The Task Before Us

Tuesday’s election has important implications for all of us. The people have spoken and have spoken clearly. Many of our colleagues are grieving, while others are pleased. Our early career trainees and faculty worry about a seemingly uncertain future for science, but all we can control is what we do. Cancer has not decided to take the day off, let alone the next election cycle. We have important work to do, and do it we will. Read more.

Lombardi Lectures & Meetings

Join these lectures in the New Research Building Auditorium (Zoom option).

Join these meetings in W302 (Zoom option).

Investigational Drug Shows Promise in a Clinical Trial for Lung Cancers With ALK Mutations

The treatment landscape for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has progressed rapidly over the past decade, and now early signals from phase 1 of the ALKOVE-1 clinical trial suggest potential benefit from the use of an investigational drug called NVL-655 in people whose cancer has alterations in a gene called ALK. Patients are now being recruited for phase 2 of the trial at Georgetown Lombardi and 53 other centers nationwide. Read more about this work.

New Conference Focuses on Immuno-oncology

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) will host the inaugural AACR IO conference from February 23-26, 2025, in Los Angeles. This new conference will encompass the best of basic, translational and clinical research in immunology, inflammation and immunotherapies for cancer. Those interested in submitting an abstract may do so by Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 1:00 p.m. ET. A limited number of Scholar-in-Training Awards and Minorities in Cancer Research Awards are available to financially support participation in the conference. View full conference information.

Georgetown Women in Medicine Hosts Wine and Cheese Social

Georgetown Women in Medicine (GWIM), an organization dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment for medical women faculty at Georgetown, will host a wine and cheese social meeting on Tuesday, December 3, from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. in the School of Medicine Lobby. Join members for an evening of socializing, networking and discussing the future of GWIM, with remarks from GUMC EVP Dr. Norman Beauchamp Jr. and MGUH President Dr. Lisa Boyle. RSVP by Nov. 30. Contact gwim@georgetown.edu with questions.

Georgetown Lombardi Developmental Funds Request for Proposals Announced

Proposals are now being accepted for grant opportunities designed to provide developmental funds for the initiation of promising new cancer-related projects leading to multi-PI (MPI) peer-reviewed funding and high-impact publications, with an emphasis in cross-consortium collaborations and/or inter-programmatic collaborations. Projects will be funded by CCSG, BellRinger and other gifts as available, as well as institutional funds.

Projects may be submitted for consideration in two categories:

• Large multi-project pilots that will lead to a P01, SPORE or U grant (1-year award at up to $100,000, with the option of renewal dependent on progress)
• Smaller pilots that will lead to an MPI R01 submission (1-year award of up to $50,000)

Proposed projects must have a cancer-relevant research focus, including basic, clinical, translational, or population sciences, with additional requirements for each category. Submissions will be reviewed and scored based on current NCI review processes by a peer-review committee. View full proposal requirements and application instructions. All applications are due January 6, 2025, to Sharon Levy (sgl5@georgetown.edu).

NCI Early K99/R00 Pre-applications Now Accepted

Pre-applications are now being accepted for the NCI Early K99/R00. Candidates must be within two years of their doctoral degree at grant submission and in a mentored postdoctoral position. Nominations will identify single applicants within the described four scientific areas and submit pre-application materials by November 15 for the February 15, 2025, deadline within GU-PASS as a New Limited Submission; select 2025 NCI Pathway to Independence for Early Stage Postdocs (K99/R00). Email Richard Cecil (rc398@georgetown.edu) with questions.

Save The Date: The 2025 MedStar Health-Georgetown University Research & Education Symposium

Each year, the MedStar Health-Georgetown University Research & Education Symposium brings together investigators, educators, executive leaders, associates and collaborative partners from across our academic health system to share research, build meaningful relationships, and advance health for our communities. Please mark your calendars to attend this celebration of research and education across our academic health system partnership on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the North Bethesda Marriott. A call for abstract submissions will be announced this fall.

Curated DEI News and Resources for the Georgetown Lombardi Community

Georgetown Lombardi's DEI Office selects and promotes opportunities and information of interest to our constituents. Be sure to check our Announcements page for updates..

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Department of Microbiology & Immunology Seminar: “‘Transfer’ of Power Between Host and Herpes: tRNA Regulation in Gammaherpesvirus-Infected Cells”

Presented by Jessica Tucker, PhD, assistant professor of microbiology and immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa. Join this seminar in Med-Dent NE301 or via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Bhussry Seminar Series: “Engineered Multiscale DNA-Based Materials for Biomedical Applications”

Presented by Remi Veneziano, PhD, associate professor, Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, College of Engineering and Computing. Sponsored by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology. Join this seminar in Basic Science 341 or via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

CDI Seminar: “Sepsis Induced Alterations in T Cell-Mediated Immunity”

Presented by Vladimir Badovinac, PhD, professor of pathology and Endowed Professor in Infection & Immunity Research, Pathology, University of Iowa. Join via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Faculty and Staff Headshots

Sessions are held in Riggs Library, Healy Hall and offered on a first-come, first-served basis free of charge. Instructions to access headshots are available here. (Add to Google Calendar)

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Cancer Research Data Meeting

“Promoting Activated Natural Killer Cell Accumulation in Pancreatic Cancer” presented by Alexander Lekan, MD/PhD student working in the Weiner Lab. Join this meeting in-person in W302 New Research Building with Zoom option. (Add to Google Calendar)

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Information Session: Faculty Performance and Compensation Plan

Learn about the new Faculty Performance and Compensation Plan and how to opt in to the Incentive Track. Hosted by the Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs (OFAA). Register for this session held via Zoom.

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

GUMC Town Hall: “Creating the Path Forward — Together”

Join us for a GUMC Town Hall with Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, MHS. In-person attendance requested, New Research Building Auditorium. Zoom option will be available. Reception to follow on the Research Building podium.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series: “New Insights Into the Biology and Treatment of T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoma”

Presented by David Teachey, MD, professor of pediatrics and the Distinguished Endowed Chair in the Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Join in-person, New Research Building Auditorium, with Zoom option. (Add to Google Calendar)

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

MHRI-GHUCCTS Monthly Statistical Seminar Series: “Missing Data”

Presented by Paul Kolm, PhD, associate director in the Department of Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics at MedStar Health Research Institute. Sponsored by GHUCCTS. Register to join this Zoom webinar.

Meetings & Events Next Week

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

GUFaculty360 Class - Updating Your Profile

Learn how to upload your CV, add your personal website information, upload a syllabus, publications and more. Register for this Zoom workshop.

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

Georgetown University Med & Nursing Faculty-Student Dialogue on AI

In a collaborative discussion on the practical applications of artificial intelligence in teaching, research and learning, School of Medicine and Nursing faculty and students share their experiences and perspectives on how AI is enhancing academic work. Sponsored by CNDLS. Register for this Zoom session.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Bhussry Seminar Series: “White Nose Syndrome: A Fungal Wildlife Disease of Bats”

Presented by Evan Pannkuk, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Oncology, secondary appointment in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center. Sponsored by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology. Join this seminar in Basic Science 341 or via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

12:00 - 1:15 p.m.

I2I OTC Seminar Series: “Preparing for Pre-Seed: How to Attract Early-Stage Investors”

Lydia McClure, CEO of Research Bridge Partners, leads a seminar for researchers, inventors and graduate students explaining how to attract early stage investors and prepare for pre-seed funding, with tips on crafting compelling pitches and building relationships. Held in Warwick Evans Conference Room, Building D. Register. (Add to Google Calendar)

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Cancer Research Data Meeting

Presentation by Maryam Abdussamad, PhD student in the Tumor Biology Program. Join this meeting in-person in W302 New Research Building with Zoom option. (Add to Google Calendar)

6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

2024 Luminary Awards in GI Cancers



Join the Ruesch Center for this year’s Luminary Awards in GI Cancer at the Westin Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The Luminary Awards honors individuals who have made transformative strides in the lives of patients with Gastrointestinal Cancers. Learn more about this year’s honorees. For questions or to register, email rueschcenter@georgetown.edu.

15th Annual Ruesch Center Symposium: Innovations in GI Cancer

The 15th Annual Ruesch Center Symposium: Innovations in GI Cancer will be held in person on November 22 to 23 at the Westin Georgetown. The symposium provides a unique forum for discussion, networking, and debate on critical issues related to GI cancers.

Presented as part of the symposium: Thomas R. Schafer Memorial Lecture, Friday, November 22, 1:20 - 2:20 p.m., featuring Anirban Maitra, MBBS, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center presenting “Why Is Pancreatic Cancer So Hard To Treat and What Can We Do About It.”

Registration is free for Georgetown and MedStar staff and trainees with the promo code Guest2024. View the full agenda and register.

Publications

Role of CD47 Gene Expression in Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Molecular Profiling Study

Pooled Long-Term Outcomes With Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab or Nivolumab Alone in Patients With Advanced Melanoma

Long-term Radiation Signal Persistence in Urine and Blood: A Two-year Analysis in Non-human Primates Exposed to a 4 Gy Total-Body Gamma-Radiation Dose



A Study Protocol for a Mixed-Method Environmental Scan of Contextual Factors That Influence Lung Cancer Screening Adherence

In the News

USA Today James Van Der Beek, Jenna Fischer and the Rise of Young People Getting Cancer

NEW: Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award

The Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award supports independent young physician-scientists conducting disease-oriented research that demonstrates a high level of innovation and creativity. The award will provide $600,000 over three years in financial support for the investigator’s scientific needs. In addition, the foundation will retire up to $100,000 of medical school debt owed by the awardee. Five nominations will be accepted for review from Georgetown. Finalists will be invited to be interviewed by the selection committee. Only one application will be accepted from a mentor (including co-mentorships) per review session. View detailed award information, eligibility criteria, application guidelines and forms. Those interested should contact Sharon Levy (sgl5@georgetown.edu), who will connect them with the appropriate institutional supports to apply.

2024-2025 Mary Kay Ash Foundation® Innovative/Translational Cancer Research Grant

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation, a funding source for cancer research, is currently accepting applications for innovative grants for translational research for cancers affecting women, including but not limited to ovarian, endometrial, uterine, breast and/or cervical cancer. Principal Investigator must be appointed a full-time assistant professor or higher at the time of application submission and commit a minimum 5% effort. Grants will be awarded in the amount of $100,000 over a two-year period. View more information. Those interested in applying should contact Sharon Levy (sgl5@georgetown.edu) by Nov. 15 with an LOI of no more than two paragraphs.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation Spring Grant Cycle

The following programs/categories are available in the Spring Cycle:

• St. Baldrick's Scholar (Career Development) Award: Intended to help develop the independent research of highly qualified individuals early in their careers.
• St. Baldrick's Research Grant Awards: For specific two-year research projects that are hypothesis driven and may be either laboratory, clinical, or epidemiological.

One LOI/application can be submitted per award per institution, with an exception for the following areas: brain tumors – all types, including rare forms; Burkitt lymphoma (all types, especially sporadic); Ewing sarcoma; rhabdoid tumors – extrarenal. Those interested should send the title of their project and a one-paragraph synopsis to Sharon Levy via email (sgl5@georgetown.edu) by Sunday, Dec. 1.

Melanoma Research Alliance RFP for Multiple Awards

The Melanoma Research Alliance has issued a request for proposals for preclinical, translational and early clinical research with the potential to produce unusually high impact, near-term advancements in melanoma prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment.

This cycle, proposals will be accepted for Established Investigator Awards, Academic-Industry Partnership Award (for Established Investigator Awards), Young Investigator Awards, Pilot Awards, Dermatology Career Development Awards and Special Opportunity Team Science Awards, Academic-Industry Partnership Award (for Special Opportunity Team Science Awards). View full descriptions of each award opportunity offered, including all Special Opportunities, as well as eligibility criteria and instructions.

Key deadlines:

• January 6: Invited Special Opportunity Team Science Award full proposals due
• April 2025: Awardees notified of funding decisions

Federal Grants Digest: Colleges & Universities Edition



A weekly curated digest of federal funding opportunities of interest to colleges and universities to support programming, research, infrastructure and other efforts, provided by Thorn Run Partners. View current issue (for November 6, 2024).

8:00 AM | Division Weekly Update Meeting | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

8:30 AM | Monday Morning Oncology Report | Inpatient Oncology Fellow | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

9:00 AM | Breast Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 528 212 194)

11:00 AM | GU/Melanoma Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 796 253 566)

4:00 PM | GU Tumor Board (on 1st/3rd Mondays of the month) | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 869 742 463)

9:00 AM | Hematology Path Conference - Inpatient Heme fellows + Outpatient Heme + BMT fellow | Podium A / Microsoft Teams (CME code: 80737; phone: 202-796-7323)

4:00 PM | Liver Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams

5:00 PM | Breast Tumor Board | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 932 1012 3816; CME Code: 87253)

8:00 AM | Thoracic Tumor Board | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 993 7680 5192; Passcode: 4231; CME 86693)

12:00 PM | Melanoma Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams (CME: 80988)

5:00 PM | GI Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

9:00 AM | Cancer Research Data Meeting | Alexander Lekan: “Promoting Activated Natural Killer Cell Accumulation in Pancreatic Cancer” | W302 New Research Building or Zoom

9:30 AM | Head and Neck Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams

12:30 PM | GI Research Meeting | WebEx (dial 844-302-0362, Meeting Number (access code): 712527865, HOST PIN: 5514)

5:00 PM | Lymphoma Tumor Board - every other week | Microsoft Teams

5:00 PM | Myeloma Tumor Board - every other week | Microsoft Teams

7:00 AM | CNS Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 298 285 483 265, Passcode: rJWpmU)

12:00 PM | Oncology Grand Rounds | David Teachey, MD: “New Insights Into the Biology and Treatment of T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoma” | New Research Building Auditorium / Zoom

12:00 PM | Oncology Seminar Series | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)

1:00 PM | Dr. Bracken-Clarke (NIH) - Endometrial and Cervical Cancer | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)

1:00 PM | Pancreas Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 299 996 740 910, Passcode: z7j7Rc)

2:00 PM | Dr. Dawson - Locally Advanced/Metastatic Urothelial Cancer | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)