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

Thyroid cancer causes Cushing’s syndrome in man in his 30s

A rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer caused Cushing’s syndrome in a man in his 30s, according to a case report. “This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing and managing ectopic Cushing’s syndrome, particularly when it is secondary to a rare malignancy,” researchers wrote. The case report, “…

Corcept asks FDA to OK relacorilant for Cushing’s syndrome

Corcept Therapeutics has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve relacorilant for people with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome. “Relacorilant’s combination of efficacy and safety give it the potential to become the standard of care for the medical treatment of patients with hypercortisolism,” Joseph Belanoff, MD, CEO…

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…