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Upcoming Events

DEC

12

Department of Surgery Grand Rounds: Hari Keshava, MD

Lung Cancer Screening and Surgical Management of Early-Stage Lung Cancer

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Request zoom link: malva@hs.uci.edu

DEC

18

HCSTCT Grand Rounds: Douglas Sborov, MD, MS

From Rags to Riches - The Story of Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Join zoom meeting

DEC

20

Stem Cell Seminar Lecture Series: Benjamin Freedman, PhD

Human Kidney Organoids for Disease Modeling and Regeneration

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

UCI Gross Hall, Thorp Conference Center (4th floor)

JAN

9

CRI Inaugural Fan-Feldman Lecture:  Robert Schreiber, PhD

Following the Path Less Traveled: From Cancer Immunoediting to Personalized Cancer Vaccines

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

UCI Gross Hall, Thorp Conference Center (4th floor)

JAN

16

Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series: Nancy Carrasco, MD

Community Lecture: A Look into the Black Box: Uncovering the Remarkable Biology of an Elusive Protein  

7:00 PM

The Beckman Center, Irvine

Register Here

JAN

17

Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series: Nancy Carrasco, MD

Scientific Lecture: The Tale of the Sodium/Iodide Symporter (NIS): From Cloning to Structure 

12:00 PM

UCI Medical Education Building

Register Here

FEB

21

8th Annual UCI Skin Symposium

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

UCI Gross Hall, Thorp Conference Center (4th floor)

Register Here

Poster Submissions

FEB

27

Chao Lectureship Community Lecture: Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD

The Beckman Center, Irvine

Registration TBA

FEB

28

Chao Lectureship Scientific Lecture: Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD

UCI Gross Hall, Thorp Conference Center (4th floor)

Registration TBA

Belonging, Equity and Empowerment (BEE) Scene

Accepting Nominations! Learning about each other cultivates an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and succeed. Nominate a colleague for a spotlight showcasing their unique stories beyond their roles at the CFCCC. Faculty, staff, and self-nominations are encouraged.

Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Francesco Marangoni, PhD


We're excited to spotlight Francesco Marangoni, PhD (SPT), Assistant Professor of Physiology & Biophysics, whose research focuses on harnessing the immune system to fight cancer. Driven by a passion for helping others, Francesco’s journey in medical research was influenced by his early volunteer work and analytical mindset. Discover more about his inspiring journey and life outside of the lab!

Learn More About Dr. Marangoni

New Staff & Promotions

Stephanie Flores

Sr. Program Development Coordinator

floressc@hs.uci.edu


Stephanie C. Flores, a proud Salvadorian from Santa Ana, California, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southern California and a Master of Professional Studies with a specialization in gerontology. Her professional journey encompasses impactful roles in healthcare and education, where she has consistently supported underserved communities. At Kaiser Permanente, Stephanie championed health promotion and prevention initiatives for diverse populations across Los Angeles and beyond. Additionally, in her role with Academic Affairs at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, she facilitated physician faculty’s professional development. Driven by her commitment to health equity and enhancing the patient experience, Stephanie continues to seek opportunities to make a meaningful impact in these critical areas.



Carrie Ulmer

Sr. Program Development Coordinator

cullmer@hs.uci.edu


Carrie Ullmer joins UCI Health with nearly 20 years of experience at Azusa Pacific University, where she served in various capacities, including Study Abroad, Academic Operations, and Grant Management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master of Education in College Student Affairs. A two-time breast cancer survivor, first diagnosed in 2004 during graduate school and again in 2019, Carrie’s professional and personal experiences have cultivated her passion for intercultural learning, higher education, and thriving through and beyond cancer. On a personal note, Carrie enjoys traveling, with Japan and Maui being her favorite destinations. She lives in San Clemente with her husband, Chris, their two children, Olivia (12) and Archer (7), and their beloved Great Dane, Emma. Carrie is eager to support the strategic initiatives of the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement.



Announcements

NEW! UCI NIH Boot Camp Informational Sessions


The Research Development Unit will host three virtual informational sessions about the UCI NIH Boot Camp, a comprehensive, multifaceted mentoring program designed to help faculty and career researchers apply for their first research grants from NIH. Attend one to learn more about this program and how to apply for the upcoming 2025 UCI NIH Boot Camp!

Applications are due February 10, 2025.


Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, Noon - 1 p.m. | Register

Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, Noon - 1 p.m. | Register

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, 9 - 10 a.m. | Register

NEW! Training Opportunity - Transdisciplinary Research in Energetics and Cancer - Now Accepting Applications


The Yale School of Public Health is taking applications for their 9th annual NCI R25-funded Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer (TREC) Training Workshop for early career investigators.


The Workshop focuses on working with postdocs and junior faculty on developing grant applications related to obesity, metabolism, diet, exercise and cancer from a translational and transdisciplinary perspective. Basic scientists, clinician-scientists and population scientists are encouraged to apply. Costs will be covered.  


Program participation is via competitive application. Please send Notifications of Intent to apply (simple, informal email to dlowry@fredhutch.org) by end of December, 2024

Full applications are due no later than January 15, 2025.


Learn More and Apply >>

NEW! Cancer Clinical Trial Bootcamp - Now Accepting Applications


The Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination (CRTEC) is accepting applications for the Cancer Clinical Trial Bootcamp, an intensive 16-week program that equips clinical faculty and fellows with the skills to systematically design and write investigator-initiated cancer clinical trial protocols.

Application deadline: January 14, 2025


Learn More and Apply >>

NEW! Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) - Now Accepting Applications


CRTEC is accepting applications for the OSI, a comprehensive 4-week program that offers first-year UCI medical students an immersive exploration of oncology-related specialities through clinical shadowing, networking, mentorship, and more. 


Questions? Contact Kimberly Castellanos, Program Coordinator, Training & Education


Learn More >>

UCI Health Clinical Research Website Launch


We're excited to announce the launch of the new UCI Clinical Research website! This platform marks a significant step forward in advancing medical knowledge and providing valuable resources to patients, researchers, healthcare professionals and sponsors.


Visit the website at clinicalresearch.ucihealth.org

Experimental Tissue Shared Resource (ETR) Offers Custom Tissue Microarray and Brightfield Whole Slides Scanning


The ETR is excited to discuss your project’s study design and tissue needs. We can now create custom tissue microarrays (TMA) with tissue you provide or human tissue remnants and scan whole histology slides at 40X. Selection of optimal representative tissue regions can be performed by our pathologist. 

 

We can provide histology support for special transcriptomics platforms supported by GTH Share Resource

 

Questions? Contact Delia Tifrea, ETR Core Manager, 714-872-1093

Biobehavioral Shared Resource (BBSR) Consultation & Comprehensive Project Request


The BBSR is excited to discuss your project’s study design and needs, as well as see how our new menu of services can best support your project goals.


During our “Consultation Meeting” we’ll learn more about your project and how the BBSR can support your team. Ready to schedule? Complete the "Consultation Request" on iLab.


Questions? Contact Jose Lechuga, BBSR Core Manager

Biostatistics Shared Resource (BSR) - In-person Walk-in or Zoom Consultations Available


Informal statistical in-person walk-in or via Zoom consultations are available to discuss your study design and statistical needs. 


With Wen-pin Chen, MS, Senior Statistician & Manager for BSR:

Funding Opportunities

For a curated list of internal, federal and foundation funding opportunities, please refer to CFCCC's Funding Opportunities webpage. Highlighted funding opportunities are listed below.


UCI & UC FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES


NEW! Faculty Seed Grants in Cancer Research 2025-26 Request for Proposals

Purpose: To provide a one-year seed grants for topics in any discipline that address any aspect of cancer, including its origins, prevention and cure. CRCC funds support meritorious research spanning all areas from basic research to applied clinical and community-based research in any field relevant to cancer. 

Letter of Intent: January 23, 2025

Applications: April 3, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


2024-2025 Mary Kay Ash Foundation Research Grant

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation is a non-profit public foundation, which focuses on funding research for innovative grants for translational research of cancers affecting women (ovarian, uterine, breast, endometrial or cervical cancer among others). Translational research is broadly defined as research that will provide a scientific link between laboratory research and the clinic. Such research would lead to improvement in diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, or treatment of the cancer.

$100k / 2 yrs

Deadline: December 13, 2024

Learn More and Apply >>


UCI CFCCC: A1 Bridge

Up to $20k in bridge funding to investigators who have received scores on NIH grant applications (i.e., not triaged) that have missed the funding pay line and will be resubmitted.

Applications: Due on a rolling basis

Learn More and Apply >>

FOUNDATION FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES


NEW! California Breast Cancer Research Program: Californians Linking Action With Science For Prevention Of Breast Cancer (CLASP-BC): Phase 2 Full Awards 

Purpose: To advance the primary prevention of breast cancer by developing, disseminating, implementing, and evaluating high-impact population-based primary prevention interventions.

Proposals due: March 6, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


St. Baldrick's Foundation Summer Fellow Awards

Focus area: undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students who will work in a pediatric oncology research setting for a summer.

$5k / 8-10 weeks in the summer

Proposals due: February 20, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>

FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES


NEW! Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk with Use of Incretin Mimetics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Purpose: To study incretin mimetics other than GLP-1 RAs or GLP-1/GIP-1 RAs, such as dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors, must justify why the agent(s) they propose to study are more effective and/or have a more favorable side effect profile than GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP-1 RAs.

Letter of Intent: January 5, 2025

Applications: February 5, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


NEW! Cancer Tissue Engineering Collaborative: Enabling Biomimetic Tissue-Engineered Technologies for Cancer Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Purpose: To support the development and characterization of state-of-the-art biomimetic tissue-engineered technologies for cancer research. Collaborative, multidisciplinary projects that engage the fields of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, biomaterials, and bioengineering with cancer biology will be essential for generating novel experimental models that mimic cancer pathophysiology in the context of a testable cancer research hypothesis.

Letter of Intent: January 5, 2025

Applications: February 5, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


NEW! Utilizing the PLCO Biospecimens Resource to Bridge Gaps in Cancer Etiology and Early Detection Research (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Purpose: To advance research in cancer etiology and early detection biomarkers, utilizing the advantages of the unique biorepository resources of the NCI-sponsored Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer (PLCO) Screening Trial.

Letter of Intent: January 10, 2025

Applications: February 10, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


NEW! Pragmatic Trials across the Cancer Control Continuum (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required)

Purpose: To support research that tests the impact of cancer-related interventions on cancer-related outcomes across the cancer control continuum using a pragmatic trial study design. This NOFO will use the UG3/UH3 phased cooperative agreement mechanism. 

Letter of Intent: January 14, 2025

Applications: February 14, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


NEW! Innovative Approaches to Studying Cancer Communication in the New Information Ecosystem (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Purpose: to support meritorious research projects in three distinct domains related to cancer communication: 1) the utility and application of new cancer communication surveillance approaches; 2) the development and testing of rapid cancer communication interventions using innovative methods and designs; and 3) the development and testing of multilevel cancer communication models emphasizing bidirectional influence between levels.

Deadline: February 5, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


NEW! Basic Research in Cancer Health Disparities (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Purpose: To support innovative studies designed to investigate biological/genetic contributors of cancer health disparities, such as (1) mechanistic studies of biological factors associated with cancer health disparities, including those related to basic research in cancer biology or cancer prevention strategies, (2) the development and testing of new methodologies and models, and (3) secondary data analyses. 

Deadline: February 5, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


NEW! NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 – Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Purpose: To facilitate a timely transition of talented postdoctoral researchers with a research and/or clinical doctorate degree from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions. The program will provide independent NIH research support during this transition in order to help awardees to launch competitive, independent research careers.

Deadline: February 13, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


NEW! Secondary Analysis and Integration of Existing Data to Elucidate Cancer Risk and Related Outcomes (R21 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

Purpose: To conduct secondary data analysis and integration of existing datasets and database resources, with the ultimate aim to elucidate cancer risk and related outcomes (e.g., risk prediction or reduction, survival, or response to treatment, etc.). The goal of this initiative is to address key scientific questions relevant to cancer by supporting the analysis of existing clinical, environmental, surveillance, health services, vital statistics, behavioral, lifestyle, genomic, and molecular profiles data.

Deadline: February 16, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


NEW! Systematic Testing of Radionuclides in Preclinical Experiments (STRIPE) (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Purpose: to study effects of different types of radiation used in radionuclide-based therapeutics (e.g., radiopharmaceutical therapy) on normal tissue, tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment.

Deadline: February 16, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet): MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Purpose: to provide support to promote research efforts on the use of integrative systems-level approaches to address a defined gap in metastasis research.

Letter of Intent: May 20, 2025

Applications: June 20, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) (PAR-25-078)

Purpose: to provide support to well-defined projects in any area of cancer research using the NIH R03 small grant mechanism.

Deadline: February 24, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


Notice of Funding Opportunity: Mechanistic links between diet, lipid metabolism, and tumor growth and progression (UH2 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Purpose: to provide support to applications that propose mechanistic investigations of the links between diet, lipid metabolism and tumor growth and progression. It is anticipated that this program will support fundamental studies designed to identify and define the molecular mechanisms through which lipid metabolism mediates tumor growth and progression, focusing specifically on the central role lipids play in linking diet with the biology of cancer; bridge the historically divided fields of nutrition and molecular metabolism; and stimulate research and tool development in this emerging area, which faces particular challenges because of the complexity of lipid biochemistry. 

Deadline: February 14, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


Notice of Funding Opportunity: Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

Purpose: to support studies that will identify, develop, and/or test strategies for overcoming barriers to the adoption, adaptation, integration, sustainability, scale-up, and spread of evidence-based interventions, practices, programs, tools, treatments, guidelines, and policies (herein referred to collectively as evidence-based interventions). Studies that promote equitable dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions among underrepresented communities are encouraged. Conversely, there is a benefit in understanding circumstances that create a need to stop or reduce (de-implement) the use of practices that are ineffective, unproven, low-value, or harmful.

Deadline: February 16, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


Notice of Funding Opportunity: Academic-Industrial Partnerships (AIP) to Translate and Validate In Vivo Imaging Systems (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Purpose: to stimulate translation of scientific discoveries and engineering developments in imaging, data science and/or spectroscopic technologies into methods or tools that address contemporary problems in understanding the fundamental biology, potential risk of development, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer.

Deadline: February 5, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


Notice of Funding Opportunity: Modular R01s in Cancer Control and Population Sciences (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Purpose: to provide support to promote research efforts on novel scientific ideas that have the potential to substantially advance cancer research in statistical and analytic methods, epidemiology, cancer survivorship, cancer-related behaviors and behavioral interventions, health care delivery, digital health and data science, and implementation science.

Deadline: February 5, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


Notice of Special Interest: Administrative Supplements for Assessing Capacity to Address Obesity for Cancer Prevention and Control

Purpose: to support ongoing developments in obesity prevention indicate that using multiple policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches across the diverse sectors that influence obesity offer considerable promise, but few efforts have been made to carefully evaluate such whole of systems, or PSE, approaches. Foundational work is needed to help set the stage for investigators from academic institutions, cancer centers, other research organizations, and community partners to lead collaborative groups to organize, implement, and evaluate such approaches. Furthermore, determining which specific combination of PSE approaches are most appropriate for a specific community requires significant preparatory work.

Deadline: February 3, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Grant Program (R01 Clinical Trial Required)

Purpose: to provide support to promote research efforts on the potential to reduce the burden of cancer through improvements in early detection, screening, prevention and interception, healthcare delivery, quality of life, and/or survivorship related to cancer; with such attributes, the proposed studies should also have the potential to improve clinical practice and/or public health.

Letter of Intent: January 5, 2025

Applications: February 5, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


National Cancer Institute's Investigator-Initiated Early Phase Clinical Trials for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (R01 Clinical Trial Required)

Purpose: to provide support to promote research efforts on early phase investigator-initiated clinical trials on cancer-targeted diagnostic and therapeutic interventions of direct relevance to the research mission of the NCI's DCTD and OHAM. 

Letter of Intent: January 5, 2025

Applications: February 5, 2025

Learn More and Apply >>


Notice of Funding Opportunity: Biomedical Research Facilities (C06 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Purpose: eligible academic and research institutions to apply for funding to modernize existing or construct new biomedical research facilities. Applications will be accepted from public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education, as well as from non-profit research organizations. Applications from both research-intensive institutions and Institutions of Emerging Excellence (IEE) in biomedical research from all geographic regions in the nation are strongly encouraged.

Letter of Intent: December 16, 2024

Learn More and Apply >>


Notice of Special Interest: Conferences and Scientific Meetings in Cancer Biology

Purpose: Support innovative conferences, symposia, and workshops that explore basic, fundamental questions in areas of cancer biology

Deadline: December 12, 2024

Learn More and Apply >>

Newsroom

Jianhua Yu, PhD named fellow of the National Academy of Inventors


A pioneer in engineering natural killer immune cells for cancer treatments, Jianhua Yu, Professor, Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, focuses his research on harnessing innate immunity to treat both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Professor Yu's work also advances the development of oncolytic viruses as a therapeutic approach for cancer. Several discoveries from his lab have progressed to clinical trials. Professor Yu has expanded the impact of his work through licensing technologies to pharmaceutical companies, launching a start-up company, and establishing translational pathways within his lab. He has more than 40 awarded or pending patents and has published more than 250 peer-reviewed journal articles. Professor Yu is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Microbiology, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.


UC Irvine now has 20 National Academy of Inventors fellows and nearly 700 active U.S. patents. The National Academy of Inventors Fellows Program is the organization's highest professional distinction awarded solely to academic inventors to recognize innovation that has made a tangible impact on the quality of life, economic development and welfare of society. 


Read More >>

UC Irvine cancer study among “12 Amazing UC discoveries of 2024”


Among “12 amazing UC discoveries of 2024” recently compiled by UC News is a UC Irvine study from September that links inconsistent sleep habits to colorectal cancer. Staying up late watching Netflix, pulling all-nighters and even midnight snacking could produce similar effects. “Our findings suggest that disruption of the circadian clock plays a significant role in altering the gut microbiome and compromising intestinal barrier integrity, both of which may contribute to colorectal cancer development,” said Selma Masri, an assistant professor of biological chemistry.


Read More >>

Michael-Hoyt-Cancer image

New therapy brings hope to young Latino testicular cancer survivors 


Michael Hoyt and fellow researchers found that young adult Latino testicular cancer survivors could better manage distress, pursue life goals, and regulate emotions following their cancer treatment after a psychological intervention: Goal-focused Emotion regulation Therapy (GET). 


This culturally responsive intervention highlights the role of Latino values like simpatía and addresses barriers such as acculturative stress, offering a blueprint for tailored survivorship care. 


Read More >>

Study shows multidisciplinary lung nodule programs streamline detection of early-stage lung cancers


UCI Health cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Hari B. Keshava led a study last year in which data from every patient screened in the lung cancer program between 2018-2022 was collected. Keshava spoke to OncLive about how the program led to greater detection of early-stage lung cancers. 


Read More >>

Startlingly few childhood cancer survivors receive recommended screenings


A recent study led by Joel Milam, a professor of epidemiology & biostatistics found that fewer than 40% of childhood cancer survivors undergo recommended screenings for the late effects of treatment. A lack of awareness of survivorship guidelines on the part of both the patient and clinician could be part of the issue, he says.


Read More >>

Questions? Contact us at cfcccadmin@hs.uci.edu