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January 18, 2019
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Dr. Stan Gerson Stan Gerson, MD
Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Ruth Keri, PhD
Associate Director for Basic Research, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Changes in Molecular Oncology Program Leadership
Alex Almasan
Bingcheng Wang
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center would like to thank Bingcheng Wang, PhD and Alex Almasan,
PhD for their hard work in leading the Molecular Oncology Program (MO) for the past few years. As you likely know, their  commitment and dedication resulted in an Outstanding to Excellent score of MO in the last CCSG competing renewal, an improvement over the prior competing renewal in 2012.

With renewal comes time for reflection and Bing  and Alex are eager to focus their  efforts on their collaborative research  with members of the cancer center. As co-leaders, Bing and Alex and took on the challenge of reorganizing two prior programs into the one MO program that exists today. Through their engagement in multiple research themes, facilitation of the discovery process and promotion of transdisciplinary science, they formed a very effective leadership team while maintaining their independent research programs and leveraging their expertise to mentor MO members, in turn furthering translation of MO discoveries into the clinic. 

Both Bing and Alex will continue on as active members of our center. Bing will be leveraging his over 25 years of experience in terr ogating fundamental mechanisms of tumor etiology and progression, continuing his investigation of the roles of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases in invasive growth and distal metastasis of cancer cells. With over 30 years of interest in cell death and proliferation mechanisms, Alex will continue his research on therapeutic resistance in leukemic cells. 

Quintin Pan, PhD
Quintin Pan
Justin Lathia
Following review of the strengths, needs and research interests of current program members, we are pleased to announce that Justin Lathia, PhD and Quintin Pan, PhD have accepted the challenge of leading MO for the next several years. 

Justin has been a valuable member of the Case CCC since 2011. His research is focused on studying cancer from a stem cell perspective, and is currently collaborating with Jill Barnholtz-Sloan on sex differences in glioblastoma. Justin is associate staff at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and associate professor of molecular medicine at CWRU. 

Quintin, who joined our Center last year from Ohio State, is Deputy Director for Research at UH Seidman Cancer Center and professor of Otolarnygology at CWRU. He is focused on translational oncology research, with a broad research interest on novel anti - cancer target and molecule discovery using head and neck
squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as the model system. 

Justin and Quintin look forward to building strong bridges between investigators across the city, as  well as  identifying and reinforcing new focus areas of research with the goal of facilitating the development  of  multi-investigator projects and grants. 

Please join us in thanking Alex and Bing for their contributions and congratulating Justin and Quintin on their new roles.
MEMBER/CENTER HIGHLIGHTS
Sloan to Lead New University Hospitals Center of Excellence for Translational Neuro-Oncology
Following evaluation of faculty-led proposals, the leadership of the University Hospitals (UH) Research Division has announced the establishment of their first two Centers of Excellence (COEs): the Center for Integrated and Novel Approaches in Vascular-Metabolic Disease (CINEMA) and the  Center for Excellence for Translational Neuro-Oncology (CETNO).
 
CETNO will be led by Andrew E. Sloan, MD, the Peter Andrew Sloan D. Cristal Chair of Neurosurgical Oncology, Director, Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center and senior neurosurgeon at UH. Dr. Sloan is also a member of the Developmental Therapeutics and Cancer Imaging Programs in the Case CCC. 

The center will focus on critical challenges in neuro-oncology that limit clinicians' abilities to understand and follow responses in brain tumor treatment. Among these challenges are the paucity and lack of specificity of biomarkers along with intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Bringing together multiple departments and centers at UH, CETNO will create a unique platform to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors. An RFI is slated to be released next month. 
Applications for Summer Training for Medical Students Now Open
T he Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking medical students interested in summer research opportunities. Our center values the experience gained by extensive direct experience in laboratory research during medical school. Through this program trainees will receive financial support in addition to valuable experience.

Application materials are due Friday, March 15, 2019 by 5:00 pm ET.  Learn more about the program and how to apply.
Tenured Faculty Positions in Cancer Research
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is currently  inviting applications for tenured faculty positions  at the level of Associate Professor or Professor.

Applicants are being sought that have
Case CCC logobasic/translational research expertise 
in one of the following areas of cancer focus: Tumor Immunology, Drug Discovery, Genomics, Brain Tumors, Adolescent and Young Adult, and Women's Cancers. 

Qualified individuals should have a PhD with established expertise in the specific cancer to be studied. Candidates must also have a track record of a sustained and ongoing nationally funded research program, an outstanding record of collaborative cancer research activities and commitment to mentoring and teaching. Candidates for full professor should also demonstrate national and international recognition of their research program as well as success in leadership activities.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Cancer Center Seminar Series: "
The demise of cigarettes and the rise of e-cigarettes: 
Fixing our flawed response"
Jan 18, 12p | WRB Auditorium

Today's seminar features  guest speaker 
Kurt M. Ribisl, PhD  presenting  "T he demise of cigarettes and the rise of e-cigarettes:   Fixing our flawed response.

Dr. Ribisl is professor and chair in the Department of Health Behavior at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also the program leader for Cancer Prevention and Control at UNC's Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Ribisl's primary research interest is evaluating and improving the reach of population-level efforts to reduce tobacco use, with a particular emphasis on policy and information technology.

10th Annual "Take A Bite Out of AYA Cancer" Fundraiser
Jan 26, 7p | Rocky River, OH

The Steven G. AYA Cancer Research Fund is hosting their 10th annual "Take A Bite Out of AYA Cancer" fundraiser on Saturday, January 26, 2019.  In honor of the anniversary, all attendees will be entered to win an iPad! The fund fuels AYA cancer research here in NE Ohio, wellness and social support programs, as well as advocacy and education.

What: Dinner, beer, wine, dancing, & raffles!
When: 7-11:30p
Where: St. Demetrios Cultural Center, 22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, OH 44116
Tickets: $45,  click here to purchase.
Biochemistry Seminar Series presents the Merton F. Utter Distinguished Lecturer:
"Hypoxia, Metabolism, and Tumor Progression"
Jan 31, 4p | BRB 105 Auditorium

The Department of Biochemistry invites you to hear  Celeste Simon, PhD present "Hypoxia, metabolism and tumor progression" on Thursday, January 31 in the BRB Auditorium. Dr. Simon is  Scientific Director of the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Professor in the department of cell and developmental biology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Her laboratory studies cancer cell metabolism, tumor immunology, metastasis, and cellular responses to oxygen deprivation. A reception will follow in the BRB lobby.
Save Your Seat for the 3rd Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium
Mar 1, 2019 | Tinkham Veale University Center

The Office of Cancer Disparities Research at the  Case Comprehensive Cancer Center   invites you to be a part of the national discussion of cancer disparities research, collaboration and programming at the 3rd Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium on March 1, 2019. 

Registration
Registration includes access to all symposium sessions, materials, breakfast, lunch, refreshments during breaks and free covered parking.  Save your seat today!

Continuing Research Education Credits (CREC)
Attendees are eligible to receive six (6) continuing research education credits.

Disparities Banner 2019-final

2 019 Symposium Highlights
  • Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, MD, Director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), will discuss cancer disparities research trends and funding opportunities. 
  • Rick Kittles, PhD, Associate Director of Health Equities at City of Hope, will give a research-focused presentation on cancer disparities research. 
  • An entire afternoon session is devoted to research aligned with abstract submissions; this includes oral presentations from selected abstracts, plus a poster session.
  • The audience for this symposium is diverse in background and field, allowing attendees to interact, network, and expand their knowledge and opportunities for collaboration.
CANCER CENTER PROFILE: STAFF
Kelsey Kirsch, Department Coordinator

If you have stopped by the center's main administration office lately, you may have seen another new face as the Case CCC continues its exciting growth. At the beginning of January, Kelsey Kirsch joined us as Department Coordinator.

Kelsey's primary responsibility with Case CCC is the  organization and implementation of the Seminar Series, which takes place every Friday throughout the academic year. She also assists in the daily operations of the Cente r. Kelsey attended the University of Dayton where she received her BS in exercise physiology. Previously, she was an Aquatics Director and Head Swim Coach with the Akron Area YMCAs.  Stop in and say, "Hello!" to her next time you're in the WRB.

Your Case Comprehensive Cancer Center communications team is excited to roll-out rotating profiles of Case CCC staff, members and trainees to be featured each week in the newsletter.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
CTSC Community & Collaboration Team Science Annual Pilot 
Deadline: Jan 25, 2019

The Community and Collaboration (C&C) component of the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) is pleased to offer a unique funding opportunity intended to support, promote and highlight multi-disciplinary collaboratives that have come together to address a particular health issue or problem facing the local community.

Teams must include investigators from more than one discipline and at least one engaged community stakeholder. The C&C will provide selected groups with a thorough package of support for a collaborative working retreat along with pre- and post-retreat administrative support.

The goal of this short-term funding opportunity is to provide support for these collaboratives to  develop a feasible and actionable plan that identifies a minimum of three translational research projects (TRPs)  aimed at addressing the issue and having the potential to improve population health outcomes in the Greater Cleveland area. Learn more>
ASTRO Funding Opportunities
Deadline: Feb 15, 2019

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released two career development awards to advance the field of radiation oncology in novel ways through the support of talented early-career scientists performing radiation oncology-related research. Details on each award are linked below:
ASTRO is also accepting applications for their seed grantsdesigned to support residents or fellows who are planning a career focusing primarily on basic science or clinical research. Designed for the exceptional trainee, the grant implies dedication to a career in research.
Cancer Research Institute Lloyd J. Old STAR Program
Deadline: Mar 1, 2019

The Cancer Research Institute has a grant of cancer research institute logo $1.25M to support world-class academic investigators who have made notable contribution to immunotherapy in cancer.  

All faculty members of the School of Medicine and Case CCC are welcome to submit their foundation proposals through the SOM, in particular, for funding opportunities such as this that require an academic appointment. Proposals submitted through the SOM will have full access to services including shared resources, HR, procurement, and as well as proposal development support.

If you are planning to apply, please contact Cynthia L. Rahn, Senior Director of Foundation Relations and Strategic Projects for assistance. Review application guidelines>
Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program Awards
Pre-Application Deadlines: Mar 14, 2019 & Mar 28, 2019

The Department of Defense has released fiscal year 2019 (FY19) funding opportunities for the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), managed by the offie of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). The following awards have been released for pre-application:
  • Clinical Trial Award
  • Discovery Award
  • Focused Program Award
  • Investigator-Initiated Research Award
  • Technology/Therapeutic Development Award
View detailed descriptions of each opportunity, evaluation criteria and submission requirements>
IN THE NEWS
The Importance of Forgiveness in Servant Leadership
Oncology Times - Dec 20, 2018
"For leaders, one key concept to this topic is to combine forgiveness with mentoring," writes Brian J. Bolwell, MD, Chairman of Cleveland Clinic's  Taussig Cancer Institute and Deputy Director, Case CCC.

First Look: Joint CWRU/Cleveland Clinic Health Education Campus Nearing Completion
Cleveland.com - Jan 13, 2019
Take a peek inside the main building of the $515 million Health Education Campus that will house various academic programs from CWRU and the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine.

Dr. Hill on Resistance to BTK Inhibition in CLL
OncLive - Jan 15, 2019
Brian T. Hill, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic and member, Case CCC discusses resistance to BTK inhibition in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
NIH BULLETIN - Notices and Funding Opportunities
Notices
Notice of a Pre-Application Webinar for RFA-CA-19-007 and RFA-CA-19-008 on the Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network (ETCTN) (UM1) and ETCTN Pharmacokinetic Resource Laboratories (U24), respectively
IN THIS ISSUE
EVENTSevents
Fri, Jan 18
Cancer Center Seminar Series
Kurt Ribisl, PhD
Professor and Chairman, Department of Health Behavior
Gillings School of Global Public Health
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
"The demise of cigarettes and the ride of e-cigarettes: Fixing our flawed response"
12p WRB Auditorium
Mon, Jan 21
Case Western Reserve University and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tues, Jan 22
SOM Staff Toolkit Session
Time Management
12p BRB 105
Weds, Jan 23
Genomic Medicine Institute
Jane Churpek, MD, MS
Assistant Professor, Hematology/Oncology
Medical Director, Comprehensive Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic, Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics
The University of Chicago
"Nature vs nurture: Exploring inherited DNA repair deficits in exposure-associated cancers"
11:30a NC1-202
Thurs, Jan 24
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a N E 6-218

Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
Skowronski Lab, CWRU
1p SOM W203

GU Malignancies Candidate Seminar
Janet Yee Man Leung, PhD
Assistant Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
"Investigating the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma"
3p NE1-205
Fri, Jan 25
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120

Cancer Center Seminar Series
James Connor, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Neurosurgery, Neural and Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics
Vice Chair of Neurosurgery Research
Director, Center for Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases
"Iron and GBMs: Genetics, metabolism and sex"
Penn State University
12p WRB Auditorium
Mon, Jan 28
Genomic Medicine Institute
Ritika Jaini, PhD
Eng Lab, Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic
"The tumor suppressor Pten regulates expression of the autoimmune regulator aire"
12p NE1-205

Cancer Center Research Chalk Talk
Susan E. Waltz, PhD
Professor, Department of Cancer Biology
Director, Cancer & Cell Biology Graduate Program
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Vontz Center for Molecular Studies
"The role of the Ron Receptor tyrosine kinase in breast cancer"
1p WRB 3-136
Thurs, Jan 31
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a N E 6-218

Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
Sam Ogwang and PD/PI
Nguyen Lab, CWRU
1p SOM W203

Biochemistry Seminar Series Merton F. Utter Distinguished Lecturer
Celeste Simon, PhD
Scientific Director, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
4p BRB 105
Fri, Feb 1
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120

Cancer Center Seminar Series
Raghu Kalluri, MD, PhD
RE Bob Smith Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research
Professor and Chair, Department of Cancer Biology
Director, Metastasis Research Center
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
"Exploiting exosomes and tumor stroma for treatment of pancreatic cancer"
12p WRB Auditorium
ADDITIONAL UPCOMING SYMPOSIUMS & EVENTS
prev-funding
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED OPPORTUNITIES

Deadline: Open

Deadline: Open

Deadline: Open
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center