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

Director's Message
Today's Seminar
News
Education and Events
Program Meetings
Funding News and Opportunities
Employment Opportunities

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Director's Message

Update on our recent CCSG site visit and Population Sciences leadership

Dear Colleagues:

It's been pretty quiet from the Director's office because of our Cancer Center Support Grant site visit. I want to update you on two developments.

Site Visit: Overall, our recent site visit was a great success. Our site visitors commented that the "Masonic Cancer Center continues to show great promise, with steady improvement in the majority of areas evaluated. There has been significant growth in membership, peer-reviewed funding, and translational science, as well as outstanding overall accrual to clinical trials."

It was encouraging to see that these positive sentiments were tangibly supported by our site visitors and the Parent Committee; our budget was recommended as submitted—no cuts! Our final budget will be determined in the context of the entire NCI budget, but I think we did very well. Again, I want to thank all of our members for their efforts in this renewal; I think we shined!

Population Sciences: As many of you know, Julie Ross, Ph.D., stepped down from her position as Associate Director of Population Sciences to focus on her responsibilities in her Division. Julie has done an outstanding job in directing our two population sciences programs and they both were very well reviewed at the site visit.

I'm happy to announce that Dorothy Hatsukami, Ph.D., has accepted the position of Associate Director of Population Sciences. As you all know, Dorothy was a co-leader of the Prevention & Etiology program and internationally known for her work in tobacco control.

Anne Joseph, M.D., M.P.H., is succeeding Dorothy as co-leader of the Prevention & Etiology program. Anne is a professor of medicine with a research focus on tobacco control, smoking cessation, and smoking reduction interventions for special populations of smokers that experience unique barriers to delivery of tobacco treatment.

I know that these two leadership appointments will result in extending our strengths in this important area of population science while also developing new areas of investigation.

Douglas Yee, M.D.

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Today's Seminar

Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 450 CCRB
Making a reality of cell and gene therapy for cancer
Malcolm K. Brenner, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine and of Pediatrics, Director, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine

Host: Xianzheng Zhou, M.D., Ph.D.

A peek at next week's seminar:
Engineering polymers for DNA vaccine delivery
Chun Wang, Ph.D., McKnight Land-Grant Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

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News

Yee appointment to Kersey Chair celebrated
The appointment of Masonic Cancer Center Director Douglas Yee, M.D., to the John H. Kersey Chair in Cancer Research was celebrated at an event sponsored by the Minnesota Medical Foundation September 17 at the McNamara Alumni Center. The celebration was an opportunity for Masonic Cancer Center leaders to thank faculty, staff, and friends from the community who contributed to the Kersey Chair. Read more and see photos from the event.

Sturla group raises funds for Masonic Cancer Center
Ethan Seaberg, a member of Red Wing Masonic Lodge No. 8, sent a note to Update about a successful fundraising effort of members of laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program member Shana Sturla, Ph.D. The group had signed up for the Cannon Valley Cancer Ride, a fundraiser in support of the Partners for Life Campaign, which was established by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota to help raise funds for the Masonic Cancer Center. Despite the cancellation of the event, the Sturla group decided to do a 5K run, raising $570. Minnesota Masonic Charities matched this donation dollar-for-dollar, making the donation total $1,140. "Red Wing Lodge thanks Shana Sturla and her staff for their fantastic work for the center," Seaberg wrote.

Masonic Cancer Center welcomes new informatics staff
The Biostatistics and Informatics Shared Resource welcomes Bernardo Prigge and Jessica Truong, who joined the Biomedical Informatics Support Group this month.

Bernardo F. Prigge Cruz, senior Oracle developer, comes from University's Office of Information Technology, where he worked for the last 13 years. He has a B.S. in electromechanical engineering and a master's degree in computer and information sciences. Bernardo's office is in the Dinnaken Office Building, Suite 310, and you can reach him at 612-624-1563 or bprigge@umn.edu.

Jessica Truong, database programmer, came to the University from the software company Data Transmission Network. She has a B.S in computer science. Her office is also in the Dinnaken Office Building, Suite 310, and you can reach her at 612-624-1962, truo0046@umn.edu.

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Education and Events

Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 14 LHI/KE
Sonja Nodland, LeBien lab, will discuss "In childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, blasts at different stages of immunophenotypic maturation have stem cell properties," le Visseur C, et al., Cancer Cell, 2008;14:47-58.

The Cancer Biology Journal Club is held every Wednesday. For more information contact Sonja Nodland (john4368@umn.edu) or Rachel Bergerson (sapl0005@umn.edu).

Write Winning Grants Seminar
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Metrodome, Minneapolis
The popular day-long seminar is open to AHC faculty and research staff currently involved in clinical and translational research. Space is limited to 100 participants. Register at the Web site. Non-AHC faculty members may register separately through central administration.

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.

AntiCancer: A New Way of Life author event
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 7:30-9 p.m., Sheraton Four Points Hotel, 1330 Industrial Boulevard, Minneapolis
David Servan-Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., clinical professor of psychiatry and co-founder of the Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, will speak about his new book, AntiCancer: A New Way of Life. Schreiber, a survivor of brain cancer, will discuss what makes cancer cells thrive and what we can do to harness our bodies' natural defenses against them, including: how to develop an anti-cancer diet, how and why stress feeds cancer, and exploring the blend of traditional and alternative medicine in fighting cancer. Sponsors of the event are Survivors' Training and HealthPartners. The event is free but registration is required; call 651-254-2299 to register.

Women's Cancer: Understanding Research at the Masonic Cancer Center and How It May Benefit You
Sunday, September 28, 2008, 1-4 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center
Bring your daughter, mother, grandmother, or friend to learn from University physicians and researchers about women's cancer studies currently underway; and cancer risk, prevention, and survivorship. Speakers will include Women's Cancer Research Program co-leaders Douglas Yee, M.D., and Levi Downs, M.D., as well as Amy Skubitz, Ph.D., Carolyn Torkelson, M.D., and Beth Virnig, Ph.D. More information and registration

Hormel Institute Symposium "Frontiers in Cancer Research" and the 8th International Skin Carcinogenesis Conference
October 4-7, 2008, Austin, Minn.
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.

Masonic Cancer Center Award Recognition Program
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 3-4 p.m., 450 CCRB
The Masonic Cancer Center Award Recognition Program will feature presentations by leaders from the Women's Cancer Research Program and the Transplant Biology and Therapy Program. Light refreshments will be provided.

Fourth Annual Skeletal Biology Symposium
Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 12 p.m., 450 CCRB
Fracture healing and aging: Improved management through therapies to improve healing
Regis O'Keefe, M.D., Ph.D., Marjorie Strong Wehle Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Director, Center for Musculoskeletal Research

Hosted by Denis Clohisy, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Call 612-273-8032 for more information.

Quilted Treasures
October 10: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; October 11: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Washington County Fairgrounds, Hwy. 5, Lake Elmo
The River Valley Quilters will be selling a quilt (view a photo of the quilt) to benefit the Masonic Cancer Center during its "Quilted Treasures" event, which will also feature a small-quilt silent auction, a raffle quilt, baskets, quilts on display, and refreshments. Admission is $3. For more information, contact Deb Archer, 651-714-0751.

Twin Cities Breast Cancer Awareness Conference: Living with Breast Cancer
Saturday, October 11, 2008, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Minneapolis Convention Center
The Breast Cancer Awareness Association's seventh annual Twin Cities Breast Cancer Awareness Conference, "Living with Breast Cancer," is an educational conference dedicated to learning, supporting, sharing, encouraging, and communicating with others in the community whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. Among the presenters at the conference are Masonic Cancer Center members Barbara Bowers, M.D., who will present "Knowledge is Power: Updates in Oncology," and Dan Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D., who will present "Potentials and Possibilities: Stem Cell Therapy." Visit the conference Web site for more information and to register.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Saturday, October 11, 2008, Lake Nokomis North Beach, Minneapolis
Registration begins at 8 a.m. Walk begins at 9:30 a.m.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a walk sponsored by the American Cancer Society to raise money and spread the word about fighting breast cancer. There is no registration fee and no fundraising minimum. These noncompetitive walks range in distance from three to five miles, and men, women, and children of all ages are encouraged to participate. To sign up visit the American Cancer Society Web site or contact 651-255-8100, email mnstrides@cancer.org.

Lymphoma Workshop: Understanding Lymphoma Basics and Current Treatment Options
Saturday, October 18, 2008, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport, 7901 34th Avenue S., Bloomington
Lymphoma patients, survivors, and their loved ones are invited to the Lymphoma Research Foundation's 5th Annual Minnesota Lymphoma Workshop, the premier patient education and networking forum in the region. The workshop will provide the latest information about lymphoma, current treatment options, and patient support topics. The Masonic Cancer Center is a program partner for the workshop. Speakers at the event from the Masonic Cancer Center include Michael Burke, M.D., Linda Burns, M.D., and Daniel Weisdorf, M.D. The program is free, but registration is required. More information and registration.

Cancer U: Ask the Experts
6-8 p.m., Thursdays, October 23 and 30, Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center; and November 6 and 13, Radisson University Hotel, Minneapolis
Cancer U: Ask the Experts events are offered as a community service for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and others interested in learning more about cancer. The events provide an opportunity to get accurate information about emerging trends in cancer diagnosis and treatment from University researchers and physicians. This fall, the topics and experts include:

• Prostate cancer, Joseph Lee, M.D. (October 23 and November 6)
• Gynecological cancers, Amy Jonson, M.D. (October 30)
• Lung cancer, Robert Kratzke, M.D. (November 13)

Visit the Web site for more information and to register

Cancer Benefit Fund Couture for a Cure
Saturday, October 25, 2008, 10:30 a.m., North Oaks Country Club, 54 East Oaks Road, North Oaks
The Cancer Benefit Fund's "Couture for a Cure" luncheon and style show will feature Twin Cities radio and TV personalities, as well as cancer survivors, modeling the latest fall, winter, and holiday fashions from Sonnie's. The social hour with cash bar begins at 10:30 a.m. and includes exciting raffles and auction items, followed by a delicious luncheon at noon, entertainment by the Grace Notes, and the style show. Proceeds from the event will go toward cancer research at the Masonic Cancer Center and to help provide wigs for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at HealthEast Cancer Care at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood. The cost is $60 per person. To reserve your table places, please call Carol Baumgartner, 651-464-6049. For more information about the Cancer Benefit Fund, visit the Web site.

Dawn of a Dream Gala: Has It Dawned on You?
November 1, 2008, 6 p.m., Historic Milwaukee Road Depot, Minneapolis
The 28th annual "Dawn of a Dream" is a black-tie gala featuring a cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres reception; dinner; live auction; unique, interactive game experiences; and entertainment provided by an all-star band of Minnesota musicians, including Mick Sterling, Keri Noble, Adam Levy, Andra Suchy, Tina Schlieske, Martin Zellar, Cynthia Johnson, and Alison Scott. The Gala benefits the Children's Cancer Research Fund, which provides funds to the University of Minnesota for research and training relating to the prevention, treatment, and cure of childhood cancer. Tickets are $250 or $500 (V.I.P.). For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Children's Cancer Research Fund Web site.

Genes, Dogs & Cancer: 5th International Canine Cancer Conference
February 13-15, 2009 at the Royal Plaza Hotel, Orlando, Florida
The meeting is open to all scientists, veterinarians, and dog fanciers with a scientific interest in cancer. The Scientific Program Committee has issued a call for abstracts reporting new basic or clinical research findings. Deadline for submission is October 31, 2008. Rules for the format and submission abstracts are available (PDF). Notification regarding acceptance of abstracts and program assignments will be sent by November 30th, 2008.

To register for the conference, please visit www.akcchf.org and click on "Register for Events." To make hotel reservations, visit the Royal Plaza Hotel Web site or call 1-800-248-7890 and mention the Canine Cancer Conference.

For additional information, please contact Erika Werne, director of Education, Communications & Club Relations, EAW@akcchf.org or Dr. Christine Haakenson, director of Research Program Development, CLH@akcchf.org.

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Program Meetings

Tumor Progression and Metastasis Program Meeting
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 10-11 a.m., 2-110 Weaver Densford
Program organizing meeting

For a complete schedule, vist the Web site.

Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Program
Thursday, September 25, 2008, 4-5 p.m., 3-110 Moos Tower
MLL=a Molecularly Loose Lover
Ashish Kumar, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

BMT Program Conference
Monday, September 29, 2008, 1:15-2:15 p.m., CCRB
Life after BMT: Loss of ovarian function and fertility
Rahel Ghebre, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, member, Women's Cancer Program

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

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Funding News and Opportunities

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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Employment Opportunities

Junior Scientist (professional non-faculty, requisition number 155372) working in the lab of Deepali Sachdev/Douglas Yee.

Nurse Resource Coordinator (professional non-faculty, requisition number 158390) working under the supervision of Marva Bohen, director for community information and outreach.

For more information about these positions and additional opportunities visit the Employment Opportunities Web page.

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