Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota

 

What's Inside

Quick Links for:

Cancer Information Line
Ask about cancer, clinical trials, and how to make an appointment:
ccinfo@umn.edu
612-624-2620
Toll-free in IA, MN, ND, SD, WI: 1-888-CANCER MN
(1-888-226-2376)

A Comprehensive Cancer Center Designated by the National Cancer Institute
Print this page. Mail this link to a friend.

Cancer Center Update

October 24 , 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, October 24, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Oncogenic retroviruses exploit cell-cell signaling conduits, cytonemes, for the purpose of cell-to-cell spread
Walther Mothes, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine

Host: Reuben Harris, Ph.D.

A peek at next week's seminar:
Tuesday, October 31, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Slit-Robo signaling in tumor growth and metastasis
Jian-Guo Geng, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine Division of Hematology, Oncology & Transplantation, University of Minnesota

For a complete schedule visit the Cancer Center Web site Seminar Series listing.

Back to top

News

Members in the News

John Wagner, M.D., director of the Department of Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology and Blood Marrow Transplantation and member of the Cancer Center's Transplant Biology and Therapy Program, was quoted by the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, MSNBC, ABC News, CBS News, FOX News, the Miami Herald, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Pioneer Press, and WCCO about the proposed creation of a national cord blood bank. This article was originally published by the Associated Press and appeared in several other outlets across the country and in Canada. Read more.

Brian Van Ness, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and member of the Cancer Center's Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program, was quoted in the Kansas City Star, Bradenton Herald, Washington Olympian and Belleville News-Democrat about new DNA testing tools that will help veterinarians quickly diagnose sick cats, a process that eventually could lead to better detection and treatment of human diseases. This article was originally published by the Star Tribune and appeared in several outlets across the country.

Robert Kratzke, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Medicine and member of the Cancer Center's Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program, was quoted in the St. Petersburg Times about a study to determine whether metagene analysis can help improve the outcome of early lung cancer patients by identifying those who will need chemotherapy and those who won't. Read more.

Back to top

International Myeloma Foundation honors Brian Van Ness

The International Myeloma Foundation honored Brian Van Ness, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development and member of the Cancer Center's Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program, on Saturday, October 21 in Hollywood, Calif. Van Ness is a member of a multinational team of scientists instrumental in the Bank On A Cure initiative. The initiative established the world's first repository of DNA collected from myeloma patients and family members. The DNA bank will serve as a medical resource to gain insight into myeloma and other cancers.

Back to top

Wattenberg's, Verfaille's work featured on Wall of Discovery

Cancer Center members Lee Wattenberg, M.D., and Catherine Verfaille, M.D., are among those featured on the University of Minnesota's recently unveiled Wall of Discovery. The 253-foot-long metaphoric blackboard on the north side of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building features reproductions of original sketches, notes, drawings, letters, and other items from more than 90 faculty and alumni. For more information visit the Alumni Foundation Web site.

Back to top

Cancer Center members part of new advisory committee

Cancer Center members Judith Berman, Stephen Ekker, and Mark Paller, are among those recently appointed by Provost Thomas Sullivan to a new advisory committee for the future Institute for the Advancement of Science and Technology. The committee will look at how to bring researchers from different disciplines together to enhance the University's research productivity. The committee will submit a report to Provost Sullivan by Spring 2007.

Back to top

Hecht to chair chemistry in cancer research conference

Stephen Hecht, Ph.D., leader of the Cancer Center's Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program, is the chair of the "Chemistry in Cancer Research: A Vital Partnership" conference scheduled February 4-7, 2007, in San Diego. The conference is jointly presented by the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Chemical Society, in conjunction with the Chemistry in Cancer Research Working Group. The meeting focuses on the promise of transdisciplinary interactions as a major pathway to progress and the power of chemistry to address the crucial problems in cancer research. Conference sessions include drug discovery, proteomics, chemical biology of carcinogenesis, biomarkers/analytical chemistry, modeling and bioinformatics, and structural biology. Natalia Tretyakova, Ph.D., member of the Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program, is presenting during the session on biomarkers and analytical chemistry.

The deadline for advance registration and submission of abstracts is December 15. Young investigators will be chosen from among the abstract submitters to deliver short talks in all sessions. For more information and to register visit the AACR Web Site. Travel awards are available. Young investigators are strongly encouraged to attend.

Back to top

New on the Web: President's Cancer Panel audio recordings, photos

Audio recordings of the presentations and panel discussions during the President's Cancer Panel held at the Cancer Center September 11 are now available on the Cancer Center Web site. The recordings are available via MP3 files and podcasts. Photos from the event are also posted.

Back to top

Events

Cancer Biology Journal Club

Wednesday, October 25, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 5-122 MCB
Kristin Boyland with discuss the article "Gene expression-based chemical genomics identifies rapamycin as a modulator of MCL1 and glucocorticoid resistance" by Wei et al., from the most recent issue of Cancer Cell (Vol 10, 331—342, Oct. 2006).

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).

Back to top

Health Sciences Library Open House October 24, 2006

Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 555 Diehl Hall
No bones about it—you can find health information from head to toe at the Health Sciences Libraries. Attend the fall Open House to learn about library resources, see new space improvements, meet with library staff, enjoy refreshments, win fabulous prizes, and more. Visit the Biomedical Library Web site for more information.

Back to top

2nd Mayo Clinic Angiogenesis Symposium October 27-29

The 2nd Mayo Clinic Angiogenesis Symposium will be held on October 27-29 in Rochester, Minn. The symposium will consist of internationally renowned speakers in the field of angiogenesis, both clinicians and basic scientists. Cancer Center member Stephen Ekker, Ph.D., who is on the planning committee for the symposium, is one of the guest speakers. Break-out sessions, poster sessions, and a dinner reception will be included. For more information visit the Web site.

Back to top

The first annual AHC Cranium Tournament to benefit the Community Fund Drive

Friday, October 27, 2006, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Moos Tower 1-450G, $2 entry fee/donation for spectators
Please come to support the Cancer Center "Cranium" Team. Cancer Center team members are Clay Nadeau, Peter Fleck, Rod Staggs, and Josh Fehrmann.

Back to top

Professional Education and Seminars

Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program Meeting

Thursday, October 26, 2006, 4-5 p.m., 3-110 Moos Tower
Lost in translation: vesicular trafficking and cell growth control by the TOR signaling pathway
Tom Neufeld, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development

For a complete schedule visit the Web site.

Back to top

Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program Meeting

Thursday, October 26, 2006, 4:15 p.m., 450 CCRB
Teaching old dogs new tricks: utilizing companion animals in cancer research
Elizabeth McNeil, Ph.D., D.V.M., Assistant Professor of Oncology and Division Head, College of Veterinary Medicine

For a complete schedule visit the Web site.

Back to top

Cancer Biology Research Club

Friday, October 27, 2006, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 450 CCRB
Inhibition of breast cancer cells by insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1)
Yasir Ibrahim, Yee lab

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

Back to top

BMT Conference

Monday, October 30, 2006, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 CCRB
Dyskeratosis congenita: an under-recognized cause of bone marrow failure
Blanche P. Alter, M.D., M..PH., Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Department of Health and Human Services

For a complete schedule, visit our Web site.

Back to top

Grant Information and Annoucements

Symptom Clusters in Cancer and Immune Disorders (R21)

Grant applications are solicited from applicant organizations that propose to (a) identify and assess biobehavioral characteristics of symptom clusters; or (b) design and test interventions that lead to clear outcomes. A rationale for the choice of a symptom cluster is needed, not just co-occurrence of two or more symptoms. Studies at any point in the disease trajectory, or during the survivorship period are encouraged. Further, this FOA solicits research to elucidate the presence of symptom clusters in one or more cancers or immune disorders, their management, and the impact of such management upon patient outcomes. It seeks to stimulate research on the characterization of symptom clusters, and the design and testing of interventions addressing symptoms that have demonstrated interactions and/or common pathways. In this way, knowledge can be developed and applied to the management of symptom clusters in relation to a variety of physiological, psychosocial, and demographic factors.

Mechanism of Support: NIH Exploratory/Developmental (R21) grant mechanism. The total project period may not exceed two years. Direct costs are limited to $275,000 over an R21 two-year period, with no more than $200,000 in direct costs allowed in any single year. Applications submitted in response to this announcement must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.

Back to top

NCI Early Detection Research Network (ERDN) Program for Rapid, Independent Diagnostic Evaluation (PRIDE) for Cancer Biomarkers

The National Cancer Institute's Early Detection Research Network (EDRN; www.cancer.gov/edrn) announces a new opportunity for support of collaborative research on biomarker validations for risk assessment and early detection. Established in 2000, the EDRN is focused on translating new molecular knowledge into practical clinical tests that identify cancers at the earliest stages of normal cells' transformations into cancer cells, and to identify individuals at risk of developing cancer. EDRN supports studies on the development and clinical validations of biomarkers, and the creation of standard operating procedures for assays, methodologies, and sample preparations.

Interested investigators are invited to submit two- to three-page-long (maximum) descriptions of their biomarkers that meet the criteria for Phase II or Phase III validations as described in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute 93(4), 1054 -1061, 2001.

Back to top

Sallie Rosen Kaplan Fellowship for Women in Basic, Clinical, Epidemiological or Prevention Science

Application deadline: December 15, 2006

The Sallie Rosen Kaplan Fellowship is an opportunity for women postdoctoral scientists in cancer research, made possible by a generous bequest to the Foundation for NIH (FNIH). Candidates for the Kaplan Fellowship must possess a doctoral degree earned within the last five years. Current doctorate students are also eligible to apply if all degree requirements will be completed prior to the beginning of the fellowship. U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency (green card) is required. The postdoctoral fellowship experience at the NCI can serve as a first postdoctoral training assignment, or offer more experienced postdoctoral scientists an opportunity to further their training in more advanced methods, to acquire new research capabilities, to make changes in the direction of their research, or to receive training in fundamental sciences and clinical disciplines for the purpose of enhancing the transfer of biotechnology to cancer clinical programs. Program duration is normally 2 to 5 years. Current NCI postdoctoral fellows are not eligible to apply.

NCI facilities are located in Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg and Frederick, Maryland, and are the bestfunded and equipped research laboratories in the United States. The CRTA Fellowship stipend range is $39,800 to $73,500 commensurate with level of experience. The fellowship starting date will be no earlier than May 1, 2007.

Applicants are required to apply online. For eligibility information and application instructions for this special opportunity, please go to our training and employment Web site

Back to top

Reminders

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 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.

Nanotechnology workshops

Thursday, November 9, 2006, 8:30 a.m-5 p.m., University Ballroom, Radisson Hotel, 615 Washington Ave., S.E., Minneapolis
Full-day workshop co-hosted by University of Minnesota's NNIN node and the Canadian government with presentations and discussions on issues relating to active nanostructures including nano-energy, sensors, nano-bio and more.

Friday, November 10, 2006, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., University Ballroom, Radisson Hotel, 615 Washington Ave., S.E., Minneapolis
3rd Annual Minnesota Biomedical Nanotechnology Workshop
Co-sponsored by the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota

To register for these free workshops contact Tricia Conway (conwa012@umn.edu) or Becky Von Dissen (vondi001@umn.edu). Visit the NanoBiotechnology Intiative Web site for more information.

Grant writing seminar: Getting started as a successful grant-writer and academician

Tuesday, November 14, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Aragon Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Metrodome (West Bank)
The University of Minnesota is hosting a one-day grant-writing seminar designed for junior faculty members, postdoctoral research fellows, research staff, and graduate assistants who are beginning their careers in research and writing grant applications. David C. Morrison, Ph.D., an experienced academician, grant manager, and grant-reviewer, will present the seminar. Dr. Morrison has a wealth of experience and knowledge in proposal writing which has kept him continuously funded by peer-reviewed federal, foundation, and industry sources for more than 30 years. He is co-founder of "Grant Writers' Seminars and Workshops, L.L.C" through which he has helped faculty members throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe improve their grant writing skills and their success in meriting research support.

The registration fee for this seminar is $50. Space is limited to 100 participants and will fill very quickly; advance registration is required. Contact Barb Hartman, 612-626-2095, b-hart@umn.edu.

1st Annual Children's Cancer Research Fund Norma K.D. Ramsay, M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professor Lectureship

Friday, November 17, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Human polymorphism and childhood cancer: How we are different and how we are the same
Stella M. Davies, M.B.B.S, Ph.D., M.R.C.P., Jacob G. Schmidlapp Endowed Chair and Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Mark your calendars for the Cancer Center holiday event December 7

This year's Cancer Center holiday event will begin at 4 p.m., Thursday, December 7 in the West Wing of the Campus Club. Appetizers, beverages, and live entertainment will be provided.

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.  

Back to top