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Researchers and Staff
October 13, 2009
Update is available on the Web at www.cancer.umn.edu/news/ccupdate/index.html.
Update is an official newsletter of the Masonic Cancer Center for faculty, members, staff, colleagues, and friends. The newsletter is e-mailed biweekly on Tuesdays. Please submit items for the next issue by Friday, October 23 to Gina Kennedy, kenne069@umn.edu.
In This Issue
Funding News and Opportunities
Cancer Center Seminar
Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 12-1 p.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
DNA and RNA biomarkers in the chemical biology of inflammation
Peter Dedon, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Toxicology and Biological Engineering, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.
Host: Stephen Hecht, Ph.D.
Next week's seminar:
Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 12-1 p.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
Role of quinones in estrogen carcinogenesis
Judy Bolton, Ph.D., College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Host: Stephen Hecht, Ph.D.
Cancer Center Seminar calendar
News
Intranet launched for Masonic Cancer Center members and staff
An intranet Web site for members and staff is now available at https://intranet.cancer.umn.edu. The site, which replaces the Cancer Center Resources Manual, includes reference information and forms for administrative services, communications, facilities, finance services, and human resources. The intranet also includes a research area with information for ISC Teams; and a section for CETI (Cancer Experimental Therapeutics Initiative) is in development. To access the intranet, you will need to log in with your U of M Internet ID (x.500). For more information, read the Masonic Cancer Center Intranet Q & A, or e-mail ccweb@umn.edu.
Vickers elected to Institute of Medicine
Selwyn Vickers, M.D., has been elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Vickers, a nationally renowned leader in pancreatic cancer research, is associate director of translational research for the Masonic Cancer Center, and he is Jay Phillips Professor and chair of the Department of Surgery in the Medical School. Institute of Medicine membership is awarded to those who have contributed significantly to medical sciences, health care, and public health. It is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine. See the Academic Health Center news release for more information.
Cancer U: Ask the Experts to focus on PSA test in prostate cancer screening
University of Minnesota researchers will present information and answer questions about issues surrounding the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for prostate cancer at Masonic Cancer Center's upcoming Cancer U, Thursday, October 29, 6-8 p.m., at the McNamara Alumni Center. Speakers include Christopher Warlick, M.D., Ph.D., urologic surgeon, and Timothy Church, Ph.D., a principal investigator for the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, which found that six annual screenings for prostate cancer led to more diagnoses of the disease, but not fewer prostate cancer deaths. Warlick and Church will discuss what this research means for prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This event is free and open to the public. More information and registration.
Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic launched for survivors of adult cancers
Like survivors of childhood cancer, some adults who survive cancer may face residual health issues from the chemotherapy and other treatments. The Masonic Cancer Clinic, staffed by University of Minnesota Physicians, now offers a Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic to help survivors of adulthood cancer with late-effects of treatment, such as second cancers, cardiovascular issues, and lung and bone problems. The new adulthood-cancer survivor clinic is directed by Anne Blaes, M.D., and complements the services offered through the childhood cancer Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic directed by Daniel Mulrooney, M.D. Both are members the Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship Research Program.
Members in the news
- Douglas Yee, M.D., Masonic Cancer Center director, discussed a screening bill co-sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar and other breast cancer issues on WCCO Radio last Wednesday.
- Todd Tuttle, M.D., Women's Cancer Research Program, was featured in reports by WCCO-radio, WCCO-TV, and the Star Tribune about his newest research study about more women opting for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and that this surgery is more likely performed by women surgeons. See the news release and listen to a Health Talk & You podcast interview with Tuttle about the research.
Gopher football game to be dedicated to breast cancer research, awareness
For the second year, Masonic Cancer Center and the color pink for breast cancer awareness will take center stage at a Gopher football game. Promotional activities at the October 31 Gopher football game versus Michigan State in the new TCF Stadium will include: a full-page advertisement in the Gopher football program (the ad will be in all of this season's programs); a video spot featuring Coach Tim Brewster and Masonic Cancer Center Director Douglas Yee will be played twice during the game; Masonic Cancer Center employees will staff an information table in the stadium concourse; Brewster and the coaching staff will wear pink pins; and Goldy Gopher will sport a pink cape and wear a pink ribbon. Promotions leading up to the game will encourage everyone attending the game to wear pink in addition to maroon and gold.
Lange speaks at Legislature's Cancer Caucus
Carol Lange, Ph.D., Women's Cancer Research Program, discussed her breast cancer laboratory research at the Minnesota Legislature's Cancer Caucus October 7 at the Capitol. Lange described research that could lead to a better understanding of how breast cancer spreads and have implications for future prevention and treatment. The mission of the cancer caucus is to increase knowledge among legislators about cancer and related health issues and to connect legislators and their constituents to resources related to cancer prevention, treatment and support.
Cannon receives ACS New Investigator Award
Mark Cannon, M.D., Ph.D., received an American Cancer Society New Investigator Award for $720,000 over four years beginning in 2010. Cannon will study Kaposi's sarcoma pathogenesis with the funding.
Masonic Cancer Center to pay for Cancer Summit registration
The Minnesota Cancer Alliance invites individuals from the cancer community to the sixth annual Cancer Summit 2009: Partners in Progress Tuesday, November 17 at Hotel Sofitel in Bloomington. The Masonic Cancer Center will pay the Cancer Summit registration fee for its members and staff. You must send your registration form to Robin Toy by the end of the day Monday, October 26. More information and registration.
Dudek runs Twin Cities Marathon to raise funds for melanoma research
Arek Dudek, M.D., Tumor Biology and Progression Research Program, finished the Twin Cities Marathon October 4, and he raised funds for melanoma research with every mile he ran to train. So far he has raised over $1,400 for the Experimental Therapeutic Research Fund at the Minnesota Medical Foundation. Dudek's Web site, www.runformelanomaresearch.com, will continue to accept donations for melanoma research for a few more months.
Kudos
- Congratulations to neuroscience graduate student Stacy Decker, Ohlfest lab, who was awarded an NIH National Research Service Award.
Education and Events
Cancer Biology Journal Club - cancelled this week
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Cancer Biology Journal Club is held every Wednesday. For more information contact Eric Rahrmann (rahr0003@umn.edu) or Susan Rathe (rath0096@umn.edu).
Toxicology Seminar
Monday, October 19, 2009, 3:35-4:25 p.m., 1155 Mayo Building
Heather H. Nelson, M.P.H., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health
Epigenetic alterations in lung cancer development
CANCELLED - Center for Drug Design Seminar
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Katherine L. Seley-Radtke, Ph.D., Organic and Biomedicinal Chemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Exploring structural diversity in drug design
Overcoming Racial Disparities in Healthcare: The Role of Patient-Centeredness
Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 12:15-1:15 p.m., Mayo Memorial Auditorium
Lisa Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., Pfizer Visiting Professor in Health Literacy and nationally renowned expert on patient-provider communication issues and overcoming barriers to equitable health care in diverse populations, will present for this joint Grand Rounds for the Program in Health Disparities Research, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, and Department of Medicine.
Oral Cancer Symposium: Clinical and Scientific Advances 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009, Coffman Theater, Coffman Memorial Union
This timely continuing dental education course will give dental professionals the latest diagnostic techniques and management strategies for premalignant and malignant diseases of the oral cavity. Attendees will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to the oral cancer patient presented by a team of physicians and dentists from the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic.
More information and registration.
Masonic Cancer Center Recognition Program
Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 2 p.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
The Masonic Cancer Center's Recognition Program will highlight research activities and recognize outstanding contributors within the research programs for Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention, and for Cancer Prevention and Etiology. The presenters will be Program Leader Stephen Hecht, Ph.D., Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention, and Program Co-Leader Anne Joseph, M.D., M.P.H., Cancer Prevention and Etiology.
Cancer U: PSA: Issues in Screening and Diagnosis
Thursday, October 29, 2009, 6-8 p.m., A.I. Johnson Great Room, McNamara Alumni Center.
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.
Breast Cancer Awareness at Gopher Football Game
Saturday, October 31, 2009
See details in the news item above.
Cancer Summit 2009: Partners in Progress
Tuesday, November 17, 2009, Hotel Sofitel, Bloomington
The Minnesota Cancer Alliance invites individuals from the cancer community to the sixth annual Cancer Summit 2009: Partners in Progress. Health care professionals, community outreach workers, advocates and survivors will come together for this working meeting to help take Alliance activities to the next level. Keynote speaker Jim Chase, Minnesota Community Measurement president, will provide an overview of cancer screening data, including how data can impact coalitions to take action. The day-long summit also will include: "My Colorectal Cancer Journey" survivor story from Ruth Edstrom, breakout and working sessions, Spirit of Collaboration Awards, and a reception. The Masonic Cancer Center will pay the Cancer Summit registration fee for members and staff. You must send your registration form to Robin Toy by the end of the day Monday, October 26. More information and registration.
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
Women's Cancer Research Seminar
Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 9-10 a.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
David Potter, M.D., Ph.D.
Ritonavir: From drug to pathways in breast cancer
Cancer Epidemiology Interest Group
Friday, October 16, 2009, 11:30-1 p.m., Moos Tower 2-118
Julie A. Jacko, Ph.D., Director/Lead Faculty, Institute for Health Informatics; Professor, School of Nursing; Professor, School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Science
The health informatics landscape at the University of Minnesota: Partnerships and opportunities
Please RSVP to Logan Spector by 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, if you would like lunch.
Brain Tumor Program Data Club Meeting
Monday, October 19, 2009, 9-10 a.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Center Research Building
Arkadiusz Dudek, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation
Cancer gene therapy transfer through blood outgrowth endothelial cell carrier based delivery system
Contact Amy Gaug at gaugx002@umn.edu with questions.
BMT Conference
Monday, October 19, 2009, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
Michael Verneris, M.D., M.S., Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota
Influence of lymphocyte recovery on cord blood transplant outcomes
Monday, October 26, 2009, 1:15-2:15 p.m., 450 Masonic Cancer Research Building
Speaker to be determined
Tumor Biology and Progression Program Meeting
Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 9:15-10:15 a.m., 11-207 PWB
Role and origin of alternative androgen receptor isoforms in prostate cancer
Scott Dehm, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Lab Medicine & Pathology
Visit the Professional Education Web page for complete program meeting schedules.
Funding News and Opportunities
Important News and Notices
Restructured Application Forms and Instructions for Submissions for FY2011 Funding
NOT-OD-09-149
National Institutes of Health
This notice announces that new, restructured versions of the paper PHS 398 and electronic SF 424 (R&R) application packages and instructions will be available by December 2009.
Non-NIH Announcements
2010 Advanced Clinical Research Award (ACRA) in Breast Cancer
ASCO Cancer Foundation
Application Receipt Date: October 20, 2009 (LOI); December 17, 2009 (Full Application)
Funding: $150,000/year for 3 years2010 Comparative Effectiveness Research Professorship (CERP) in Breast Cancer
ASCO Cancer Foundation
Application Receipt Date: October 20, 2009 (LOI); December 17, 2009 (Full Application)
Funding: $100,000/year for 5 yearsAmerican Cancer Society Institutional Research Grants
Deadline: November 16, 2009
Amount: Up to $30,000
These grantsare 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. Applications may be obtained by calling 612-625-2912 or e-mailing morga336@umn.edu.
Breast Cancer Research Program - Concept Award
Department of Defense
Mandatory Preapplication Receipt Date: October 29, 2009
Application Receipt Date: November 12, 2009
Funding: $75,000 for 1 yearNeuro-Oncology Research Grants
Society for NeuroOncology
Application Receipt Dates: varied (see website)
Funding: varied (see website)Alex's Lemonade Stand Research Grants
Alex's Lemonade Stand
Application Receipt Date: December 15, 2009
- New Investigator Award - $40,000/year for 2 years
- Innovation Award - $100,000/year for 2 years
- Epidemiology Award - $50,000/year for 2 years
- Program Infrastructure Award - $125,000/year for 3 years
NIH Announcements
Cancer Nanotechnology Training Centers (CNTCs)(R25)
(RFA-CA-09-014)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): December 17, 2009
Funding: $400,000 (direct costs) per year for up to 5 yearsPathway to Independence Award in Cancer Nanotechnology Research (K99/R00)
(RFA-CA-09-015)
National Cancer Institute
Application Receipt Date(s): December 17, 2009
Funding: K99 portion - Up to $100,000 salary & fringe; $30,000 research expenses.
R00 portion - $249,000 total costs per yearMechanisms, Models, Measurement, and Management in Pain Research (R01)
PA-10-006 - R01
PA-10-007 - R21
PA-10-008 - R03
National Cancer Institute (among others)
Application Receipt/Submission Date(s): Multiple dates, see announcement.
Funding: Standard mechanism limits apply.Community Networks Program (CNP) Centers for Reducing Cancer Disparities through Outreach, Research and Training (U54)
(RFA-CA-09-032)
National Cancer Institute (among others)
Application Receipt Date(s): December 15, 2009
Funding: Because the nature and scope of the proposed work will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size of each award will vary. Total costs requested for a Regional Center may not exceed $900,000 in the first year. Total costs requested or awarded for a National Center may not exceed $1.5 million in the first year. For both types of Centers, funding may be requested for 5-year periods with standard 3% cost of living increases allowed for years 2-5.Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in Human Cancer for Years 2010, 2011 and 2012 (P50)
(PAR-10-003)
National Cancer Institute (among others)
Application Receipt/Submission Date(s): January 28 2010; May 20, 2010; September 21, 2010; January 20, 2011; May 20, 2011; September 20, 2011; January 20, 2012; May 22, 2012; September 20, 2012
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.
Employment Opportunities
Postdoctoral Associate
A Postdoctoral Associate position is available to investigate the formation and repair of DNA adducts of 1,3-butadiene in vivo. The work will involve using mass spectrometry techniques to quantify bifunctional DNA-DNA lesions induced by bifunctional metabolite of butadiene, diepoxybutane, in tissues of laboratory animals and in smokers' urine. The post-doctoral associate is trained by and works in conjunction with their faculty mentor who determines the training agenda. Research responsibilities generally involve participation in the design, implementation, and evaluation of a research project. The appointee may participate in preparation and presentation of data to study investigators. The appointee may author, co-author, and otherwise collaborate on reports, conference papers and publications. Principle Investigator: Natalia Tretyakova, Ph.D. Requisition number 163512.
Junior Scientist (professional non-faculty, requisition number: 163311) working in the lab of Sharon Murphy.
Java Developer/Programmer (Information Technology, requisition number: 160960) working with Biomedical Informatics.
Visit the Masonic Cancer Center Employment Web page to see all employment listings.