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Researchers and Staff
September 29, 2009
Update is an official newsletter of the Masonic Cancer Center for faculty, members, staff, colleagues, and friends. Please submit items to Gina Kennedy, kenne069@umn.edu, by noon Friday before the publication date.
In This Issue
Funding News and Opportunities
Cancer Center Seminar
Today’s seminar has been cancelled because of the Developmental Biology Symposium, "Development and Cancer: Good Cells Gone Bad," taking place all day today in Coffman Memorial Union. The event is sponsored by the Developmental Biology Center and Masonic Cancer Center. Registrations are being accepted at the event.
Learn more about the symposium.
Next week’s seminar:
Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 12-1 p.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
Genome-wide analysis of genetic interactions in yeast and their potential relevance for treating cancer
Chad Myers, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Computer Science/Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota
Host: David Largaespada, Ph.D.
See the Cancer Center Seminar calendar.
News
Ross receives Outstanding Faculty Mentor of Postdoctoral Scholars Award
Julie Ross, Ph.D., a pediatric cancer research leader with the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Center and Medical School, has been selected to receive the University of Minnesota Outstanding Faculty Mentor of Postdoctoral Scholars Award for 2009-2010. Ross is one of only two University professors to receive this year's award, which will be presented at a reception September 30. "The award recognizes extraordinary performance and achievement in mentoring postdoctoral scholars at the University by providing leadership and advocacy to assist postdoctoral scholars in accomplishing significant intellectual and leadership goals in the scholars' fields of expertise," according to Gail Dubrow, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. "The award also acknowledges faculty who have encouraged and guided postdoctoral scholars in making optimal use of the postdoctoral appointment for professional development and training." Read more.
Largaespada recognized at National Brain Tumor Society annual meeting
David Largaespada, Ph.D., leader of the Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Research Program, has been selected to receive the National Brain Tumor Society's 2009 Seth Harris Feldman Chair of Research for his research on brain tumors using the Sleeping Beauty transposon method. Largaespada presented his research last week at the NBTS annual meeting in Arlington, Va. The research chair is named in memory of Seth Harris Feldman, who died in 1988 of a glioblastoma multiforme just days before his 18th birthday. Seth's commitment to finding a cure led his parents, Bonnie and the late Sid Feldman, to create the Brain Tumor Society in his honor.
Tuttle to participate in American College of Surgeons meeting
Todd Tuttle, M.D. M.P.H., Women’s Cancer Research Program, will be part of a discussion panel on the surgeon’s role in cancer diagnostics and novel procedures at the American College of Surgeons meeting October 11-15 in Chicago.
U of M experts to speak at 'Living with Breast Cancer'
Many Masonic Cancer Center and University of Minnesota breast cancer physicians and researchers are among the speakers at “Living with Breast Cancer,” the Breast Cancer Awareness Association’s eighth annual educational conference on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The conference is for anyone whose life has been impacted by breast cancer. U of M experts will participate in the following sessions:
- Tufia Haddad, M.D., Women’s Cancer Research Program, and Brian Van Ness, Ph.D., Genetic Mechanisms of Cancer Research Program, are panelists for “Cutting Edge Findings in Breast Cancer: What do they mean for you and your children.”
- Haddad also will present “Clinical Trials: Mapping our future.”
- Barbara Bowers, M.D., cancer center member and medical director, Fairview Southdale Breast Center, will present “Knowledge is Power: Updates in oncology.”
- Anna Leininger, M.S., C.G.C., cancer center member, will present “Do Your Genes Fit? Genetics and breast cancer.”
- Connie Grauds, president of the Association of Natural Medicine Pharmacists, director of allied health at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and a lecturer at the Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota, will present "The Science & Spirit of How Nature Heals."
- Jennifer Harrington, M.D., adjunct instructor in the Department of Surgery, will be one of the presenters for “Staying Abreast: Innovations in plastic surgery.”
For more information and registration, visit the conference Web site.
Members in the news
- Michael Verneris, M.D., Transplant Biology and Therapy Research Program, was interviewed by WCCO-TV about his research of the use specialized immune system cells called "natural killer cells" to treat childhood leukemia and other cancers. The story is part of month-long series coordinated by the Children's Cancer Research Fund with WCCO about advances in research and treatment of childhood cancer.
Education and Events
Developmental Biology Symposium: Development and Cancer: Good Cells Gone Bad
Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 8:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Coffman Memorial Union
The Developmental Biology Center is partnering with the Masonic Cancer Center to present "Development and Cancer: Good Cells Gone Bad." The program will include a full slate of distinguished speakers and a poster session. A banquet is scheduled for Tuesday evening, September 29, 5:30 p.m. at the Weisman Art Museum on the Minneapolis campus. For more information, visit the Developmental Biology Center Web site. Contact Amelie Hyams (hyams003@umn.edu, 612-624-4981) with questions.
Cancer Biology Journal Club
Wednesday, September 30, 2009, 12-1 p.m., NHH 4-101 (note different location)
Nicole Buxhoeveden will discuss “CD4(+) T cells regulate pulmonary metastasis of mammary carcinomas by enhancing protumor properties of macrophages,” DeNardo DG, et al., Cancer Cell. 2009 Aug 4;16(2):91-102.
Cancer Biology Journal Club is held every Wednesday. For more information contact Eric Rahrmann (rahr0003@umn.edu) or Susan Rathe (rath0096@umn.edu).
Tobacco Use Research Center Discussion Series
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 8:30 a.m., 717 Delaware St., S.E., Room 105
Mark Le Sage will present "Modeling nicotine regulation policy in nonhumans."
This new discussion series is an opportunity to learn about and discuss what tobacco researchers are working on, and to facilitate collaborations.
Living with Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer Awareness Association Annual Conference
Saturday, October 3, 2009, Minneapolis Convention Center
See details in the News section above.
Program in Health Disparities Research Poster Session and Awards Dinner
Tuesday, October 6, 2009; 4:30 p.m. poster session; 5:15 awards dinner; Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N., Minneapolis
The Program in Health Disparities Research will host a poster session and dinner banquet to recognize this year’s grantees and showcase local health disparities research from grantees of the last two years of the Planning Grants Program and Program in Health Disparities Research. Please R.S.V.P. by October 1, 2009, to phdr@umn.edu or 612-626-9192.
Herberger’s raises funds for breast cancer research
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, Herberger’s department stores
Herberger's will donate 1 percent of all purchases made with their "Rose" charge card to breast cancer research at the Masonic Cancer Center. Also, throughout the month of October, Herberger's will promote its Pink Shop, featuring breast cancer awareness items including lunch totes and a new reusable shopping tote created by Sheryl Crow. Herberger's has donated funds to the Masonic Cancer Center through its "Charge Against Breast Cancer" program since 2001.
Ice Cream Social
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 2-2:30 p.m., Masonic Cancer Research Building 7th floor atrium
Come to the Masonic Cancer Center’s monthly ice cream social. $1 per serving.
Women’s Health Conference: Nursing the Science of Caring
Thursday, October 8, 2009, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center, Johnson Room
Masonic Cancer Center is one of the sponsors of the fourth annual Women’s Health Conference, which will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA). Melissa Geller, M.D., Women’s Cancer Research Program, will present an ovarian cancer update. Additional presentations cover topics ranging from vitamin D to the impact of the economy on nursing practice. Continuing nursing education credits are available. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Cost is $30. Visit www.med.umn.edu/obgyn to register.
Klobuchar to speak at David A. Rothenberger M.D. Lecture
Monday, October 12, 2009, 4 p.m., Mayo Memorial Auditorium.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar will speak about health care reform for the second annual David A. Rothenberger M.D. Lecture. This Medical School Department of Surgery event is free and open to the public.
Mixed Methods Interest Group
Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 3:30-5 p.m., 6-194 Weaver-Densford Hall
All interested faculty and students are invited to participate in the newly established Mixed Methods Interdisciplinary Graduate Group. The group is an informal, monthly discussion of issues related to the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact Joe Gaugler, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Nursing, gaug0015@umn.edu; 612-626-2485.
Cancer U: PSA: Issues in Screening and Diagnosis
Thursday, October 29, 2009, 6-8 p.m., A.I. Johnson Great Room, McNamara Alumni Center.
University of Minnesota researchers will present information and answer questions about the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. A recent University of Minnesota study found that men who were screened with a PSA blood test did not have better outcomes than those who did not have the PSA screening. University experts will discuss the implications of the study. Speakers include Timothy Church, Ph.D., who is principal investigator for the study being discussed and a member of the cancer center's Prevention and Etiology Research Program; and Christopher Warlick, M.D., Ph.D., urologic surgeon. More information and registration.
Cancer Prevention and Control Fall Retreat
Friday, October 30, 2009, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, MacMillan Auditorium, Chaska
The retreat offers a full agenda of outstanding speakers and opportunities for discussions among participants within the beautiful setting of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Leaders of the Masonic Cancer Center's Cancer Prevention and Control research programs (Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention, Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, and Prevention and Etiology) are hosting the retreat. Pre-registration is required: Please R.S.V.P. to Kathy Longley (klongley@umn.edu) by October 1, 2009. More information and schedule of speakers and topics.
Visit the Upcoming Events Web page for more event listings.
Visit the Professional Education Web page for more conference and special lecture listings.
Program Meetings
Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship Research Seminar
Monday, October 5, 2009, 12-1 p.m., Mayo 1250
Value of structured literature reviews for cancer therapy and outcomes
Beth Virnig, Ph.D., Co-leader, Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship Research Program, and Associate Professor, Department of Health Services Research Policy
R.S.V.P. by Thursday, October 1, to Sandi Sherman, sherm019@umn.edu, to reserve a lunch.
Upcoming BMT Conferences
Monday, October 5, 2009, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
Long term survival after hematopoietic-cell transplantation
Navneet S Majhail, M.D., M.S., Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota
Monday, October 12, 2009, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
Attending meeting
TOCCS (Tobacco, Obesity, Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention and Screening) Seminar
Friday, October 9, 2009, 12-1 p.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
Arylamine N-acetyltransferases: inactivation by reactive metabolites of carcinogenic arylamines
Patrick E. Hanna, Ph.D., Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology, Morse-Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota
Light lunch provided.
Women's Cancer Research Seminar
Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 9-10 a.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
Ritonavir: From drug to pathways in breast cancer
David Potter, M.D., Ph.D.
Visit the Professional Education Web page for complete program meeting schedules.
Funding News and Opportunities
The ASCO Cancer Foundation® 2010 Advanced Clinical Research Award in Breast Cancer
Award Total: $450,000 paid in three (3) annual increments to the awardee's sponsoring institution
Award Term: July 1, 2010-June 30, 2013
Application Opens: September 1, 2009
Letter of Intent Due: October 20, 2009 by 5 p.m. EDT
Completed Application Due: December 17, 2009 by 5 p.m. EST
The grant is designed to fund investigators who are committed to clinical cancer research and who wish to conduct original research not currently funded. This research must have a patient-oriented focus, including a clinical research study and/or translational research involving human subjects.
The ASCO Cancer Foundation® 2010 Comparative Effectiveness Research Professorship in Breast Cancer
Award Total: $500,000 paid in five (5) annual increments to the awardee's sponsoring institution
Award Term: July 1, 2010-June 30, 2015
Application Opens: September 1, 2009
Letter of Intent Due: October 20, 2009 by 5 p.m. EDT
Completed Application Due: December 17, 2009 by 5 p.m. EST
The grant will provide funding to outstanding researchers who have made and are continuing to make significant contributions that have changed the direction of breast cancer research and who will provide mentorship to junior researchers. It is intended to provide support to qualified individuals to investigate comparative effectiveness in breast cancer and to train future generations of researchers in this field.
Visit the Funding News & Opportunities Web page to see listings previously published in Update. Also, a list of organizations that provide funding for cancer research is provided on our Research Funding Resources page.