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

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…

Urgent response advised for Cushing’s due to pancreatic tumors

Two unusual cases of Cushing’s syndrome caused by pancreatic tumors that had spread to the liver were described in a recent report, highlighting the importance of assessing the presence of Cushing’s in people with pancreatic tumors who continue to show signs of the disorder. The disorder, called ectopic ACTH syndrome…

Ectopic Cushing’s tied to recurring blood clots in woman’s lungs

The unusual case of a woman with Cushing’s syndrome caused by an adrenal tumor who experienced recurring episodes of blood clots in the lungs was described in a recent report. The study, “Adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting phaeochromocytoma as a cause of treatment-resistant hypertension and recurrent pulmonary emboli,” was published…

Changes in brain circuitry may underlie anxiety, cognitive issues

People with Cushing’s disease have differences in brain activity that significantly associate with the severity of cognitive and mental health symptoms, implying such changes in brain activity may give rise to these symptoms. That’s according to the recent study “Dynamic functional connectivity changes associated with psychiatric traits and…