Translational Working Groups

What is a Translational Working Group?

The Translational Working Groups (TWGs) are a mechanism to foster interprogrammatic and translational research to promote new discoveries. TWGs organize MCC members from various research programs into groups designed to address site-specific cancers, foster collaborations, and provide the necessary scientific and clinical expertise to improve outcomes for the specific disease sites.

What does a TWG do?

Focuses on one type, or a group of closely related types, of cancer
Applies the scientific findings of our programs to specific types of cancer
Enhances interactions between MCC members to address disease-specific questions
Provides the structure to allow MCC investigators opportunities to interact and discuss specific clinical problems and priorities, which can lead to novel approaches to cancer prevention or treatment, and to identifying potential areas of collaboration
Catalyzes new multi-investigator, multidisciplinary preclinical and clinical translational research
Communicates with University of Minnesota Foundation development officers and craft literature describing efforts in research area
Advises the MCC director and executive committee on spending philanthropic funds designated for a TWG site-specific cancer
Advises program leaders and members on clinical resources for research in TWG cancer types
Provides a “front door” for philanthropists and community members interested in site-specific cancers

Creating new Translational Working Groups

An investigator interested in creating a new translational working group can submit an application via the online application form. Submitted applications will be reviewed by the Masonic Cancer Center Executive Committee for approval.

For questions or concerns regarding TWG groups or the application process, please contact the TWG Administrator, Eric Zhang, at zhan0718@umn.edu or 612-624-0458.

Our Translational Working Groups

Brain Tumor Program TWG

Brain cancer that originates in the tissue of the brain is called primary brain cancer. Cancer that begins elsewhere in the body and spreads to the brain is known as metastatic or secondary brain cancer. Metastatic brain tumors are the most common brain tumors. Our neuro-oncology specialists treat patients with a broad spectrum of noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) tumors of the brain and nervous system. The Brain Tumor TWG team brings together experts from basic science, to clinical research, to translational research, and to the patient to create truly comprehensive care.

The Brain Tumor TWG has a monthly executive meeting, which occurs every second Thursday from 7:45-8:45 a.m. in CCRB 3-124.

Additionally, we host a monthly data club (a combination journal club and the opportunity for people to present their own research), which is open to anyone interested in brain tumor research. This Brain Tumor Program Data Club occurs every second Thursday from 9-10 a.m. in CCRB 3-150.

Leader: David Largaespada, Ph.D.

Administrative Contact: Rebecca Godar - godar009@umn.edu - 612-626-0369

Meetings Times: Second Thursday of the month, 9-10 a.m., CCRB 3-150

Read more about the Brain Tumor Program.

Breast Cancer TWG

Breast cancer forms in the tissue of the breasts, usually in the tubes that carry milk to the nipple (ducts) or the glands that produce milk (lobules). Each cancer behaves differently, and accurately identifying the cancer is essential to effective treatment. The Breast Cancer TWG takes an innovative approach to care, participating in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of cancer, as well as testing the effectiveness of hormone-blocking or dietary interventions.

Leader: Douglas Yee, M.D.

Administrative Contact: Jean Jacoby – jacob016@umn.edu – 612-626-5475

Meeting Times: Fourth Friday of the month, 8-9 a.m., Benson Room, C456 Mayo

Cutaneous Oncology TWG

Our vision is to reduce and eventually eliminate the burden of cancers arising in the skin. Through interdisciplinary collaboration among our basic, clinical and population scientists at the University of Minnesota and Masonic Cancer Center, we will create an outstanding cutaneous oncology translational research program to conduct state-of-the-art scientific research resulting in the prevention, early detection, treatment, and enhancement of survivorship of children and adults with these cancers.

Leaders: DeAnn Lazovich, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Heather Nelson, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Administrative Contact: Jane Boyer - boyer009@umn.edu - 612-626-4454

Meeting Times: Second Thursday of the month, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., PWB 8-335

Gastrointestinal TWG

Description coming.

Leaders: Emil Lou, M.D., Ph.D., FACP

Administrative Contact: Tracey Daye-Groves - tmgroves@umn.edu - 612-624-5944

Meeting Times: First Tuesday of the month, 3-4 p.m., PWB 14-109

Gynecologic Cancers TWG

Gynecologic cancers are cancers that occur in the female reproductive organs, including the following: vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tube, ovary, and primary peritoneal cancer. As one of the largest gynecologic cancer services in the Midwest, we provide comprehensive care and access to the latest in research, as well as new approaches to treating gynecologic cancers. We were named a National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health by the Office of Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Leader: Melissa Geller, M.D.

Administrative Contact: Kit Brown – brow3238@umn.edu, 612-624-9904

Meeting Times: Time and location vary. Normally held every 6 weeks.

Head and Neck Cancer TWG

Developing TWG

Leader: Frank Ondrey, M.D., Ph.D., FACS

Heme Malignancy TWG

The translational activities for heme malignancy research are carried out by the Transplant Biology and Therapy Research program. For more information, please see: https://www.cancer.umn.edu/our-research/research-programs/transplant-biology-therapy-program

Prostate and Urologic Cancer TWG

Genitourinary cancers include a variety of cancers that are found in the male and female urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys, and ureters. They are also found in the male reproductive organs, including the prostate, testicles, and penis. The Genitourinary Tumors Translational Working Group has served as leaders in genitourinary cancer diagnosis and treatment for many years. Our program pioneered endoscopic urology using percutaneous approaches to biopsy masses in the kidney. In addition, the prostate-specific antigen test was first validated at the University of Minnesota as a marker for prostate cancer.

Leader: Scott Dehm, Ph.D.

Administrative Contact: Liz Mayock – eamayock@umn.edu – 612-625-7486

Meeting Times: Second Tuesday of the month, 8-9 a.m., Urology conference room, B564 Mayo

Sarcoma TWG

Sarcoma cancers, also known as musculoskeletal or bone and soft tissue cancers, develop in the body’s connective tissue, such as: fat, blood vessels, nerves, bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. A multidisciplinary team works with patients to develop a customized treatment plan. We are continually improving treatment for patients with bone and soft tissue cancers through laboratory work, clinical research and education.

Leader: Brenda Weigel, M.D., M.Sc

Administrative Contact: Rick Jacobson – rickj@umn.edu – 612-626-5501

Meeting Times: Time and location vary.

Thoracic TWG

Thoracic cancers include cancers of the lungs, bronchial tubes, and esophagus. Our lung and esophageal cancer specialists are experts in treating lung cancer and all chest-related cancers. Patients with lung and esophageal cancers often have complex medical needs and require comprehensive therapies. Our lung and esophageal cancer specialists see more than 1,000 patients each year and work with them to develop a customized treatment plan.

Leader: Jill Siegfried, Ph.D. and Robert Kratzke, M.D.

Administrative Contact: Eric Zhang - zhan0718@umn.edu - 612-625-0458

Meeting Times: Second Monday of the month, 2-3 p.m., 656 MCRB.