JANUARY 24, 2020

Member/Center Highlights

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Case CCC Welcomes Jennifer Cullen, PhD, MPH as Associate Director for Cancer Population Sciences The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) is pleased to welcome Jennifer Cullen, PhD, MPH as its new Associate Director for Cancer Population Sciences, following an extensive search after the departure of Li Li, MD, PhD in January 2019. Dr. Cullen joins us from the US Department of Defense Center for Prostate Disease Research (CDPR) where she was Interim co-Director and Director of the Epidemiologic Research Program and from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU) where she was Associate Professor. She has been appointed Professor in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine. As Associate Director, Dr. Cullen will oversee the broad interests and approaches taken by members of the Case CCC, its consortium institutions and research members in all aspects of cancer population sciences. We are particularly interested in linking basic discoveries to our communities across northern Ohio, to understand our population risks and to implement studies that reduce these risks through screening and lifestyle changes.  As a cancer epidemiologist, Dr. Cullen’s predominant research focus has been on the identification and validation of biomarkers and assay panels to forecast prostate cancer outcomes, with appreciation for examining health disparities, and considering quality of life trajectories for cancer survivors. Her leadership role in the validation study of the Oncotype Dx® 17-gene panel for predicting prostate cancer progression culminated in a presentation at the 2014 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) meeting in Madrid, Spain, and publication of findings in European Urology (Cullen et al . , July 2015). The biopsy-based assay, now known as the Oncotype Dx® Genomic Prostate Score, can predict both clinical risk and tumor aggressiveness, helping men make decisions regarding the need for immediate treatment of their cancer. We are excited to welcome Jennifer to our leadership as our population scientists work to improve health across our communities.

Erika Trapl, PhD Co-Leader, Cancer Prevention, Control & Population Research Program Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

Commentary on Current Tobacco-Related Policies: Youth, E-Cigarettes and Flavored Nicotine Products Earlier this month, the American Cancer Society reported the largest single-year decline in cancer deaths at 2.2% and attributed this decline to improvements related to lung cancer and melanoma. Lung cancer deaths for 2020 are estimated to reach roughly 136,000, with an estimated 80-90% of those deaths being attributed to smoking, a known modifiable lifestyle risk factor. Notably, nearly 9 out of 10 smokers begin smoking before the age of 18, and adolescents are more susceptible to the addicting effects of nicotine. It is an accepted premise within tobacco control that policy approaches to prevent youth use improve tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. To address youth access, President Donald Trump signed legislation on December 20, 2019, increasing the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cigars, to 21 years. While this is seen as a win among tobacco control advocates, flavored tobacco products are still seen as a substantial threat to entice youth users.  Continue reading

Summer Cancer Research Training for Medical Students Each summer, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center trains and supports medical students interested in cancer research. This program offers a valuable opportunity for medical students to participate in extensive, direct experience in laboratory research while completing their medical training. Each trainee will receive a stipend for eight weeks while conducting cancer research with a Case Comprehensive Cancer Center member.  Applications are being accepted for the program through Monday, March 2, 2020. Learn More

ENGAGE Summer Training in Regenerative Medicine for Undergraduate and Medical Students The ENGAGE summer research training program at the National Center for Regenerative Medicine supports undergraduate or medical students interested in stem cell and regenerative medicine research. ENGAGE students are provided a stipend for their eight-week projects and opportunities for scientific growth by working with renowned scientific investigators. Completed applications are due Wednesday, April 1. Learn More

Join Team Case CCC in VeloSano 2020! The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) is honored to once again participate 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.

This is the center's sixth year participating in VeloSano, and in those six years, 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. 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!

Learn more about VeloSano 7 and joining or supporting Team Case CCC

What's Coming Up

Mon, Jan 27 GMI Seminar Series Roshan Padmanabhan, PhD 12p NE1-205 Tues, Jan 28 Pathology/Immunology Seminar Alan Diehl, PhD 12p WRB Auditorium Cancer Impact Lecture 1p NE1-205 DNA Damage and Repair Working Group 1p NE1-205 Thurs, Jan 30 D  evelopmental Therapeutics Journal Club 9a NE6-218 Immunology Journal Club Zachary Jackson 12p WRB 5-136 Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar 1p SOM W203 Prostate Cancer Working Group Seminar Lloyd C. Trotman, PhD 3p NC1-202 Fri, Jan 31 Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds Choon Hyuck David Kwon, MD, PhD 8a CA5-120 Cancer Center Seminar Series Lily Wang, PhD 12p WRB Auditorium

Mon, Feb 3 Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy 4p CA5-124 Tues, Feb 4 Cancer Impact Lecture 1p NE1-205 High Risk Germline Focus Group 5:15p NE5-218 Weds, Feb 5 Cancer Microbiome Focus Group 12p WRB 1-422D Thurs, Feb 6 D  evelopmental Therapeutics Journal Club 9a NE6-218 Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar 1p SOM W203 Fri, Feb 7 Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds 8a CA5-120 Cancer Center Seminar Series Quintin Pan, PhD 12p WRB Auditorium

Case CCC Calendar

LRI Calendar

Mark Your Calendar

Cancer Center Seminar Series January 24, 12p Note Location Change: BRB Auditorium 105 Our weekly seminar series features Fulai Jin, PhD at noon today in the auditorium of the Biomedical Research Building. Dr. Jin is an assistant professor of genetics and genome sciences as well as population and quantitative health sciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He is also a member of the Case CCC's Molecular Oncology Program. He will present, "Robust Mapping of Enhancer-Promoter Interactions with Low-Input or Single-Cell Hi-C." Watch Live at Noon Cancer Center Seminar Series January 31, 12p WRB Auditorium Next week's cancer center seminar will be presented by Lily Wang, PhD on behalf of the Hematopoietic and Immune Cancer Biology Program. Dr. Wang is associate staff, translational hematology and oncology research at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. Dr. Wang’s previous studies have identified a novel immune checkpoint protein that was named as V domain Immunoglobulin Suppression of T cell Activation (VISTA). Currently, her research group is committed to discovering novel receptors and signaling adapter proteins that interact with VISTA and mediate immunosuppression. These efforts will guide the effort in developing effective approaches that block the VISTA immune checkpoint pathway for cancer therapy.  She will present, "VISTA, the Next Generation Immune Checkpoint Target for Cancer Immunotherapy" at noon in the WRB Auditorium. View the Seminar Series Schedule

4th Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium March 6, 2020 Tinkham Veale University Center The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Office of Cancer Disparities Research will present the   4th Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium : Cultivating Science and Community Engagement to Address Cancer Health Disparities on March 6, 2020.  The agenda is now posted and will feature sessions on Cancer Disparities and Underserved Populations, Community Engagement and Support Programs, and Cancer Disparities Research and Community Engagement, plus invited presentations selected from standout abstract submissions. Keynote talks from Robert T. Croyle, PhD from the National Cancer Institute and Lucio Miele, MD, PhD from Louisiana State University cap-off the day's innovative agenda. Register Now for the Cancer Disparities Symposium Save The Date: 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 save the date 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.  Registration will open in February 2020. Sign up to receive updates on CSC 2020

Additional Upcoming Events

Breast Cancer Update: Review of Breast Cancer Symposia February 12, 2020 11:45a-4:15p Embassy Suites, Independence This review course will summarize highlights from the national breast cancer meetings, with a focus on the clinical implications of the new information presented at these meetings. Medical oncologists, breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, women’s health, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, residents and fellows and other health care providers with an interest in the management of patients with breast cancer should attend this course. Register for the update by Monday, February 10 2020 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Update February 14-15, 2020 Fort Lauderdale, FL This course will provide practicing physicians, residents, fellows, and nurses in medical oncology, otolaryngology, radiation oncology, and head and neck surgery with a contemporary update of management strategies of head and neck cancer using a multidisciplinary approach. Lecture and panels will provide a forum for discussion of updated therapies and new treatment innovations. Register for the update by Monday, February 10

Management of Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Toxicity Conference March 6, 2020 InterContinental, Cleveland 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. Register for the Conference by Wednesday, March 4 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. Register for the Annual Conference

Funding Opportunities

2020-2021 Barrett's Esophagus Translational Research Network (BETRNet) Pilot Project Award Program Deadline: January 31, 2020 All faculty members at participating institutions are invited to submit applications BETRNet pilot projects of up to $40,000 to be funded by NIH/NCI U54CA163060: Genetic Determinants of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Note: A BETRNet Project must be directed toward translational research related to Barrett’s Esophagus. At least one specific aim should involve either direct patient contact or the study of patient derived tissue samples.

Opportunities for Developmental Research Proposals in Head and Neck Cancer Research Deadline: March 2, 2020 The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is providing seed funding for up to two (2) highly innovative head and neck cancer-focused proposals that will generate key data for a future P50 application under the umbrella of the National Cancer Institute "Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs)." The P50 pilot grants will support feasibility and planning activities to build comprehensive and translational head and neck cancer research programs. All applications must propose translational research that will contribute to improved prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and/or treatment of head and neck cancers. Award Description Up to $50,000 in direct costs for one year each with the possibility of second-year funding pending outstanding progress and development, subject to competitive review with all other pilot projects submitted at that time. Research projects should demonstrate the feasibility of completion within a 1-year timeline.

View previously announced funding opportunities

In The News

US Cancer Death Rate Drops WCPN ideastream - Jan 22, 2020 "It's something that everybody in the cancer community has celebrated, but certainly, understands that we need to do more." Hear Theodoros Teknos, MD, President and Scientific Director of the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Deputy Director of the Case CCC weigh in on the recent drop in the US cancer death rate as reported by the American Cancer Society.

From The NIH

Weekly NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices Notices Additional Guidance on the NIH Policy on the Use of a Single Institutional Review Board for Multi-Site Research Funding Opportunities Genomic Community Resources (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)(PAR-20-100) Standard dates apply, starting May 25, 2020 Genomic Expert Curation Panels (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)(PAR-20-101) Deadlines: May 27, 2020, May 27, 2021, May 27, 2022 HIV/AIDS and the Tumor Niche (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)(RFA-CA-20-016) Deadline: April 15, 2020 Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) Clinical Centers (Collaborative U01 Clinical Trial Required)(RFA-DK-20-501) Deadline: April 22, 2020 Limited Competition for the Continuation of the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS) Biostatistics Research Center (BRC) (Collaborative U01 Clinical Trial Required)(RFA-DK-20-502) Deadline: April 22, 2020 HEAL Initiative: Pain Management Effectiveness Research Network: Clinical Trial Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required)(RFA-NS-20-028) Deadline: March 24, 2020 View this week's bulletin

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