newsletter masthead
April 12, 2018
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dr. Stan Gerson Stan Gerson, MD
Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
[email protected]
Time to Prep for VeloSano 5!
VeloSano logo We are already preparing for VeloSano 5 - an annual bike ride dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. I hope you will join us for the ride on July 21-22!
 
All of the funds raised through VeloSano support cancer research. This event has quickly grown into the largest fundraising event for cancer research across Cleveland, and benefits the research programs of the Case CCC.
 
In 2017 alone VeloSano raised nearly $4.2M, and since 2014 raised over $12.5M that supported more than 40 research projects that would otherwise never happened - in cancer pathway discovery, finding and testing new anti-cancer drugs, anti-cancer cell therapy, and focused research into the causes and treatment of breast, prostate, brain and colon cancers and leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
 
Last year, Cancer Center members, friends, family and supporters joined Team Case CCC - making it one of the largest. Our team raised about $100,000 and I want to double that amount this year.
 
Getting involved is easy. Your help and support is appreciated:
  • Join Team Case CCC as a rider from the 12 to 200-mile level. I will be on the 100-mile route and look forward to riding with you!
  • Raise funds as a virtual rider  on Team Case CCC by signing up and supporting all of us!
  • Join as a volunteer to help before and during the ride to keep us on track, hydrated and cheered on!
  • Come to team events: Happy Hours are held the 2nd Friday of the month. Come tomorrow (April 13) from 4-6 at The Jolly Scholar and say hello to Team Case CCC Captains Caroline and Mary. Also, save June 28 for Team Case CCC's annual fundraising event.  
It all matters - big time. With your help we have cancer research covered and can accelerate the path to finding cures.
 
Please set aside a small bit of time to participate and help us fundraise across the community and the nation.
This is an important cause. We have incredible momentum but just started climbing that hill - let's keep moving!
AACR Annual Meeting: Driving Innovative Cancer Science to Patient Care
AACR logo The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)  Annual Meeting 2018 kicks off this weekend in Chicago. The agenda looks exciting, with highlights on the latest basic, translational, clinical, and prevention-focused research in the field. 

Once again, we are excited to have many members and trainees participating [View Itinerary Planner; View spreadsheet of presentations by last author] . If we accidentally missed anyone, please email  [email protected]  and we will correct the version that will be posted online.  Please support your colleagues if you are attending the meeting.

Congratulations to everyone, and enjoy the meeting! 
NEWS FROM NCI
NCI Launches New Resource for Specimens and Data from Cancer Clinical Trials
NCI logo NCI recently announced the launch of a new resource for cancer researchers interested in conducting studies using specimens and clinical data collected from cancer treatment trials in  NCI's National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) and former NCI Cooperative Group Program.

Known as NCTN Navigator, the resource includes information about specimens, such as tumor and blood samples, donated by patients in NCI-sponsored clinical trials. The clinical trials included in Navigator are published phase 3 studies that evaluated cancer treatments.

Investigators can use the NCTN  Navigator website Exit Disclaimer to search the inventory for specimens with specific characteristics. Investigators who develop proposals and get approval can use the specimens, along with the trial participants' clinical information, in their research. more>
NEWS FROM NCCN
NCCN Provides New, Free Database to Assist in Cancer Research Collaborations
NCCN logo The National Comprehensive Cancer Network ®  ( NCCN ® ) Oncology Research Program ( ORP ) announced they are broadening the use of the Shared Resource Database   to all cancer centers in  the United States . This move reinforces NCCN ORP's dedication to collaborative research that improves cancer care.

The Shared Resource Database currently includes more than 240 resources, such as complex technologies, instrumentation facilities, human tissue specimens, animal models, specialized databases, and many other specialty research items. It has been available exclusively to the  27 NCCN Member Institutions  for the past two years. more>
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Special Cancer Center Seminar Series: Cancer Gene Variant Classification: From the Lab to the Clinic and Back
Apr 13, 2018 | BRB 105 *Note Location Change*
Theodora Ross PhD

Join us Friday, April 13 at noon in the Biomedical Research Building Frohring Auditorium (BRB 105) for a Special  Cancer Center Seminar Series to hear  Theodora Ross, MD, PhD, the  Jeanne Ann Plitt Professorship in Breast Cancer Research and  H. Ben and Isabelle T. Decherd Chair in Internal Medicine, in Honor of Henry M. Winans, Sr, MD at  UT Southwestern Medical Center, discuss " Cancer gene variant classification: From the lab to the clinic and back." 

Dr. Ross received her MD and PhD from the Washington University Medical Scientist Training Program in St. Louis. She completed her medical residency at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital, followed by a fellowship in oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Prior to joining UT Southwestern in 2011, Dr. Ross started her independent career in 1999 as an oncologist, teacher and researcher at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. There she cared for women with breast cancer and investigated the roles of the endocytic protein, HIPl, in cancer as well as the mechanisms of transformation by leukemic chromosomal translocations. Dr. Ross' team in Dallas continues to pursue these avenues of research and also investigates BRCA1, a breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, and its role in normal and abnormal hematopoiesis. 

In her current clinical practice, Dr. Ross cares for individuals at a high genetic risk for any type of cancer and serves as the director of the UT Southwestern Cancer Genetics Program. In this role she's had the opportunity to combine her lab's studies of genetic variations in cancer genes with clinical data from the program's patients. Finally, to help communicate with patients and their relatives, she wrote a lay person's guide book to genetics, "A Cancer in the Family," which was published by Penguin/Random House in February 2016.
Case Gastrointestinal Cancers SPORE Retreat
May 18, 2018 | Tinkham Veale University Center 

Registration is open for the Case GI Cancers SPORE Annual Retreat. 

Agenda topics include: 
  • Colon Cancer
  • Barrett's Esophagus
  • Cancer Metastasis
  • Cancer Prevention
  • Cancer in Minorities
Call for Abstracts
All trainees and fellows are invited to submit poster abstracts to Dr. John Wang ( [email protected]) by May 1, 2018. 

Cash prize will be awarded for Best Poster! 
17th Annual Short Course: Cell-Based Therapies & Tissue Engineering
May 22-24, 2018 | CWRU
CTTE The  Skeletal Research Center  and the  Department of Biology  of  Case Western Reserve University  are pleased to present the 17th annual short course, Cell-Based Therapies and Tissue Engineering, May 22-24, 2018. 

This course is intended for graduate students, post-graduate students, and health science professionals who are interested in Tissue Engineering with emphasis on the principles and detailed protocols used or being modeled for direct clinical use.

This course will involve morning lectures by eminent scholars, and afternoon laboratories and lectures on the "how to" of cell cultures and cell-scaffold interactions. A syllabus from lecturers and labs will be available to all registered participants.

DNA Repair Symp Banner The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University will host the 20th Annual Midwest DNA Repair Symposium May 5-6, 2018 . This symposium is a great opportunity for people working on DNA damage and repair in the midwest area to gather together and discuss science! The agenda promises exciting science and opportunities for networking, poster presentations, and keynote presentations from field experts  Stephen Kowalczykowski and Lee Zou .

There is only a few more weeks to register - secure your spot today! 

CSC 2018 - web banner
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) and National Center for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) invite you to Cancer Stem Cell Conference (CSC 2018)! Now in it's third year, CSC 2018 will feature renowned thought leaders in the field of cancer stem cell research. This conference is guaranteed to offer cutting-edge keynote presentations from a variety of niches within the field. Join world-class investigators for this 3-day summit and network with scientists and clinicians advancing cancer stem cell research and therapeutic applications.

Conference Highlights
  • The agenda will integrate invited talks from thought leaders in the CSC field with short talks from early-stage investigators and trainees selected from submitted abstracts.
  • Pre-conference career development workshop for junior faculty and trainees
    • Meet the Editors: Natalie Cain, PhD (CellReports), Mark Landis, PhD (CancerDiscovery) and Teodoro Pulvirenti, PhD(JEM)
    • Discussion of NIH grants: Michael Espey, PhD (NCI) and Michelle McGuirl, PhD (NIH)
  • Young Investigator Awards available to support travel for senior trainees or junior faculty (less than 5 years from their first independent position).
  • Opportunity to share ideas with world-class investigators in stem cell research. 2016 CSC was attended by over 300 from 20 countries and 25 U.S. states. This year's conference is on track to attract a similar crowd of colleagues.
Keynote Speakers
  • Norman E. 'Ned' Sharpless, MD (NCI)
  • John S. Condeelis, PhD (Einstein)
  • Irving Weissman, MD (Stanford)
  • Zena Werb, PhD (UCSF)
Call for Abstracts Deadline: May 15

Discounts for early registration through May31

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Request for Project Proposals: Case GI SPORE
The Case GI SPORE has released the following requests for project proposals: 

DRP proposals will be considered for any GI malignancy, priority consideration will be given to proposals focused on non-colorectal GI malignancies. Developmental Research Projects in the area of Pancreatic Cancer are encouraged.

All proposals must be directed towards translational research of a GI malignancy, with at least one specific aim that involves direct study of patients or human materials.
Department of Defense (DoD) Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP)
CDMRP logo The Department of Defense (DoD) Ovarian Cancer Research Program has announced the following new funding opportunities: 

Clinical Development Award 
Pre-Application (LOI): July 25, 2018
Application: August 8, 2018 Submit Pre-Application

Omics Consortium Development Award 
Pre-Application (LOI): July 25, 2018
Application: August 8, 2018 

Investigator-Initiated Research Award
Pre-Application: May 30, 2018
Application: August 22, 2018 

Ovarian Cancer Academy Award - Early-Career Investigator 
Pre-Application (LOI): July 25, 2018
Application: August 8, 2018 

Pilot Award 
Pre-Application: May 30, 2018
Application: August 22, 2018
Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program
Deadline: Aug 31, 2018
NIH color logo The National Institutes of Health, in partnership with the Lasker Foundation, is pleased to announce the 2018 Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program. This is an opportunity for 8 to 10 years of funding for clinical researchers. This unique program provides Scholars with 5 to 7 years of support as an independent principal investigator in the NIH Intramural Research Program, followed by three years of continued financial support, either at the NIH or at an outside medical center/research institution.
IN THE NEWS
Helio/HemOnc Today - Apr 6, 2018
The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged older than 50 years; however, Zostax, a live-virus vaccine, may not be suitable for patients with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression, including those with cancer.  In October,  the FDA approved the herpes zoster vaccine Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted; GlaxoSmithKline) , which is not made from a live virus. The vaccine combines glycoprotein E with an adjuvant system that enhances immunologic response...HemOnc Today spoke with Dale Shepard, MD, PhD, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, medical oncologist and director of the phase 1 and sarcoma programs at Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute, about the role of Shingrix for people with cancer and how clinicians should discuss patients' vaccinations.
Medscape - Apr 3, 2018
Scalp cooling before, during, and after chemotherapy is demonstrably safe and effective for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia and should be offered to all patients concerned about what can be a devastating side effect, an independent review of US-based experience says.  "When someone gets chemotherapy and they lose their hair, this is the time that their family and society recognizes that this person has cancer, and that has a huge emotional and psychological impact," Jame Abraham, MD, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, told Medscape Medical News in an email.
NIH BULLETIN- Notices and Funding Opportunities
rfas 
Notices
Alzheimer's Disease and its related Dementias (AD/ADRD)-focused Administrative supplements for NIH grants that are not focused on Alzheimer's disease (NOT-AG-18-008)

Request for Information (RFI): Nomination of Molecular Targets Substantially Relevant to the Growth or Progression of Pediatric Cancers (NOT-CA-18-062)

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Request for Information (RFI): Strategies for Matching Patients to Clinical Trials (NOT-CA-18-063)

Program Announcements
Research Supplements to Promote Data Sharing in Cancer Epidemiology Studies (Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed)(PA-18-748)
Deadline: Jul 1, 2018

Administrative Supplements to NCI Grant and Cooperative Agreement Awards to Support Collaborations with the Drug Resistance and Sensitivity Network (DRSN)(Admin Supp Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (PAR-18-752)
Deadline: Jun 30, 2018

Revision Applications to National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Supported R01 Awards to Include Research on the NCI's Provocative Questions (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)(RFA-CA-18-021)
LOI Deadline: 30 days prior to application; Application Deadline: Jun 29, 2018

Revision Applications to National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Supported U01 Awards to Include Research on the NCI's Provocative Questions (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)(RFA-CA-18-022)
LOI Deadline: 30 days prior to application; Application Deadline: Jun 29, 2018 and Oct 30, 2018
IN THIS ISSUE
EVENTSevents
Fri, Apr 13
TCI Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120 

Special Cancer Center Seminar Series
Theo Ross, PhD
Jeanne Ann Plitt Professorship in Breast Cancer Research; H. Ben and Isabelle T. Decherd Chair in Internal Medicine; UT Southwestern
"Cancer gene variant classification: From the lab to the clinic and back"
12p BRB 105 
**NOTE LOCATION CHANGE**

Happy Hour to Support Team Case CCC for VeloSano
4-6p Jolly Scholar (CWRU campus)
Mon, Apr 16
Pathology Seminar
David Sweet 
Jain Lab, CWRU
"Myeloid Kruppel-like factor 2 regulates central and peripheral metabolic inflammation"
12p WRB 1-413

Cancer Center Research Chalk Talk
1p WRB 3-136
Tues, Apr 17
Immunology Research Seminar
Liz Hong
Li Lab, CWRU
"The role of Act1 in IL-17 mediated mRNA stabilization"

12p WRB 1-413

Cancer Biology Seminar Series
Qipan Deng, PhD, Research Fellow, Li Lab, Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic
"Tissue-specific microRNA expression alters cancer susceptibility conferred by a TP53 noncoding mutant"
2p NC1-202
Thurs, Apr 19
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013

Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
1p SOM W203
Fri, Apr 20
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
Daniel Farkas, MD; James Cook, MD; Michael Weindel, MD
Cleveland Clinic
"Update on new NGS-based molecular oncology panels at PLMI"
8a CA5-120

Cancer Center Seminar Series
Suzanne J. Baker, PhD Director, Brain Tumor Research Division; Associate Director for Basic Research; Co-Leader, Neurobiology & Brain Tumor Program; Endowed Chair in Brain Tumor Research, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
"Oncohistones: Connecting epigenetic regulation with gliomagenesis"
12p WRB 1-413
Mon, Apr 23
Cancer Center Research Chalk Talk
Shigemi Matsuyama, PhD
Associate Professor, Pharmacology, CWRU
1p WRB 3-136
Tues, Apr 24
Immunology Research Seminar
Sarah Groft
Harding Lab, CWRU
"Antibody sialylation regulates immune responses to mycobacterium tuberculosis"
12p WRB 1-413

Cancer Biology Seminar Series
Kepeng Che, PhD
Research Fellow, Rubin Lab, Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic
"Targeting the untargetable: development of a novel high-throughput biophysical assay to identify TAZ/Hippo pathway inhibitors"
2p NC1-202
Thurs, Apr 26
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013

Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
Mary Ann Checkley and Ben Luttge
Karn lab, CWRU
1p SOM W203

Harland G. Wood Distinguished Lecture
Michael Snyder 
Stanford Ascherman Professor and Chair of Genetics; Director of the Center of Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Stanford University
"Big data and health"
Reception 3-4p; Talk starts at  4p WRB 1-413
Fri, Apr 27
TCI Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120

Cancer Center Seminar Series
Mari H. Dallas, MD Associate Professor, Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology; Member, Hematopoietic and Immune Cancer Biology Program, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University
12p WRB 1-413

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING SYMPOSIUMS & EVENTS
prev-funding
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED OPPORTUNITIES

Deadline: Open

Deadline: Open
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center 
11100 Euclid Avenue, Wearn152
Cleveland, OH 44106-5065