Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota

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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.


In This Issue

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

Director's Message

New identification, signage program, and mail process

Dear Colleagues:

You will soon begin seeing signs that reflect our new name: Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.

The changeover to new signs will begin in the cancer research building at 425 East River Road. This building will now be called "Masonic Cancer Research Building" to coincide with the name that is carved in stone at the top of the building.

The name "Masonic Cancer Research Building" will be on the exterior street and building signs. In addition, the interior wall signs by doorways that currently say "Cancer Center Research Building" will change to "Masonic Cancer Research Building." The color of these signs also will change from green to maroon.

How will the new sign system impact mail and communications?

These are key points that I want to emphasize:

  • MMC code: It will be imperative that the MMC 806 code is correctly and clearly written on all mail sent externally (U.S. Postage) and internally (campus mail) to the Masonic Cancer Research Building (MCRB). The University mail room sorts mail by the MMC code. If MMC 806 code is not shown, expect delays in delivery to MCRB. Additionally, emphasize to your external colleagues and vendors that mail they send to you must have the correct MMC code in your address.
  • Room reference: Conference rooms, offices, and laboratories will now be referenced as MCRB instead of CCRB (correct: MCRB 450; incorrect: CCRB 450). You will see this change effective right away in Update, Web site, fliers, and announcements. Please use MCRB in your communications.

If you have questions about:

  • Signage: Contact Sabine Fritz, facilities coordinator, fritz017@umn.edu, phone: 4-7151.
  • Mail: Contact Sven Olsen, administration, olsen057@umn.edu, phone: 6-5437.
  • Other communications: Mary Lawson, public relations, mlawson@umn.edu, phone: 4-6165.

I appreciate your patience and cooperation as we implement these new processes. To see what our new signs will look like, click here.

Douglas Yee, M.D.

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Today's Seminar

Tuesday, September 30, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 450 MCRB (formerly named CCRB)
Engineering polymers for DNA vaccine delivery
Chun Wang, Ph.D., McKnight Land-Grant Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering

A peek at next week's seminar:
Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 450 MCRB (formerly named CCRB)
The P13K pathway and therapeutic response in mouse models of brain tumors
Eric Holland, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Brain Tumor Center, Emily Tow Jackson Chair in Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Host: David Largaespada, Ph.D.

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

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News

Gopher football game dedicated to breast cancer awareness, Masonic Cancer Center
The Gopher football home game Saturday, October 4 against Indiana will be dedicated to breast cancer awareness and the Masonic Cancer Center. Head Coach Tim Brewster and all of the coaches will be wearing pink pins and all of the Gopher football players will wear pink wristbands in honor of their wives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and girlfriends. Goldy Gopher will also sport a pink ribbon. A photo of Director Douglas Yee, M.D., Brewster, and Goldy will be displayed on the Metrodome scoreboard; and facts about breast cancer and about research at the Masonic Cancer Center will be displayed on the scoreboard during timeouts.

Members in the news

Robert Fecik, Ph.D., was quoted in an article in Chemistry World on a recent article in the journal Science that reported the in vivo antibacterial efficacy of a novel FtsZ inhibitor. FtsZ is a protein that is the bacterial homolog of tubulin, the drug target for Taxol and other anticancer drugs.

Beth Virnig, Ph.D., co-leader of Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship Program, is quoted in the October issue of Good Housekeeping. Virnig's comments pertain to her study that fewer women who have a lumpectomy for breast cancer are undergoing a full course of radiation and thereby increasing their changes of local recurrence of the disease. Her recommendation is for women to talk with a radiation oncologist before surgery.

Christopher Moertel, M.D., was interviewed by FOX 9 News about a Swedish study on cell phones and cancer.

John Wagner, M.D., co-leader of the Transplant Biology and Therapy Program, was quoted in The Badger Herald about stem cell research in an article about the World Stem Cell Summit in Madison, Wisc., last week.

Todd Tuttle, M.D., member of the Women's Cancer Research Program, was quoted in a Vanderbilt Medical Center news release about his study that more women diagnosed with breast cancer are opting for bilateral mastectomies. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center recorded a fivefold increase in bilateral mastectomies from 2002 to 2007. The story was covered by Nashville Public Radio.

Tobacco research by the Masonic Cancer Center's Tobacco Research Center was referenced in news articles in the Bemidji Pioneer and the Pioneer Press about the first anniversary of Minnesota's smoking ban.

Kudos

Well over 100 people attended the Masonic Cancer Center's educational program, "Women's Cancers: Understanding Research and How it May Benefit You," September 28 at the McNamara Alumni Center. Kudos to Douglas Yee, M.D., Amy Skubitz, Ph.D., Carolyn Torkelson, M.D., and Beth Virnig, Ph.D., for their excellent presentations.

Congratulations to Matthew Mescher, Ph.D., member of the Immunology Program and the Transplant Biology and Therapy Program, on his induction into the Academic Health Center's Academy for Excellence in Health Research. Read more.

Troy Lund, M.D., Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT fellow, was awarded a $47,089 Pediatric Oncology fellowship by the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research. Lund, one of 18 doctors currently receiving funding, is mentored by Bruce Blazar, M.D., Transplant Biology and Therapy Program member.

Dinnaken chili cook-off a success
Masonic Cancer Center staff in the Dinnaken Office Building enthusiastically participated in a chili cook-off September 29. Guest judges Douglas Yee, Jim McCarthy, and Scott Dehm sampled ten entries. The winning chilis included Rollie Erickson's "Marley's Stash" chili for Most Unique; Rick Huismann's "Beer Chili" for Best Aroma; and Peggy McHenry's "White Chili Surprise" for Spiciest. Dinnaken employees joined the judges in voting for Best Overall Chili, which was Aaron Schilz's "Maria Tenia Una Ovejita (Mary Had a Little Lamb)" chili. Visit the Web site to see photos from the event.

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Education and Events

Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 12-1 p.m., 14 LHI/KE
Melissa DeRycke, Skubitz lab, will discuss "TNFR1 Signaling and IFN-g Signaling Determine whether T Cells Induce Tumor Dormancy or Promote Multistage Carcinogenis," Cancer Cell 13: 507-518.

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

Pediatric Cancer and Blood Diseases Conference
Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 4 p.m., 450 MCRB (formerly named CCRB)
Case presentation: ALL
Jenny McCormack, M.D., Fellow, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT

Mondale to deliver first annual David A. Rothenberger Lecture
Thursday, October 2, 2008, 4 p.m., Mayo Memorial Auditorium
Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale will deliver a free public lecture titled "Complexity and Meaning in Politics and Healthcare" as the first annual David A. Rothenberger Lecture, hosted by the Department of Surgery and the Medical School.

The lecture was developed in recognition of David Rothenberger, M.D., who is deputy chairman and professor in the Department of Surgery and the Masonic Cancer Center's associate director of clinical affairs. The Rothenberger Lecture also was the catalyst for the new Emerging Physician Leaders Program, which will provide organizational leadership training for a limited number of faculty members judged to be future leaders at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

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 MCRB (formerly named 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 MCRB (formerly named 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
Friday, October 10, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 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.

Dawn of a Dream Gala: Has It Dawned on You?
Saturday, 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.

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Program Meetings

Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship Research Seminar
Monday, October 6, 2008, 12-1 p.m., MoosT 2-118
Pent-up demand for cancer diagnosis prior to entering Medicare due to disability
Elizabeth B. Habermann, M.P.H., Research Assistant, Division of Health Policy & Management, University of Minnesota

Please RSVP to Dana Dreikosen (drei0022@umn.edu) by Thursday, October 2, 2008 if you plan to attend so that an appropriate number of lunches can be ordered.

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

BMT Program Conference
Monday, October 6, 2008, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 MCRB (formerly named CCRB)
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in MDS: Ongoing controversies
Erica Warlick, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine/HOT

For a complete schedule, visit the Web site.

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Funding News and Opportunities

Exploratory Studies in Cancer Detection, Diagnosis, and Prognosis (R21)
(PA-08-267)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
Funding: $275,000 for 2 years
This funding opportunity announcement invites grant applications from institutions and organizations that are interested in developing and testing innovative methods in cancer detection, diagnosis, and prognosis. The NCI is especially interested in research studies that focus on the development and testing of improved methods for detecting specific characteristics of cancer, which can be subsequently used for the clinical management of cancer patients or individuals who are at risk for (developing) cancer.

Interim Funding: The Charlotte Geyer Foundation
Funding: Up to $100,000
Deadlines: November 15, March 15 and July 15 each year.
Interim funding up to $100,000 is available to researchers who have submitted an original R01 or R21 proposal to the National Cancer Institute and have not received a fundable score. Researchers may apply to the Foundation as soon as NCI Summary Statements are received and before the proposal goes to Council. Award announcements are made within thirty days. The Foundation does not accept proposals for the planning or conduct of behavioral studies related to cancer etiology or therapy in large populations.

Faculty interested in pursuing this opportunity should review the application guidelines at the Charlotte Geyer Foundation, and contact Catherine McGlinch, director of development, at 612-626-5456, c.mcglinch@mmf.umn.edu, if they meet the established criteria and are interested in submitting a proposal.

Pilot Study Projects in Ovarian Cancer Research
Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research
Application Receipt Date: December 1, 2008
Funding: $75,000 for one year
The Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research is announcing funds available for up to five Pilot Study Program awards to be allocated based on scientific merit. Awards will support investigator initiated projects in all areas of ovarian cancer research.

Research Fellowship in Women's Health for Junior Faculty
Deadline: October 15, 2008
The Deborah E. Powell Center for Women's Health is accepting applications for the Powell Center Women's Health Scholar. One new position will be funded by the Office of Clinical Research. The Women's Health Scholar will be trained in the Powell Center's Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health (BIRCWH) K-12 program funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Investigator Awards for CALGB Oncology Junior Faculty
Deadline: January 15, 2009
Funding: Up to $30,000 plus 10% overhead per year for one year
The Cancer and Leukemia Group B Foundation invites oncology junior faculty within years 1 to 3 of a faculty appointment to apply for a research grant to support studies that assess interventions in cancer patients and/or that examine biological specimens obtained from cancer patients. Submissions are limited to research in the following areas: leukemia, lymphoma, breast, respiratory (lung), surgery, transplant, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cancer in the elderly, pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, imaging, and cancer control and health outcomes. This award program is being sponsored by Abraxis BioScience, Amgen Oncology and Celgene. Brochure and application submission instructions are available at the CALGB Web site (under the heading "CALGB Foundation Grant Programs," click on the link for junior faculty within "years 1 to 3" of a faculty appointment). Questions should be directed to: Mary A. Sherrell, M.A., treasurer, CALGB Foundation, 773-702-9856, msherrel@uchicago.edu.

Clinical Scholar Awards Available for CALGB Oncology Junior Faculty
Deadline: January 15, 2009
Funding: $40,000 plus 10% overhead per year for two years
The Cancer and Leukemia Group B Foundation invites oncology junior faculty within years 4 to 6 of a faculty appointment to apply for a research grant to support studies that assess interventions in cancer patients and/or that examine biological specimens obtained from cancer patients. Submissions are limited to research in the following areas: leukemia, lymphoma, breast, respiratory (lung), surgery, transplant, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cancer in the elderly, pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, imaging, and cancer control and health outcomes.  This award program is being sponsored exclusively by Novartis Oncology. Brochure and application submission instructions are available at the CALGB Web site (under the heading "CALGB Foundation Grant Programs," click on the link for junior faculty within "years 4 to 6" of a faculty appointment). Questions should be directed to: Mary A. Sherrell, M.A., treasurer, CALGB Foundation, 773-702-9856, msherrel@uchicago.edu.

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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