JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Liver transplants are becoming a new treatment option for certain colorectal cancer patients whose cancer has spread to their liver and are ineligible for other surgical options. This innovative approach is providing hope to colorectal cancer patients who otherwise are often faced with a grim prognosis.

"Colorectal cancer is the fourth-most-common cancer in the United States, but it's also the second-deadliest cancer. At the time of diagnosis, about 1 in 5 patients will have metastatic disease, meaning the cancer has spread outside of the colon. The most common place we see metastasis is in the liver," says Denise Harnois, D.O., a Mayo Clinic transplant hepatologist.

In roughly a quarter of these cases, the cancer does not spread beyond the liver. Traditionally, surgeons first explore the option of cutting out the cancer in the liver. However, if the cancer has spread to more than one area of the liver, this approach may not be an option. That is when a liver transplant can be considered for patients who meet certain criteria, Dr. Harnois says.

The ideal candidate will have responded well to chemotherapy, and the colorectal cancer will not have spread beyond the liver. They are also not a candidate for surgical removal of the cancer in their liver. Patients also need to be healthy enough to undergo a liver transplant. This new approach is critical for these patients, whose five-year survival rate without a transplant is only about 15%.

"Mayo Clinic is one of very few transplant centers in the U.S. performing liver transplants on patients with colorectal cancer metastasis, in part because it's a relatively new treatment option. It also requires a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons and transplant experts who work closely together to help these patients," Dr. Harnois says.

Gary Gonzales is among those grateful this new option exists. The 59-year-old from Broomfield, Colorado, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 52. The cancer soon spread to his liver. He was referred to Mayo Clinic after having undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and two liver resection surgeries at another institution. He had a liver transplant at Mayo Clinic in July of 2024, and says he finally feels like his old self. He is thankful for his care team and his liver donor.

"I am very grateful for that donor," Gary says. "I would definitely like to give the donor's family a hug. The donor is a part of me and my family and gave me a chance to live."

Journalists: Press kit, including b-roll, photos and interviews available here. Dr. Denise Harnois and Gary Gonzales are available for interviews. Please contact newsbureau@mayo.edu to schedule.

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

Media contact:

• Heather Carlson Kehren, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

Additional resources: Mayo Clinic Minute: Liver transplant for patients with advanced colorectal cancer

The post Liver transplants offer new hope for colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Students at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota joined more than 40,000 medical students nationwide as they simultaneously opened envelopes at 11 a.m. CDT to reveal their residency training placements through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education is one of the nation's largest schools of graduate medical education, with a total enrollment of more than 1,900 physicians in training, and has trained half of Mayo's current physicians. This year, the school's 65 programs in Arizona, Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin participated in the National Resident Matching Program and offered 372 residency positions to students nationwide.   

"This Match represents an incredible opportunity to train the surgeons of the future, who will go on to make significant contributions to the field of medicine. Being selected for our program is not only a testament to the applicants' dedication and skill but also a life-changing opportunity that will shape their careers," said Mariela Rivera, M.D., Program Director General Surgery Residency Program, Rochester. "This Match welcomes top physicians from different backgrounds and with varied work experiences and perspectives who will collaborate to enhance our profession, patient outcomes and innovation while fostering an inclusive healthcare community."

Among the 87 students in the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine class of 2025 participating in the Match, 24 will complete their residencies at Mayo Clinic. The others will bring their training in the Mayo Clinic Model of Care to residency programs across 22 states.  

The most popular specialties are surgical and surgical specialties including ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery and OB/GYN. Internal medicine, anesthesiology, radiation oncology and emergency medicine were other top specialties Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students matched in.

Meet the students who matched.

About Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine 
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is a national medical school with four-year medical degree programs in Rochester and Arizona. The school also offers a Florida program, enabling students to complete their first two years of medical studies in Arizona or Minnesota, and their final two years of learning in Florida. For more information, visit Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. 

About Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education  
Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education (MCSGME) was established by the Mayo brothers in 1915 to provide specialty training to graduate physicians. The school has since grown to become one of the largest in the country, sponsoring more than 250 residency and fellowship training programs located on the Mayo Clinic campuses in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona. Graduate medical education is an essential part of the spirit and legacy of Mayo Clinic, and it is a critical investment in Mayo's future. For more information visit Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. 

About Mayo Clinic 
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news. 

The post Envelope please: Match Day 2025 appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Match Day, held each March, is the moment when graduating medical school students across the country learn where—and in which specialty—they will complete their residency training for the next three to seven years.  

“Passionate,” “prepared” and “inspired” are the words echoing the medical school hallways during Match week. Fourth-year medical students at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine (MCASOM) campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota will join more than 40,000 medical students nationwide as they simultaneously open envelopes at 11 a.m. CDT to reveal their residency training placements through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Watch live on March 21.

LINKS ABOVE WILL CONVERT TO SHAREABLE VIDEO AFTER THE CEREMONY.

Match Day has been described by MCASOM and Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education alumni and keynote speaker Natalie Strand, M.D., as a milestone transition, threshold students are stepping across, from medical student to physician, researcher, or educator. It is not simply the next step—it is a transformation, a shift from learning medicine to living it. Held each year on the third Friday of March, graduating medical school students from the U.S. and around the world await the pivotal moment when they learn which residency programs they will complete their training.  

Fredric Meyer, M.D., the Waugh Executive Dean of Education, shares his advice with medical students, “As future doctors, you are not only healers but also advocates for the core values of respect, integrity, compassion, healing, teamwork, innovation, excellence and stewardship. Your voices are powerful tools in shaping a healthcare system that reflects these values. Embrace this responsibility knowing that your efforts can drive meaningful progress."

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students consistently match above the national rate with 97% NRMP placement rate, have a 100% USMLE Step 2 exam pass rate and 94% are satisfied with their medical education at the top-rated national medical school, as reported by U.S. News and World Report "Best Medical Schools - Research."

Students Meet their Match

Match Day is the result of the hard work students put in during their medical school training. If you looked for a common theme this year, one clearly emerged: students are ready and prepared to truly listen to their patients. Five students share what Match Day means to them. 

Ning McKenzie, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine — Arizona 

Match Day brings a lot of nerves, both from hope and from anxiety. I love the national significance of Match Day and have watched videos for years, because it's a universal experience of opening your envelope and finding out where your future will be. I think it's a rite of passage and an honor to celebrate with friends, family, and mentors. 

 I am excited to start residency and am prepared to enter this new phase with curiosity and humility. Medical student rotations have repeatedly instilled us to constantly learn, adapt, and build strong team relationships. I feel prepared to enter yet another unknown! 

Guozhen (Gordon) Xie, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine — Florida 

I doubt that anyone truly feels "ready," but when I look at my fellow classmates, I realize that I would (and do) already trust them with my health and medical care. I believe that wherever they might go to train, their work will reflect positively on the medical school here at Mayo. 

Anders Jenson, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine — Minnesota 

The ability to make meaningful connections with my future patients and their families motivates me. I am most passionate about ensuring that all my patients’ voices are heard, and empowering them to make the medical decisions that best fit their individual goals and needs. 

My personal experiences drew me to medicine, as I hope to able support the next generation of patients and their families as a physician myself, recognize the wide-ranging impact illness can have on someone's life. 

Casey Martinez, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine — Arizona 

I have been surrounded by true excellence here, from fellow classmates to professors, researchers, clinical staff, administrators and mentors. The culture at Mayo Clinic is second to none, and I’ve learned what it truly means to put the needs of the patient first. I owe so much to those who have shaped me into who I am today. It has been incredible to rotate in Phoenix, Rochester and Jacksonville, learning from experts on the cutting edge of each of the three shields- clinical practice, education and research. 

It is an honor to step into the next phase of training, knowing that we are joining a profession dedicated to lifelong service. 

Kiyan Heybati, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine — Florida 

Mayo has become a place that I am proud to call my second home. Whether learning in the hospital or through research initiatives, my experiences here have allowed me to not only see but also play an active role in always placing the needs of the patient first through the integration of the three shields. As I look toward residency, I will carry forward the lessons I have learned in always prioritizing the needs of the patient through interdisciplinary and team-based care. 

Above all, Mayo instilled a value of always placing the needs of the patient first which I am confident will serve me well in the future. 

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About Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Mayo Clinic
Alix School of Medicine is a national medical school with four-year medical degree programs in Rochester and Arizona. The school also offers a Florida program, enabling students to complete their first two years of medical studies in Arizona or Minnesota, and their final two years of learning in Florida. For more information, visit Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.

About Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education
Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education (MCSGME) was established by the Mayo brothers in 1915 to provide specialty training to graduate physicians. The school has since grown to become one of the largest in the country, sponsoring more than 250 residency and fellowship training programs located on the Mayo Clinic campuses in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona. Graduate medical education is an essential part of the spirit and legacy of Mayo Clinic, and it is a critical investment in Mayo’s future. For more information visit Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education.

About Mayo Clinic 
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news. 

Media contact:

• Mayo Clinic Education Communications, newbureau@mayo.edu

The post From learning to living medicine: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine students participate in Match Day appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A new study by Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that the presence of a specific genetic mutation — KRAS circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) — strongly indicates a higher risk of cancer spread and worse survival rates for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The mutation was identified using a readily available and clinically approved blood and abdominal fluid test.

PDAC is an aggressive form of cancer that is often difficult to diagnose. Most patients already have cancer spread to other parts of their body when initially diagnosed, and current tests often miss this hidden spread. This makes it challenging to determine the best treatment strategy. The findings, published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, may help identify patients who are more likely to have cancer spread to other parts of the body, therefore providing doctors and patients with the right information to make informed decisions about treatment.

"This is a major advancement for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma," says Mark Truty, M.D., hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgical oncologist within Mayo Clinic's Department of Surgery. Dr. Truty is senior author of the study. "We've had this genetic testing available for a number of years, however, we did not know the significance of the results or how to interpret them. Having the KRAS status will allow the patient and their provider to make better decisions about their individual cancer treatment."

The prospective cohort study, involving nearly 800 patients — the largest patient series to date in the literature using ctDNA — found that 20%-30% of patients with PDAC have detectable mutant KRAS ctDNA in the blood and/or peritoneum, and that those without any previous treatment, such as chemotherapy, had the highest incidence. Thus, the study suggests that ctDNA assays should be performed prior to treatment to have the highest yield.

The researchers examined data between 2018 and 2022. Blood sample tests revealed that 104 patients (14%) had KRAS ctDNA mutation. These patients were more likely to develop advanced, spreading cancer and had a lower survival rate. Further testing of fluid from around the abdominal cavity in 419 patients showed similar results: 123 (29%) had the marker, and these patients also experienced worse outcomes. The presence of this marker, whether in blood or abdominal fluid, indicated a poorer prognosis.

The study highlights that while surgery is the only known cure, most patients experience cancer spread after surgery. The test helps identify patients less likely to benefit from surgery alone, guiding treatment decisions towards chemotherapy and/or radiation before surgery. For patients without the KRAS mutation (approximately 10% of cases), the test is less conclusive and other tests are needed.

"Historically, we've known that KRAS mutations are associated with a more biologically aggressive pancreatic cancer," says Jennifer Leiting, M.D., hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon within Mayo Clinic's Department of Surgery. Dr. Leiting is first author of the study. "But this large study gives us a much clearer understanding of how to interpret the test results and use them to improve patient care. It allows for more accurate staging at diagnosis, leading to better treatment decisions."

The researchers suggest that this test should become a standard part of the initial diagnosis for PDAC, enabling more personalized risk stratification and effective treatment plans.

"This improved diagnostic capability offers hope for patients and their families facing this challenging disease," says Dr. Truty. "It's optimistic to see how advances in genetic testing are directly helping our patients."

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About Mayo Clinic 
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news. 

About Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center 
Designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center is defining the cancer center of the future, focused on delivering the world's most exceptional patient-centered cancer care for everyone. At Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, a culture of innovation and collaboration is driving research breakthroughs in cancer detection, prevention and treatment to change lives.

Media contact:

• Kelley Luckstein, Mayo Clinic Communications, newbureau@mayo.edu

The post Mayo Clinic researchers identify a measurable genetic mutation as a significant predictor of metastasis and survival in pancreatic cancer appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A discovery by Mayo Clinic researchers may help explain why immunotherapy hasn't been helpful for many patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. In findings published in Clinical Cancer Research, the team identified specific proteins — fibronectin and smooth muscle actin — within colorectal cancer tissues that are associated with resistance to immunotherapy treatment.

Immunotherapy is a major advance in treating cancer, but many patients, including those with metastatic colorectal cancer, do not respond to it. Until now, researchers have not known why.

"We need predictive biomarkers to guide the selection of immunotherapy for patients," says medical oncologist and gastroenterologist Frank Sinicrope, M.D., the senior author of the study. "Identifying those who may have resistance to treatment can be useful, because then we can spare them from receiving treatment that may not be beneficial and could produce significant toxicities."

The research team used digital spatial profiling, an advanced technology that simultaneously analyzes the expression of multiple proteins and where they are located within tissues. This approach allowed researchers to zoom in to get a bird's eye view of a tumor that includes proteins both within and surrounding the tumor cells and how they interact.

Dr. Sinicrope compares the spatial tools to an aerial view of a neighborhood where one can see relationships between driveways, houses, yards and neighboring structures. Similarly, this detailed view provides physicians and researchers with critical information about the proteins in and around a patient's cancer, potentially informing the best treatment for the patient. 

"We wanted to learn more about the patients who did not respond to immunotherapy. We investigated the leading edge of the tumor where cancer cells are invading and where the immune system is attempting to fight the cancer," says Dr. Sinicrope. "It's like a battle going on here and we're getting a snapshot into who is in attendance."

The researchers focused on 10 regions at the invasive margin of a tumor. They applied digital spatial profiling to investigate 71 distinct proteins in both the tumor's epithelial compartment and the surrounding stromal compartment. Fibronectin and smooth muscle actin are two extracellular matrix proteins that were found in the epithelial region of the tumor and were associated with resistance to immunotherapy and shorter time before disease progression.

Upon further analysis, the researchers observed that cancer-associated fibroblasts were producing these proteins. The evidence, they say, suggests that these proteins can contribute to suppression of the anti-tumor immune response.

The discovery offers a step toward more personalized and effective colorectal cancer treatments.  

Review the study for a complete list of authors, disclosures and funding.

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About Mayo Clinic 
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news. 

About Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center 
Designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center is defining the cancer center of the future, focused on delivering the world's most exceptional patient-centered cancer care for everyone. At Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, a culture of innovation and collaboration is driving research breakthroughs in cancer detection, prevention and treatment to change lives.

Media contact:  

• Kelley Luckstein, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu  

The post Mayo Clinic researchers identify proteins linked to immunotherapy resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

ROCHESTER, Minn. and SINGAPORE — Mayo Clinic Laboratories, a global leader in advanced laboratory testing, and KYAN Technologies, a leader in functional precision medicine for oncology, today announced a collaboration to validate and provide the KYAN test, Optim.AI™, across the United States. This collaboration aims to support clinicians with additional testing insights for cancer treatment.

Learn more here.

The post Mayo Clinic Laboratories and KYAN Technologies enter a collaboration to expand patients’ access to cancer testing appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

It was the evening of April 4, 2024 on a concert stage in Gilbert, Arizona.

Colt Ford and his band were performing their signature blend of country, rap and hip-hop music. It was a sold-out crowd. Colt was feeling at the top of his game, and the concert was shaping up to be one of the band's best shows ever.

No one expected how this night would end.

Watch Colt Ford's story of survival

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (3:52) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script.

"Like it was really clicking. We had just made some changes in the set and it was feeling really good. The vibe was good, it all felt good," remembers Colt. "My stage manager said 'That's the best show we've done this year, man, you killed it,' It was incredible."

At the end of the show Colt thanked fans, turned and exited the stage.

No one expected what happened minutes later

"I woke up seven or eight days later, whatever, and I woke up in the hospital and was like 'What's going on?' I had no concept of anything," says Colt. "When I played the show that night I could do anything but when I woke up in the hospital I couldn't pick up a cup with ice in it and feed it to myself."

Minutes after exiting the stage, Colt suffered a massive heart attack. He was found slumped over in a chair backstage by one of his fellow band members. Emergency crews responded immediately and Colt was rushed to the hospital.

"When one of the top heart doctors in the world looks at you and goes 'You're 1% of 1%,' it can't get anymore dire than that," says Colt about his odds of surviving his heart attack.

Colt went into cardiac arrest twice. He was revived with electric shocks from a defibrillator to restart his heart in both instances. "He would simply not have survived in most parts of the world that don't have access to such a high level of cardiogenic shock care. Most people do not survive globally," says Dr. Kwan Lee, interventional cardiologist at Mayo Clinic. Lee is part of the multidisciplinary team overseeing Colt's care at Mayo Clinic. Colt also underwent a 10-hour surgery and, for a time, was placed in a medically induced coma.

A silent killer

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. One of the most common types of cardiovascular disease is a heart attack. In the United States alone, it is estimated that every 40 seconds, someone has a heart attack.

Doctors often warn about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, and fatigue. However, roughly 21% of heart attacks in the U.S. occur with minimal or even no symptoms, according to the American Heart Association. These "silent" heart attacks are known as silent ischemia or silent myocardial infarction.

Colt says he had recently undergone a regular check-up at a different medical center and got a clean bill of health.

"This is the unfortunate nature of heart attacks. It is possible to have tests which don't show blockages, but the nature of blockages is that they can behave unpredictably and suddenly occur," says Dr. Lee. "Despite our best efforts, on a populational level, heart attacks can still occur in patients out of the blue."

Nearly nine months after his heart attack, test results at Mayo Clinic indicate Colt is making excellent progress. Exercise combined with a heart-healthy diet has helped him shed 60 pounds. "I'm about back to being in my college shape," says Colt, who played on the golf team for the University of Georgia before his singing career took off.

While his physical health improves, Colt admits the health scare has left him battling anxiety and panic attacks. "For me to say I'm having anxiety and panic attacks, that's even hard for me to say because I ain't scared of nothing," Colt says. "But I'm having to deal with that and share my feelings and all that kind of stuff. So, if you're feeling something, advocate for yourself. Don't just tough it out. Tell somebody."

Dr. Lee says it is not uncommon for patients to experience anxiety, panic attacks and even depression following a heart attack. He recommends patients maintain an open dialogue with their health care team and discuss any issues that arise.

"I'm back, baby!"

Colt has been open about sharing his experience with his nearly three million followers on social media. "I'm back, baby!" Colt shared recently on Instagram. "It's been quite a journey but you guys have inspired me, you kept loving me, kept praying for me, kept sending me messages and I'm working hard to get better."

Just a year shy of his heart attack, Colt has released a new song and is embarking on a new tour. He is hoping his music and story will serve as inspiration for others.

Related stories

• Spotlight on early detection of 3 heart diseases using ECG-AI 
• To combat heart disease and cancer, genomics researcher looks abroad
• Heart Transplant Innovation: New ‘heart in a box’ technology provides gift of life to Arizona man, as couple prepares to celebrate 50-year anniversary

The post (VIDEO) Country rap musician Colt Ford shares his personal story of surviving a near-fatal heart attack appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — In 2024, Mayo Clinic continued to accelerate its Bold. Forward. strategy to Cure, Connect and Transform healthcare for its patients and as a blueprint for all of healthcare. Fueled by staff who are driven by an unwavering commitment to putting patients' needs first, Mayo Clinic's annual performance enables groundbreaking medical innovations and unparalleled patient care.

Key performance highlights include:

• Cared for patients from every state and 135 countries, including 155,000 surgical patients, an increase of more than 3% from 2023.
• Completed 2,044 solid organ transplants and 790 bone marrow transplants, for a total of 2,834 — the most in the country.
• Engaged more than 1.04 million outpatient digital appointments, an increase of more than 17% from 2023.
• Named "World's Best Hospital" by Newsweek for the sixth consecutive year.
• Recognized as a "Best Smart Hospital" by Newsweek, reflecting Mayo Clinic's expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), digital imaging and telemedicine.
• Top-ranked in more specialties than any other hospital by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report. Also ranked No. 1 in Minnesota, Arizona and Florida, according to U.S. News & World Report's latest "Best Hospitals" rankings.
• Expanded the scope of Mayo Clinic Platform to more than 56 million patient lives from four continents, enabling solutions to provide earlier, more accurate diagnoses; personalized care; hospital-level care at home; and greater access to trusted expertise.
• Grew the number of peer-reviewed publications by nearly 7%, and offered more active clinical trials than any other academic medical center in the country, with a 70% increase in trials with decentralized capabilities.
• Educated 4,800 students enrolled in programs across Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in the 2024 academic year.
• Continued to invest in physical and digital infrastructure across Mayo Clinic Health System sites, including opening two hospital expansions.
• Welcomed 13,000 new colleagues, growing the total number of staff to nearly 83,000.
• Generated income from operating activities of $275 million, equivalent to a 1.4% margin. Income from current activities, including philanthropy and investment returns, was $1.29 billion, representing a 6.5% margin.
• Invested $1.38 billion in capital expenditures.
• Invested $10.5 billion in staff pay and benefits.
• Invested $1.343 billion in research and education activities.
• Secured a record-setting $1.117 billion in philanthropic gifts, including $661 million in outright support, with the rest in future commitments.

"Mayo Clinic's success in 2024 reflects the innovative spirit of our exceptional staff and their dedication to meeting our patients' changing needs," says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic. "Our teams are providing unparalleled care while also discovering new cures and scaling them to improve the lives of people around the world."

Also in 2024, the organization increased its investment in staff pay and benefits to $10.5 billion. New initiatives included recognition payments for all staff, financial counseling services, enhanced mental health support, an expanded medical plan network and a refreshed recognition program — all designed in response to staff feedback.

"Our staff are our greatest strength, and we invested significantly in them in 2024 and took intentional steps to demonstrate how much we value their commitment," says Christina Zorn, chief administrative officer of Mayo Clinic.

Investments in innovation

Mayo Clinic continued its investment in Mayo Clinic Platform, the first AI-enabled comprehensive healthcare platform that enables members to collaborate around de-identified data to develop new medical knowledge, solutions and technologies that improve patients' lives. In 2024, Mayo Clinic Platform continued to grow and now reaches four continents. The ecosystem includes nine distributed data network partners, with four added in 2024, who are collaborating around a total of 56 million patient lives, an increase of about 29 million lives in 2024. Further, the solution developer ecosystem nearly doubled in 2024 to 81, and 61 healthcare providers, including 13 new partners added last year, are integrating platform-based, end-to-end solutions into workflows to benefit patients.

Using Platform architecture, Mayo Clinic is revolutionizing the practice of pathology and accelerating medical breakthroughs using over 20 million clinical slides in its digital archive — the world's largest. Partnerships with NVIDIA, a world leader in accelerated computing, and Aignostics, which has expertise in AI, enable Mayo Clinic to use large, diverse datasets to build powerful AI models in pathology. This will spur faster, more accurate and more efficient diagnoses, improve treatment approaches, and deliver new cures to patients more quickly.

Building on its successful Advanced Care at Home program, the Platform initiative Cancer Care Beyond Walls is transforming cancer treatment by allowing patients to receive chemotherapy at home, significantly enhancing their quality of life. In addition, a new pilot program, Stat Care at Home, provides rapid care to patients in the comfort of their homes, saving them from making trips to the emergency department.

Investments in infrastructure

Transforming healthcare infrastructure remains a cornerstone of Mayo Clinic's Bold. Forward. strategy, including a once-in-three-generations investment through Bold. Forward. Unbound. This vision for the future of healthcare infrastructure will seamlessly integrate physical spaces and digital capabilities to meet patients' unmet and evolving needs across all sites. Together, the projects will transform the patient experience, advance teamwork, create more cures and improve outcomes.

In 2024, Mayo Clinic advanced critical design and enabling work ahead of construction for Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester, which will introduce 1.8 million square feet of new flexible, digitally enabled clinical space, a state-of-the-art logistics center and two reimagined arrival facilities that will transform the patient experience from the moment patients arrive on campus.

At Mayo Clinic in Florida, a five-floor hospital expansion and a new 225,000-square-foot Integrated Oncology Building will open in Jacksonville later this year. The building will house the first Carbon Ion Therapy program in the Western Hemisphere.

Further, Mayo Clinic recently announced an investment in the Phoenix campus that will increase clinical space by nearly 60%. The 1.2-million-square-foot expansion will include a new procedural building, a five-floor vertical and horizontal expansion of the Mayo Clinic Specialty Building, the integration of leading-edge technology, and the addition of 11 new operating rooms and 48 new patient beds. Mayo Clinic also continued to invest in research facilities to propel medical advancements, such as the new Integrated Education and Research Building in Phoenix, which fosters collaboration and accelerates scientific discoveries.

In Mayo Clinic Health System, the expansion of the Mankato, Minnesota, hospital added 121 beds and integrated cutting-edge telehealth and digital technologies to enhance patient care and strengthen collaboration with Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Similarly, the new facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin, incorporated advanced imaging and digital tools, supporting personalized community healthcare and improving experiences for both patients and staff. Additionally, the groundbreaking for a Cancer Center and Infusion Therapy expansion at Mayo Clinic Health System's site in New Prague, Minnesota, reflects Mayo Clinic's dedication to expanding high-quality community cancer treatment.

"We're committed to working with partners to accelerate the next generation of advanced technologies through Mayo Clinic Platform and to expand our physical and digital infrastructure in service to our patients and people everywhere," says Dr. Farrugia. "Thanks to the best staff, generous benefactors and mission-sustaining performance, we are in an excellent position to continue leading patient-centered healthcare transformation."

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

Media contact: 

• Andrea Kalmanovitz, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu 

The post Mayo Clinic’s strong 2024 performance fueled by dedicated staff, commitment to innovation appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Arizona will reimagine the healthcare experience for patients and staff and expand clinical space on the Phoenix campus by nearly 60%

PHOENIX — Today, Mayo Clinic announced a nearly $1.9 billion investment in the continued transformation of its Phoenix campus as part of its Bold. Forward. strategy to Cure, Connect and Transform healthcare for the benefit of patients everywhere.

Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Arizona will enable new innovative care concepts, physical spaces and integrated technologies to create seamless care experiences for patients and a better workplace for staff.

Mayo’s largest investment in the state, Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Arizona underscores Mayo Clinic's leadership in creating a next-generation healthcare model that scales solutions for more patients when and where they need them. By harnessing the power of innovative technology and integrating physical and digital care, Mayo Clinic aims to deliver more cures, improve patient outcomes and elevate the patient experience.

"Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Arizona is the final major building block of Bold. Forward. Unbound., our complete reimagining of our physical infrastructure to enable all of Bold. Forward.," says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic. "Through this work, we are physically and digitally transforming healthcare and blurring the lines between inpatient and outpatient care to support Category-of-One healthcare for our patients, a Category-of-One workplace for our staff and to serve as a blueprint for the world."

This 1.2-million-square-foot expansion includes the construction of a new procedural building, a four-floor vertical and horizontal expansion of the Mayo Clinic Specialty Building, the integration of leading-edge technology, the addition of 11 new operating rooms and two new patient units supporting 48 additional beds, and an enhanced arrival experience for patients and visitors.

The plan calls for a two-story, indoor promenade that wraps around the front of the campus, creating cohesion and convenience for patients and visitors as they move from building to building. Another prominent feature in the new design will be the development of care neighborhoods that cluster complementary clinical services for a more intuitive and connected patient experience.

Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites with Dr. Richard J. Gray, b-roll, photos and design renderings are available in the downloads at the end of the post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Name super/CG: Richard J. Gray, M.D., CEO, Mayo Clinic in Arizona

"This incredible investment will forever change the patient and staff experience in Arizona as Mayo Clinic grows and reinvents its nationally recognized clinical care, research and education," says Richard J. Gray, M.D., CEO of Mayo Clinic in Arizona. "Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Arizona will increase clinical space on the Phoenix campus by nearly 60 percent, allowing us to care for more patients than ever before. We look forward to setting new standards for patient care and medical innovation."

Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Arizona is part of Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. physical plan to achieve seamless integration of physical spaces and digital capabilities to meet patients’ unmet and evolving needs across all sites. Projects are underway in Rochester, Minnesota, and Jacksonville, Florida, and Mayo Clinic Health System recently completed projects in Mankato, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Design for the Arizona expansion begins this year with completion slated for 2031. This endeavor will involve numerous architectural and general contractor firms. An initial design and construction team of McCarthy, Gensler and Arup Group has been formed, and more collaborators will be named in the coming months.

"The dramatic growth in our metropolitan area, state and region has led to an escalating need for care of patients with complex medical conditions that is difficult to accommodate with our current technology and infrastructure," according to Dr. Gray. "We continue to believe that Arizona is a great place to advance new cures, new collaborations and Mayo's distinctive model of care."

Media kit, including video, interviews, design renderings, and photos, available for download here.

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

Media contact:

• Marty Velasco Hames, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

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The post Mayo Clinic announces transformative $1.9B investment in Arizona appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a significant health concern affecting over 1.5 million Americans and millions more globally. Researchers at Mayo Clinic are exploring the use of a new drug called ataciguat to manage AVS. Results from preclinical and clinical studies, published in Circulation, show that ataciguat has the potential to significantly slow disease progression. The final step to establish the drug's long-term effectiveness and safety is a phase 3 trial, and efforts to launch that pivotal trial are soon to be underway with an industry partner.

In AVS, calcium deposits build up and narrow the aortic valve, forcing the heart to work harder to move blood. The condition typically progresses over time, with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue affecting people over age 65. The current standard of care — watchful waiting — often leads to reduced quality of life before the condition is severe enough for the patient to have a surgical or interventional valve replacement.

"This research represents a significant advancement in the treatment of aortic valve stenosis," says Jordan Miller, Ph.D., director of the Cardiovascular Disease and Aging Laboratory at Mayo Clinic.  "Ataciguat has the potential to substantially delay or even prevent the need for valve replacement surgery, significantly improving the lives of millions."

Dr. Miller notes that the impact extends beyond simply delaying surgery. Younger patients with aggressive disease or congenital valve defects may develop symptoms in midlife. If a patient requires valve replacement before the age of 55, there is a more than 50% likelihood they will require multiple valve replacement surgeries over their lifetime due to recalcification of the implanted valve. Ataciguat, which slowed progression of native aortic valve calcification in the clinical trial, offers the potential for a once-in-a-lifetime procedure if they can reach the age of 65. The older a patient is, the less likely the implanted valve is to calcify.

Over the past decade, Mayo Clinic's research revealed that ataciguat reactivates a pathway crucial in preventing valvular calcification and stenosis. Preclinical studies in mice showed that this drug substantially slowed disease progression even when treatment began after the disease was established.  

Clinical trials in patients with moderate AVS demonstrated that once-daily ataciguat dosing was well tolerated, with minimal side effects compared to placebo. This latest phase 2 trial in 23 patients showed a 69.8% reduction in aortic valve calcification progression at six months compared to placebo, and patients receiving ataciguat tended to maintain better heart muscle function. Crucially, the research team confirmed that — despite its profound effect on slowing valve calcification — ataciguat did not negatively impact bone formation.

This important finding is the result of a collaborative effort between Mayo Clinic, the National Institutes of Health, the University of Minnesota, and Sanofi Pharmaceuticals. The research was conducted under an innovative academic-industry partnership grant administered by the National Center for Accelerating Translational Sciences and a Minnesota Biotechnology and Genomics Partnership grant.

Mayo Clinic and Dr. Miller have a financial interest in the intellectual property referenced in this news release. Mayo Clinic will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education and research.  

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.

Media contact:

• Terri Malloy, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu

The post New drug may reduce need for aortic valve surgeries by slowing disease progression appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.