 |
Researchers Repurpose Immune-Activating Cytokine to Fight Breast Cancer
The most lethal form of breast cancer could have a new treatment option,
according to new research out of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. In the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
[Doherty, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2017], researchers showed triple-negative breast cancer cells are highly vulnerable to interferon-β-a potent antimicrobial that also activates the immune system. The new study shows interferon-β impairs breast cancer cells' ability to migrate and form tumors. The study also suggests interferon-β treatment could improve outcomes for certain breast cancer patients.
 "We demonstrate that interferon-β reverses some of the more aggressive features of triple-negative breast cancer, which are responsible for metastasis and therapy-failure," said
Mary Doherty, first author and pathology graduate student at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. "Moreover, we found that evidence of interferon-β in triple-negative breast cancer tumors correlates with improved patient survival following chemotherapy."
 Doherty's advisor,
Mark Jackson, PhD, associate professor of pathology and associate director for training and education, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, is senior author on the study. The study team also included researchers from Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, and other members of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.
more>
|
Two Studies Find Stress Reprograms Cells
In a pair of publications, researchers have shown how cells adapt to stressors-like water loss-by reprogramming their internal signaling networks. The studies describe previously unknown mechanisms that cells use to send signals between cellular machinery and avoid cell death. According to the authors, drugs that enhance the adaptation mechanisms could help cells stave off multiple diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The studies were published in Cell Reports [Krokowski, Cell Rep, 2017] and Molecular Cell [Guan, Mol Cell, 2017].
 "We discovered that cells switch off non-essential functions when faced with threats to their survival. At the same time, cells activate new mechanisms to sustain essential functions," said Maria Hatzoglou, PhD, senior author on both papers, professor of genetics and nutrition at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. more>
|
Selective Suppression of Inflammation Could Deplete HIV and Control HIV Activation
A class of anti-inflammatory drugs already FDA-approved for rheumatoid arthritis could "purge" the reservoir of infected immune cells in people infected by HIV,
according to new research.
When culturing cells from HIV-infected individuals, researchers found the medications tofacitinib and ruxolitinib block viral production from infected cells, prevent transmission to bystander cells, and decay the viral reservoir. The results were published recently in
PLOS Pathogens [
Gavegnano, PLoS Patholog, 2017].
 "One of the major impediments to an HIV cure is the reservoir," said the study's senior author
Rafick-Pierre Sékaly, PhD, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Richard J. Fasenmyer Professor of Immunopathogenesis, co-director of the Center for AIDS Research Proteomics and Systems Biology Core, and professor of pathology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "These are a very small number of immune cells that have the virus integrated into their genomes. These cells are completely undetectable by the immune system because the virus is dormant. But as soon as you stop treatment, the virus reactivates. Our results show you can kill these reservoir cells if you treat them with Jak inhibitors."
more>
|
Cancer Center Seminar Series
Jan 19, 2018 | Wolstein 1-413
 Join us Friday, January 19 at noon in Wolstein Research Building Room 1-413 for the
weekly Cancer Center Seminar Series to hear Derek M. Griffith, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Health and Society, and Director of the Center for Research on Men's Health at Vanderbilt University, discuss "Context, Challenges & Considerations for Reducing Cancer Risk among African American Men."
Dr. Derek M. Griffith is the Founder and Director of the Center for Research on Men's Health at Vanderbilt University. The Center for Research on Men's Health is one of the first university-wide centers in the US that focuses on men's health. Launched in September 2016, the Center has the three-pronged mission of improving men's health, reducing unjust differences in health among men, and improving the health of African American men and other men in the US and across the globe. Dr. Griffith is a social scientist, trained in clinical-community psychology and public health, specializing in understanding and addressing social determinants of racial, ethnic and gender disparities in health through an intersectional lens. Dr. Griffith specializes in examining and promoting African American men's health, and he also studies how racism affects population health and public health institutions. He is currently conducting two interventions: (1) a randomized-controlled trial of the first individually tailored weight loss intervention for African American men, which was funded by the American Cancer Society; and (2) the first psychologically and biologically tailored weight loss intervention for African American and Latino men as part of a NIMHD-funded U54 center on precision medicine and health disparities.
|
2nd Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium
Mar 23, 2018 | Wolstein Research Building
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Office of Cancer Disparities Research will host the "
2nd Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium: Taking it to the Streets: Where Cancer Disparities Research and Community Intersect," on
Friday, March 23, 2018.
This event will showcase cutting-edge research, with a focus on reducing and eliminating disparities in cancer, going from bench-to-bedside-to-community and back. This important symposium will also feature two keynote addresses, including a key leader in our community, and an internationally-recognized cancer disparities researcher. We will promote the exchange of ideas and collaborative opportunities among scientists, clinicians, government, and community representatives.
This event is FREE to attend, but pre-registration is required.
|
Midwest DNA Repair Symposium
May 5-6, 2018 | Thwing Center
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University will host the 20th Annual Midwest DNA Repair Symposium,
May 5-6, 2018
. This symposium is a great opportunity for people working on DNA damage and repair in the midwest area to gather together and discuss science! The agenda promises exciting science and opportunities for networking, poster presentations, and keynote presentations from field experts
Stephen Kowalczykowski and Lee Zou
.
Call for Abstracts
The 20th Annual Midwest DNA Repair Symposium will feature oral and poster presentations.
All graduate students, postdocs, research technician, faculty and fellows conducting related research are invited to submit abstracts. Monetary Prizes will be awarded.
Abstracts must be 500 words or less and fit on an 8 ½ x 11" paper with 1" margins on all sides. Please use Arial 11 font.
Include the title and authors at the top, acknowledgements at the bottom. You may include figures or illustrations, but they must fit on the same page as the abstract text.
Please indicate whether you prefer oral or poster presentation.
|
Cancer Stem Cells 2018
Aug 6-8, 2018 | Tinkham Veale University Center
The Cancer Stem Cell Conference (CSC 2018), hosted by the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and National Center for Regenerative Medicine, is designed to bring together individuals working in the field of cancer stem cell research. CSC 2018 will feature renowned keynote speakers and leaders in the field. This conference is guaranteed to have cutting edge research from a variety of niches within the field.
Registration will open soon - watch this newsletter for updates!
|
Caspar Wistar Fellows Program
The Caspar Wistar Fellows Program will recruit two exceptional post-doctoral fellows as independent investigators, creating a springboard for the Caspar Wistar Fellows to facilitate a subsequent faculty appointment and join the next generation of scientific leaders.
The Wistar Institute Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center and The Wistar Institute Cancer Center comprise a group of 35 exceptional faculty dedicated to fundamental and translational research in cancer biology, immunology, virology and genetics. Fellows will be provided their own research space, resources and support needed to run their own labs and pursue their own independent research agenda. Fellows will be appointed for a three-year term with the possibility of extending an additional one to two years. Two Fellows will be recruited in 2018: one Fellow with a cancer focus that will join Wistar's NCI-designated Cancer Center and one with a vaccine/immunology focus that will join Wistar's Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center.
Program candidates must demonstrate intellectual drive and superior research credentials, a particularly creative and innovative research plan, strong communication skills, and the motivation and demonstrated capacity to conduct research with minimal supervision. Candidates whose work is based on biological principles, but incorporates concepts from diverse fields, are encouraged to apply. Candidates must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent degree. Candidates are expected to have a strong publication record.
Interested candidates should electronically submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a description of previous research (one page), a concise statement of research plans (up to two pages), reprints of four publications and the names of three references to the attention of Maria Colelli, Search Coordinator Caspar Wistar Fellows Program (
colelli@wistar.org).
Applications will be evaluated by January 29, 2018. Interviews will be held beginning in April 2018.
|
BETRNet Pilot Project Award Program
Deadline: Jan 31, 2018
The
CWRU Barrett's Esophagus Translational Research Network (BETRNet) Research Center, supported by NIH/NCI U54CA163060, announces a program to encourage innovative transdisciplinary and translational research related to Barrett's Esophagus (BE). The overall objectives of the program are: 1) to encourage innovative transdisciplinary and translational research, especially high risk/high impact research; 2) to explore emerging opportunities and to enhance productivity of the research projects in the BETRNet, and; 3) to attract new researchers, resources and technologies to conduct translational research on BE and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC).
Limited awards of up to $40,000/year will be made to eligible applicants for one year, with the possibility of a second year of funding based on the success of the pilot. Pilot projects must have a transdisciplinary approach and translational research plan focused on BE and/or EAC in one of the focus areas defined by BETRNet.
|
American Cancer Society Research Professor Grants
Letter of Intent Deadline: February 1, 2018
Application Deadline: April 2, 2018
The American Cancer Society offers a limited number of
grants to mid-career investigators who have made seminal contributions that have changed the direction of basic cancer research. Furthermore, it is expected that these investigators will continue to provide leadership in their research area. Up to two awards are made annually for a five-year term that can be renewed once. The award of up to $80,000 per year (direct costs only) may be used for salary or research project support.
|
Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research
Deadline: Feb 1, 2018
The Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research is accepting
applications for fellowships. Fellowship appointments are for three years.
Eligibility:
- Postdoctoral applicants should have no more than one year of postdoctoral research experience at the time of the deadline for submitting applications
- PhD. degree must not have been conferred more than 18 months prior to the deadline date
- MD. degree should not have been conferred more than three years before deadline date of application
- PhD. candidates that do not have their degree at time of application deadline are eligible to apply. If awarded, the applicant's PhD degree must be conferred prior to the start of the Fellowship.
|
LIMITED SUBMISSION: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
Deadline: Feb 1, 2018 at 4p
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation is accepting applications for the Clinical Investigator Award.
This award supports independent young physician-scientists conducting disease-oriented research that demonstrates a high level of innovation and creativity. The goal is to support the best young physician-scientists doing work aimed at improving the practice of cancer medicine.
The Clinical Investigator Award responds to three recognized realities:
- Though there has never been a more pressing need or more promising time for clinical cancer research, fewer young physicians enter this area of investigation every year.
- The number of institutions committed to training young physicians in the scientific discipline and methodologies of clinical investigation is critically low.
- The burden of medical school debt (averaging over $100,000) discourages many physicians from pursuing clinical investigation.
Interested applicants should submit documents to Cynthia Rahn (cynthia.rahn@case.edu; 216.368.2285), CWRU SOM Foundation Relations.
|
Michelson Medical Research Foundation
Pre-application Deadline: Feb 12, 2018
The Michelson Medical Research Foundation
together with the Human Vaccines Project has established the Michelson Prizes for Human Immunology and Vaccine Research.
The Michelson Prizes aim to support young investigators applying innovative research concepts and disruptive technologies to significantly advance the development of future vaccines and immunotherapies for major global diseases.
Two investigators, under the age of 35, who demonstrate significant potential to execute pioneering ideas will each be awarded a $150,000 prize. Applicants need to show how they are going beyond conventional approaches in their field and clearly articulate how their contribution will have a lasting impact on human immunology and vaccine research. Applicants from disciplines across the biomedical, bioengineering and computer science fields are encouraged.
|
Case-Coulter Translational Research Partnership (CCTRP)
Pre-Proposal Deadline: Feb 28, 2018
The Case-Coulter Translational Research Partnership (CCTRP) is accepting applications for 2018. The purpose of CCTRP funding is to support collaborative translational research projects that address unmet or poorly met clinical needs. CCTRP seeks to reduce the market risk of promising new clinical products arising from the research programs of BME and other CWRU faculty.
Applicants are encouraged to meet with the CCTRP office during development of your pre-proposal (well before the submission deadline).
|
MedPage Today - Jan 5, 2018
When asked by MedPage Today to predict what gastroenterology issues will dominate the news during 2018, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic had much to say about what the new year means for the field.
"Over and above everything will be a drive for value and cost efficiency in general," explained
Conor P. Delaney, MD, MCh, PhD, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, chairman of the Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute in Cleveland Clinic. Delaney predicts an industry-wide focus on improving outcomes and reducing cost of care, as well as continued discussions on issues such as colon cancer screening and endoscope disinfection.
|
Reuters - Jan 3, 2018
In very elderly patients, less aggressive skin cancers on the face might not always need to be treated, a new study suggests...
Dr. Brian Gastman, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, director of melanoma surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, said a lot of money is spent every year on non-melanoma skin cancer, much of it in the elderly.
"Particularly in the oldest-old, life expectancy "in theory would be much less than any non-melanoma skin cancer would take to actually cause death, and many are not generally life-threatening," Gastman told Reuters Health by an email.
|
FDA Issues Tougher Warning, Additional Research on MRI Dye
UPI.com - Dec 19, 2017
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday called for tougher warnings and "additional research" into a dye commonly used with standard MRIs... Doctors have used gadolinium-based agents for 30 years -- totaling more than 300 million doses, said Dr. Vikas Gulani, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, associate professor of radiology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. But, Gulani explained, researchers have only recently discovered that trace amounts of the metal can be left behind in the brain. |
Cancer Clinical Trials Exclude Many Desperate Patients. Should that Change?
The Washington Post - Dec 17, 2017
"Everyone thinks it's time to take a hard look at eligibility criteria, especially doctors who have to look their patients in the eye, after telling them about an exciting new trial, and explain to them that they aren't eligible to participate," said
Mikkael Sekeres,
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, director of the leukemia program at the Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute.
But that has proved easier said than done. While Sekeres advocates for "more rational eligibility criteria," he also says that defining a study's eligibility criteria is an "inherently complicated and high-stakes process."
|
NIH BULLETIN- Notices and Funding Opportunities
|
|
|
FOLLOW US
|
Have news or updates to share? Contact Gillian Irwin at
gmi@case.edu
|
EVENTS
|
|
Wed, Jan 17
Immunology Faculty Research in Progress Series
Feng Lin PhD
Staff, Immunology Cleveland Clinic
"Complement and Complement-Complementing Stories"
12p NC1-202 |
|
Thurs, Jan 18
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013
Cancer Center Trainee Seminar Series
12p WRB 3-136
Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
1p SOM W203 |
|
Fri, Jan 19
Hem/Onc Fellows
8a Wearn 137
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120
Cancer Center Seminar Series
Derek M. Griffith, PhD
Associate Professor, Medicine, Health and Society
Director, Center for Research on Men's Health, Vanderbilt University
"Context, Challenges & Considerations for Reducing Cancer Risk among African American Men"
12p WRB 1-413 |
|
Mon, Jan 22
Pathology Research Seminar Series
Yorleny Vicioso
Parameswaran Lab
"Targeting Precursor B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia using anti-BAFFR humanized antibody"
12p WRB 1-413
Cancer Center Research Chalk Talk
William Schiemann, PhD
Professor, Oncology, CWRU
1p WRB 3-136 |
|
Tues, Jan 23
Immunology Research Seminar Series
Joseph Rathkey
Abbott Lab, CWRU
"Gasdermin D Mediated Pyroptotic Cell Death"
12p WRB 1-413
THOR Seminar
Vikas Gupta, MD
Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto "Mylofibrosis...Mind the Gap!"
1p NE1-205
Cancer Center Research in Progress Seminar
3p WRB 3-136 |
|
Thurs, Jan 25
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013
Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
1p SOM W203 |
|
Fri, Jan 26
Hem/Onc Fellows
8a Wearn 137
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120
Cancer Center Seminar Series
Magdalena M. Grabowska, PhD
Assistant Professor, Urology, CWRU
Member, GU Malignancies Program, Case CCC
12p WRB 1-413 |
ADDITIONAL UPCOMING SYMPOSIUMS & EVENTS
2nd Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium
Mar 23, 2018
Wolstein Research Building, CWRU
20th Annual Midwest DNA Repair Symposium
May 5-6, 2018
Thwing Center, CWRU
Case CCC Annual Scientific Retreat
Jul 26-27, 2018
CSC 2018
Aug 6-8, 2018
Tinkham Veale University Center, CWRU
|
CANCER MOONSHOT FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES
|
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED OPPORTUNITIES
Deadline: Open
Deadline: Open
Deadline: Open
|
|
|
|
