Masonic Cancer Center of the University of Minnesota

Update is sent to Masonic Cancer Center members and staff every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Please submit items to Sandi Sherman, sherm019@umn.edu, by noon the previous Friday.

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In This Issue

 

News

Education and Events

Funding News and Opportunities

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News

Members in the news

David Perdue, M.D., was quoted in news reports by WCCO Radio, Minnesota Public Radio, Star Tribune, Rochester Post Bulletin, and City Pages about research studies that found American Indians living in Minnesota and the Northern Plains have high rates of cancer. He also was a guest on Twin Cities Public Television's Almanac program August 22 to discuss the findings. The studies are online and published in the journal Cancer. Read more.

John Ohlfest, Ph.D., Elizabeth Pluhar, D.V.M., Ph.D., and Jaime Modiano, D.V.M., Ph.D., have been featured in newspapers across the country including the Atlanta Journal Constitution, St. Louis Post Dispatch, Monterey Herald in Monterey, Calif., Republican American in Waterbury, Conn., The Courant in Hartford, Conn., and also locally on the front page of the Minnesota Daily about a experimental treatment for "Batman," a dog with a brain tumor. The story originally appeared in the Star Tribune.

Dan Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D., was quoted in a Los Angeles Times article on recent studies of production of red blood cells from human embryonic stem cells.

Kudos

Kudos to Waddah Al-Refaie, M.D., who is the recipient of the 2008 Surgical Oncology Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Cancer Research Center Endowment Fund for his research project "Short-term outcomes and risk stratification of cancer surgery in the elderly." The two-year award is in the amount of $65,000. Co-investigators on this project include Beth Virnig, Ph.D., David Rothenberger, M.D., and William Henderson, Ph.D., University of Colorado.

Scott Dehm, Ph.D., Tumor Biology and Progression Program, has received a Young Investigator Award for 2008 from the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Dehm is one of only 19 researchers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom selected to receive this award. He will use his share of the award, totaling $225,000, to continue his research on how to block the progression of prostate cancer that has recurred and is resistant to conventional treatments. Read more.

Marc Jenkins, Ph.D., Immunology Program, is one of 15 recipients of an NIH Merit Award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for his 19-year research grant "Co-stimulatory signals in CD4+ T cell activation." According to the NIAID, the purpose of Merit Awards is "to enable NIH to give a five-year award to investigators with stellar records of research accomplishment, with the possibility of an extension of up to five years that does not have to go through the traditional initial peer review process." Jenkins will receive $250,000/year to continue his investigation of the biology of CD4+ helper T cells with the goal of achieving a basic understanding of the biological processes so that they can be manipulated to improve vaccines and prevent autoimmunity.

Cancer researchers speak at American Chemical Society meeting
Members of the Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program were well-represented at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society. Oral presentations were given by Shana Sturla, Ph.D., Steve Hecht, Ph.D., Lisa Peterson, Ph.D., Natalia Tretyakova, Ph.D., and Xiaodan Liu, a student from the Sturla laboratory. Students from their laboratories also presented posters during the meeting.

Ohlfest to speak at University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
John Ohlfest, Ph.D., Tumor Biology and Progression and Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer programs, will speak at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute on Friday, August 29 on "Immunotherapy targeting brain tumor initiating cells: novel spontaneous animal models paving the way."

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Education and Events

Norma K.C. Ramsay, M.D., Distinguished Visiting Professor Lectureship
Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 12:15-1:30 p.m., Moos Tower 2-690
The Quality of Survival after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Smita Bhatia, M.D., M.P.H., Professor and Chair, Division of Population Sciences, Associate Director of population research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, Calif.

The third annual Norma K.C. Ramsay, M.D., Distinguished Visiting Professor Lectureship is sponsored by the Children's Cancer Research Fund.

Join Team U of M for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) PurpleRide
September 13, 2008, Elm Creek Regional Park
A strong University of Minnesota presence, including researchers, medical personnel, and Minnesota Medical Foundation staff is being organized for the Twin Cities Purple Ride. Contact Cathy Spicola, development officer in the Masonic Cancer Center, (612-625-5192, spico005@umn.edu) to join the team. Riders can choose from three distances: an 8-mile family ride, 25-mile river route, and 50-mile touring route. No matter which distance you choose, the event promises to be a good time for everyone. If you can't make the ride, you can register as a virtual rider and fundraise using the online tools. Those who don't want to ride can be a volunteer on the day of the event by e-mailing Marilynn Tuchfarber. Visit the Web site for more information.

Silent No More 5K Walk/Run for Ovarian Cancer
Saturday, September 13, 2008, Rosland Park, Edina
The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) Silent No More 5K Walk/Run for Ovarian Cancer raises funds for ovarian cancer research, education, and support for women with ovarian cancer and their families. In just eight years, MOCA has awarded more than $2 million for ovarian cancer research in Minnesota, thanks in large part to the success of the Silent No More event. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; a survivor photo will be taken at 8:30 a.m.; 5K run begins at 9 a.m.; 2K walk begins at 9:30 a.m.; and a Kids Fun Run begins at 10 a.m. For more information or to register, call 612-822-0500 or visit the Web site.

Cannon Valley Cancer Ride
Saturday, September 20, 2008, Riverside Park, Cannon Falls, Minn.
The Cannon Valley Cancer Ride is a fun, family-oriented 20-mile bike ride on the scenic Cannon Valley Trail. The event is organized by Red Wing Masonic Lodge and Cannon Falls Oriental Lodge to raise money for the Partners for Life Campaign, which was established by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota to help raise funds for the Masonic Cancer Center. Through the help of Minnesota Masonic Charities, every dollar raised from the Cannon Valley Cancer Ride will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

The ride starts in Riverside Park in Cannon Falls and goes to Welch and back. The registration fee is $35 for riders 12 and older and $20 for riders under 12, and includes lunch and a t-shirt. Same-day registration is $30 for riders 12 and older and $15 for riders under 12, and includes lunch, but no t-shirt. Registration and t-shirt handout will start at 8 a.m.; the ride will start at 9 a.m. Visit the Web site for more information and a registration form.

Developmental Biology Center/Lillehei Heart Institute Symposium
Tubes, Branches and Pumps in Development
September 24-25, 2008, McNamara Alumni Center, A.I. Johnson Great Room
Registration is now open for the Developmental Biology Center/Lillehei Heart Institute Symposium. The first 25 graduate students who register and are presenting a poster at the symposium will have their registration and banquet fees waived. All registrants are welcome to present a poster. Visit the Web site for more information and to register.

Hormel Institute Symposium "Frontiers in Cancer Research" and the 8th International Skin Carcinogenesis Conference
October 4-7, 2008, Austin, MN
The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is hosting a three-day conference in Austin, Minn., as part of the grand opening to celebrate its major expansion. The goal of this joint conference is to provide a scientifically driven symposium involving didactic sessions and facilitating discussions regarding molecular and cellular targets of cancer causation and prevention, and to provide a forum for exchange of the most recent and relevant information on the biological, cellular, and molecular changes that occur during tumor development. Newer technologies such as computer modeling of protein/protein interactions and small-molecular/protein interactions will also be highlighted, and a substantial translational focus will be included. Conference chairs are Zigang Dong, M.D., Dr. P.H., Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program member and executive director of The Hormel Institute, and Susan M. Fischer, Ph.D., professor, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas. Masonic Cancer Center Director Douglas Yee, M.D., and Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program Leader Stephen Hecht, Ph.D., are presenters at the conference. Visit the Hormel Institute Web site for more information and to register.

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Funding News and Opportunities

Key NIH Notices:

Change in Allowable Requested Budget Levels of Renewal (Type 2) R01, U01, and P01 Applications for the National Cancer Institute
(NOT-CA-08-026)
National Cancer Institute

NIH:

Methodology and Measurement in the Behavioral and Social Sciences
PAR-08-212 (R01), PAR-08-213 (R21), PAR-08-214 (R03)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement
Funding: varies based on available NCI funds (cannot exceed $275,000 over 2 years for the R21 grant)
The participating NIH Institutes and Centers invite qualified researchers to submit research grant applications aimed at improving and developing methodology and measurement in the behavioral and social sciences through innovations in research design, data collection techniques, measurement, and data analysis techniques. Research that addresses methodology and measurement issues in diverse populations, issues in studying sensitive behaviors, issues of ethics in research, issues related to confidential data and the protection of research subjects, and issues in developing interdisciplinary, multimethod, and multilevel approaches to behavioral and social science research is particularly encouraged, as are approaches that integrate behavioral and social science research with biological, physical, or computational science research or engineering.

Investigational Nutrigenetic Studies for Cancer Prevention
PA-08-220 (R01), PA-08-221 (R21)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
Funding: varies based on available NCI funds (cannot exceed $275,000 over 2 years for the R21 grant)
This funding opportunity announcement solicits applications for research projects that can combine information on individual genetic variations from the Human Genome and International HapMap Projects to stimulate small pilot dietary intervention studies. The overarching goal is to examine whether genetic variants can predict individual response to dietary components that alter cancer processes and modify individual susceptibly to cancer. These studies will allow for personalization of cancer preventive dietary strategies to reduce cancer risk in genetically susceptible individuals. Associational and non-interventional epidemiologic-focused studies will not be supported in conjunction with this FOA.

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grants (T32)
(PA-08-226)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): January 25, May 25, September 25, 2009
Funding: varies (standard NRSA rates apply)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will award Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grants (T32) to eligible institutions as the primary means of supporting predoctoral and postdoctoral research training to help ensure that a diverse and highly trained workforce is available to assume leadership roles related to the Nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical research agenda.  The primary objective of the T32 program is to prepare qualified individuals for careers that have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation. This program supports predoctoral, postdoctoral and short term research training programs at domestic institutions of higher education with the T32 funding mechanism.

Using Systems Science Methodologies to Protect and Improve Population Health (R21)
(PAR-08-224)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
Funding: $275,000 over 2 years
This FOA solicits Exploratory/Developmental (R21) applications from institutions/organizations that propose to apply one or more specific system science methodologies to public health and health care systems problems and contribute knowledge that will enhance effective decision making around the development of and prioritization of policies, interventions, and programs to improve population health, especially where resources are limited and only a limited number of programs/policies/interventions can be implemented. Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that tackle “policy resistant” health problems (i.e., ones in which the effects of planned interventions, programs or policies tend to be delayed, diluted or defeated by responses of the system to the intervention itself) using a systems science methodology.

Quantitative Imaging for Evaluation of Responses to Cancer Therapies (U01)
(PAR-08-225)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
Funding: $500,000/year for up to 5 years
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is designed to promote research on quantitative imaging of tumor response to cancer therapies in clinical trial settings, with the overall goal of facilitating clinical decision making. Proposed projects should include the appropriate development and adaptation/implementation of quantitative imaging methods, protocols and software solutions/tools (using existing commercial imaging platforms and instrumentation), and their application in current and planned Phase 1-2 clinical therapy trials. No support for the clinical trials, as such, will be provided under this FOA. The proposed projects must focus on imaging-derived quantitative measurements of responses to drugs and/or radiation therapy, and/or image-guided interventions. It is anticipated that these research goals will require multidisciplinary efforts. Therefore, this FOA solicits applications from multi-disciplinary teams to include oncologists as well as clinical and basic imaging scientists. The involvement of industrial partners in the development of the quantitative imaging methods is not required, but is strongly encouraged. 

Exceptional, Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration (EUREKA) (R01)
(RFA-GM-09-008)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): October 28, 2008
Funding: $250,000/yr for up to 5 years.
This FOA solicits Research Project Grant (R01) applications from institutions/organizations proposing exceptionally innovative research on novel hypotheses or difficult problems, solutions to which would have an extremely high impact on biomedical or biobehavioral research that is germane to the mission of one or more of the participating NIH Institutes. This FOA is for support of new projects, not continuation of projects that have already been initiated. It does not support pilot projects, i.e., projects of limited scope that are designed primarily to generate data that will enable the PI to seek other funding opportunities.

Impact of Health Communication Strategies on Dietary Behaviors
PA-08-239 (R01), PA-08-240 (R21)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
Funding: varies based on available NCI funds (cannot exceed $275,000 over 2 years for the R21 grant)
This funding opportunity announcement solicits applications for research projects focused on the development and implementation of effective communication strategies related to diet and health. Specifically, this FOA is designed to promote interdisciplinary research, conducted at multiple levels (e.g., individual, community/environment, and policy) and across diverse populations, to evaluate effective communication approaches for changing dietary behaviors.

Small Grants Program for Cancer Epidemiology (R03)
(PAR-08-237)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement
Funding:  Up to $50,000/year for 2 years ($100,000 max. total)
This funding opportunity announcement (FOA), issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), encourages the submission of Small Research Grant (R03) applications for research on cancer etiology and epidemiology. The overarching goal of this FOA is to provide support for pilot projects, testing of new techniques, secondary analyses of existing data, development and validation of measurement methods, linkage of genetic polymorphisms with other variables related to cancer risk, and development of innovative projects for more comprehensive research in cancer etiology and epidemiology.

Integration of Mouse Models into Human Cancer Research (U01)
(RFA-CA-08-018)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): November 14, 2008
Funding: $850,000/year for up to 5 years
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), extends the NCI-Mouse Models of Human Cancers Consortium (NCI-MMHCC) for a third project period. The previous periods resulted in generation, validation, and utilization of many novel mouse cancer models. Having successfully attained the original specific program goals, the NCI-MMHCC is poised to enter the next stage that stresses the use of biologically relevant mouse models as effective tools for human research.

Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
PA-08-243 (R01), PA-08-244 (R21)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
Funding: varies based on available NCI funds (cannot exceed $275,000 over 2 years for the R21 grant)
With this Funding Opportunity Announcement, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) encourages grant applications that: (a) address the etiology and etiologic mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); (b) propose development of animal models for HCC; (c) propose novel approaches to prevent HCC malignancy; (d) propose therapeutic or diagnostic tools for reliable prognostic indicators for HCC; and/or (e) develop therapeutic approaches to minimize morbidity and mortality associated with HCC in humans. The primary focus of the proposed project must be on the basic biology, prevention, and/or treatment of liver cancer. Applications solely concerned with population studies and epidemiology will not be supported in connection with this FOA.

Metals in Medicine (R01)
(PA-08-251)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
Funding: varies based on available NCI funds
The objective of this Funding Opportunity Announcement is to encourage research that bridges the areas of inorganic chemistry and medicine. The mechanisms by which organisms control transition metal ions and the roles of these metals in cellular regulation and signaling in health and disease are of principal interest. The interactions of synthetic inorganic complexes with living systems and their components are an additional area of interest. These areas are linked by the need to involve researchers having a deep understanding of inorganic chemistry in medically relevant research. Much of the work is expected to involve collaborations including chemists, biologists, and medical researchers. The results will be relevant to understanding the mechanisms of metal handling by biological systems and the basic cellular roles underlying the nutritional requirement for essential metals. It is expected that this research will also contribute to the identification of new targets for drug discovery, diagnostics, and future therapeutic approaches involving metal complexes, although drug development, per se, is not a focus of the program.

Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (P01)
(PAR-08-245)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Standard dates apply (see announcement)
Funding: varies based on number and quality of funding applications, and available NCI funds
With this Funding Opportunity Announcement, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), invites grant applications that: (a) address the etiology and etiologic mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); (b) propose development of animal models for HCC; (c) propose novel approaches to prevent HCC malignancy; (d) propose therapeutic or diagnostic tools for reliable prognostic indicators for HCC; and/or (e) develop therapeutic approaches to minimize morbidity and mortality associated with HCC in humans. The primary focus of the proposed projects must be on the basic biology, prevention, and/or treatment of liver cancer. Applications that are exclusively focused on population studies and epidemiology will not be supported in connection with this FOA.

Non-NIH:

Clinical Research Professorships
American Cancer Society
Application Receipt Date: October 15, 2008
Funding: $400,000 ($80,000/yr. for 5 years)
The American Cancer Society offers a limited number of grants to established investigators in mid-career who have made seminal contributions that have changed the direction of clinical, psychosocial, behavioral, health policy or epidemiologic cancer research. Furthermore, it is expected that these investigators will continue to provide leadership in their research area.

American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant
American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant applications are being accepted until October 6, 2008. 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 $30,000. Applications may be obtained by contacting LeeAnn Micek, 612-626-1926, micek003@umn.edu.

Visit the Funding News & Opportunities Web page to see listings previously published in Update.

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