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Cancer Center Update

September 26, 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:


Today's Cancer Center Seminar

 

News

Events

Professional Education and Events

Grant Information and Annoucements

Reminders

Today's Cancer Center Seminar

Tuesday, September 26, 2006, 12 - 1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Defining and manipulating the hematopoietic stem cell niche
David Scadden, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Harvard University, Co-Director, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Director, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital

Host: Bruce Blazar, M.D.

A peek at next week's seminar:
Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Choreography of the DNA damage response
Rodney Rothstein, Ph.D., Professor, Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical School

Host: Judith Berman, Ph.D.

For a complete schedule visit the Cancer Center Web site Seminar Series listing. To read more about the Cancer Center Seminar Series visit the News section of the Cancer Center Web site.

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News

Members in the News

The research of Shana Sturla, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and member of the Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Research Program, was highlighted in the September 18 issue of Chemical and Engineering News, the news magazine of the American Chemical Society. The news story reports on a talk Sturla gave at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco. Sturla reported that her laboratory has uncovered important information about the mechanism by which acylfulvenes—powerful antitumor agents derived from a toxin in the luminescent jack-o'-lantern mushroom—damage DNA in cells that are sensitive to the drug. These compounds are currently being tested in Phase II clinical trials, underscoring the importance of the work of the Sturla lab. For the complete story visit the online version of Chemical and Engineering News.

Dorothy Hatsukami, Ph.D., director of the Tobacco Use Research Center, and Paul Pentel, Ph.D., researcher with the center, were quoted in an article about nicotine vaccine in the September issue of Minnesota Medicine. The article is titled "A shot at quitting: New vaccine is a shot in the arm for smokers trying to quit."

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Kumar presents 'hot topic' study at International Society for Experimental Hematology annual meeting

Cancer Center member Ashish Kumar, M.D., Ph.D., will give one of the three "hot topic" presentations at this week's 35th annual scientific meeting of the International Society for Experimental Hematology in Minneapolis.

Dr. Kumar's presentation is titled "MLL-AF9 imparts extensive self renewal and myeloid attributes to committed lymphoid progenitors." He will discuss and present data about research being led by him and John Kersey, M.D., at the Cancer Center that attempts to identify the "problem cell" that is responsible for infant leukemia. According to Dr. Kumar, the bulk of the tumor in leukemia gets eliminated by chemotherapy. However, a rare "leukemia stem cell" can regenerate the tumor, resulting in a relapse. Identifying this rare cell and then studying its properties will help researchers design ways to eliminate it.

In addition to Dr. Kumar, other Cancer Center members involved with the meeting include:

  • Wei Chen, M.D., Ph.D., participating in a panel discussion on targeting therapy for myeloproliferative disorders, AML, and myeloma
  • Craig Eckfeldt, Ph.D., University of Minnesota Medical School student, moderating panel discussion on developing a scientific career in a changing landscape and involving people from industry and academia
  • John Wagner, M.D., moderating panel discussion on developing stem cell therapeutics dialogue between industry and academia
    • Margy MacMillan, M.D., participating in a roundtable discussion on novel interventions for GVHD
  • Dan Kaufman, Ph.D., speaking on human embryonic stem cells as a model for hematopoiesis during the plenary session on what can we get from ES
  • Tucker LeBien, Ph.D., chairing a session on transduction, hematopoietic growth factors, receptors and signal with Sonja Johnson, graduate student in his laboratory, presenting "Differential IL-7 signaling pathway activation in normal human T and B-lineage progenitors" in the session.

Researchers from throughout the world whose interest is experimental hematology research are attending this annual meeting.

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Largaspaeda scheduled to speak at AACR meeting in October

David Largaespada, Ph.D., leader of the Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program, will speak on the sleeping beauty transposon as a tool for cancer genetics at the Mouse Models of Cancer, a special conference in cancer research sponsored by the American Association for Cancer Research, October 25-28, in Cambridge, Mass. Largaespada recently presented information on transposon-based, forward genetic screen for cancer in mice at the Max Debruck Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany.

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Cancer Center members will speak at Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference

Cancer Center members selected to speak at the AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, November 12-14 in Boston include:

  • Stephen Hecht, Ph.D., leader of Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program, speaking on tobacco carcinogen biomarkers
  • Lee Wattenberg, M.D., co-chairing section on new chemoprevention concepts and agents and speaking on an interlocker concept of carcinogenesis
  • Leslie Lytle, Ph.D., speaking on eating behavior change interventions and prevention of obesity in children
  • Robert Jeffery, Ph.D., speaking on behavior and community influences on obesity
  • Brian Van Ness, Ph.D., speaking on risk assessment, progress and response prediction using a custom functional SNP chip in myeloma and monoclonal gammopathies
  • Doug Yee, M.D., chairperson of section on targeting the IGF axis to prevent cancer

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Vercelotti named chair of Cancer Center Data and Safety Monitoring Council

Greg Vercellotti, M.D., professor, Department of Medicine, has been named chair of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center's Data and Safety Monitoring Council (DSMC). The DSMC provides oversight for the data and safety monitoring of clinical trials at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center.

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Scholarships available for Cancer Guides: The Only Comprehensive Training in Integrative Oncology, October 9-15

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine announces the availability of special scholarships for their CancerGuides® professional training program, scheduled for October 9-15, 2006 in Bloomington, IL. CancerGuides® is a week-long comprehensive training program for health professionals and patient advocates. In addition to the science-based lecture curriculum covering the spectrum of integrative cancer care from cutting-edge conventional therapies to nutrition, the program includes the Center's unique small group experience.

For program and CEU details, registration form, and scholarship application, please visit the center's Web site, e-mail center@cmbm.org, or call 202-966-7338.

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University launches 'Driven to Discover' campaign

he University of Minnesota has launched a campaign to highlight the value of a research university to society and build support for our research, teaching, and outreach mission. Visit the Web site to learn more about this campaign.

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Events

15th Annual University of Minnesota Symposium in Developmental Biology

Gene networks in development: Lessons from C. elegans and beyond
September 26-27, 2006, Coffman Memorial Union, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Campus. 

Information about poster submissions, registration, and program can be found at the Developmental Biology Center Web site.

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Cancer Biology Journal Club

David Largaespada, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Genetics Cell Biology and Development, will discuss the research reported in Zender L, Spector MS, Xue W, et al."Identification and validation of oncogenes in liver cancer using an integrative oncogenomic approach." Cell 2006;125:1253-1267.

The Cancer Biology Journal Club is held every Wednesday. A complete schedule is available at the MICaB Web site. For more information contact: Sonja Johnson (john4368@umn.edu) or Rachel Saplis (sapl0005@umn.edu).

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Pediatric Cancer and Blood Diseases Conference

Wednesday, September 27, 2006, 4 p.m., 450 CCRB
Synovial Sarcoma of the palate and literature review
Vivian Nnebe, M.D., Fellow, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT

For more information contact Linda DeVoe, 612-626-2778.

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Cancer U: Ask the Experts series begins September 28

"Prostate Cancer: Advances in research and treatment" will be the first program in this fall's Cancer U: Ask the Experts series. This free community education series will be offered by the University of Minnesota Cancer Center in collaboration with University of Minnesota Physicians.

Kenneth Koeneman, M.D., and Joseph Y. Lee, M.D., both urologic surgeons, and Xin Wang, M.D., radiation oncologist, will discuss prostate cancer. Their topics will include: new and standard therapies, including robotic surgery, hormonal therapy, and watchful waiting; cyotherapy and standard surgery; and innovative radiation treatments.

This program will be held 6-8 p.m., September 28, at Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, and 9-11 a.m., September 30, at the Radisson University Hotel, 615 Washington Avenue, Minneapolis. There is no charge for attending, but pre-registration is requested because seating is limited. For more information and to pre-register, call 612-624-2620 or visit the Cancer Center Web site.

Watch Update for more information about the other programs in the series on women and cancer on October 12, and lung cancer on November 2 and 4.

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Professional Education and Seminars

Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program Seminar

Thursday, September 28, 2006, 4-5 p.m., 3-110 MoosT
Forward genetic screens for cancer genes
David Largaespada, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development

For a complete schedule visit the Web site.

Cancer Biology Research Club

Friday, September 29, 2006, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 450 CCRB
Sumoylation of progesterone receptors (PR) is negatively regulated by phosphorylation of PR Ser294
Andrea Daniel, Lange Lab

Refreshments will be available. For a complete schedule visit the Web site.

BMT Conference

Monday, October 2, 2006, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 CCRB
Microbial contamination of hematopoietic stem cell products: Incidence and clinical sequelae
Linda Burns, M.D., Associate Professor, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation

For a complete schedule, visit our Web site.

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Grant Information and Annoucements

Reminder:

All R25 grant applications must use the SF 424 (R&R) application form and apply through Grants.gov for the October 1, 2006 submission date and beyond. See notice at the NIH Web site.

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The Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research

Application deadline: December 1, 2006

The Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research announced $175,000 is available to fund up to six scientific awards.

The Pilot Study Program will support investigator initiated pilot projects in the areas of screening and prevention, basic science, treatment, and behavioral sciences. Funds are for direct cost only. Investigators at all levels are encouraged to apply.

The Scientific Scholar Award is intended to assist promising young scientists and doctors to develop a career in ovarian cancer research. By funding innovative pilot studies in ovarian cancer research and encouraging the best and brightest minds to pursue a career in ovarian cancer research, it is the Marsha Rivkin Center’s vision that detection, treatment, and prevention of ovarian cancer will ultimately be improved.

Questions may be directed to: jocelyn.moore@swedish.org, 206-215-6200, fax: 206-215-6201.

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ASCO Foundation Young Investigator Award

$50,000 over 1 year
Application deadline: November 8, 2006.

This grant provides funding to promising investigators to encourage and promote quality research in clinical oncology. The purpose of this award is to fund physicians during the transition from a fellowship program to a faculty appointment. Priority consideration will be given to proposals that include patient-oriented and, ultimately, clinical research.

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ASCO Foundation Career Development Award

$200,000 over 3 years
Application deadline: November 8, 2006.

This grant provides funds to clinical investigators who have received their initial faculty appointment to establish an independent clinical cancer research program.

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American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant opportunity

American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant applications are being accepted until October 16, 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 $25,000. Applications may be obtained by calling 612-626-1926 or sending email to micek003@tc.umn.edu.

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Reminders

Current Issues in Clinical Research Conference to be held October 4-5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center

The University of Minnesota Academic Health Center and Mayo Clinical Trial Services are jointly sponsoring a major conference on clinical research. "Current Issues in Clinical Research: Latest Trends in Clinical Research" will take place October 4-5, 2006 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This conference will focus on emerging trends and provide a comprehensive review of clinical research performance. The program will include information on evolving strategies of pharmacovigilance, current issues in genomics and proteomics, principles of good clinical practice, and the mechanics of teamwork in clinical research. An outstanding, nationally prominent faculty has been assembled. This program is designed for clinical research professionals, including principal investigators, study coordinators, nurses, and other research personnel involved in managing and coordinating clinical research.

The regular registration fee for this conference is $550, which includes tuition, comprehensive conference syllabus, continental breakfasts, lunches, and break refreshments. University of Minnesota faculty, research staff, and AHC students and trainees may attend for the highly discounted registration fee of $25. Please indicate that you are from the U of M when you register. More information and the registration form.

Cancer will be the focus of next Mini Medical School

Cancer Center researchers will be the speakers at this fall's Mini Medical School, which will focus on cancer. The topics for the four sessions include: What is cancer?; cancer risks, reality and myths; common cancers; and treatments and innovations. Watch future issues of Update for session descriptions and information about speakers. The series will be offered from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday evenings, November 6, 13, 20, and 27, at Coffman Memorial Union Theater. Cost is $60 for the four classes. Registration is available online at Academic Health Center's Web site. Please encourage people you know who may be interested in learning more about cancer to register soon because space is limited.

Support the Children's Cancer Research Fund when you shop  

Just shop online at your favorite stores, or explore the many other affiliates available, and a percentage of each purchase will be donated to the Children's Cancer Research Fund. Start shopping at the Children's Cancer Research Fund "Shop CCRF" Web site. 

Children's Cancer Research Fund 2006 Dawn of a Dream Benefit - "Journey to the Ends of the Earth" - tickets are now on sale

In 1980, after losing their daughter to leukemia, Diana and Norm Hageboeck and their friends organized the first Dawn of a Dream benefit concert, raising $50,000. Today, Dawn of a Dream is one of the largest gala events in the Twin Cities. This year's event, on Saturday, November 4, 2006 will feature a few surprises along with the traditional silent and live auctions, dinner, and live entertainment by Los Lobos. Don't miss your chance to attend the event and support Children's Cancer Research Fund! For more information and to reserve your Journey to the Ends of the Earth tickets now visit the Children's Cancer Research Fund Web site.  

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