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Cleveland Clinic Researchers Discover Cancer Stem Cell Pathway in Endometrial Cancer
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Ofer Reizes |
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Justin Lathia |
A team of researchers led Justin Lathia, PhD and Ofer Reizes, PhD, of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, have discovered a key pathway that leads to recurrence and treatment resistance in endometrial cancer, providing the potential for much needed new therapies for women with limited options (Saygin, J Exp Med, 2017).
The team studied the unique role of an immune regulatory protein, called CD55, which is abundant on the surface of endometrioid ovarian cancer and uterine cancer cells. Using human cells and patient-derived tissue models, they found CD55 to be the most prevalent on cancer stem cells, a subgroup of aggressive cancer cells that are thought to be responsible for recurrence and spread of many types of cancer.
The researchers discovered that high levels of CD55 caused cancer stem cells to be more aggressive and resistant to cisplatin than non-stem cell cancer cells. The CD55 pathway is unique in that it controls both stem cell self-regulation/growth and therapeutic resistance, while other mechanisms control just one or the other.
In addition, when CD55 was removed from cells, they became sensitive to cisplatin in cell culture models and in pre-clinical mouse models. The researchers hope that blocking the protein will enhance cisplatin treatments and that high expression of CD55 could be used as a biological marker of aggressive gynecologic cancers. The team plans to complete further preclinical testing followed by a clinical trial in patients with CD55-expressing endometrial cancers.
The following Case CCC members are co-authors on the study:
Drs. Daniel J. Lindner, Analisa DiFeo, Fadi W. Abdul-Karim, Peter G. Rose, Haider Mahdi, and Keith R. McCrae.
more>
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CWRU Awarded Funding to Understand How A Virus-Like Particle from Plants Stimulates Potent Anti-Tumor Response
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Nicole Steinmetz |
Nicole Steinmetz, PhD, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Radiology, member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics in the Division of General Medical Sciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the holder of the George J. Picha Designated Professor in Biomaterials, has
received a major grant from the National Institutes of Health to help understand how a virus-like particle from plants stimulates potent anti-tumor responses.
The new U01 award, totaling nearly $3 million, is provided by the National Cancer Institute. For the funded study, Steinmetz is teamed up with Steve Fiering, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology at Geisel Medical School at Dartmouth. They will also collaborate with
Julian Kim, MD and
Sourabh Shukla, PhD, members of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as P. Jack Hoopes DVM, PhD, a veterinarian and cancer researcher at Geisel.
"This research is aimed at giving the body's own cancer-fighting capacity a major 'lift and push,'" said Steinmetz. "It also offers potential to fight cancer in dogs, who are of course members of our families as well. We are very grateful to the National Institutes of Health for supporting this potentially transformative work."
Under the grant, Steinmetz and colleagues will further test a tiny nanoparticle-based therapeutic that her team developed which targets the body's own cancer immunity cycle. The therapeutic, derived from a virus-like particle from plants, is about 30 nanometers in diameter; in comparison, a human hair is about 75,000 nanometers in diameter.
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Case Center for Integrative Oncology Seeks Volunteers for Reiki Study
Dr. Richard Lee,
Director of the Case Center for Integrative Oncology, is seeking 25 volunteers to participate in a Reiki study at the Wolstein Research Building. Volunteers will participate in a one-time visit that is 15-30 minutes in length and low stress in nature; they should have no prior experience with Reiki. P
articipation is completely voluntary and all participants will be compensated for their time. All participants must first undergo an eligibility survey by phone.
Please contact Beth Bristol ([email protected], 216.368.5819) for more information.
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Cancer Center Scientific Series: AYA Mini-Symposium
Sep 1, 2017 | WRB 1-413
 We invite you to attend the
Cancer Center Scientific Series: Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Mini-Symposium, this Friday, September 1 from 12-2 pm in the Wolstein Research Building.
The mini-symposium will feature a series of talks around the topic of AYA cancers. The speakers will give updates on projects supported by Case CCC AYA pilot funding and the Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Research Initiative. The symposium will be followed by a small reception. All are welcome to attend - no registration required.
Welcome and Introduction
Ruth Keri, PhD and Stan Gerson, MD
Targeting and Treatment of Adolescent and Young Adult Glioblastoma Using PTPμ-based Targeting Agents and Chain-like Nanoparticles
Susann Brady-Kalnay, PhD
Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Database and Biorepository
Paolo Caimi, MD
Disruption of Cdk5 Diminishes Tumor PD-L1 Expression and Enhances CD4+ T Cell-mediated Rejection of Medulloblastoma and Other AYA Brain Tumor
Alex Huang, MD, PhD
The MT1-MMP − TGF-ß axis in Melanoma: Potentiating Metastasis and Suppressing Tumor Immunity
John Letterio, MD
Targeting AYA Leukemia with NK Cell Therapy
David Wald, MD, PhD
Reception
All attendees invited for a small reception after the presentations
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5th Annual SOM Core Facilities Retreat and Symposium
 Sep 7, 2017 | Dively Bldg
Registration is open for the 5th Annual SOM Core Facilities Retreat and Symposium. The event will be held September 7, 2017 at the George S. Dively Building on CWRU campus, with Dean Pamela Davis delivering opening remarks at 9 am.
The theme for this year's
retreat
is:
Core Facilities: A Foundation for Regional Biomedical Research Centers.
The scientific program will start with a keynote address from Dr. Stanton Gerson, Director of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. A special session on emerging technologies at CWRU including Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting and Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) is also art of this year's agenda.
Lunch will feature a poster session presenting new biomedical research efforts supported by our Core Facilities and Research Centers.
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NCRM Cell Therapy Retreat
Sep 8 | BRB 105
 The National Center for Regenerative Medicine will host a
Cell Therapy Retreat Friday, Sep 8 from 1-4:30p in BRB 105. This forum will promote scientific exchange and networking opportunities among cell therapy experts within the Cleveland area. Clinicians, researchers, trainees and students are welcome to attend. This is a free event.
Pre-registration is required.
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The Young Scientist Foundation: Cooking for a Cure
Oct 16, 2017 | Ritz Carlton Cleveland
 Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and The
Young
Scientist Foundation are pleased to present the third Cooking for a Cure, an exclusive and interactive chef-to-table food and wine experience featuring gourmet dishes and wine pairings from nationally and internationally renowned chefs. Proceeds will directly support the
young
scientists of tomorrow by providing an opportunity to Cleveland-area high school students, despite their race, gender and socioeconomic status. This unique partnership between the School of Medicine and The Young
Scientist Foundation will provide budding researchers with the tools and skills to discover the cures for future diseases as they work alongside world-class researchers.
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Global Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Congress
Dec 5-7, 2017 | Atlanta, GA
 Building on the success of Teenage Cancer Trust's International Conference Series and the professional global networks that have developed through subsequent world-wide advances in AYA cancer services, Teen Cancer America is proud to host the
2nd Global AYA Cancer Congress. This will be the first Congress held outside of the UK, in the wonderful host city of Atlanta, Georgia.
Healthcare professionals from across the world, including oncologists, hematologists, research scientists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, youth workers, allied health professionals, advocates, and more, are invited to join this groundbreaking summit.
Call for Abstracts
The Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Global Accord invites submissions for presentation at the 2nd Global AYA Cancer Congress. Deadline to submit is Sep 1, 2017.
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'Disconnect' blamed for potential overuse of inferior vena cava filters
Helio/HemOnc Today - Aug 25, 2017
Inferior vena cava filters have become an increasingly popular tool to reduce risk for recurrent pulmonary emboli since their introduction 50 years ago...
However, those agents carry a high risk for serious adverse events, such as intracranial hemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding. Anticoagulation is contraindicated for many patients because of these risks, and therapy is ineffective for others.
"The most appropriate use of an IVC filter would be in a patient who already has a blood clot and cannot get therapeutic anticoagulation,"
Alok A. Khorana
,
MD
, professor of medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, vice chair for clinical services at Taussig Cancer Institute and director of the gastrointestinal malignancies program at Cleveland Clinic, told HemOnc Today.
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Oncology Times - Aug 25, 2017
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), also referred to as oat cell carcinoma, which comprises approximately 10-15 percent of all lung cancers (non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for roughly 80-85% of the total)...For more than 30 years in the U.S., the standard treatment for SCLC has been 4-6 cycles of platinum (e.g., cisplatin or carboplatin)/etoposide chemotherapy. Once patients have undergone their initial chemotherapy regimen, the median progression-free survival (PFS) is a mere 2 months. Additionally, the median overall survival (OS) for these patients is 7 months. To address this unmet need, Nathan Pennell, MD, PhD, of the Cleveland Clinic, and colleagues conducted a phase II clinical study that evaluated the use of the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab as maintenance therapy in advanced SCLC patients who had undergone 4-6 platinum/etoposide chemotherapy cycles. Results were presented at the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting (Abstract 8504).
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Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine
Deadline: Aug 29, 2017
The Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine, presented by the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals - part of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development - honors a physician-scientist who has moved science forward with notable achievements in innovation, creativity and potential for clinical application.
This annual prize includes:
- An unrestricted $20,000 honorarium
- The Harrington Prize Lecture, delivered at the 2018 AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting
- Participation at the Harrington Discovery Institute Annual Symposium
- A personal essay, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation
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Opportunities for Pilot Projects that Lead to Applications for Funding through NCI Provocative Questions (RFA-CA-17-017) Initiative
Non-Competitive LOI Deadline: Sep 5, 2017
Full Application Deadline: Sep 11, 2017
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is
providing seed funding for the initiation or extension of innovative projects that focus on one or more of the NCI provocative questions (PQ) listed in
RFA-CA-17-017. The goal of this funding is to support the collection of preliminary data for submission of R01-level grant applications that specifically address one of the 12 PQs in the RFA. R01 submissions to the National Cancer Institute must occur by October 2018. Collaborative, multi-investigator projects are particularly encouraged. Use of Cancer Center Shared Resources is also strongly preferred.
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Limited Submission: Pilot Projects in Non-AIDS Defining Cancers
LOI Deadline: Sep 5, 2017
Full Application Deadline: Sep 11, 2017
With support from a supplement to its NCI P30 grant, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center in coordination with the CWRU/UH Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) is
providing seed funding for the development of cancer research projects focusing on the interface between aging and HIV infection in Non-AIDS Defining Cancers (NADC). The goal of this RFA is to build collaborative projects in cancer biology, aging, immunology, HIV/AIDS, systems biology/informatics, geriatric oncology, geriatric epidemiology, and/or cancer survivorship that will be competitive for nationally-funded multi-PI awards.
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AACR SU2C Dream Team Translational Research Grant
LOI Deadline: Sep 5, 2017
Application Deadline: Jan 16, 2018
The
Stand Up To Cancer Dream Team Translational Research Grant
will fund a translational cancer research project that will address critical problems in patient care, including prevention strategies for those at risk, and deliver near-term patient benefit through investigation by a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, collaborative Dream Team of expert investigators.
The ideas may focus on particular organ sites, patient populations (such as pediatrics) or on innovative methods of treatment. Projects must be designed to accelerate the application of new preventive, diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to the clinic (i.e., lead to patient involvement within 2-3 years from the beginning of the grant). Proposals for Dream Team research projects must present plans indicating how the work will be translated into the clinic. The ideas should be based on perceived opportunities for success as well as high-priority areas with a critical need for rapid progress beyond current medical care.
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Projects Supporting Multi-Investigator Research Programs in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancers
LOI Deadline: Sep 11, 2017
Stage I Deadline: Oct 1, 2017
With support from the Angie Fowler AYA Cancer Research Initiative, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is
providing seed funding for the development of multi-investigator research programs focused on cancers in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population (ages 15-30). Each year in the United States, approximately 70,000 adolescents and young adults are diagnosed with cancer. The goal of this RFA is to support teams of three or more principal investigators who are working to develop and submit a program project or similar level grant application focused on AYA cancers. Research teams must focus on the discovery of novel AYA cancer mechanisms with the expectation that these insights will lead to new diagnostics, prognostics, and/or therapeutics. Teams must provide evidence of an ongoing collaboration, but may also add new participants to the collaborative team.
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WM Keck Foundation Research Program
Internal LOI Deadline: Sep 15, 2017
CWRU Application Deadline: Apr 24, 2018
External Deadline: May 1, 2018
The W.M. Keck Foundation Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by funding fundamental, high-risk research in two specific areas: 1) medical research and 2) science and engineering. Both Senior and Early Career investigators are encouraged to apply.
CWRU may submit TWO proposals per funding cycle: one (1) in Medical Research and one (1) in Science and Engineering Research.
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Pilot Project Grants: American Cancer Society IRG Awards
LOI Deadline: Thursday, Sep 21, 2017
Application Deadline: Monday, October 9, 2017
- Pilot funding for cancer-related research in basic, clinical, prevention & control, behavioral, health services and epidemiology.
- Up to $30,000 award.
- Applications accepted for general cancer-related projects and for special interest projects in adolescent-and-young-adult cancer research.
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DoD Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP)
Applications to the Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) are being solicited for the Defense Health Agency. The BCRP challenges the scientific community to design research that will address the urgency of ending breast cancer. Specifically, the BCRP seeks to accelerate high-impact research with clinical relevance, encourage innovation and stimulate creativity, and facilitate productive collaborations.
Era of Hope Scholar Award II
Pre-Application: Nov 21, 2017
Application: Dec 6, 2017
Pre-Application: Sep 29, 2017
Invited Application: Dec 21, 2017
Pre-Application: Nov 21, 2017
Application: Dec 6, 2017
Pre-Application: Sep 29, 2017
Invited Application: Dec 21, 2017
Pre-Application:
Sep 29, 2017
Invited Application: Dec 21, 2017
Pre-Application: Nov 21, 2017
Application: Dec 6, 2017
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Request for Proposals for Case CCC Funding for Early Phase Clinical Trials
The Case CCC is encouraging investigators to submit Letters of Intent (LOI) for Early Phase Clinical Research Support (EPCRS) funding. These in-house funds are available for the conduct of early phase (Phase 0, 1, pilot/feasibility) clinical trials of relatively short duration which are focusing on initial early phase testing of a candidate agent or device for the diagnosis, prevention detection or treatment of cancer.
This is the last year when EPCRS funds are available in their current form, as such this is the last chance to apply for funding for applicable studies. Proposals are being accepted on a rolling basis.
Please direct any questions and/or submit LOIs to Katarzyna Karelus, Case CCC Clinical Research Office,
[email protected], 216.844.4176.
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NIH BULLETIN- Notices and Funding Opportunities
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Notices
Notice of a Pre-Application Webinar for RFA-CA-17-049, Fusion Oncoproteins in Childhood Cancers (FusOnC2) Consortium (U54)(NOT-CA-17-081)
Monday, Sep 11, 2017 from 1-2pm (EDT)
Notice of Intent to Publish: Stimulating Access to Research in Residency Transition Scholar (StARRTS) (K38)(NOT-HL-17-533)
Call for Applications/Program Announcements
RFAs
Coordinating Center for the Consortium of Translational Research in Early Detection of Liver Cancer (U24)(RFA-CA-17-028)
Deadline: Oct 24, 2017
Consortium on Translational Research in Early Detection of Liver Cancer (Clinical and Research Centers (U01)(RFA-CA-17-025)
Deadline: Oct 24, 2017
Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR) (R38)(RFA-HL-18-023)
Deadline: Oct 24, 2017; Oct 24, 2018; Oct 24, 2019
Limited Competition: A Data Resource for Analyzing Blood and Marrow Transplants (U24)(RFA-CA-17-031)
Deadline: Oct 26, 2017
Metabolomics Core for the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Phase II (U01)(RFA-RM-17-015)
Deadline: Nov 2, 2017
Sequencing Core(s) for the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Phase II (U01)(RFA-RM-17-016)
Deadline: Nov 2, 2017
Model Organisms Screening Center for the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Phase II (U54)(RFA-RM-17-017)
Deadline: Nov 2, 2017
Coordinating Center for the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Phase II (U01)(RFA-RM-17-018)
Deadline: Nov 2, 2017
Clinical Sites for the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Phase II (U01)(RFA-RM-17-019)
Deadline: Nov 2, 2017
Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI)(U54)(RFA-MD-17-006)
Deadline: Dec 15, 2017
Program Announcements
Biology of Lung, and Head and Neck Preneoplasias (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)(PA-17-459)
Deadline: Standard dates apply
Biology of Lung, and Head and Neck Preneoplasias (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)(PAR-17-460)
Deadline: Standard dates apply
Clinical and Epidemiological Research on Chronic Disease in the Caribbean (R01-Clinical Trial Not Allowed)(PAR-17-470)
Deadline: Nov 15, 2017; Nov 15, 2018; Nov 15, 2019 |
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FOLLOW US
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EVENTS
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Wed, Aug 30
Hem/Onc Div Res Conf
Lerner B-151 |
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Thurs, Aug 31
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013 |
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Fri, Sep 1
TCI Grand Rounds
Theodore Hong, MD
Massachusetts General
"Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer: How Aggressive Should We Be?"
8a CA5-120
Cancer Center Scientific Series: AYA Mini-Symposium & Reception
12-2p WRB 1-413
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Tues, Sep 5
THOR Seminar
Khalid Sossey-Alaoui, PhD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine, LRI, Cleveland Clinic
1p R3-027 |
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Thurs, Sep 7
Genetics Education Symposium: Genetics and Genomics: A Focus on Women's Health
8a-4:15p InterContinental Hotel and Conf Center
Details
SOM Core Facilities Retreat
8:30a-4p Dively Bldg, CWRU campus
Agenda
Registration
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013 |
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Fri, Sep 8
TCI Grand Rounds
Donald Rosenstein, MD
University of North Carolina
"Fifty Shades of Delirium"
8a CA5-120
Cancer Center Seminar Series
Yibin Kang, PhD
Warner-Lambert/Parke-Davis Professor of Molecular Biology, Princeton University
"Stromal Niches of Normal and Neoplastic Stem Cells During Mammary Gland Development and Breast Cancer"
12p WRB 1-413
Cell Therapy Retreat
1p BRB 105
Registration |
ADDITIONAL UPCOMING SYMPOSIUMS & EVENTS
International Cancer Education Conference
Sep 13-15, 2017
Westin Cleveland Downtown
Responsible Opioid Management: Impact on Hospice and Palliative Care
Sep 22, 2017
Embassy Suites, Independence
MetroHealth Cancer Symposium
Sep 22, 2017
MetroHealth Medical Center
NCCN 12th Annual Congress: Hematologic Malignancies
Oct 6-7, 2017
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Details
GvHD National Symposium
Oct 13, 2017
Grand Event Center, Columbus, OH
Cleveland Clinic 2017 Medical Innovation Summit
Oct 23-25, 2017
Huntington Convention Center
Breast Cancer Update: From Screening Through Treatment to Survivorship
Nov 8, 2017
Embassy Suites, Independence
Global Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Congress
Dec 5-7, 2017
Atlanta, GA
Deadline to submit abstracts: Sep 1, 2017
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PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED OPPORTUNITIES
Deadline: Open
Deadline: Open
Deadline: Open
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