PhD candidate and medical student Tanner Zachem and urologic oncologist Michael Abern, MD. Photo by Eamon Queeney.
An Innovator Sparks Innovation
Published
Walt and Arlene Simmons didn’t just hope for better treatment. They funded it.
Prostate Tumor ID, developed by urologic oncologist Michael Abern (left) and biomedical engineering PhD candidate and medical student Tanner Zachem, promises to help surgeons precisely “see” cancerous prostate tissue in real time. Photo by Eamon Queeney.
Walt Simmons is a seasoned mechanical engineer with an entire wall in his West Virginia home decorated with his patents. Still professionally active in his seventies, he owns and operates a hydro-electric facility that he purchased in a dilapidated condition.
“Even though I knew nothing about dams at the time,” Walt said.
“And even though it was junky, and filthy,” said Arlene.
“So I thought, well, this is a challenge,” said Walt, a playful gleam in his eye.
Walt’s love of a good challenge, and Arlene’s lifelong devotion to supporting her husband’s engineering ventures, soon drew the couple to ask Walt’s oncologist at Duke Cancer Institute, Daniel George, MD, a question. What could they do to advance treatments for the prostate cancer that nearly cost Walt his life?
“When Dr. Dan George pointed out that Duke was uniquely positioned to bring engineers and oncologists together to solve real problems, we knew we wanted to be part of it. I’ve always been fascinated by the process of discovery,” said Walt.
George, co-chair of the DCI’s Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, suggested an organic approach to fostering new collaborations: a monthly meeting between prostate cancer clinical researchers and biomedical engineers from Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering to identify and solve prostate cancer challenges. “Bringing biomedical engineers from Pratt to the table is special. That would not have happened without a funding incentive,” George said.
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We wanted to do something that would matter. Not just for Walt, but for other families facing prostate cancer. Supporting this kind of research felt like the right way to give back.
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Arlene Simmons
A Device is Born
A prototype of Prostate Tumor ID. Photo by Eamon Queeney.
The Simmons decided to fund seven “stimulus” awards, each worth $100,000, to kick start collaborative research. One of the first awards sparked the development of a device called Prostate Tumor ID that its inventors hope will improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer who have surgery to remove the prostate.
“Prostate cancer is notoriously hard to visualize during surgery,” said Michael Abern, MD, associate professor of urology at Duke. “Even with laparoscopic cameras, it’s difficult to distinguish cancerous tissue from healthy tissue in real time.”
A surgeon’s ability to successfully make that distinction profoundly impacts a patient’s outcome. If they cut away too little tissue, some cancer could remain. If they take too much, urinary and sexual function could suffer.
Urologists’ dream scenario, said Abern, would be a device designed to enhance a surgeons’ ability to precisely “see” the cancerous prostate tissue in real time — while they are performing a surgery.
Abern and Patrick Codd, MD, associate professor of neurosurgery, proposed to reengineer a tool already in use by Duke neurosurgeons to operate on brain tumors, making it suitable for prostatectomies.
The team assigned Tanner Zachem, a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering, to make a prototype of “Prostate Tumor ID” and test it. Zachem has also begun his first year of medical school at Duke this fall.
Zachem said that the Simmons stimulus grant accelerated the pace of device development
A prototype of Prostate Tumor ID. Photo by Eamon Queeney.
“Within one month of hearing about the stimulus grant, our team presented a prototype to Mr. and Mrs. Simmons. And just weeks later, boxes containing mechanical parts started arriving. And now, we’re generating a significant amount of data,” said Zachem. “I’m so grateful to the Simmons for jumpstarting my career.”
The resulting new tool is a compact, high-tech device that fits inside a 15mm laparoscopic port. It uses advanced imaging and tissue identification technology to instantly detect cancerous cells during surgery, giving surgeons immediate feedback on where to cut — and where to stop.
This past summer, Zachem and Duke’s urologists began testing TumorID. “This pilot funding will allow us to ultimately pursue additional funding to extend this imaging technology to a form that can be used during minimally invasive surgery,” Abern said.
For Walt and Arlene, the journey has been deeply personal — but also profoundly hopeful.
Arlene Simmons summed up the couples’ motivation for funding the stimulus awards. “We wanted to do something that would matter. Not just for Walt, but for other families facing prostate cancer. Supporting this kind of research felt like the right way to give back.”
Duke Cancer Institute kicked off its first signature fundraising event with a powerful show of support for cancer research, innovation, and patient care. Duke Rides, held on October 3 in Wilson Gym, united more than 1,100 donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters in a shared mission to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.Duke-blue strobe lights and high-energy music like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and Britney Spears “Hit Me Baby One More Time” kept everyone energized while they took turns cycling on stationary bikes. During rider changes, cancer survivors told their stories, with members of their care teams at their sides.“Raising more than $675k in our first year is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, physician vice president of cancer services, Duke University Health System.“What makes this event so special is the way it brings together the entire Duke community—our patients and families, physicians, nurses, researchers, staff, students, alumni, and friends. We are united by a shared commitment to beating cancer and being part of something bigger than any one of us,” said Reidy-Lagunes."We have wanted a signature event for many years," said Debbie Taylor, assistant vice president, Duke Cancer Institute and Duke Children’s Development. "But we don't have a big events team, which makes getting something like this off the ground incredibly difficult. We are so grateful for the colleagues and donors who stepped up and helped us turn an idea into a reality."Among the event’s top fundraisers was a team led by Tony and Teddie Brown, which raised an impressive $233, 859.For Tony Brown, supporting Duke Rides is deeply personal. A Professor of the Practice Emeritus in Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where he taught for 28 years, Brown has experienced firsthand the impact of exceptional care. His treatment under Hope Uronis, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist, and his broader care team inspired him to help ensure that other patients receive the same support.“The care I’ve received from Dr. Uronis and my entire team has been remarkable,” Brown said. “The combination of competence, compassion, and collaboration has meant more to me than words can express,” said Brown.Lenny Santoro, another survivor, echoed that sentiment. "I'm here today because of the excellent care that I received more than eight years ago for my prostate cancer. And because of three clinical trials that Dr. Dan George and Duke gave me the opportunity to join," he said.Other top fundraising teams included the Duke Alumni for Cancer Survival and those supporting the following disease groups: pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, genitourinary cancers (prostate and urologic), and pediatric cancers.The funds raised will provide much needed support for research aimed at improving treatment options and outcomes for cancer patients."Next time," said Taylor, "our goal is to raise over a million."
More than 300 patients, caregivers and family members gathered for the 2026 Genitourinary Cancers Community Education Event, an opportunity to learn directly from experts belonging to the Duke Cancer Institute’s Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers. Presentations focused on longer, healthier lives for people living with GU cancers.The event brought together more than 23 specialists representing medical oncology, urology, radiation oncology, radiology, clinical psychology and cancer support. Speakers included Andrew Armstrong MD, Mike Abern MD, Hannah Fisher PhD, Jeff Gahan MD, Daniel George MD, Paul Koffer MD, Tim Dougherty MD, Diana Kozman MD, and Danielle Kruse MD, who shared their expertise on topics ranging from new treatments and clinical research to imaging, surgery and Duke’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.The keynote address was delivered by Robert M. Califf, MD, whose career has included leadership in clinical research at Duke and service as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Califf spoke about “Clinical Research Improves Patient Care,” highlighting the connection between rigorous research, advances in treatment and the care patients receive. His career at Duke included leadership of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, and his work has spanned clinical research, patient care and health policy.The program also recognized that living well with cancer involves more than medical treatment. Hannah Fisher, MD led an interactive session exploring mind/body approaches to coping with cancer. Keegan Zavodnik discussed nutrition and diets for people living with cancer, while Alexis Monks addressed the role of fitness and physical activity. These sessions complemented the medical presentations with practical approaches to supporting patients throughout their cancer journeys.One session, called The Great Wait, focused on building a personal philosophy for living life to the fullest in the post-treatment phase of cancer, when a person is in remission. “Some of you in the audience today probably have only a 5% chance of your cancer recurring, but you’re still living every day in fear. Instead, go out and enjoy life. Let us tell you if it is ever time to worry again,” said Dan George, MD, who gave the talk along with Sarah Wood, MSN ANP-CH.The event's emphasis on hearing from a variety of cancer experts, with opportunities to interact with those experts, was reflected strongly in post-event survey responses from attendees.One participant wrote, “It’s a gift to the community. Love hearing about the latest developments in research particularly.” Another shared, “This event has been life changing for me. A cancer diagnosis for my husband was devastating. This event help to enlighten, encourage and ground me. I will be forever grateful for that.” Another said: “I appreciated the warm, respectfulness, and candidness of the healthcare professionals.”For others, the opportunity to connect with fellow patients was just as meaningful: “What I liked best is the connection with patients and learning their stories.” Another said “I appreciated the community-building nature of this event. It’s very gratifying to see the GU Cancer Center making this effort to engage us beyond the clinic visits.”Held for the second time at North Carolina Central’s student center, the event was made possible through the efforts of 13 volunteers from the GU Patient Advisory Council, who staffed registration tables, welcomed attendees at the entrance and helped direct patients and families from parking areas to the event hall. More than 65 people gave scholarships or made donations so that anyone could attend for free.Other expert presenters: Sarah Wood MSN ANP-CH, Sundhar Ramalingam MD, Jordan Infield MD, Michael Superdock MD, Dominic LaBella MD, Christopher Hoimes DO, Mike Harrison MD, Joe Park MD, and Dillon Cockrell MD, Jeff Shevach MD, Matt Labriola MD, and Jennifer Freedman, PhD.
Duke Cancer Institute kicked off its first signature fundraising event with a powerful show of support for cancer research, innovation, and patient care. Duke Rides, held on October 3 in Wilson Gym, united more than 1,100 donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters in a shared mission to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.Duke-blue strobe lights and high-energy music like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and Britney Spears “Hit Me Baby One More Time” kept everyone energized while they took turns cycling on stationary bikes. During rider changes, cancer survivors told their stories, with members of their care teams at their sides.“Raising more than $675k in our first year is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Diane Reidy-Lagunes, MD, physician vice president of cancer services, Duke University Health System.“What makes this event so special is the way it brings together the entire Duke community—our patients and families, physicians, nurses, researchers, staff, students, alumni, and friends. We are united by a shared commitment to beating cancer and being part of something bigger than any one of us,” said Reidy-Lagunes."We have wanted a signature event for many years," said Debbie Taylor, assistant vice president, Duke Cancer Institute and Duke Children’s Development. "But we don't have a big events team, which makes getting something like this off the ground incredibly difficult. We are so grateful for the colleagues and donors who stepped up and helped us turn an idea into a reality."Among the event’s top fundraisers was a team led by Tony and Teddie Brown, which raised an impressive $233, 859.For Tony Brown, supporting Duke Rides is deeply personal. A Professor of the Practice Emeritus in Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where he taught for 28 years, Brown has experienced firsthand the impact of exceptional care. His treatment under Hope Uronis, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist, and his broader care team inspired him to help ensure that other patients receive the same support.“The care I’ve received from Dr. Uronis and my entire team has been remarkable,” Brown said. “The combination of competence, compassion, and collaboration has meant more to me than words can express,” said Brown.Lenny Santoro, another survivor, echoed that sentiment. "I'm here today because of the excellent care that I received more than eight years ago for my prostate cancer. And because of three clinical trials that Dr. Dan George and Duke gave me the opportunity to join," he said.Other top fundraising teams included the Duke Alumni for Cancer Survival and those supporting the following disease groups: pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, genitourinary cancers (prostate and urologic), and pediatric cancers.The funds raised will provide much needed support for research aimed at improving treatment options and outcomes for cancer patients."Next time," said Taylor, "our goal is to raise over a million."
More than 300 patients, caregivers and family members gathered for the 2026 Genitourinary Cancers Community Education Event, an opportunity to learn directly from experts belonging to the Duke Cancer Institute’s Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers. Presentations focused on longer, healthier lives for people living with GU cancers.The event brought together more than 23 specialists representing medical oncology, urology, radiation oncology, radiology, clinical psychology and cancer support. Speakers included Andrew Armstrong MD, Mike Abern MD, Hannah Fisher PhD, Jeff Gahan MD, Daniel George MD, Paul Koffer MD, Tim Dougherty MD, Diana Kozman MD, and Danielle Kruse MD, who shared their expertise on topics ranging from new treatments and clinical research to imaging, surgery and Duke’s multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.The keynote address was delivered by Robert M. Califf, MD, whose career has included leadership in clinical research at Duke and service as commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Califf spoke about “Clinical Research Improves Patient Care,” highlighting the connection between rigorous research, advances in treatment and the care patients receive. His career at Duke included leadership of the Duke Clinical Research Institute, and his work has spanned clinical research, patient care and health policy.The program also recognized that living well with cancer involves more than medical treatment. Hannah Fisher, MD led an interactive session exploring mind/body approaches to coping with cancer. Keegan Zavodnik discussed nutrition and diets for people living with cancer, while Alexis Monks addressed the role of fitness and physical activity. These sessions complemented the medical presentations with practical approaches to supporting patients throughout their cancer journeys.One session, called The Great Wait, focused on building a personal philosophy for living life to the fullest in the post-treatment phase of cancer, when a person is in remission. “Some of you in the audience today probably have only a 5% chance of your cancer recurring, but you’re still living every day in fear. Instead, go out and enjoy life. Let us tell you if it is ever time to worry again,” said Dan George, MD, who gave the talk along with Sarah Wood, MSN ANP-CH.The event's emphasis on hearing from a variety of cancer experts, with opportunities to interact with those experts, was reflected strongly in post-event survey responses from attendees.One participant wrote, “It’s a gift to the community. Love hearing about the latest developments in research particularly.” Another shared, “This event has been life changing for me. A cancer diagnosis for my husband was devastating. This event help to enlighten, encourage and ground me. I will be forever grateful for that.” Another said: “I appreciated the warm, respectfulness, and candidness of the healthcare professionals.”For others, the opportunity to connect with fellow patients was just as meaningful: “What I liked best is the connection with patients and learning their stories.” Another said “I appreciated the community-building nature of this event. It’s very gratifying to see the GU Cancer Center making this effort to engage us beyond the clinic visits.”Held for the second time at North Carolina Central’s student center, the event was made possible through the efforts of 13 volunteers from the GU Patient Advisory Council, who staffed registration tables, welcomed attendees at the entrance and helped direct patients and families from parking areas to the event hall. More than 65 people gave scholarships or made donations so that anyone could attend for free.Other expert presenters: Sarah Wood MSN ANP-CH, Sundhar Ramalingam MD, Jordan Infield MD, Michael Superdock MD, Dominic LaBella MD, Christopher Hoimes DO, Mike Harrison MD, Joe Park MD, and Dillon Cockrell MD, Jeff Shevach MD, Matt Labriola MD, and Jennifer Freedman, PhD.
