UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Magazine Fall 2016 | Page 28

quick takes
UAB Receives Cutting-Edge Robot for Prostate Cancer
UAB is one of two beta sites in the
United States to receive the world-renowned
iSR’obotTM Mona Lisa image-guided system,
providing urologic surgeons with a tool to
diagnose prostate cancer earlier through
accurate diagnosis and precise localization
that may allow for targeted treatments in the
future.
Lead investigator and UAB Comprehensive
Cancer Center associate scientist Soroush
Rais-Bahrami, M.D., will determine the
utility of the equipment for potential clinical
use in the setting of the UAB Urologic
Oncology Innovations Lab through a pilot preclinical project, “Phantom-Based Evaluation of
a Novel Trans-Perineal Platform for Prostate

Cancer Detection and Treatment.”
The Mona Lisa robotic platform created
by Biobot Surgical uses magnetic resonance
imaging and ultrasound fusion techniques to
robotically guide biopsy of suspicious lesions.
The fusion software helps with the localization
of the needle when a biopsy procedure is
performed, providing pinpoint accuracy. With
UAB investigators, t he device is being further
developed to plan for minimally invasive focal
therapy for treating prostate cancer in the
future.
The Mona Lisa is being integrated as
an investigation by a multidisciplinary team
founded and co-directed by Dr. Rais-Bahrami
and Jeffrey Nix, M.D.

Sowing the Seeds of Health Makes Impact
Sowing the Seeds of Health, a cancer outreach
program devised by the UAB Comprehensive
Cancer Center, has served more than 3,500 Latina
women in six counties in Alabama and continues to
demonstrate the need to navigate cultural differences
in raising awareness about cancer detection.
Based on recent findings, Latinas are less likely
to be screened for breast and cervical cancer than
whites due to barriers such as access, lack of
insurance and limited knowledge of screenings.
Although Latina women do have lower rates of
breast cancer and breast cancer mortality compared
to their African-American and white counterparts, breast cancer
is still the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer
death among Latina women. Latinas are also two times more likely
to have cervical cancer than are white women and have 40 percent
higher mortality.
Cancer Center researchers, led by senior scientist Isabel
Scarinci, Ph.D., M.P.H., received a grant from the National
Cancer Institute in 2003 to develop a community-based,
culturally relevant educational program for Latinas in Alabama.
This resulted in Sowing the Seeds of Health, an evidence-based
outreach program that has been maintained ever since with
support from the Susan G. Komen North Central Alabama
affiliate. Using the concept of “promotoras de salud,” or health
promoters from the community, the program trains lay individuals
from the Latino community with knowledge and skills necessary
to promote health, prevent disease and encourage screening.
Annual educational luncheons are held in local churches

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where a Spanish-speaking health care professional
educates participants about breast and cervical
cancer, early detection, and screening. Women
are also given the opportunity to schedule
appointments for low-cost Pap tests, clinical
breast exams and mammography screening at
local hospitals and clinics via the Alabama Breast
and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
Navigators are then available to assist them with
their appointment and follow-up needs.
“Through this initial connection, Latina
immigrants become familiar with the health care
system, and these clinics become their regular source of care,”
says Dr. Scarinci, associate director for globalization and cancer.
“That, in turn, facilitates engagement in regular cancer screenings
and follow-up care. By empowering dedicated community health
promoters, building screening infrastructure, and establishing
effective partnerships with local health care facilities and utilizing
existing resources, programs such as Sowing the Seeds of Health
can aid in creating a bridge between health care providers and
patients.”
Organizations supporting the Sowing the Seeds of Health
program include Susan G. Komen North Central Alabama
Affiliate, Brookwood Baptist Health, Alabama Regional Medical
Services, Alabama Department of Public Health, Alabama
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, Huntsville
Hospital, Central North Alabama Health Services, DCH Health
System, Whatley Health Services, and Marshall Medical Center
South.

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