NOTE: This is a re-publishing of the message originally sent Feb 26, 2020.
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Stan Gerson, MD
Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Dear Cancer Center Community:
As President Barbara R. Snyder and Provost Ben Vinson III
announced Wednesday, I am honored to take on the responsibilities of serving you as dean of the CWRU School of Medicine (SOM) on an interim basis as of July 1, 2020, while maintaining my position as director of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.
We are fortunate that our future rests on the legacy of accomplishments under the wonderful leadership of Dean Pamela Davis, and our exceptional institutions, facilities, and faculties that together comprise a remarkable medical education and research environment. The synergies of our scientists, educators and physicians are unique, and the collective quality of research, career development and medical care is unparalleled.
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As a destination site for medical care, Cleveland is uniquely poised to promote collaborative efforts that are internationally recognized for innovation and quality. We will continue to build on our long history of discovery and enhancing scholarship across the university while focusing on high impact medical research. And through our hospital partners and faculties at those sites, we have established an exceptional and coordinated powerhouse of education, career development and translational research to better both patients and our community.
I am confident each of you will continue to
create and deliver medical breakthroughs and train the next generation of physicians and scientists, improving health both here and throughout the world. I look forward to pursuing our collective mission.
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Gmail users: to ensure you're always viewing the entire newsletter, check at the bottom of the email to see if the newsletter has been "clipped" and click "view entire message" if so.
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Recommended Reading: FY20 Budget Boosts Paylines for R01 Grants
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"The recently approved federal budget for the current fiscal year includes a $297 million funding boost for the NCI, allowing it to fund more than 125 additional competing grants. Although the move reverses a decade of decreases in R01 paylines, competition for grants is expected to remain intense," writes the American Association for Cancer Research in a recent article.
The
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center's Associate Director for Basic Research,
Ruth Keri, PhD
weighed in on the budget boost and what it means for investigators. "The trend is certainly in the right direction, and it is safe to say that congressional bodies are highly supportive of cancer research. As scientists, we need to be wise about how we position ourselves to be competitive for the funding that is available,” says Keri.
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University Hospitals Part of Study Showing Fast Breast MRIs Outperform 3D Mammograms at Finding Cancer in Dense Breasts
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The study compared Fast Breast MRI, a 10-minute MRI exam, to 3-D mammography, in women with dense breasts, because the ability of mammography to detect breast cancer is limited in these women. University Hospitals was one of the sites that enrolled patients for the national study, which closed to new patients in the end of 2017.
Donna Plecha, MD, Chair of Radiology at University Hospitals and member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center's Cancer Imaging Program, commented on the findings. "Our hope is that this study will help insurers see the benefit of the new test to improve early detection of breast cancer,” said Dr. Plecha.
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Call for Abstracts: Cancer Stem Cells Conference 2020
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The
Cancer Stem Cells Conference call for abstracts affords an exciting opportunity to highlight cancer stem cell focused research, providing a forum to showcase basic research, as well as novel technologies and translational therapeutic strategies. Basic science, clinical and translational researchers, as well as trainees, are invited to
submit abstracts by 5 pm EST, Friday, May 29, 2020.
Symposia topics include, but are not limited to: developmental biology, immune interaction, microenvironment, cellular metabolism, epigenetic regulation, druggable targets and emerging technologies.
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Thank You, Dr. Webb Hooper!
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We would once again like to thank Dr. Webb Hooper for her leadership and dedication to our mission since joining the Center in 2016. Dr. Webb Hooper has been the driving force behind the much-anticipated
Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium, now in its fourth year and taking place in just one week here at CWRU.
Please join us in celebrating her accomplishments and wishing her well on her new endeavor! We have high expectations that her focus and dedication will “move the needle” in many hard to manage health issues.
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Eng Lab Seeking Postdoctoral Fellows
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The lab of
Charis Eng, MD PhD, is seeking two highly-motivated postdoc fellows to join their team at the Cleveland Clinic Genomic Medicine Institute. A major focus of the Eng Lab is to utilize multi-disciplinary approaches – classical genetics, genomics, metagenomics, computational/systems biology, immunology, computational biophysics, animal modeling, and molecular biology – illuminate how microbial dysbiosis could contribute to the pathogenesis of a range of cancers and inflammatory conditions.
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Join Team Case CCC in VeloSano 2020!
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The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) is honored to make its sixth appearance in
VeloSano, a year-round fundraising initiative and "Bike to Cure" weekend to support lifesaving cancer research. Our continuing goal is to bring sustainable funding to cancer research by enlisting the passion and energy of thousands of people who wish to give back... including
YOU! We raised nearly $94,000 in 2019 and every dollar goes directly toward cancer research. In our six years of participation, more than $1,000,000 of VeloSano fundraising totals have come back to the Case CCC to award researchers as pilot funding for cancer research projects.
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The Case CCC will provide complimentary registration fees and jerseys again this year. Contact team captains
Caroline El Sanadi or
Mary Wright for the registration fee waiver code to sign up! While registration is complimentary, all riders are responsible for meeting the minimum fundraising commitment associated with the
distance they ride. Fundraising can begin as soon as you register to ride and continues through October 1, 2020.
Registration is open now and information about volunteering for our cheer station and supporting our team through sponsorship will be available soon!
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Mon, Mar 2
Machine Learning Working Group
12p WRB 1-422D
Cancer Center Research Chalk Talk
Vinay Varadan, PhD
1p WRB 3-136
Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Meeting
4p WRB 1-422D
BIEC/EnRICH Career Networking Happy Hour
4-5:30p Sears think[box]
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Tues, Mar 3
Pathology Seminar
Ming Li, PhD
12p WRB Auditorium
CAR-T Cell Working Group
Akansha Jalota, PhD
4p HEC 419
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Weds, Mar 4
Cancer Microbiome Focus Group
12p WRB 1-422D
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Thurs, Mar 5
D
evelopmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a NE6-218
Immunology Journal Club
12p WRB 5-136
Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
1p SOM W203
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Fri, Mar 6
Management of Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Toxicity
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120
UH HemOnc Grand Rounds
8a Wearn 137
4th Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium
Tinkham Veale University Center
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Mon, Mar 9
Shared Resources Directors Meeting
12p WRB 1-422D
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Weds, Mar 11
Disparities SPORE Meeting
5-7p WRB 2-136
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Thurs, Mar 12
D
evelopmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a NE6-218
Immunology Journal Club
12p WRB 5-136
Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
1p SOM W203
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Fri, Mar 13
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120
UH Seidman Grand Rounds
8a Wearn 137
Cancer Center Seminar Series
Adam Bass, MD
12p WRB Auditorium
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Cancer Center Seminar Series
February 28, 12p
WRB Auditorium
Our weekly seminar series features
Sudha Chakrapani, PhD at noon today in the auditorium of the Wolstein Research Building.
Dr. Chakrapani is the Joseph T. Wearn, MD Professor in Medicine, associate professor of physiology and biophysics and Director of the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Core at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She is also a member of the Case CCC's Developmental Therapeutics Program.
She will present, "Atomic Structures of Drug Targets using Cryo-Electron Microscopy" on behalf of the Developmental Therapeutics Program.
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Cancer Center Seminar Series
March 6, 12p
Tinkham Veale University Center Ballroom
Dr. Miele is professor and genetics department head at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Medicine, Director for Inter-Institutional Programs for the LSU Stanley Scott Cancer Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium. He is also the Cancer Crusaders Endowed Professor in Cancer Research at LSU.
He will present, "Breast Cancer Health Disparities: Social Determinants Meet Biology" at noon in the ballroom of Tinkham Veale University Center.
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1 week away: 4th Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium
March 6, 2020
Tinkham Veale University Center
The
4th Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium: Cultivating Science and Community Engagement to Address Cancer Health Disparities is less than one month away! Don't miss the opportunity to join researchers, physicians, and community leaders as we share cutting edge science and innovations in community engagement.
The
symposium agenda is now posted and features sessions on Cancer Disparities and Underserved Populations, such as sexual and gender minorities, Amish, and muslim women, Community Engagement and Support Programs, and Cancer Disparities Research and Community Engagement, plus invited presentations selected from standout abstract submissions. The final session of the day will be a multidisciplinary and thought-provoking panel discussion that will crystallize the energy and inspire us to continue toward the ultimate goal of health equity.
Robert T. Croyle, PhD of the National Cancer Institute will deliver the day's Plenary Address and
Lucio Miele, MD, PhD from Louisiana State University is this year's Distinguished Scientific Keynote speaker.
Attendees are eligible to receive six (6) continuing research education credits (CRECs) or six (6) continuing education contact hours (CECH) units of advanced level training in health education. Meals, materials, refreshments and parking will be provided.
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Save The Date: Core Facilities and Shared Resources Symposium
April 28, 2020
Linsalata Alumni Center, CWRU
Opening remarks from Provost Ben Vinson III will begin at 8:30 am. This opportunity for networking and discovery will feature:
- plenary talks from CWRU faculty from various schools/colleges
- breakout sessions celebrating how our cores create a continuum of discovery across multiple disciplines and providing administrative technical assistance about running a Core
- poster sessions showing the work our facilities make possible
Space is limited, so please use the button below to pre-register and help planners in programming the event. Pre-registrants will have the opportunity to complete a 3-minute survey to capture your expectations for the day.
Registration opens Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
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Call for Abstracts and Registration: Cancer Stem Cell Conference 2020
August 4-6, 2020
Tinkham Veale University Center
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and the National Center for Regenerative Medicine invite you to submit an abstract and register for CSC 2020!
Now in its fourth year, CSC 2020 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 three-day summit and network with scientists and clinicians advancing cancer stem cell research and therapeutic applications.
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Save The Date: Great Lakes Breast Cancer Symposium 2020
October 4-6, 2020
Tinkham Veale University Center, CWRU
As host site for the 2020 Great Lakes Breast Cancer Symposium, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center encourages you to mark your calendar for the symposium taking place October 4-6, 2020.
The symposium highlights ongoing basic, translational, clinical and population studies addressing the biological mechanisms, management and prevention of breast cancer. Researchers from participating institutions will share their exciting work with a goal to develop cross-institutional collaborations.
This year's event features two keynote speakers:
- Carlos Arteaga, MD, Director of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Helen Piwnica-Worms, PhD, Professor of Experimental Radiation Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Additional Upcoming Events
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Management of Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Toxicity Conference
March 6, 2020
InterContinental, Cleveland
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Immune checkpoint blockade leads to a new spectrum of dysimmune toxicity requiring collaboration between oncologists, providers, and specialists to improve the understanding of the mechanism, diagnosis, and management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The goal of this conference is to bring together a multidisciplinary group of clinicians to share expertise and improve the care of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
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NCCN 2020 Annual Conference
March 20-22, 2020
Orlando, FL
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 2020 Annual Conference agenda includes 30 educational sessions featuring the latest advances in oncology care, including interactive patient case studies. Session topics include: HPV-Associated Cancers, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Clinical Trial Implementation, Value-Based Payment Models, Role of Biosimilars and more.
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AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report Capitol Hill Day
March 25, 2020
Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
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On Wednesday, March 25, the AACR will be releasing a historic document, the inaugural “
AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2020: Achieving the Bold Vision of Health Equity for Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Other Underserved Populations,” at a Congressional Briefing from noon until 1 p.m. on Capitol Hill. Those interested in participating must
register by March 13, 2020.
In conjunction with the Congressional Briefing, they will also be organizing a "Cancer Disparities Progress Report Capitol Hill Day," which will take place during the morning and throughout the afternoon on March 25. Additionally, we will be sponsoring a special Congressional reception on Tuesday, March 24 beginning at 5:30 pm. During the reception, they will honor the dedicated scientists who have led the development of the report, along with the distinguished Members of Congress who have prioritized the elimination of cancer disparities through their work on the Hill. Rooms are available at the
Hilton Washington DC National Mall, where the events will take place.
For additional information, please contact Jon Retzlaff, Chief Policy Officer and Vice President, Science Policy and Government Affairs at
jon.retzlaff@aacr.org or 202.898.6499.
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The Race
May 10, 2020
Legacy Village
The Race is a 5K and one mile walk/run charity event that empowers children and their families to make a difference in the lives of those touched by breast cancer by raising awareness and money for innovative breast cancer research. The Race has been held each Mother's Day for the past sixteen years and to date, The Race, with help from friends, business associates and corporate sponsors, has raised over $1,250,000 for the fight against breast cancer. Proceeds from this year's event will once again benefit the
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Participate in the 17th annual event as we work to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime! Bring your family and make it a Mother's Day to remember. Race participants will receive t-shirts and everyone can enjoy refreshments, clowns, a bounce house, laser tag, face painting and more.
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Inaugural Tee Off 4 Cancer Golf Classic
June 27, 2020
Mallard Creek Golf Club
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The 2020 Tee Off 4 Cancer Golf Classic will take place Saturday, June 27 at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station, Ohio. Proceeds benefit the labs of Drs.
Vinay Varadan at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and
Danny Welch at the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Players may join the classic for $95 which includes golf, range balls, lunch and dinner, plus beer, water, soda and sports drinks throughout play. Sponsorship packages are also available.
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AACR Annual Meeting
April 24-29, 2020
San Diego Convention Center
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting program covers the latest discoveries across the spectrum of cancer research—from population science and prevention; to cancer biology, translational, and clinical studies; to survivorship and advocacy—and highlights the work of the best minds in research and medicine from institutions all over the world.
This year's meeting will take place April 24-29, 2020 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA.
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2020 NIMHD Health Disparities Research Institute
August 3-7, 2020
NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD
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The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) will host the Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI) from August 3-7, 2020 at the NIH campus (Natcher, Building 45 conference center rooms). The HDRI aims to support the research career development of promising early-career minority health and health disparities research scientists and stimulate research in disciplines supported by health disparities science. Applications will only be accepted from extramural scientists who meet NIH’s
Early Stage Investigator (ESI) eligibility criteria.
The program will feature lectures, mock grant reviews, seminars, and small group discussions on research relevant to minority health and health disparities. It will also include sessions with NIH scientific staff engaged in related health disparities research across the various institutes and centers.
Extramural scientists, early in their careers with research foci in minority health and health disparities, are encouraged to apply to the institute.
Applications are now open and must be submitted via the HDRI application portal by
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 5pm EST; emailed applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline since late submissions will not be accepted. Questions may be directed to
HDRI@nih.gov.
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Deadlines: April 13 and 15, 2020
Pfizer Global Medical Grants (GMG) supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement, or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies. Pfizer recently announced two competitive grant programs with April application deadlines:
Individual projects requesting up to a maximum of $250,000 will be considered for multi-faceted projects with a broad reach. Smaller, more specialized projects or those with a local or regional focus are also encouraged at a lower grant threshold (approx. $25k to $100K.)
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LOI Deadline: April 5, 2020
Breast Cancer Alliance invites clinical doctors and research scientists at any stage of their careers whose primary focus is breast cancer to apply for an Exceptional Project Grant. This award recognizes creative, unique and innovative research and is open to applicants at institutions throughout the contiguous United States. This is a one year grant for a total of $100,000.
Applicants will be informed by mid-May 2020 whether they have been invited to proceed with a formal application. Researchers should coordinate with their institutions, as the BCA will accept a maximum of 2 LOIs per institution. Full applications for the Exceptional Project Grant are due on or before July 24, 2020.
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CWRU's
The Daily - Feb 20, 2020
Research scientists and doctors from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case School of Engineering and Cleveland Clinic have blended two very different types of analysis to better understand and combat the brain cancer. Read about the study led by
Pallavi Tiwari, PhD, member of the
Case CCC's Cancer Imaging Program.
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Targeted Oncology - Feb 12, 2020
Read an interview with Cleveland Clinic's
Aaron Gerds, MD, MS, Medical Director of the Clinical Research Office at the
Case CCC,
about findings from a phase II clinical trial that evaluated luspatercept as a treatment of anemia in patients with myelofibrosis.
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Weekly NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
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Notices
Funding Opportunities
Deadlines: May 21, 2020; November 19, 2020; May 20, 2021; November 18, 2021
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Use the button below to submit all your news, events, announcements and communications requests to the Case CCC Marketing and Communications team!
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