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Researchers and Staff
Cancer Center Update
March 28, 2006
Cancer Center Update is sent to Cancer Center members and staff every Tuesday at 10 a.m. To submit an item for publication, send the information to Sandi Sherman by noon the Friday before publication.
In This Issue:
Professional Education and Seminars
Grant Information & Announcements
Determinant of sex hormones linked to prostate cancer in black and white men: Results of the CARDIA male hormone study
Susan M. Gapstur, Ph.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University
Host: Julie Ross, Ph.D.
A peek at next week's seminar:
There will be no seminar on April 4 due to the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
For a complete schedule,visit
http://www.cancer.umn.edu/page/aboutus/date.html
RECRUITMENT SEMINAR
Thursday, April 6, 2006, 1:30-2:30 p.m., 2-101 NHH
Viral transduction of stem cells for the genetic analysis of mammary development and tumorigenesis
Bryan Welm, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California , San Francisco
Dr. Welm is a candidate for a faculty position in the Cancer Progression and Metastasis Program, a joint recruitment between the Masonic Cancer Center and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology.
CANCER CENTER MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Levi Downs, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology and member of the Masonic Cancer Center 's Translational Research Program, gave a plenary presentation last Friday at the 2006 Annual Meeting on Women's Cancer. Dr. Downs reported the results from a study he led on the use of chemotherapy plus thalidomide for treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. Minnesota Public Radio aired a story about his study during the All Things Considered program. The story can be viewed at MPR's web site.
IMPORTANT HIPPA REMINDER – REPORTING SECURITY INCIDENTS
Security incidents, involving Personal Health Information (PHI) and other University private date must be reported as soon as possible to abuse@umn.edu , the HIPAA Privacy & Security Office at 612-626-3885 or 612-626-5844, or you can call 1-HELP (301-4357), the University help line.
Unauthorized access of University private data, such as a theft of a laptop or computer, should be reported to the University of Minnesota Police Department at 612-624-COPS (2677).
Security events involving a possible unauthorized acquisition of PHI and other private University data are reviewed by the University Security Incident Advisory Committee. This committee advises the University Chief Information Officer regarding the breach. The CIO determines on behalf of the University whether notification of the security breach is required by the new Minnesota notification law and will instruct the department where the breach occurred on how to proceed with a notification. In some cases, notification may be required by the HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer to mitigate a HIPAA violation even though the Minnesota notification is not required.
The University of Minnesota Privacy and Security Officer will notify department heads and deans of all security events or HIPAA violations that may require notification. Any underlying HIPAA or University privacy and security policy violations will be addressed separately. The University Policy regarding Reporting Violations of Security, Acceptable Use, Technology Resources, and Threats of Violence (Twin Cities Campuses) can be found at the University of Minnesota's policy and procedure web site.
WINE EVENT AT COSMOS APRIL 12, 2006 WILL BENEFIT THE CHILDREN'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND
You are cordially invited to attend a special Wine Makers Dinner at the four-diamond-rated Cosmos restaurant in the Graves 601 Hotel, 601 First Avenue N. in downtown Minneapolis on April 12, 2006. The event is limited to 80 people; a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children's Cancer Research Fund. The purpose of the event is to showcase the California wines of O'Shaughnessy Winery and Capiaux Vineyards, which will be pared with a special five-course menu developed by Cosmos' award-winning executive chef, Seth Bixby Daugherty. Chef Daugherty will host the event, introducing each course and commenting on how the food was created to compliment the featured wines. Marshall , Minn.-born Betty O'Shaughnessy of O'Shaughnessy Winery will also be on hand to discuss the wines and answer questions. The event schedule includes a reception with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 6-7 p.m. and dinner from 7-9 p.m. The cost is $150 per person (a portion is tax deductible). For more information and to RSVP, please call Cosmos at 612-312-1168 and let them know you are with Children's Cancer Research Fund.
CANCER SUMMIT 2006: THE POWER OF COLLABORATION
Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Earl Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center
The Minnesota Cancer Alliance will host the third annual Cancer Summit. Health care professionals, policymakers, advocates and survivors will come together to discuss the power of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on Minnesota's cancer burden.
Keynote speaker Tim Byers, M.D., M.P.H., University of Colorado Cancer Center, will explain how a comprehensive approach to cancer control has energized partners and has helped make Colorado a model for other states.
The Summit will feature an update on the latest Minnesota cancer data, skill-building workshops, roundtable discussions with cancer experts and working meetings of Alliance task forces. It will also include Combating Cancer in Your Community, a three-part mini-course designed to provide a basic cancer overview for community health workers, lay health workers and community volunteers who conduct health outreach work in various settings.
The Summit is open to anyone interested in learning about Minnesota cancer control efforts. Cancer Center members who wish to attend can fax (612-626-3069) or mail (MMC 806) their registration form to Jean Jacoby by the end of the day Thursday, April 13. Leave the payment method blank and Jean will submit the registration with payment. The registration form is available on the Minnesota Cancer Alliance Web site. Click on the Summit 2006 link, then on the registration form link, complete the form, print it, and send it to Jean (not to the contact listed on the form).
NEW MEMBERS
Robert J. Straka, Pharm.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy
Programs: Translational Research
Area of scientific interest: Drug metabolism and pharmacogenetics
Clinical focus: Drug metabolism
Jian-Min Yuan, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Community Health
Programs: Prevention and Etiology
Area of scientific interest: Cancer epidemiology; the role of dietary agents in cancer prevention; focus on cancers of the lung, colorectum, liver and female breast.
CARCINOGENESIS AND CHEMOPREVENTION PROGRAM MEETING
Thursday, March 30, 12-2 p.m., 450 CCRB
AACR poster session dry run
Click here for a complete schedule.
GENETIC MECHANISMS OF CANCER PROGRAM MEETING
Thursday, March 30, 2006, 4-5 p.m., 2-580 Moos Tower (NOTE room change)
Chemical and genetic screens for growth and angiogenesis regulators
Scott Selleck, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
Click here for a complete schedule.
PEDIATRIC CANCER AND BLOOD DISEASES CONFERENCE
Thursday, March 30, 2006, 4 p.m., D-417 Mayo Building (Neuro-surgery Conference Room)
Tumor Board: Review of recent cases by the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Faculty
CANCER BIOLOGY RESEARCH CLUB
Friday, March 31, 2006, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 450 CCRB
Cancelled – AACR meeting
Click here for a complete schedule.
BMT CONFERENCE
Monday, April 3, 2006, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 CCRB
Quantitative approaches to understanding the pathogenesis and progression of CMV and EBV infections
Henry H. Balfour, Jr., M.D, Professor, Departments of Lab Medicine and Pathology and Pediatrics, University of Minnesota
Click to see a complete schedule.
GRANT INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS
GRANT INFORMATION
THE V FOUNDATION GRANT
Amount/Duration: $600,000 over a three-year period
Deadline: June 2, 2006
The V Foundation Grant is intended to fund a cancer research project which brings together pre-clinical and clinical investigators for grant consideration. This work must not be currently funded by other mechanisms external to the Masonic Cancer Center . The purpose of these grants is to develop novel approaches to the prevention, detection and treatment of human cancer that requires collaboration of investigators from both the lab and clinic. Ten percent of the grant annually may be used to offset the indirect costs of the project. The project team must have a minimum of two scientists from the same facility and the team must possess basic and clinical research expertise. .
The University may submit one application. Preliminary proposals should be 1-2 pages in length and describe why the nominee deserves the award and what research will be performed during the award period. A curriculum vitae should also be included. If there are multiple applicants, the Masonic Cancer Center Executive Committee will name a committee of faculty members who will select the finalist to represent the University. Questions should be addressed to Mark Paller, Assistant Vice President for Research, AHC ( palle001@umn.edu ). Nominating materials should be sent via e-mail to Mary Sumpmann ( sumpm001@umn.edu ) before April 21, 2006. Additional information on the V Foundation can be found at their web site.
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR THE NCI APPLIED RESEARCH PROGRAM
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is planning to make an award to an organization having the ability to continue the following activities for the NCI Applied Research Program within the Risk Factor Monitoring and Methods Branch (RFMMB) of the NCI Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences: development, modification, and updates of general health-related and, specifically, dietary questionnaires that include nutrient databases; provide logistic support for collection and management of biological specimens; development and management of new projects, including surveys and methods in the areas of cancer risk factors (e.g., diet, physical activity, screening, smoking, family history), health services research, and cancer outcomes research; development and implementation of quality control procedures for data collection and field operations; and, the design and maintenance of computer databases and associated reporting software. Information regarding this solicitation announcement is available on the web site of the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) (synopsis) and on the web site of the NCI Office of Acquisitions. The complete instructions for submission of proposals and evaluation criteria are included in RFP N02-65008-58, which will be available on the FBO web site on or after March 21, 2006.
AMENDMENTS TO PAR-05-156, SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS OF RESEARCH EXCELLENCE (SPORES) IN HUMAN CANCER FOR YEAR 2006
The National Cancer Institute hereby informs all interested parties that Program Announcement PAR-05-156, Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in Human Cancer for Year 2006, is amended as follows:
1. The application receipt date, which was previously set on October 1, 2006, for the receipt of Head & Neck Cancer and Prostate Cancer SPORE (P50) grant applications only, is now September 20, 2006;
2. The new application receipt date of September 20, 2006, is now also open for the submission and receipt of new, renewal (i.e., competing continuation), and resubmission (i.e., amended or revised) P50 grant applications for SPOREs covering the following additional organ sites: brain cancer; breast cancer; gastrointestinal cancer; genitourinary cancer (excluding prostate); gynecological cancer (excluding ovarian); leukemia; lung cancer; lymphoma; myeloma; ovarian cancer; pancreatic cancer; and skin cancer;
3. The associated new Letters of Intent receipt date is now August 21, 2006 (instead of August 1, 2006), but all other associated dates (i.e., for peer review, Council review, and earliest anticipated starts of awards) remain the same.
Please also note that the June 1, 2006 receipt date for P50 grant applications for SPOREs covering Gastrointestinal Cancer, Brain Tumor, and Lymphoma remains the same; P50 SPORE applications covering cancers of other (additional) organ sites are not and will not be allowed on that receipt date. This Notice does not affect any other aspects of the original PAR-05-156. Please refer to the original announcement for further instructions.
MECHANISMS OF ALCOHOL-ASSOCIATED CANCERS
Application Submission Date(s): Standard dates apply.
Applications submitted in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Federal assistance must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using the SF424 Research and Related (R&R) forms and the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED IN PAPER FORMAT. A registration process is necessary before submission and applicants are highly encouraged to start the process at least four weeks prior to the grant submission date. See Section IV.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) invite research grant applications that will employ an integrative approach using state-of-the-art technologies to gain insight into the molecular and biochemical mechanisms by which chronic alcohol consumption leads to the development of cancers of various organs such as oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, large intestine, liver, and breast. This includes investigating roles of various factors such as acetaldehyde, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), impaired immune function, and alcohol-induced impaired metabolism of s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), folate, betaine, iron, and vitamin A. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. The total amount awarded and the number of awards will depend upon the mechanism numbers, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received. This PA will use the R01 award mechanisms. For further information, please visit the NIH web site.
LEUKEMIA RESEARCH FUND ANNOUNCES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Please note there are two deadlines. The first deadline, April 7, 2006, requests a "letter of intent" that states the name of the investigator and the title of the application. This should be e-mailed to Tucker LeBien: lebie001@umn.edu . The second deadline for receipt of completed applications is 4 p.m., May 5, 2006. Applications, should be emailed as a PDF file to Sandi Sherman, sherm019@umn.edu .
The Leukemia Research Fund is once again soliciting proposals for research funding. Applications may be made in two categories:
•Category 1 — Basic: Proposals should focus on the cellular and/or molecular mechanisms that govern the development or progression of cancer, with a priority on leukemia and related diseases. Proposals could include relevant models in developmental biology that provide insight into the development and progression of cancer.
•Category 2 — Translational: Proposals should focus on the development and/or analysis of innovative approaches for treating leukemia and related diseases. Areas could include, but would not be restricted to: gene therapy, tumor targeting, cellular therapy, novel cytotoxic agents, tumor angiogenesis, regulation of apoptosis, or stem cell procurement.
Grants will be awarded effective August 1, 2006 for one year with a second year possible contingent upon adequate progress and availability of funds. Full-time University of Minnesota faculty at the ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor are eligible to apply.
Pre-application questions about eligibility and/or the scientific categories should be directed to Tucker LeBien at lebie001@umn.edu or 626-1422. Questions about technical aspects of the application process may be directed to Sandi Sherman at sherm019@umn.edu or 626-0671.
Application instructions and copies of the grant application forms may be accessed at the Masonic Cancer Center's web site.
2006 MASONIC/DIETZ FAMILY AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
Applications are being solicited for the Masonic/Dietz Family Award for Educational Travel. Recognizing that educational travel and sharing of knowledge is essential to successful cancer research, the Charlton Dietz Family through the Masonic Cancer Center Fund has established this award for educational travel. Awards may be up to $1200 for educational travel. Up to three awards will be made. Educational opportunities may include but are not limited to conferences, courses and site visits. Graduate students, fellows, research-related staff and faculty within a cancer/cancer-related educational program or research area may apply. To apply, download the application instructions (pdf) .
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY INSTITUIONAL RESEARCH GRANT APPLICATIONS
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant applications are being accepted until April 10, 2006. This grant is for assistant professors who have no independent national funding and are engaged in cancer-related research. Cancer-related research includes genetic mechanisms of cancer, molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and metastasis, development of novel cancer therapeutic models and translational research, cancer immunology and immunotherapy. Funding is available up to $20,000. Applications may be obtained by calling 612-626-1926 or sending email to micek003@umn.edu.
CANCER CENTER SPRING POSTER SESSION AND SYMPOSIUM
The Seventh Annual Spring Poster Session and Symposium sponsored by the Masonic Cancer Center Core Facilities will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., May 18, 2006. The schedule for the event includes oral presentations from 11 a.m. to noon followed by poster session and lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. Students, staff, post-docs and PIs are invited to participate by presenting a poster.
Online registration will open on Monday, April 3, 2006 with a final deadline of April 28. Due to the increasing number (and size!) of posters and the limited amount of display space, we have decided to display the first 35 abstracts/posters that are submitted in the Masonic Cancer Center atrium areas. Other posters will be displayed as space permits in other areas of the Masonic Cancer Center. All abstracts will be printed in the program booklet.
For more information, call Susan Collins at 4-0659 or send an email to colli017@umn.edu.
CANCER CENTER JOINS WITH OTHER TWIN CITIES’ LEADERS IN CHILDHOOD CANCER RESEARCH, TREATMENT TO HOST BEYOND THE CURE EDUCATIONAL EVENT
Parents of cancer survivors, cancer survivors ages 16 and up and professionals who work with childhood cancer survivors are invited to Beyond the Cure, a free educational conference Saturday, April 8 at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus. Childhood cancer experts will discuss long-term medical and emotional issues for survivors as well as strategies for living well after cancer. The conference will also include Scott Burton, an author and humorist who tells the tale of his own cancer survivorship with humanity and refreshing honesty.
This event, the first of its kind in Minnesota, is sponsored by the Masonic Cancer Center, along with University of Minnesota Physicians’ Masonic Cancer Clinic; University of Minnesota Medical Center; University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview; Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota; and Care Partners of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Beyond the Cure is a program of The National Children’s Cancer Society. Click for a complete schedule and registration information.
THE STICK IT TO CANCER WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
Do you enjoy hockey? Want to help raise money for the Masonic Cancer Center? The Stick it to Cancer Women's Ice Hockey Tournament will be April 21-23, 2006 at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine. This 70-80 team hockey tournament with 1,000+ girls and women participating began eight years ago to raise funds for breast cancer research. Teams from Wisconsin , Michigan , North Dakota and Ontario , Canada come to participate. The Masonic Cancer Center has been selected to receive the proceeds this year. Last year they raised $36,000 for breast cancer research.
Approximately 100 volunteers are needed for the following positions: Ticket taker / ticket seller, referees, EMTs, score clocks and merchandise sales. If you would like to volunteer or want more information about the tournament, please contact Jackie at 763-792-7340 or jolson@superrink.org .
Click here for more information.
UNIVERSITY CHEMICAL-BIOLOGY INITIATIVE WORKSHOP MAY 17, 2006
Frontiers of Drug Discovery: Chemical Library Development and Screening
May 17, 2006, Coffman Memorial Union Theater
The aim of the workshop is to inform biomedical, pharmacological, medicinal, computational and chemical researchers at the University of Minnesota of recent advances in chemical library design and screening. An outstanding faculty has been assembled to present the latest cutting-edge chemical genetics research. Time will be made available during the workshop for questions and discussion, with the goal of fostering interdisciplinary research projects harnessing these techniques. Please join us! Click here to find out more and to register.
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY INTERFACE SYMPOSIUM JUNE 1, 2006
Mark your calendars for the Chemical Biology Interface Symposium, Thursday, June 1 at the St. Paul campus. The planning committee is putting together a program of speakers who work at the very cutting edge of science and pursue their research by combining different disciplinary approaches in chemistry, physics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. For more information about this event contact Larry Masterson, maste061@umn.edu 612-625-0786.