Byrne and team shines light on an underinvestigated immune cell, the CD4+ T cell (via @theaacr.bsky.social): https://bit.ly/3Jodsxo
Professional photo of Dr. Byrne smiling while wearing a white lab coat. The background image showcases the OHSU Knight Cancer Research building during sunset. An OHSO logo appears in the bottom-right corner. Text under the photo reads, "Katelyn Byrne, Ph.D."
October 23, 2025 at 9:36 PM
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“It’s important for folks to know that they can get world-class care right here.

We have exceptional surgeons, specialists who tailor care to your needs, nurses who guide you through treatment, advanced options for breast reconstruction, and access to clinical trials.” - Dr. Alexandra Zimmer
Event at a public building with individuals standing near a podium adorned with a microphone, under banners related to breast cancer awareness and LGBTQ+ pride flags.
October 22, 2025 at 7:47 PM
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Today, @portland-gov.bsky.social observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month by bringing together leaders, professionals, nonprofit partners, and youth advocates to emphasize the importance of early detection, equitable access to care, and community support for everyone facing #BreastCancer.
Event at a public building with twelve (12) individuals standing in front of a podium adorned with a microphone, under banners related to breast cancer awareness and LGBTQ+ pride flags.
October 22, 2025 at 7:47 PM
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Drs. Lisa Coussens and David Huang were both recognized at this past weekend's @nam.edu induction ceremony.

Both were elected to @nam.edu in 2024 due to their contributions to the fields of cancer research and eye disease diagnosis and care, respectively. 🙌
Two people smile as they pose for a photo at the 2025 National Academy of Medicine Induction ceremony in Washington, D.C.
October 20, 2025 at 8:10 PM
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Fall foliage is in full force on Marquam Hill 🍂🍃🍁
Early fall morning on OHSU's Marquam Hill campus captures the Portland Aerial Tram arriving from the South Waterfront. An early sunrise is visible over the horizon. A squirrel is sitting atop a moss-covered rock on OHSU's campus. Red leaves are visible on a tree in front of the OHSU Hospital on a fall afternoon in October. Green and red leaves cover the entirety of a building, leaving only the windows uncovered, on OHSU's campus.
October 17, 2025 at 6:06 PM
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Join us this fall to raise awareness for #BreastCancer and #LungCancer.

Early detection is crucial in the fight against cancer.

OHSU is offering breast and lung cancer screenings as part of the Pink and Pearl Campaign on Oct. 17 and Nov. 7.

Pre-registration required: https://bit.ly/4edIthO
Promotional poster for OHSU's 'Pink and Pearl Campaign Breast and Lung Cancer Campaign Screening' on October 17 and November 7. Features an image of a healthcare professional conducting research in a laboratory, with event details and contact information listed below. Encourages participation with screenings for breast and lung cancer.
October 9, 2025 at 4:58 PM