Making a Difference

Greeting on a beautiful and pleasantly warm December afternoon.

As you might have seen, the NCI issued a press release this past week: “In five cancer types, prevention and screening have been major contributors to saving lives.” This announcement represents incredibly important work. We are grateful for the contributions of so many researchers, including Jeanne Mandelblatt, MD, MPH, whose early screening research provided the foundation for Medicare coverage of Pap smear screening, forever changing the landscape of cervical cancer prevention. As you may know, she co-leads the CISNET breast working group. Read more.

Lombardi Lectures & Meetings

Join Grand Rounds in the New Research Building Auditorium (Zoom option).

Join these meetings in W302 (Zoom option).

Georgetown Lombardi Announces 2025 Gala Co-Chairs

On December 5, Georgetown Lombardi announced that philanthropist and business executive Sherrie Beckstead and Emmy award-winning sportscaster and community advocate Wes Hall will serve as the 37th annual Lombardi Gala co-chairs. This year’s gala will take place on March 15, 2025, at The Anthem. Read more about this announcement.

Updated Postdoctoral Fellow Hiring Process

The GUMC Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs and GUMC Human Resources team have updated and standardized the hiring process for all postdoctoral fellows at GUMC to comply with the university-wide postdoctoral fellow policy. The updated process and forms can be found on the refreshed webpage for HR officers, faculty mentors and PIs. The GUMC human resources officers will host a series of office hours in January to answer questions from specific schools/centers/departments about this updated hiring process. Email ofaa@georgetown.edu with questions.

GUMC COACHE Survey Results Presentation

Learn how Georgetown-employed faculty on the Hilltop Campus responded to the Faculty Job Satisfaction Survey (COACHE survey) at a meeting on December 10, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., in the Research Auditorium (Zoom option available). Comparisons with past COACHE survey results and 2024 results from main campus faculty and selected peer institutions will also be presented. This meeting will be recorded and posted on the Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs website. Contact ofaa@georgetown.edu with questions.

Save the Date: The 4th Annual Edward M. Kovach Cura Personalis Endowed Lecture

The annual Edward M. Kovach Cura Personalis Endowed Lecture will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2025, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., in Riggs Library, Healy Hall. This year’s event is a conversation focusing on “How to Make a Difference in the Complicated Lives of Cancer Survivors,” featuring Karen Knudsen, PhD, MBA, executive strategic advisor and immediate past CEO of the American Cancer Society; Nicole Faison, cancer survivor; Nina Kadan-Lottick, MD, MSPH, director, Georgetown Lombardi’s Survivorship Research Initiative; and Louis M. Weiner, MD, Georgetown Lombardi director. In addition, the Wooden Spoon Award will be presented to Patrick Jackson, MD, chief of the Division of General Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, director of the Surgical Residency Program, and professor of surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine. RSVP to attend.

Funding Opportunities Due in Early 2025

The DEI Office would like to highlight the following opportunities of interest to investigators at all levels, from trainees to experienced faculty. Please click on each link below to learn more:

• Call for New Promising Projects: LCCC Developmental Funds: Due January 6, 2025. Funds are available for large and small pilots in cancer-relevant research areas, including basic, clinical, translational or population sciences. 
• Georgetown Urban Innovation Project Call for Proposals: Local Partnerships and Global Impact: Due January 7, 2025. Faculty are invited to submit innovative research proposals for projects exploring the social impact of the Capitol Campus’ growth on surrounding neighborhoods and other community-based participatory research.
• I-REACH Scholar Program 2025 Open for Applications: Due February 3, 2025. Open to scholars at doctorate/pre-doctoral levels and early-stage scientists interested in developing their career in alignment with Infrastructure for Research in Equity, Aging, Cancer and Health (I-REACH) aims.
• Stay tuned for an upcoming call for proposals from DISCOVER for community-engaged research that focuses on addressing cancer health disparities.

For more funding resources, visit the DEI Related and External Funding Opportunities page.

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Cancer Cell Biology Program Meeting

Agenda includes the presentation “Organ on Chip and 3D Printing: New Paradigms for Personalized Cancer Treatments” by Stella Alimperti, PhD, associate professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown. Join this meeting via Zoom. (Add Google Calendar)

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

CDI Seminar: “γδ IEL Regulation of the Intestinal Barrier”

Presented by Karen L. Edelblum, PhD, associate professor, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Ichan Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Join this seminar via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

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

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Cancer Research Data Meeting

“A Molecular Dissection of the Disordered Domain of Estrogen Receptor α” presented by Douglas Kung, PhD student in the Tumor Biology Program. Join this meeting in-person in W302 New Research Building with Zoom option. (Add to Google Calendar)

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Radiation Sciences Working Group Seminar

Featuring the presentations “Overview of Research Activities at the Radiation Physics Division of Department of Radiation Medicine” by Dalong Pang, PhD, chief, Radiation Physics Division, MedStar Health, and “Treatment Planning Automation for Proton RT” Parts 1 and 2, by Peter Jermain, PhD, and Mohammad Zarenia, PhD, radiation physics residents. Join this meeting via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

4:00 - 5:00 p.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. Register to join via Zoom.

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Survivorship Research Initiative Seminar: “Cognitive Outcomes in Cancer Survivors: Predictors and Potential Interventions”

Presented by Noha Sharafeldin, MBBCh, MSc, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, member, Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, and associate scientist, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Presentation to be followed by a Meet the Speaker Session at 11:00 a.m. Co-sponsored by Georgetown Lombardi Survivorship Research Initiative, I-CARE and the Thinking and Living with Cancer Study. Join via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Oncology Grand Rounds Seminar Series: “Personalized Cellular Immunotherapy for Metastatic Cancer”

Presented by Udai Kammula, MD, FACS, director of the Solid Tumor Cellular Immunotherapy Program, associate professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Join in-person, New Research Building Auditorium, with Zoom option. (Add to Google Calendar)

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Standaert Lecture: “Cellular Mechanisms of Nicotine Craving”

Presented by Paul J. Kenny, PhD, Ward-Coleman Professor and Chair, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Sponsored by the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology. Join this lecture in Med-Dent NE401 or via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

RESCHEDULED:

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Mini-Symposium: Successful Grant Submission 101

Barry Hudson, PhD, associate professor of oncology and Georgetown Lombardi member, presents this virtual mini-symposium for GUMC faculty who are new to the grant submission process. Attendees will learn about the basics of grant submission and how to develop successful proposals. Contact Dr. Puru Tiwari (pbt7@georgetown.edu) with questions. RSVP to attend.

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

CDI Seminar: “Studying Lung Injury Through the Lens of a Microscope”

Presented by Mohammad Naeem Islam, MPharm, MS, PhD, associate research scientist, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University. Join this seminar via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Cancer Research Data Meeting

Presentation by MD/PhD student Matthew D’Antuono. Join this meeting in-person in W302 New Research Building with Zoom option. (Add to Google Calendar)

2:00 - 3:00 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.

CDI-Georgetown Postdoctoral Seminar

Friday, December 20

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

Elham Mohebbi, PhD, mentored by Laura Rozek, PhD, presents “Post-Diagnosis Smoking Cessation and Survival Outcomes of Head and Neck Cancer Patients” and Wei He, PhD, mentored by Robert Beckman, MD, presents “Personalized Cancer Treatment Strategies Incorporating Irreversible and Reversible Drug Resistance Mechanisms.” Join via Zoom. (Add to Google Calendar)

Publications

Randomized Phase II Dose Comparison LITESPARK-013 Study of Belzutifan in Patients With Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Estimation of Cancer Deaths Averted From Prevention, Screening, and Treatment Efforts, 1975-2020

Late Radiation-Related Lymphopenia After Prostate Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Plus or Minus Supplemental Pelvic Irradiation

Integrating Patient Advocacy Groups in the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines



Pathologic Complete Response (pCR) Rates For Patients with HR+/HER2- High-Risk, Early-Stage Breast Cancer (EBC) by Clinical and Molecular Features in the Phase II I-SPY2 Clinical Trial

In the News

Hackensack Meridian Health John Theurer Cancer Center Researchers Present Transformative Findings and Pioneering Studies at Annual Cancer Meeting

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. As soon as possible, those interested should contact Sharon Levy (sgl5@georgetown.edu), who will connect them with the appropriate institutional supports to apply. Institutional application deadline: Feb. 3, 2025.

Georgetown Lombardi Developmental Funds Request for Proposals

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).

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

2025 Basser External Research Grant Program

The Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center announces the Basser External Research Grant Program, which focuses on projects that have the potential to advance the care of individuals living with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Research grant applications in basic science, prevention, disease interception, and early detection and relevant to the study of BRCA1 or BRCA2 will be considered. Grants that demonstrate a potential for translation into clinical practice will be prioritized for funding. One-year projects, up to $100,000, will be awarded. View full application information and portal. Application deadline is 11:00 p.m. ET, Monday, February 10, 2025

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 27, 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 | Douglas Kung: “A Molecular Dissection of the Disordered Domain of Estrogen Receptor α” | 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 | Udai Kammula, MD, FACS: “Personalized Cellular Immunotherapy for Metastatic Cancer” | New Research Building Auditorium / Zoom

12:00 PM | Oncology Seminar Series: “Role of Tumour ME in Cancer” | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)

1:00 PM | ASH Abstract Discussion | 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 | ASH Abstract Discussion | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)