newsletter masthead
April 4, 2018
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dr. Stan Gerson Stan Gerson, MD
Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
[email protected]
We are EXCEPTIONAL
The official notice to the public will be released in June, but I want to be the first to tell you the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center P30 grant has been successfully renewed for another five-year period.  We really knocked it out of the park on this one - scoring EXCEPTIONAL

This is the highest rating bestowed upon a cancer center, and the first time we have achieved this rating! I am proud to say Ohio is the only state in which both cancer centers (OSU- James and Case CCC) have the Exceptional rating and NCI designation.

With this rating, in early April we expect an increase in funding of $3.8M (over five years) - bringing our total expected renewal award close to $28M.  Our institutions have also increased their support for cancer research, recruitments and for the Center's operations budget.

Thank you for your hard work, innovative approaches to research, and continuing support of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. 
MESSAGE FROM THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Monica Webb HooperMonica Webb Hooper, PhD
Associate Director for Cancer Disparities Research
[email protected]
2018 Cancer Disparities Symposium Inspires,  Facilitates Academic-Community Engagement 
Cancer Disparities Symposium 2018
Click image to link to event photo gallery.
On March 23, 2018, 200 people gathered in the Wolstein Research Building on the CWRU campus for the
2nd annual Cancer Disparities Symposium , "Taking it to the Streets: Where Cancer Disparities Research and Community Intersect." I was delighted to see the growth of the meeting, and again inspired by the overwhelmingly positive response to this event. Among the goals of the symposium were the dissemination of findings within the Cancer Center, university, and larger communities, and the facilitation of academic-community engagement. Thus, we convened an audience that represented a variety of sectors within our community. Researchers, clinicians, health professionals, patient advocates, students, community organizations, and government representatives from across the region and beyond joined to discuss current research, share ideas and form new collaborations, and continue the growing momentum for future efforts to address cancer-related disparities.  [ continue reading message ]
MEMBER/CENTER HIGHLIGHTS
Pediatric Cancer Research Gets a Boost from St. Baldrick's Foundation
Huerta Alex Huang Leading cancer researchers, Alex Huang MD, PhD, and Yamilet Huerta, MD have been awarded $186,405 in grants from the St. Baldrick's Foundation to conduct pediatric cancer research.

Huang, professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and co-leader of the Hematopoietic and Immune Cancer Biology Program of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, received funding support for summer fellow grants to support the next generation of pediatric oncologists. The St. Baldrick's Foundation 2018 Summer Fellowship supports two students on two separate projects being conducted in Huang's laboratory.

Yamilet Huerta, MD, pediatric hematology/oncology fellow at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital and member of the Huang Lab at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, was awarded one of only seven fellow grants in the country to study acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is the second most common leukemia of childhood and is a difficult disease to treat. Huerta is the fourth fellow from the Huang Lab to receive this recognition since 2009. Huerta's research will support the use of targeted immunotherapy in future clinical trials to treat AML. more>
Obesity is Shifting Cancer to Young Adults
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center researcher Nathan A. Berger, MD has compiled evidence from more than 100 publications to show how obesity increases risk of 13 different cancers in young adults. The meta-analysis describes how obesity has shifted certain cancers to younger age groups, and intensified cellular mechanisms promoting the diseases. Berger is the Hanna-Payne Professor of Experimental Medicine and Director of the Center for Science, Health and Society at CWRU, and member of the GI Cancer Genetics Program of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Cancer typically associated with older adults over 50 are now reported with increasing frequency in young adults. Of the 20 most common cancers in the United States, nine are now reported in young adults. In 2016, nearly 1 in 10 new breast cancer cases, and 1 in 4 new thyroid cancer cases were in young people aged 20-44, according to the review published in  Obesity [ Berger, Obesity, 2018]. The data show that with obesity rising among younger demographics, so are cancer rates. more>
Harnessing the Power of Light to Kill Surface Pathogens
Vijay Krishna A new study led by  Vijay Krishna, PhD, Cleveland Clinic  Lerner Research Institute Department of Biomedical Engineering and member of the Cancer Imaging Program of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, offers an innovative, feasible and cost- and labor-efficient solution to a problem that challenges many healthcare systems: hospital-acquired infections. The researchers show that a chemical compound, when exposed to visible light, can effectively degrade organic surface contaminants. This discovery may help improve patient health, hospital readmission rates and operating costs.

Pristine titanium dioxide (TiO 2) is a chemical compound with many commercial uses ranging from paint pigment to sunscreen to food coloring. It is a photocatalyst, which means it accelerates chemical reactions when exposed to light. TiO 2 photocatalysis has been of great interest because it can mineralize contaminants without producing harmful byproducts, opening the door for application as a safe antimicrobial surface coating. more>
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Cancer Center Seminar Series: Genome Alterations in Human Cancers
Apr 6, 2018 | WRB 1413
Meyerson_2018Apr06
Click image to enlarge.
Join us Friday, April 6 at noon in Wolstein Research Building Room 1-413 for the  weekly Cancer Center Seminar Series to hear Matthew Meyerson, MD, PhD Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Pathology and Medical Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Director, Center for Cancer Genome Discovery at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discuss "Genome alterations in human cancers." This seminar is hosted by the Developmental Therapeutics Program. 

In 2004, the Meyerson laboratory, working in collaboration with Dana-Farber colleagues Bill Sellers, Pasi Jänne, Bruce Johnson and others, discovered that recurrent mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, EGFR, in lung adenocarcinoma, dictated clinical response to EGFR kinase inhibitors including erlotinib and gefitinib. This finding was corroborated by parallel observations from the Haber and Varmus groups and was a harbinger of today's precision medicine approach to cancer care whereby cancer treatment can be targeted directly to each cancer's unique molecular profile.

Dr. Meyerson's group has since made many major genome discoveries in human lung cancer. The Meyerson laboratory has also pioneered many experimental and computational methods in cancer genomics, including cutting-edge methods for sequence analysis of single cell cancer genomes, analysis of circulating tumor DNA in patient blood samples, and for discovery of disease-causing pathogens by analysis of human tissue DNA.
Inaugural AACR International Meeting: Advances in Malignant Lymphoma: Maximizing the Basic-Translational Interface for Clinical Application
June 22-26, 2018 | Boston Marriott Copley Place 
AACR The AACR invites you to register and submit an abstract for the Inaugural AACR International Meeting: Advances in Malignant Lymphoma: Maximizing the Basic-Translational Interface for Clinical Application, which is being held in cooperation with the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML). Abstract deadline is Friday, Apr 6. 

This must-attend program will provide a unique forum for interactive discussion and brainstorming among basic scientists, translational researchers, clinical investigators, hematologists, radiotherapists, pediatric oncologists, pathologists; and computational and systems biologists, and patient-advocates about how recent advances and emerging areas of lymphoma research hold enormous potential for transforming clinical care. 
American Cancer Society "Research For Tomorrow"
Apr 21, 2018 | Lago, 1091 W. 10th Street, Cleveland
ACS logo The First Annual American Cancer Society "Research For Tomorrow" social is a behind the scenes look at the field of cancer research and the quest to find a cure. This special event is an opportunity to hear from scientists at Cleveland's prestigious Biomedical Research Institutions as they describe the process and challenges of developing new therapies to fight cancer. Envisioned by Dr. Amar & Deval Desai, this social will raise critical funds to directly support the ACS's mission to Attack Cancer from Every Angle. As a happy medium between a casual happy hour and a formal evening, this "Research For Tomorrow" social will allow guests to hear special presentations from Cancer Center members Drs. Ruth Keri and Justin Lathia, while enjoying light appetizers, cocktails, and bidding on special silent auction items.
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! 

CSC 2018 - web banner
Cancer Stem Cell Conference (CSC 2018), hosted by the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Center for Regenerative Medicine, is designed to bring together individuals working in the field of cancer stem cell research. CSC 2018 will feature renowned keynote speakers and leaders in the field. This conference is guaranteed to have cutting edge research from a variety of niches within the field.  Join us August 6-8, 2018 at the Tinkham Veale University Center on CWRU campus! 

Call for Abstracts
The Cancer Stem Cell conference will feature oral and poster presentations selected from submitted abstracts. 
All trainees and faculty conducting related research to the topic area are invited to submit abstracts.

To be considered for the Young Investigator Award, abstract submission should also be accompanied by a CV and a letter of support from a current or previous mentor, or colleague. This award is open to senior trainees or junior faculty (less than 5 years from their first independent position).

Abstract submission deadline is Tuesday, May 15 at 5pm to [email protected]

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

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
All graduate students, postdocs, research technician, faculty and fellows conducting related research are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations. Monetary Prizes will be awarded to students, trainees and postdocs.  Deadline extended to April 10.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Pilot Projects from VeloSano Bike to Cure
Deadline Extended: Apr 10, 2018
With the generous support from VeloSano Bike to Cure 2017, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is providing seed funding for highly innovative and impactful proposals that will generate key data for larger, nationally competitive grants. Projects aligned with at least one of six new Research Initiatives (Cancer Genomics, Cancer Immunotherapy, Brain Tumors, Drug Discovery and Development, Women's Cancers, Community Outreach and Cancer Health Disparities) and the Center's Strategic Plan are preferred. Collaborative, multi-investigator projects are particularly encouraged.
Immunotherapy for Primary Human Brain Tumors
Pre-Proposal Deadline: May 11, 2018
Invited Application Deadline: Jul 13, 2018
The Brain Tumor Funders' Collaborative is a partnership among the following philanthropic and advocacy organizations: American Brain Tumor Association, Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, James S. McDonnell Foundation, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, The Sontag Foundation. 

The Brain Tumor Funders' Collaborative invites responses to its current funding initiative focused on understanding the complex dynamics among the constituents comprising the human neuro-immune system, the heterogeneity of the primary brain tumor, and the brain environment.  The BTFC is requesting proposals on the role of the neuro-immune system in the origin and progression of the immune responses in primary human brain tumors with the hope of
developing immunotherapies for treatment of these tumors in patients. The initial response to the RFP
requires pre-proposals describing studies on the complex roles of immune responses in the context of
primary brain tumors in pediatric and/or adult human patients. 
Department of Defense (DoD) Breast Cancer Research Program
CDMRP logo The Department of Defense (DoD) Breast Cancer Research Program has announced the following new funding opportunities:

Era of Hope Scholar Award
Pre-Application (Letter of Intent):  May 16, 2018
Application:  May 30, 2018

Pre-Application (Preproposal): May 15, 2018 
Invited Application: August 14, 2018

Pre-Application (Letter of Intent): May 16, 2018
Application: May 30, 2018

Pre-Application (Preproposal): May 15, 2018
Invited Application: August 14, 2018

Pre-Application (Preproposal): May 15, 2018
Invited Application: August 14, 2018

Pre-Application (Letter of Intent): May 16, 2018
Application: May 30, 2018
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.
IN THE NEWS
Today.com - Mar 30, 2018
People buying coffee in California might notice soon something new when they order coffee. It's not a cool new logo on their cups, but a  cancer warning , a ruling proposed by a judge in Los Angeles... And, it's important to remember the ruling isn't related to recent data about coffee and cancer.  "It wasn't based on new scientific data," Dr. Dale Shepard, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, told TODAY. "This was a judicial decision and not a medical study."
MedPage Today - Mar 28, 2018
Scalp cooling was a safe, effective, and well-tolerated method for preventing "one of the most feared complications of chemotherapy," according to researchers.  In a retrospective analysis that compared three scalp cooling studies of chemotherapy-induced alopecia prophylaxis in patients treated for solid tumor malignancies , scalp cooling was about 20% effective in patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapies and 100% effective in patients receiving weekly paclitaxel, reported Megan Kruse, MD, and Jame Abraham, MD, both of the Taussig Cancer Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.
Cancer Therapy Advisor - Mar 28, 2018
In January 2018, the [FDA] granted the same designation to the multi-TKI, lenvatinib mesylate, plus the PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab, as another combination for mRCC. " The field of initial therapy for metastatic RCC is moving rapidly towards combination therapy," said Brian I. Rini, MD, Co-Leader of the GU Malignancies Program of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and a physician in the department of solid tumor oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute in Ohio. Dr. Rini is a senior investigator for the JAVELIN Renal 100 trial and other studies of combination regimens in RCC.
US News & World Report - Mar 26, 2018
In the past several years, our understanding of lung cancer has become much more detailed and nuanced. "When I started [practicing medicine about 20 years ago], lung cancer was just small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer," says Dr. Nathan PennellCase Comprehensive Cancer Center, director of the lung cancer medical oncology program at the  Cleveland Clinic 's Taussig Cancer Institute. 
NIH BULLETIN- Notices and Funding Opportunities
rfas 
Notices
Notice of Information for PA-18-529, " Early-life Factors and Cancer Development Later in Life (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)"(NOT-CA-18-058)

Notice of Change in Eligible Organizations in PA-18-629 Integration of Imaging and Fluid-Based Tumor Monitoring in Cancer Therapy (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" to Allow Foreign Components in Domestic Applications (NOT-CA-18-059)

Program Announcements
Exploratory/Developmental Clinical Research Grants in Obesity (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)(PA-18-720) 
Deadline: Standard dates apply

Improving Patient Adherence to Treatment and Prevention Regimens to Promote Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)(PA-18-722)
Deadline: Standard dates apply

Improving Patient Adherence to Treatment and Prevention Regimens to Promote Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)(PA-18-723) 
Deadline: Standard dates apply

Research on the Health of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Populations (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)(PA-18-728)  
Deadline: Standard dates apply

Research on the Health of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Populations (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
(PA-18-729) 
Deadline: Standard dates apply

Food Specific Molecular Profiles and Biomarkers of Food and Nutrient Intake, and Dietary Exposure (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)(PAR-18-727) 
Deadline: Jun 11, 2018; Sep 27, 2018; May 29, 2019; Sep 27, 2019

Exploratory Grant Award to Promote Workforce Diversity in Basic Cancer Research (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)(PAR-18-731) 
Deadline: Jun 19, 2018; Nov 19, 2018; Jun 18, 2019; Nov 19, 2019; Jun 18, 2020; Nov 19, 2020

Reducing Stigma to Improve HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment and Care in Low and Middle- Income Countries (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)(PAR-18-732)  
Deadline: 30 days prior to the application due date optional; AIDS Deadline: Aug 1, 2018
IN THIS ISSUE
EVENTSevents
Thurs, Apr 5
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013

Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
1p SOM W203
Fri, Apr 6
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
Courtney Fitzhugh, MD
NHLBI
"Update on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for NIH patients with sickle cell disease"
8a CA5-120

Cancer Center Seminar Series
Matthew L. Meyerson, MD, PhD
Professor, Pathology, Harvard Medical School;  Professor, Pathology, Medical Oncology, and Director, Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"Genome alterations in human cancer"
12p WRB 1-413
Mon, Apr 9
Pathology Research Seminar Series
Evelyn Ojo
Wald Lab, Pathology, CWRU/UH
"Combating immunosuppressive factors affecting NK cell activity"
12p WRB 1-413

Genomic Medicine Institute
Jacob Scott, MD, DPhil
Associate Staff, Translational Hematology and Oncology Research and Radiation Oncology, Cleveland Clinic
"Understanding the evolution of resistance: A comprehensive and integrated mathematical and experimental research program"
12p NE1-205
Tues, Apr 10
Immunology Research Seminar
Jonni Moore, PhD Professor, Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
12p WRB 1-413
Wed, Apr 11
PRCHN Seminar
Sue Flocke, PhD
Associate Director, PRCHN; Co-Leader, Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Research Program, Case CCC; Gertrude Donnelly Hess, MD Professor of Oncology Research, CWRU; Little Cigar Study Team
"Measuring nicotine dependence among adolescents and young adults who smoke cigarillos"
12p PRCHN Ground Floor Conference Room
Thurs, Apr 12
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a Taussig Cancer Institute - R4-013

Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
Paul Wille
Karn lab, CWRU
1p SOM W203
Fri, Apr 13
TCI Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120 Cleveland Clinic

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 WRB 1-413

Happy Hour to Support Team Case CCC for VeloSano
4-6p Jolly Scholar (CWRU campus)

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING SYMPOSIUMS & EVENTS
prev-funding
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center 
11100 Euclid Avenue, Wearn152
Cleveland, OH 44106-5065