News from NYU Langone Health
Immunotherapy Offers Hope in Avoiding Bladder Removal for Cancer Patients
SCIENMAG
A phase 2 multicenter trial led by researchers at NYU Langone Health's Perlmutter Cancer Center found that combining the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab with chemotherapy and radiation offers a promising bladder-sparing treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The study, led by Minas P. Economides, MD, a genitourinary oncologist at NYU Langone Health, showed that after two years, 60% of patients maintained their bladder. Additionally, 80% of participants had no signs of metastatic disease, and the overall survival rate was 81%. These findings suggest a potential new standard of care, pending a larger phase 3 trial.
4/22/2026
A simple blood test could reveal Alzheimer’s risk years early
ScienceDaily
New research from NYU Langone Health suggests a common blood test measuring the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio could identify people at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease years before symptoms emerge. The study, published in *Alzheimer's & Dementia*, analyzed data from nearly 400,000 patients. According to first author Tianshe (Mark) He, PhD, a data scientist in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, neutrophil elevation occurs before cognitive decline. Co-senior author Jaime Ramos-Cejudo, PhD, an assistant professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, noted the findings could help identify individuals for closer monitoring.
4/22/2026
Let’s Talk About Sex—and Breast Cancer
HealthCentral
Breast cancer treatments can significantly impact sexual health, yet these side effects are often overlooked in patient care. According to Elizabeth Comen, MD, breast oncologist and co-director of NYU Langone Health’s Mignone Women’s Health Collaborative, about two-thirds of young women undergo hormone therapy that induces menopause, but physicians historically received little training on this topic. The article highlights that while oncologists are focused on saving lives, addressing sexual health is crucial for overall well-being. At NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, women with these concerns can be referred to therapists and gynecologists. The piece encourages patients to advocate for themselves.
4/22/2026
First Large scale Survey Estimates that 2.8% of U.S. Population Used Psilocybin in the Past Year
UC SAN DIEGO
A study by researchers at UC San Diego and NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that approximately 2.8% of the U.S. population, or 8 million people, used psilocybin in the past year. Analyzing data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the research provides the first large-scale estimate of current use. The findings highlight demographic trends and correlations with other substance use and depression. The study, co-authored by Joseph J. Palamar, PhD, MPH, professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, underscores the need for clinicians to be aware of unsupervised psilocybin use among patients.
Also reporting was: SCIENMAG
4/22/2026
AAN 2026: Top-tier MS drugs out of reach for many on Medicaid
Multiple Sclerosis News Today
A study presented by Mihir Kakara, MD, a neurologist at NYU Langone Health, found significant state-by-state variation in Medicaid coverage for high-efficacy multiple sclerosis therapies. The research, shared at the American Academy of Neurology 2026 annual meeting, analyzed 462 Medicaid plans and revealed that 41.8% did not cover any top-tier disease-modifying therapies, with nine states offering no coverage at all. Dr. Kakara suggested these disparities in access could explain some of the health inequities observed among patients with MS, as early initiation of these treatments can improve long-term outcomes.
4/22/2026
121 best healthcare employers for culture: Forbes
Becker's Hospital Review
Forbes recognized NYU Langone Health on its 2026 list of 'America’s Best Employers for Company Culture,' ranking it 56th out of 600 U.S. companies. The list was compiled in partnership with market research firm Statista, which surveyed more than 217,000 employees about their company's culture, fairness, and respect. Several other New York-based health systems were also featured, including Northwell Health at 16th, Mount Sinai Health System at 50th, and NewYork-Presbyterian at 261st. The rankings considered employee recommendations and leadership team composition.
4/22/2026
Cancer’s Secret Weapon? Scientists Reveal How Tumors “Learn” To Survive Treatment
SciTechDaily
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have proposed a new model suggesting cancer cells can resist treatment by dynamically reprogramming gene activity, not just through genetic mutations. Published in Nature, the study focuses on AP-1 proteins, which allow cells to test different survival states and retain those that work against therapies. Study author Itai Yanai, PhD, professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and first author Gustavo S. Franca, PhD, postdoctoral fellow, suggest this adaptive mechanism could be targeted to prevent treatment resistance.
4/22/2026
New York Post
A growing number of men under 40 are struggling with erectile dysfunction, creating a reliance on prescription drugs that could lead to an 'epidemic' of treatment failure. Joel Hillelsohn, MD, urologist at NYU Langone Health, warns that this quick fix does not address underlying psychological issues like performance anxiety. He explains that this can create a vicious cycle where anxiety eventually outweighs the medication's benefits, leaving patients with more invasive options like penile implants. Dr. Hillelsohn advocates for a combined approach of low-dose daily medication and sex therapy to rebuild confidence.
4/22/2026
Gut Bacteria Predicts Melanoma Recurrence with Up to 94% Accuracy
CURE Magazine
New research from NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center suggests gut bacteria can predict melanoma recurrence with up to 94% accuracy. The study, published in the journal *Cell*, analyzed stool samples from 674 patients. According to senior author Jiyoung Ahn, PhD, a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and associate director of Population Research at Perlmutter Cancer Center, this finding could help clinicians determine which patients will respond to immunotherapy before starting treatment. This could lead to more personalized oncology, using a stool test to tailor therapy for high-risk patients after surgery.
Also reporting was: Inside Precision Medicine
4/22/2026
AI Can Help Increase Donor Heart Matches, Reducing Organ Discard
Inside Precision Medicine
Research presented at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation annual meeting suggests that artificial intelligence tools could significantly reduce the number of discarded donor hearts. Brian Wayda, MD, a transplant cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, co-developed a web-based prediction tool called TOPHAT. This machine learning algorithm evaluates 20 donor characteristics to estimate the likelihood of a transplant center accepting a heart. Dr. Wayda explained that the tool supports complex, time-sensitive decisions, helping clinicians make better-informed choices and potentially increasing the number of available hearts for patients.
4/22/2026
Brain Astrocytes Form Far-Reaching Connections in Mice
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
A study in mice led by researchers at NYU Langone Health found that astrocytes, a type of brain cell, form their own far-reaching communication networks. Published in Nature, the research revealed these pathways connect distant brain regions, some not previously known to be linked by neurons. The study was headed by Melissa Cooper, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the department of neuroscience at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Co-senior authors Shane A. Liddelow, PhD, an associate professor in the neuroscience and ophthalmology departments at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Moses V. Chao, PhD, a professor in the cell biology, neuroscience, and psychiatry departments at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, suggest the findings may offer new insights into brain diseases.
Also reporting was: Nature
4/22/2026
World Today News
A study published in Nature Medicine demonstrated that reducing plastic use significantly lowers exposure to harmful chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols, but individual behavioral changes are insufficient without regulatory action. In a commentary, Leonardo Trasande, MD, MPP, director of Environmental Pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, noted that the economic burden of phthalate-related disease in the U.S. exceeds $34 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity. He emphasized that current regulatory thresholds are decades behind the science and that precautionary action is needed to prevent avoidable morbidity.
4/22/2026
Gut Bacterial Toxins at Elevated Levels Induce Lupus Nephritis
SCIENMAG
A study from NYU Langone Health has identified a link between the gut bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus and lupus nephritis. Researchers found that elevated levels of a lipoglycan from the bacterium can trigger immune responses that drive the kidney condition. The study, led by Gregg Silverman, MD, immunologist, the Mamdouha S. Bobst Professor of Internal Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, suggests that this mechanism could lead to new diagnostic biomarkers and more targeted therapies. The findings indicate that targeting the bacterium or its signaling pathway could offer a selective treatment strategy, potentially reducing side effects associated with broad immunosuppression.
4/23/2026
