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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
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Stan Gerson, MD
Director, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
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National Cancer Policy Forum: Computational Tools for Diagnosis and Decision-making
"Clinical Applications of Computational Methods in Precision Oncology" was the topic of the National Cancer Policy Forum at the National Academy of Medicine on October 29-30, 2018 [View workshop speakers and agenda]. I would like to summarize key observations, and provide you with an update on the critical issues and current barriers to implementation that were voiced during the workshop. These issues mirror those we at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center face in collecting, recording, interpreting, and implementing decisions, which are based on computational analytics of imaging, digital pathology, genomics, and extraction of the EMR that are the focus of our clinical investigation.
The
current state of computational extraction and aggregation of these forms of data remains fragmented and in need of data standards, data reporting validation, use of independent validation data sets, and data set reporting to the FDA. Review and approval by the FDA of computational models for clinical decision-making, both in and beyond clinical trials, will require these same elements.
Presented examples of machine learning from these data sets include: improved genomic diagnosis (Dr. Mia Levy, Vanderbilt), risk stratification (Dr. Howard McLeod, Moffitt), decision-making algorithms (Dr. George "Holt" Oliver,
Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation) and even in silico clinical trial design (Dr. Pratik Shah, MIT). An obvious utility are the national clinical genomics trials - NCI MATCH and ASCO TAPUR.
Likewise, the FDA presented a perspective for reviewing IND and device approvals for computational tools, standardized analytics, risk stratification tools, and genomic calls that predict clinical trial utility. Validation tools will be essential, as noted by Dr. Giovanni Parmigiani (Dana Farber).
Apple, Google and Amazon are developing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that serve as the conduit for our patients to download My Chart and equivalent EMR data, which is then used by the patient. Patients can use this data as a reference for care received, for transfer of care, and transmission of their health record to researchers. Soon, these APIs will communicate genomic data for interpretation. A number of cancer centers are currently uploading such information, creating a mobile, digital genomics conduit between patient, clinician and investigator.
More from this workshop will be published in a year or so, but you now have a preview of the global issues related to computational tools for diagnosis and decision-making.
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Tenured Faculty Positions in Cancer Research
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
is currently
Applicants are being sought that have basic/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.
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5-Year Follow Up Results of SWOG Prevention of Early Menopause Study (POEMS) Clinical Trial Show Means of Improved QOL for Patients
An international team of researchers and clinicians
 participated in the SWOG Cancer Research Network's POEMS clinical trial. While initial findings released in 2014 were positive, the follow-up results 5 years later are groundbreaking.
The trial included patients with hormone-receptor negative breast cancer, all of which received chemotherapy while one group also received a hormone suppressant, goserelin. Women who took the drug experienced similar, or even better, survival rates compared to those given chemotherapy alone.
Heavy burdens may come with chemotherapy such as ovarian failure leading to infertility, sexual dysfunction, and other unpleasantries. The trial has been applauded for focusing on not only the effectiveness of cancer treatment, but the impact treatment has on the lives of survivors.
Lead researcher and
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center member,
Halle C. F. Moore, MD,
said, "Cancer researchers set out to change the standard of care in order to improve, or lengthen, people's lives. Our final results show a means to improve quality of life for young women with hormone-receptor negative breast cancer. If they want to be mothers, they can improve their chances safely and effectively." more> |
Cancer Center Seminar Series: "The landscape of protein synthesis in glioblastoma stem cells"
Nov 2, 12p | WRB Auditorium
 Join us
Friday, November 2 at 12p in the WRB Auditorium to hear
Eckhard Jankowsky, PhD present "Th
e landscape of protein synthesis in glioblastoma stem cells."
Dr. Eckhard is Professor and Associate Director for the Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics and Professor of Biochemistry and Physics at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine.
Research in his group aims to delineate molecular mechanisms that determine RNA biology. Their recent
work concentrates on the development of quantitative, predictive models for RNA processing steps
through the use of advanced, transcriptome-wide next generation sequencing approaches.
Dr. Eckhard's talk will focus on the application of ribosome profiling to delineate the landscape of protein synthesis
in Glioblastoma cancer stem cells. Our data provide unprecedented insight into the biology of these
cancer stem cells and suggest new targets for potential therapeutic strategies that target Glioblastoma
stem cells.
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3rd Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium
Mar 1, 2019 | Tinkham Veale University Center
2019 Symposium Highlights
- Keynote presentations by renowned disparities researchers and community leaders
- Opening Keynote by Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, MD, Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Scientific Keynote presentation by Rick Kittles, PhD, Associate Director of Health Equities, Comprehensive Cancer Center; Professor and Director, Division of Health Equities, Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope
- Oral and Lightning presentations from selected abstracts
- Poster session highlighting academic research and community programs
- Networking session
- All attendee forum
Call for Abstracts
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center invites multidisciplinary researchers, community agencies and organizations to submit abstracts for presentation at the 3rd Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium. Abstracts will be divided into two tracks:
Scientific Research and
Community Programs. Meritorious abstracts will be selected for oral presentations.
**Students who submit an abstract are able to register for FREE! Submit your abstract to
caseccc-ocdr@case.edu
BEFORE
registering. You will be emailed a discount code to be entered on the registration form so that you receive the discount.
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44th Annual ONS Congress
April 11-14, 2019| Anaheim, CA
 Mark your calendar for the Oncology Nursing Society's Annual conference this April at Anaheim Convention Center.
Early-Bird registration is now open and ends February 28, 2019.
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MRA 2018-2019 Request for Proposals
Deadline for all Established Investigator, Pilot, and Young Investigator Award full proposal applications: Nov 2, 2018
Deadline for ASTRO-MRA Early Career Investigator full proposal applications: Nov 9, 2018
The Melanoma Research Alliance has an
nnounced a Request for Proposals (RFP) soliciting high-impact pre-clinical, translational, and early clinical research from scientists and clinicians around the world. The RFP calls for ideas that have the potential to lead to near-term clinical application in melanoma prevention, detection, diagnosis, staging, and treatment.
Eligibility varies by award. View guidelines and application details here.
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The Taub Foundation Grants Program for MDS Research
Deadline: Nov, 8 2018
The Taub Foundation Grants Program for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Research is accepting applications. The program, focusing specifically on MDS research exclusive of AML and MPN, was created to support high-impact, innovative translational research to understand the underlying causes of MDS and to advance its treatment and prevention. Studies focusing on molecular genetics, epigenetics, splicing factors, stem cells, the microenvironment and novel therapeutic targets relevant to MDS are welcomed. |
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Grants
Two 2019 medical research grants
from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation are currently accepting applications.
2019 Epidemiology Grants
Deadline: Dec 17, 2018
These awards will support investigators pursuing research studies in human populations using epidemiological approaches aimed at improving our understanding of childhood cancer. This grant is designed to support hypothesis-driven research that focuses on the epidemiology, early detection and prevention of childhood cancer or comparative effectiveness and outcomes research related to detection, prevention, and treatment.
2019 Young Investigator Grants
Deadline: Dec 17, 2018
The Young Investigator grant is a 3-year award designed to support scientists in the early stages of their research careers, such as postdoctoral or clinical fellows. Outstanding mentorship and demonstration of a career plan that shows commitment to pediatric cancer investigation are critical components of a successful application.
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AACR-Bayer Clinical Oncology Research (CORE) Training Fellowships
Deadline: Dec 19, 2018
Applications are currently open for the
AACR-Bayer
Clinical Oncology Research (CORE) Training Fellowships Program. The program is designed to fill the knowledge gap between training experiences in academic settings and training opportunities afforded through conducting early-stage or late-stage clinical trials by providing physician-scientists with real-world experience in clinical development at the facilities of Bayer.
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Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research (JCC Fund) Fellowship Awards
Deadline: Feb 1, 2019
Applications are now open for the Jane Coffin Child's Memorial Fund's
postdoctoral fellowship. The three-year appointment provides a stipend totaling $157,500 as well as allowances for dependent children, laboratory costs, and travel. Additional funding provides child care stipends to female fellows.
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.
- Applicants may be citizens of any country, but for foreign nationals awards will be made only for study in the United States. American citizens may hold a fellowship either in the United States or in a foreign country.
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Case Western Reserve University receives $20 million challenge grant for professorships in engineering, medicine
Cleveland.com - Oct 15, 2018
Two anonymous donors to donate funds that would permanently pay for 10 faculty positions in each school.
US News - Oct 24, 2018
To really hear patients, ears are more important than stethoscopes, says
Jame Abraham, MD, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, in his recent contribution to
US News & World Report. Dr. Abraham paints a picture of a recent clinical experience and emphasizes the importance of understanding patients beyond their medical records.
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NIH BULLETIN - Notices and Funding Opportunities
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Request for Applications
Program Announcements
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FOLLOW US
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Have news or updates to share? Contact Gillian Irwin at
gmi@case.edu
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EVENTS
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Mon, Nov 5
Cancer Center Research Chalk Talk
1p WRB 3-136
Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Meeting: Sharma and Distelhorst
4p CA5-124
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Tues, Nov 6
Cancer Center Research in Progress Seminar
3p WRB 3-136
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Thurs, Nov 8
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013
Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
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Fri, Nov 9
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120
Cancer Center Seminar Series Guest Speaker
Lawrence H. Kushi, ScD Director of Scientific Policy Division of Research Kaiser Permanente
12p WRB Auditorium
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Mon, Nov 12
Shared Resources Directors Meeting
12p WRB 1422D
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Tues, Nov 13
Cancer Center Research in Progress Seminar
3p WRB 3-136
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Weds, Nov 14
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013
Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
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Thurs, Nov 15
Developmental Therapeutics Journal Club
9a R4-013
Molecular Biology and Microbiology Seminar
1p SOM W203
Cell Therapy Translational Seminar
Drs. James Chmiel and Tracey Bonfield
will discuss the journey which led to utilizing hMSCs in patients with cystic fibrosis for the "First in CF" trial.
3p WRB 2-136
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Fri, Nov 16
Taussig Cancer Institute Grand Rounds
8a CA5-120
Cancer Center Seminar Series
Khalid Sossey-Alaoui, PhD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Researcher, Molecular Cardiology Cleveland Clinic
Member, Molecular Oncology Program, Case CCC
"Regulation of the tumor microenvironment by Kindlin-2 in breast cancer"
12p WRB Auditorium
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ADDITIONAL UPCOMING SYMPOSIUMS & EVENTS
3rd Annual Cancer Disparities Symposium
Mar 1, 2019
7:30a-4p Tinkham Veale University Center
44th Annual ONS Congress
April 11-14, 2019
Anaheim, CA
GvHD National Symposium
Apr 26, 2019
Cleveland Airport Marriott
Apr 27-28, 2019
Seattle, WA
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PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED OPPORTUNITIES
Deadline: Open
Deadline: Open
Deadline: Open
Deadline: Open
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