Elemental: The unique devastation of cancer in a pandemic
UC research featured in story about cancer care in the age of the coronavirus
Oncologists say the high-stakes work of treating cancer has become even more precarious during the pandemic. Over the course of 2020, cancer specialists have struggled to understand how to protect their patients, whose immune systems are often compromised by therapies.
“We need to keep treating, even in the face of this,” says Trisha Wise-Draper, MD, PhD, associate professor at the University of Cincinnati, UC Health oncologist and member of the UC Cancer Center. “Cancer never stops.”
In July, Layne Weatherford, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow who works with Wise-Draper, presented preliminary findings suggesting immunotherapy (which activates the immune system against cancer) doesn’t worsen complications for people with cancer infected with COVID-19.
“Our advice keeps changing. I think that’s been the hardest part for patients,” says Wise-Draper. “They’re watching science unfold in front of their eyes.”
Read the whole story from Elemental.
Featured photo of cancer cells courtesy of the National Cancer Institute.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, read more #UCtheGood content, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
Why is there a statue of Stephen Foster in Cincinnati?
June 26, 2026
Even if you don't know American parlor composer Stephen Foster, you’ve probably heard his music. His mid-19th century folk songs, including “Camptown Races” and “Oh Susanna,” make appearances in pop culture to this day. There’s a statue of Foster overlooking the Ohio river in Alms Park that prompted WVXU's Bill Rinehart to feature him in his Cincinnati mysteries segment, OKI Wanna Know. WVXU turned to University of Cincinnati music history expert Kristy Swift for a peek into Foster’s life and impact in the region.
World Cup watch parties unite fans, communities
June 26, 2026
UC Assistant Professor Letisha Brown tells Spectrum News that watch parties for sporting events and entertainment are popular because people feed on others' excitement.
Drone-delivered groceries descending into Cincinnati
June 25, 2026
Walmart is bringing drone delivery to Cincinnati, as reported by 700WLW. Host Scott Sloan spoke with Michael Jones, associate professor of economics at the University of Cincinnati's Lindner College of Business, for a look at what it means for Cincinnati shoppers.