Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Brain structure changes may explain Cushing’s cognitive issues

People with Cushing’s disease frequently experience cognitive and psychiatric complications, often persisting after surgery to remove the disease-driving tumor, a review study noted. That could be because high cortisol levels during active phases of Cushing’s disease can cause physical changes in brain structure that persist after cortisol levels are…

Psychiatric ills continuing risk with Cushing’s, despite tumor surgery

People with Cushing’s disease are at an increased risk of complications, particularly psychiatric disorders requiring hospitalization, even after the disease-causing tumor has been surgically removed, a study indicates. Its findings “support the need for comprehensive clinical evaluation and tailored interventions for [Cushing’s disease] patients, even post-surgery,” the researchers wrote.

Protocols lacking for reducing risk of VTEs in Cushing’s patients

People with Cushing’s syndrome have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), that is, dangerous blood clots that obstruct the normal flow of blood through veins, but most treatment centers don’t have standard procedures for reducing VTE risk in Cushing’s patients, a study indicates. “A specific thromboprophylaxis protocol for patients…

Cushing’s community gears up for April 8 Awareness Day

Cushing’s Awareness Day is April 8, and the Cushing’s community is gearing up with events and fundraising efforts to spread awareness and raise money to combat the disorder. In celebration of this year’s Awareness Day, Xeris Pharmaceuticals, which markets Cushing’s treatment Recorlev (levoketoconazole), is teaming up with the…

Enrollment complete in relacorilant Phase 3 GRADIENT trial

A Phase 3 trial testing the oral medication relacorilant in people with Cushing’s syndrome caused by adrenal adenoma, a type of adrenal gland tumor, or adrenal hyperplasia, a condition in which the adrenal glands become enlarged, has finished enrolling participants. Relacorilant’s developer, Corcept Therapeutics, said 137 participants have…

Medication interaction triggers Cushing’s syndrome in man, 67

An interaction between an anti-inflammatory steroid and an anti-fungal medication led to the onset of Cushing’s syndrome and reduced adrenal gland function in a man being treated for complications from a bone marrow transplant. A case report on the 67-year-old man’s symptoms highlights possibly serious consequences from these medicines’…

Rare adrenal tumor caused man’s Cushing’s, per case report

A rare adrenal tumor turned out to be the cause of a man’s Cushing’s syndrome, according to a case report from China. The man had severe metabolic complications related to Cushing’s, but these resolved rapidly following surgical removal of the disease-driving tumor, called a pheochromocytoma. Diagnosing and managing a pheochromocytoma…