What's Inside
- About the Cancer Center
- Research
- Clinical Trials
- Cancer Information
- News & Feature Stories
- Education & Events
- Make a Gift
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)
Cancer Center Update
October 31 , 2006
In This Issue:
Today's Cancer Center Seminar - Seminar is canceled.
- Mini Medical School focuses on cancer
- Cancer U: Ask the Experts About Lung Cancer, November 2 & 4
- Peterson and Burns will speak at Lymphoma Workshop
- Leukemia Research Fund receives $380,000
- Bohen presents at CPEN
- Open Enrollment for benefits-eligible employees begins November 1
- Help in the fight against childhood cancer with Children's Cancer Research Fund note cards
- Cancer Center Cranium Team wins first place
Professional Education and Events
- Immunology Program Seminar
- Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center Seminar
- Cancer Biology Research Club
- BMT Conference
Grant Information and Annoucements
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Focused Areas of Study Grant Program
- Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Clinical Investigator Award
- Cancer will be the focus of next Mini Medical School
- Nanotechnology workshops
- Grant writing seminar—'Getting started as a successful grant-writer and academician'
- 1st Annual Children's Cancer Research Fund Norma K.D. Ramsay, M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professor Lectureship
- Mark your calendars for the Cancer Center holiday event December 7
- Support the Children's Cancer Research Fund when you shop
Today's Cancer Center Seminar
Tuesday, October 31, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Seminar canceled.
A peek at next week's seminar:
Tuesday, November 7, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Targeting transcriptional repression in B-cell lymphomas
Ari Melnick, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Developmental & Molecular Biology, The Diane and Arthur B. Belfer Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Host: Vivian Bardwell, Ph.D.
For a complete schedule visit the Cancer Center Web site Seminar Series listing.
News
Mini Medical School focuses on cancer
Well over 300 people have signed up to learn about cancer from Cancer Center researchers and physicians at the Fall 2006 Mini Medical School. The four sessions will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday in November at the Coffman Memorial Union Theater. The series topics and speakers include:
- Nov. 6: Understanding Cancer: Reality and Myth, Carol Lange, Ph.D., member of the Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program, and Kristin Anderson, Ph.D., M.P.H., member of the Cancer Center's Prevention and Etiology Program.
- Nov. 13: Cancer and Stem Cells, John Wagner, M.D., director of the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation and the Cancer Center's Clinical Trials Office, and Dan Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D., member of the Cancer Center's Transplant Biology and Therapy Program.
- Nov. 20: Common Cancers: Breast and Prostate, David Potter, M.D., Ph.D., member of the Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program, and Kenneth Koeneman, M.D., director of the Center for Prostate Cancer and member of the Cancer Center's Progression and Metastasis Program.
- Nov. 27: Immunotherapy and Cancer, Chris Pennell, Ph.D., member of the Cancer Center's Immunology Program; Sarah Cooley, M.D., Cancer Center member; and Annie Tan, M.D., Ph.D., clinical fellow in the University's Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program.
Cancer U: Ask the Experts About Lung Cancer, November 2 and November 4
Researchers and physicians from the Cancer Center will discuss and answer questions about identifying and treating high-risk lung cancer; radiation therapy for lung cancer; advances in lung cancer surgery; women, tobacco and lung cancer (only Nov. 2 program); and nicotine vaccine to quit smoking (only Nov. 4 program). For more information visit the Cancer Center Web site.
Peterson and Burns will speak at Lymphoma Workshop
Cancer Center members Bruce Peterson, M.D., and Linda Burns, M.D., will speak at the Nov. 11th Lymphoma Workshop, a full-day educational program for patients and caregivers. Dr. Peterson will begin the workshop with a discussion of "Lymphoma Basics" and then later in the morning speak about Hodgkin's lymphoma. Dr. Burns will lead the treatment-specific breakout session on transplantation. The workshop is sponsored by the Lymphoma Research Foundation, Minnesota chapter, in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota Cancer Center. It will be held at the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., November 11. There is no cost for the workshop, and online registration is available at Lymphoma Research Foundation Web site or by calling 1-800-500-9976.
Leukemia Research Fund receives $380,000 from Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament
Last week the Leukemia Research Fund received a check for $380,000 from the Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament at a luncheon hosted by University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks and the University of Minnesota Foundation.
Representing the Danny Thompson Memorial Board were Georgie Fenton, tournament president, and Stephen Hanks, chairman. Fenton presented a check to Russ Huffer, CEO of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. and chairman of the board of directors of the Leukemia Research Fund. This extraordinary gift represents funds raised at the 30th Annual Danny Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament held in August in Sun Valley, Idaho. The tournament has raised more than $4 million for the Leukemia Research Fund; approximately $3 million of that total was raised during the past 10 years. Read more.
Bohen presents at CPEN
Marva Bohen, R.N., director, Cancer Center Outreach, spoke on "Bringing the Science of Cancer to the Community" at the annual meeting of the Cancer Patient Education Network meeting in St. Louis, Oct. 23-26. CPEN is an organization of educators that developed out of the National Cancer Institute's Office of Education and Special Initiatives.
Open Enrollment for benefit-eligible employees begins November 1
University of Minnesota employees can review their benefits and make changes during Open Enrollment, November 1-30. Changes to medical and dental benefits are allowed if desired. Employees who wish to use flexible spending accounts must make an election for 2007. Medical and dental plan rates, plan changes, and other enrollment news was provides in a recent "U & Your Benefits" newsletter and is posted on the benefits Web site at www.umn.edu/ohr/benefits. All benefits changes and elections must be completed online at Employee Self-Service. The annual Employee Benefits Fair will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m., November 8 in the St. Paul Student Center and November 9 in the Coffman Memorial Union.
Help in the fight against childhood cancer with Children's Cancer Research Fund note cards
Mary Schultze is taking orders for the Butterfly note cards (12/pkg @ $15/pkg) to benefit the Children's Cancer Research Fund. There are four different butterflies, each one designed by a child currently undergoing cancer treatment. To view the designs view the flyer (pdf). Mary can be reached at schul032@umn.edu, 612-626-2961.
Cancer Center Cranium Team wins first place
The Cancer Center Cranium Team took first place at the AHC Community Fund Cranium Tournament on Friday. The tournament was held to benefit the Community Fund Drive. Team members were Josh Fehrmann, Rod Staggs, Clay Nadeau, and Peter Fleck. The team reports that they had a good time and will defend their championship next year.
Events
Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, November 1, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 5-122 MCB
Alain Tchagang will present.
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).
TTURC Course
Friday, November 3, 2006, 1:15 p.m.-2 p.m., 450 CCRB
Preclinical findings suggest a role of glutamate receptors in nicotine dependence and depression
Athina Markou, Ph.D., Department of Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute
For a complete schedule visit the Web site.
Children's Cancer Research Fund 2006 Dawn of a Dream Benefit Saturday, November 4
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 visit the Children's Cancer Research Fund Web site.
Professional Education and Seminars
Immunology Program Seminar
Wednesday, November 1, 2006, 6-101 NHH
Polymers for cancer immunotherapy delivery: From micro to nano
Chun Wang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center Seminar
Friday, November 3, 2006, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
GABA-B receptors in nicotine dependence and depression
Athina Markou, Ph.D., Department of Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute
For a complete schedule visit the Web site.
Cancer Biology Research Club
Friday, November 3, 2006, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 450 CCRB
Paclitaxel induced peripheral neuropathy: a persisting challenge in the treatment of cancer
Chris Peters, Mantyh lab
Refreshments will be available. For a complete schedule visit the Web site.
BMT Conference
Monday, November 6, 2006, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 CCRB
Potential new radioprotective agents
Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari, PhD, D(ABMLI), Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Minnesota
For a complete schedule, visit our Web site.
Grant Information and Annoucements
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Focused Areas of Study Grant Program
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation will fund at least $13 million to high-caliber, non-duplicative research proposals in four identified focus areas:
- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
- Experimental Model Systems
- Biomarker Identification and Validation
- Environmental Research Methods
Letters of intent are due November 1, 2006 for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, Experimental Model Systems, Biomarker Identification and Validation proposals. All applications are due December 15. Letters of intent and applications must be submitted through proposalCENTRAL, an e-grantmaking Web site. For further information visit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Web site.
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Clinical Investigator Award
Deadline: March 1, 2007
Amount/Duration: 3 years: $450,000 plus up to $100,000 medical school repayment
Number of Projects Awarded: 5
Description: Protects and cultivates those promising young physicians willing to devote their careers to the development and application of new diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for cancer and cancer prevention through clinical investigation.
Eligibility: The applicant must have received an MD or MD/PhD degree(s) from an accredited institution and be board-eligible. The applicant may apply during the final year of their subspecialty training or within the first four years of their initial assistant professorship appointment. Candidates may apply up to three times during this eligibility period.
Additional Information is available at the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Web site.
Nominations Process: Two nominations are permitted per institution. Potential applicants should submit a preliminary proposal of 1-2 pages in length plus a curriculum vitae. If there are multiple applicants/nominations, a sub-committee of the Cancer Center's Executive Committee will screen applications/nominations and select the two finalists. 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 January 5, 2007.
Reminders
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.