June 12, 2020
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Member/Center Highlights
Case CCC 2020 Annual Scientific Retreat: TED-style Presenters Announced
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center will once again host TED-style talks from three prominent Cleveland researchers and advocates as part of its Annual Scientific Retreat. This year's retreat will be held virtually Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24. Thursday's session is open to all, though registration is required to receive virtual access, and features an update from Cancer Center Director Stan Gerson, MD followed by talks from the selected speakers below.
Associate Director for Data Sciences, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Vice Chairman, Department of Pediatric Surgery,
University Hospitals
Founder and Senior Advisor, The Gathering Place
Recommended Reading: Ohio has all the pieces in place to become a national hub for cell and gene therapy manufacturing
Daria Fedyukina
In a guest blog for Crain's Cleveland Business, Daria Fedyukina, PhD, calls the industry of cell and gene therapy manufacturing (CGTM) "small but mighty" and notes it is growing here in Ohio. "The CGTM industry produces biological materials for use as new-age pharmaceuticals. Specifically, CGTM makes different viruses and living cells that are injected into patients to treat diseases like cancer and genetic illnesses," writes Fedyukina as she urges the region's business leaders to capitalize on its economic potential.

She also notes the National Center of Regenerative Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and its Regenerative Medicine and Entrepreneurship Master's program, in which pioneers of cell and gene therapy manufacturing train the workforce to propel the industry further. "We have the tools. We have the expertise. We have the potential. It is time to reclaim our place as a top manufacturing state."

Dr. Fedyukina is a translational officer in the Office of Translation and Innovation at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a gene and cell therapy consultant with BioHeights LLC.
Accepting Preliminary Data as Post-Submission Material and Other COVID-19-Related Application Flexibilities
A Guide Notice ( Special Exception to the NIH/AHRQ/NIOSH Post-Submission Material Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic) issued on Tuesday announced that for applications submitted for due dates beginning May 25, 2020 for the Fall 2020 review meetings/January 2021 Council round, NIH will accept a one-page update with preliminary data as post-submission materials for single component applications, or one page for each component of a multi-component application.
NCI RFA Concepts Presented at May 12 BSA Meeting 
National Cancer Institute Logo
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) presented 13 research concepts at the May 12  Board of Scientific Advisors (BSA) meeting. A videocast of the meeting is posted online, including presentations delivered by NCI program leaders and discussion of the research concepts by BSA members.
Research Concepts (link to PDF)


NCI Bottom Line Blog Post by  Dr. Paulette Gray, Director of the Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute
Case CCC Seeking GI SPORE Administrator
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a full-time administrative specialist for its Gastrointestinal Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (GI SPORE). This role oversees and manages financial and administrative functions for faculty in the unit as well as grant administration, monitoring compliance and research progress, and more.
Members: How has your research been affected by COVID-19?
We are collecting stories on how labs have shifted in response to COVID-19. If you have changed your work patterns and made discoveries despite COVID-19, or are adjusting your research to assess COVID-19, we would like to hear from you.

Please send stories and comments to cancer@case.edu.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your stories with us. Please let us know if there is anything Cancer Center administration can do to assist you.
Case CCC COVID-19 Resource Hub
As the COVID-19 outbreak progresses, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) has centralized COVID-19 related news, resources and funding opportunities for our cancer center community. Content is updated regularly.

To have a cancer-focused resource added to the page, please email  cancer@case.edu.
What's Coming Up
Mon, June 15
Genomic Medicine Institute Research Seminar

Wolstein Research Building Faculty Meetings with Stan Gerson
3p
Fri, June 19
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
ASCO Update: Colorectal Cancer & Lung Cancer
Suneel Kamath, MD
Nathan Pennell, MD
8a Webcast

IsoPlexis Seminar
Discussion of a new technology that examines immune function at the single cell level
12p Zoom
Mon, June 22
Machine Learning Working Group
Feixiong Cheng, PhD
12p Zoom
Fri, June 26
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
ASCO Update: Early Breast Cancer & Sarcoma
Megan Kruse, MD
Thomas Budd, MD
8a Webcast
Mark Your Calendar
IsoPlexis Seminar: Accelerating the Next Generation of Immune Medicine with Functional Phenotyping
Friday, June 19, 12p, Zoom

The Cancer Center is sponsoring a seminar next Friday, June 19 at noon. The seminar will discuss a new technology that examines immune function at the single cell level. We hope you will be able to attend and provide feedback regarding your interest in the technology and whether it would benefit your research.

Join us to learn about IsoPlexis’ automated suite of life sciences applications, and how functional phenotyping is addressing urgent challenges central to unlocking the next stage of personalized cancer immunotherapies and vaccines related to immunological mechanisms in infectious disease. With single cell proteomics barcoding and detection of a full range of cytokines (30+) per single cell across thousands of single cells, the IsoLight platform is showing the unique value of resolving the heterogeneity of a variety of immune cell types.

If you would like to hear about individual experience with the technology, please contact Reshmi Parameswaran.
Virtual VeloSano 2020
July 23-24, 2020

VeloSano is more than a fundraising event. It's more than simply a bike ride, and this year, it has gone virtual! VeloSano is a movement with the goal of bringing an entire community together to help one another. The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) is honored to participate for its sixth year in a row. Together, our team of Case CCC employees and friends are once again joining the movement to raise money for the cause. Team Case CCC is made of passionate individuals who are committed to cancer research, prevention, treatment, and cures! 100% of the money we raise will support lifesaving cancer research in Northeast Ohio's top-tier hospitals and research institutions.

Virtual VeloSano has no fundraising minimums or registration fees and "riders" are able to track their participation in their favorite activity such as biking, hiking, swimming, even gardening any time between now and October 1. VeloSano's signature "Bike to Cure" weekend will still take place virtually, complete with a streaming Kickoff Party and more!

Although we won't be able to unite in person, the need to fund cancer research remains more important than ever. We look forward to seeing our team's virtual participation through photos and videos on social media using hashtag #TeamCaseCCC or tags to @caseccc as we train and rally together remotely. 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 last year and our team's participation has collectively brought more than $1,500,000 back to the Case CCC for funding of 31 pilot research projects. We are truly grateful for your commitment to the cause and hope you will join or support our efforts this year!
Registration Open Now: Virtual Annual Scientific Retreat
July 23-24, 2020

The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center invites all members and trainees to join us Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24, 2020 for our annual scientific retreat! This year's retreat will be held virtually.

Thursday's events are scheduled from 12-2:30pm including TED-style talks from prominent Cleveland researchers and a cancer center update from Director Stan Gerson, MD. All are welcome to attend Thursday's session, though registration is required to receive virtual access.

Friday's member and trainee session will begin at 12:00 pm with a keynote presentation from Timothy Rebbeck, PhD, the Vincent L. Gregory, Jr. Professor of Cancer Prevention at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Dr. Rebbeck is founding director of the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and leads the Cancer Outreach and Engagement activities for the Dana-Farber Harvard Cancer Center.

Following a short break, members will then gather in Zoom breakout sessions for their assigned research programs for discussion of initiatives, collaborations and cancer center support of projects through pilots and shared resources.

Please note there will not be a trainee virtual breakout session on Friday, however a bench-to-bedside retreat is being planned for the Spring 2021. More information is forthcoming.

Retreat registration is now open. Please contact Mary Wright at maw143@case.edu) with any questions.
Save The Date: Artificial Intelligence in Oncology Symposium 2020
October 19-20, 2020

The second annual Artificial Intelligence in Oncology Symposium will bring together experts in AI and machine learning as well as clinical, industry and federal agency experts in pathology, radiology, drug discovery, and ethics and policy to speak on research developments, regulatory policy, reimbursement and ethics surrounding AI in oncology. For the health and safety of all attendees, this year's symposium will take place virtually.

The symposium will feature four focused sessions, with speakers and panel discussions providing unique perspectives on how AI and machine learning are impacting the major areas of radiology, pathology and -omics in the contexts of precision medicine approaches for characterizing tumors and predicting therapeutic response.

Beyond the science, attendees are invited to view a poster session from some of brightest rising stars in the field of AI in oncology.

Geraldine McGinty, MD, MBA, FACR will present the symposium plenary, "Fostering a Strong Ecosystem for AI in Medical Imaging." Dr. McGinty is an internationally recognized expert in imaging economics, Chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors and Chief Strategy and Contracting Officer at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.

Additional keynotes in drug discovery, ethics & policy and pathology will be delivered by Russ Altman, MD, PhD of Stanford University, Vinay Prasad, MD, MPH of the University of California, San Francisco, and Yinyin Yuan, PhD of the Institute of Cancer Research, London. Learn more about AIO 2020 speakers.
Additional Upcoming Events
AACR
AACR Virtual Annual Meeting: Part II
June 22-24, 2020
The AACR Virtual Annual Meeting II, June 22-24, will feature the originally planned Opening Plenary Session that explores the range of impactful cancer research and clinical translation; award lectures from individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the cancer field; a special talk from National Cancer Institute Director Ned Sharpless, MD; and thousands of proffered papers in minisymposia and on an e-poster platform.
AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer
July 20-22, 2020
This special AACR conference will focus on the presentation of emerging data in basic, clinical, and epidemiologic research related to COVID-19 and cancer. The program will feature a mix of keynote lectures and other invited presentations, short talks from highly rated abstracts, virtual posters, and forums that include panels of experts from various fields. It is anticipated that this must-attend virtual event will attract participants from across the international research community.
AACI-logo
12th Annual AACI Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Meeting
July 7-8, 2020
Registration is now open for the 12th Annual AACI CRI Meeting, Cancer Clinical Research: Focus on the Future.

Registration for the two-day, virtual meeting is free for AACI cancer center members and sustaining members. AACI is working to ensure that the online meeting, scheduled for July 7-8, will still deliver the innovative, quality education that its members have enjoyed at prior CRI annual meetings.

More information, including the program and registration, is now available on the CRI meeting website.
Funding Opportunities
The COVID Research Taskforce is pleased to announce a request for applications (RFA) for research pilot opportunities to support COVID-related research across the university and within our healthcare system partners.

Over $500,000 from the NORD Family Foundation and six funding groups across campus have supported this effort:

  • NORD Family Foundation
  • Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)
  • Cleveland Brain Health Initiative
  • Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC)
  • Digestive Health Research Center
  • Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health

In response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the COVID Research Taskforce recruited 268 faculty with diverse interests. This Rapid-Response COVID-19 Pilot Program was created to support this effort and new research initiatives that will make immediate progress towards reducing the harm to individuals, groups, and society from SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Together the funding partners seek shovel-ready applications that address a wide range of COVID-related questions including understanding and advancing knowledge on fundamental virology, immunology, evolution, natural history and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2; barriers and challenges in testing, tracing, diagnosis and treatment; impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations (e.g., cancer patients, those with chronic conditions), health care workforce, health care utilization and impact on physical and mental health of the community.

Projects focusing on the use of informatics and understanding disparities are encouraged.

The CTSC will oversee the application and review process, working closely with the Taskforce and each of the seven funding groups to identify the best projects that align with each of their funding requirements.
Internal LOI deadline: Sunday, June 21, 2020
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center has been invited to submit applications from junior faculty for the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation 2020 Medical Research Awards. Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation funds cutting-edge research in the fields of leukemia, lymphoma, and related cancers of the blood.

The awards provide $75,000 of support per year over three years, not to exceed $225,000. Applications in conventional and integrative research are being accepted.

Interested candidates are asked to submit an LOI (including PI contact information and an abstract/project summary) and biosketch to casecccpilots@case.edu by Sunday, June 21, 2020. Contact casecccpilots@case.edu with questions.
CDMRP logo
The Department of Defense and its   Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) have announced program details and application instructions for the following fiscal year 2020 programs. Deadlines and eligibility vary by award.

  • Clinical Consortium-Clinical Trial Site Award (NEW!)
  • Idea Development Award (Includes New Options: Early Detection Studies Option, Population Science and Prevention Studies Option)
  • Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Award (NEW!)
In The News
NCI Cancer Prevention Science - June 1, 2020
"The EsoCheck/EsoGuard combination shows how the NCI-sponsored biomarker discovery and validation process can lead to new discoveries, new technologies, and new clinical products," said Sanford Markowitz, MD, PhD. "Ultimately, critical collaborations are vital to creating products that lead to preventing deaths through earlier detection of precancers and cancers that in later stages are largely untreatable and cause death." Dr. Markowitz principal investigator of the Case GI SPORE and Co-Leader of the GI Cancer Genetics Program at the Case CCC.
From The NIH
Weekly NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
Notices



Funding Opportunities
Deadlines: October 15, 2020; January 15, 2021; April 15, 2021; October 15, 2021; January 15, 2022; April 15, 2022; October 15, 2022; January 15, 2023; April 15, 2023

Applications are accepted by continuous receipt.

Only accepting applications for the AIDS Application Due Date(s) listed.

Only accepting applications for the AIDS Application Due Date(s) listed.
COVID-19 Funding Opportunities and Notices






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