July 18, 2011

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Report from the AACI-NCI Working Group on Clinical Trials Reporting (CRTP)

The NCI and AACI have worked over the past year to develop clinical trials reporting guidelines that are aligned with the IOM report on cancer clinical trials and provide NCI with a uniform database. The key elements of these guidelines include a uniform procedure for classification of protocols, a time line for reporting implementation, and a time line for reporting accrual information. The new guidelines will also result in audits of both protocol reporting and accrual reporting.

We will comply with these new regulations through our Clinical Trials Office, directed by Katarzyna Karelus. Kat will be happy to answer any questions you have, and may be reached at kxk384@case.edu. This process will also assist us in appreciating the publicly available database when we design investigator initiated or national trials. Please review the recently released CRTP report, which can be found on the NCI website.

CASE CCC IN THE NEWS

In Addition to Hospitals, Community at Large Must Address Health Care Disparities
Plain Dealer - July 15, 2011
The Plain Dealer is right to call for greater coordination among those working to reduce disparities in breast cancer incidence and death rates among uninsured, poor and minority women in Northeast Ohio....Stan Gerson, M.D. and Hermione Malone...

New Cancers in the Family May Merit Extra Screening
Reuters - Jul 13, 2011
"It is plausible but still unknown whether family history increases the likelihood that breast cancers, prostate cancers, or colon adenomas found by screening are clinically significant," wrote Dr. Louise Acheson, of Case Western Reserve University ...

Lyndhurst Couple Gives $17 Million to UH Rainbow for New Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute
Plain Dealer - July 13, 2011
Work on the renovations will begin in the next few months. "Ultimately the goal for us is to enhance how we deliver care," said Dr. John Letterio, chief of hematology/oncology at Rainbow. Letterio will serve as chairman of the new institute. ...

A Closer Look at Barrett's Esophagus: NetWellness
Plain Dealer - July 13, 2011
This week's NetWellness is written by Dr. Linda Cheng Cummings, is assistant professor at the Digestive Health Institute, University Hospitals, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when the lower ...

Men More Likely Than Women to Die of Cancer
Health.com - Jul 12, 2011
It's not clear why there is a disparity, but it may be due in part to lifestyle factors such as more smoking and drinking and fewer doctors' visits or cancer screenings among men, says Mikkael Sekeres, MD, a cancer epidemiologist at the Cleveland ...

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Multilevel Interventions in Health Care

There is a playlist on the NIH YouTube channel featuring presentations, keynote addresses, and Q&A sessions from the March 2011 Multilevel Interventions in Health Care conference. In addition, researchers are encouraged to explore two resources for continuing the conversation about multilevel intervention research. First, check out the recent blog post The Potential of Multilevel Interventions to Improve Health IT on the Informatics for Consumer Health Web site and add your comments. Second, join the new LinkedIn Group Multilevel Interventions in Health Care. Use the group's features to share interesting news and articles relevant multilevel interventions or to exchange ideas about this research area. The group will also be the channel for announcements about the NCI's Multilevel Interventions project, including news about the upcoming JNCI supplement.

Newly Improved Office of Rare Diseases Research (ORDR) Biospecimens/Biorepositories Web site

The NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research (ORDR) has released a newly improved Biospecimens/Biorepositories web site, Rare Disease-HUB (RD-HUB). The purpose of this site is to have a portal for the researchers to locate and inquire on the availability of specimens from the different existing biorepositories around the globe. For the repositories who are interested in sharing their inventory, this site can serve them well by letting researchers check whether the specimens with the specific requirements they are looking for is available, before contacting the repository. The goal of RD-HUB is to serve the global research community, the patients and the patient advocacy groups and the large community as well.

Although the site will continue to include common diseases such as cancer and other diseases, the focus of the RD-HUB will be on rare diseases. All rare diseases (about 7,000) are now included. In addition to assisting researchers locate specimens, the scope of the RD-HUB includes providing links to best practices for specimen collection, handling, and processing; models and templates for informed consent, and ethical and legal guidelines for handling human subject material for research and treatment; as well as links to related articles and protocols and other useful information.

Clinical Research Scholar Career Development Training Opportunity

The CTSC KL2 seeks outstanding candidates to fill Clinical Research (CR) Scholar positions available in July 2012. The training program is funded by the NIH and it is a component of the Cleveland Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative. This innovative program is a collaboration involving CWRU, Cleveland Clinic, UH and MetroHealth. Each CR Scholar will embark on a 4-year program of intensive training in interdisciplinary team-based, patient-oriented research, combining a novel educational program with mentored research experiences.

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend upcoming informational sessions. To make a reservation, please contact contact Beth Spyke, MPA at spykeb@ccf.org or 216-444-2702. Applications will be accepted through October 10.

Bioinformatics Survey

Many researchers in the Case CCC utilize core services for array-based genomics studies and next generation sequencing studies. These data can be challenging to work with, and the Cancer Center is planning on implementing a new core facility, the Bioinformatics Analysis Core, to assist with these services.

We ask that you complete a short survey to help us understand how to shape this core to best serve Cancer Center memberships needs. Please contact Kristin Waite with any questions.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Pilot Research Award

The Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility (PSCF) seeks to support the creation of up to eight disease–specific iPS cell lines in 2011. Investigators will provide a patient fibroblast sample which the PSCF will reprogram into an iPS cell line for study in the investigator's laboratory. Funding for the creation of these cell lines is provided by a CWRU Interdisciplinary Alliance Investment Grant (IAIG) with contributions from the Provost, the School of Medicine, the Case School of Engineering, and the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as Cleveland Clinic and NCRM. It is expected that the creation of these disease–specific iPS cell lines will provide investigators with the preliminary data needed to apply for NIH or equivalent funding. All CWRU and Cleveland Clinic faculty members are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: August 31

AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research

The AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research was established and first given in 2004 to honor an individual who has made significant fundamental contributions to cancer research, either through a single scientific discovery or a body of work. These contributions, whether they have been in research, leadership, or mentorship, must have had a lasting impact on the cancer field and must have demonstrated a lifetime commitment to progress against cancer.

Deadline: September 26

AACR-Women in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend Memorial Lectureship

The AACR-Women in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend Memorial Lectureship was established in 1998 in honor of renowned virologist and discoverer of the Friend virus, Dr. Charlotte Friend, for her pioneering research on viruses, cell differentiation and cancer. The lecture is intended to give recognition to an outstanding female or male scientist who has made meritorious contributions to the field of cancer research and who has, through leadership or by example, furthered the advancement of women in science. Candidacy is open to all cancer researchers who are affiliated with any institution involved in cancer research, cancer medicine or cancer-related biomedical science anywhere in the world.

Deadline: October 11

AACR G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award

AACR and Eli Lilly and Company established this award in 1961 to honor Dr. G.H.A. Clowes, who was a founding member of the AACR and a research director of Eli Lilly. The Clowes Award recognizes an individual with outstanding recent accomplishments in basic cancer research. Candidacy is open to all cancer researchers who are affiliated with any institution involved in cancer research, cancer medicine or cancer-related biomedical science anywhere in the world.

Deadline: October 11

AACR-Minorities in Cancer Research Jane Cooke Wright Lectureship

The AACR-Minorities in Cancer Research Jane Cooke Wright Lectureship is intended to give recognition to an outstanding scientist who has made meritorious contributions to the field of cancer research and who has, through leadership or by example, furthered the advancement of minority investigators in cancer research. Candidacy is open to all cancer researchers who are affiliated with any institution involved in cancer research, cancer medicine or cancer-related biomedical science anywhere in the world.

Nomination Deadline: October 11

AACR Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cancer Research

Through the generous contribution of an anonymous donor, AACR established this award in 1979 to give recognition to a young investigator on the basis of meritorious achievement in cancer research. In accordance with the wishes of the donor, the recipient must be no more than 40 years of age by the time the award is received. Candidacy is open to all cancer researchers who are affiliated with any institution involved in cancer research, cancer medicine or cancer-related biomedical science anywhere in the world.

Deadline: October 11

Case CCC Clinical Trials Funding Opportunity

The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is announcing the availability of Protocol Specific Research Support (PSRS) funding for Year 2011. The budgeted funds are for the conduct of early phase clinical trial and restricted to support research nurses and data managers directly involved in the conduct of these clinical trials. Studies developed jointly between UH and CCF with planned accrual at both institutions will be prioritized. Please direct questions and requests for information about the funding process to Katarzyna Karelus, Administrative Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Clinical Research Office, at (216) 368-6287 or kxk384@case.edu.

NCI CANCER BULLETIN

News
Featured Article: U.S. Colorectal Cancer Death Rates Continue to Drop, But Not Equally

EGFR-Targeted Drug Effective for Some Lung Cancer Patients

Clinically Relevant Family Histories of Cancer Change Over Time

Lung Tumor Study Reveals Variability of CT Scans

Blocking Cdk1 Protein May Sensitize More Tumors to PARP Inhibitors

Gene Mutations Linked to Altered Telomeres in Cancer Cells

Commentary
NCI Cancer Disparities Research: Sharing Ideas, Forging Partnerships

In Depth
Whole-Genome Sequencing for Cancer Enters the Clinic

Featured Clinical Trial: Preventing Smoldering Multiple Myeloma from Progressing

Inspired by Science: Cancer Research Internships for Minority Students

Updates
FDA Update

CMS Update

Legislative Update

Notes

EVENTS

**All events are open to anyone interested in attending

July 18

July 19

July 20

Special Presentation: Hematology and Oncology Research Conference
Neelesh Sharma MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Medical Oncology
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Topic: Clinical Evaluation of cMET Inhibitors
8 am Lerner B-151

July 21

Stem Cells Biology and Regenerative Medicine Seminar
Jack Parent, MD
Co-Director, Div. of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology
University of Michigan
Topic: Modeling a Genetic Epilepsy With Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
1 pm NE1-205 Cleveland Clinic

July 22

Cancer Center Research in Progress Seminar will resume September 2.

Hematology/Oncology Fellows Curriculum Series
Afshin Dowlati, MD
Associate Professor, Medicine-Hem/Onc
CWRU/UH
Topic: Introduction to Lung Cancer- Early Stage
8 am Wearn 137

Hematology/Oncology Fellows Curriculum Series
Howard Meyerson
Associate Professor, Clinical Pathology
CWRU/UH
Topic: Introduction to Morphology- Peripheral Smear
1 pm Pathology B-22

Case CCC Calendar

LRI Calendar

UPCOMING CANCER CENTER SYMPOSIUMS & EVENTS

Olof Pearson Lecture
August 4
Dennis A. Carson, MD
Director Emeritus, Moores UCSD Cancer Center
Topic: Treatment of Hairy Cell Leukemia: from Bench to Bedside
4 pm Wolstein 1-413

Imaging Solutions in Cancer Management: A Case-based Conference
September 8
Details to be released soon

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS

MSC 2011: Innovations in Cell-Based Regenerative Therapies
August 22-24
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center
Details

First Ascoli Piceno Conference on Gene Vaccination in Cancer
September 15-17
Ascoli Piceno, Italy
Details

8th International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology: Innovating Integrative Oncology: New Science, New Solutions
November 10-12
InterContinental Hotel Cleveland
Details

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

2012 Searle Scholar Program
Internal Nomination Deadline: July 25

Administrative Supplements for a Transdisciplinary Geographic Management Program (GMaP) Pilot Project
Request Submission Deadline: July 27

Administrative Supplements for Minority Biospecimen/Biobanking -Geographic Management Program (BMaP) Pilot Project
Request Submission Deadline: July 27

Administrative Supplements to Expand NCI-Supported Community Outreach Capacity Through Community Health Educators (CHEs) of the National Outreach Network
Request Submission Deadline: July 27

CTSC Core Utilization Pilot Grants
Deadline: August 1

International Myeloma Foundation Brian D. Novis Research Grant program
Deadline: August 1

Prostate Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Awards 2011
Deadline: August 1

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Promise Grants
Pre-Application Deadline: August 1
Full Application Deadline: December 15

DOD LCRP Early Investigator Synergistic Idea Award
Pre-Application (Preproposal) Deadline: August 3
Application Deadline: November 9

DOD LCRP Investigator Initiated Translational Research Award
Pre-Application (Preproposal) Deadline: August 3
Application Deadline: November 9

DOD LCRP Promising Clinician Research Award
Pre-Application (Preproposal) Deadline: August 3
Application Deadline: November 9

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
Deadline: August 5

PRCRP Visionary Postdoctoral Fellowship Award
Pre-application Deadline: August 10
Application Deadline: November 22

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Investigator-Initiated Research (IIR) Grants
Pre-Application Deadline: August 10
Full Application Deadline: December 15

Damon Runyon Fellowship Award
Application Deadline: August 15

Uniting Against Lung Cancer 2011 Legacy Program for Advances in Lung Cancer Research
Deadline: August 17

Avon Breast Health Outreach Program (BHOP)
Deadline: August 26

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Career Catalyst Research (CCR) Grants
Pre-Application Deadline: August 30
Full Application Deadline: January 5

SWOG Biorepository of Specimens Research Proposals
Proposal Deadline: September 1

AACR Team Science Award
Deadline: September 6

Pezcoller Foundation-AACR International Award for Cancer Research
Deadline: September 12

Lustgarten Foundation Fall 2011: Basic Research Innovator Awards
Concept Proposal Deadline: September 14
Full Application Deadline: October 31

AACR-American Cancer Society Award for Research Excellence in Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention
Deadline: September 26

Burroughs Wellcome Fund Medical Scientist Career Awards
Deadline: October 1

Translational Technology Concept Studies of Circulating Tumor and Endothelial Cells (CTC/CEC)
Deadline: Open

AACR Scholar-in-Training Awards - Other Conferences and Meetings
Deadline: Open

International Union Against Cancer (UICC) International Cancer Technology Transfer Fellowships
Application Deadline: Open

NCI Short-Term Scientist Exchange Program
Application Deadline: Open

James S. McDonnell Foundation Collaborative Activity Awards
Application Deadline: Open

NIH BULLETIN – Notices and Funding Opportunities

International Tobacco and Health Research and Capacity Building Program (R01) (RFA-TW-11-003)

HELP US HELP YOU!

If you have a new grant, recently won an award, or have other newsworthy items, please let us know so we can publicize them in the newsletter and other media outlets. You deserve the accolades!

Send items to gillian.irwin@case.edu.