LOMBARDI THIS WEEK
Week of January 30, 2023
Director’s Blog
Louis M. Weiner
Communities

It is a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I am writing this week’s blog a day early so I can watch the Eagles play in the NFC Championship game tomorrow. I hope they reward me with a win. I am recovering from a very busy week, as I chaired a CCSG site visit. It was a lot of work! I certainly learned a lot that is relevant to our cancer center, and for that reason alone, it was highly valuable. It was an in-person meeting, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to personally interact with colleagues for several days. That type of camaraderie simply cannot be replicated on Zoom. As I reflect on our upcoming CCSG application, I see quite clearly how our preparations are placing us in a good position for success.

News & Announcements
Registration is Live — BellRinger’s Second Annual Ride
Your time is now! Registration for BellRinger 2023 is officially live. Join hundreds of Riders and volunteers in the fight to end cancer. Register now at BellRinger.org.
2023 Hyundai Hands On Hope Contest Recap

Watch the moment Jeff Petro (pictured seated in car) won this year’s contest — and a Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE — as part of Team Georgetown Lombardi in this video recap of the event. Many thanks to Kevin Reilly, owner of Alexandria Hyundai, for his unwavering support of pediatric cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi. Read more about the contest.
Call for Abstracts: MedStar Health-Georgetown University Research & Education Symposium
 
The abstract portal for the MedStar Health-Georgetown University Research & Education Symposium will be open through Friday, February 10. The symposium will be held on Monday, May 8 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. See the symposium website for complete submissions guidelines.
 
The symposium brings together investigators, educators, executive leaders, associates, and collaborative partners from across our academic health system to share their research to advance health in our communities. Contact research@medstar.net with questions.
Meetings & Events

Tuesday, January 31
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

MedDent NE301 (Use the podium entrance to MedDent) and via Zoom
Presented by Isaac R. Rodriguez-Chavez, PhD, CEO and founder, 4Biosolutions Consulting, as part of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology seminar series. Join this seminar in MedDent NE301 and via Zoom.

Wednesday, February 1
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Featuring Amy Mirabella, PhD, RN, CHPN, director, clinical research operations, HonorHealth Research Institute, and Amber Vrana, MSN-L, RN, OCN, clinical research nurse IV, HonorHealth Research Institute. Sponsored by the Office of Human Subject Protections. Register for this Zoom seminar series.
Workshop on Jewish Identity and Antisemitism on Campus

Thursday, February 2
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. 

This virtual professional development workshop for faculty and staff will provide an overview of Jewish identity, the diversity of Jewish experience, historical and contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, and how to address antisemitism within the context of free speech and academic freedom. RSVP required. 

Thursday, February 2
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Presented by Jay Horton, MD, Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Chair in Obesity and Diabetes, Scott Grundy’s Director Chair, professor of internal medicine and molecular genetics, director of the Center for Human Nutrition, UT Southwestern Medical Center. Part of the Distinguished Scientist Seminar Series. Join this seminar in the New Research Building Auditorium and via Zoom.
Brain Tumor Working Group Meeting

Thursday, February 2
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
 
IO Interest Working Group Meeting
 
Thursday, February 2
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
 
Evanthia Roussos-Torres, MD, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Southern California, presents “Targeting Myeloid Suppression to Enhance Anti-tumor Immunity in Breast Cancer.” Join this meeting via Zoom.
2023 ASCO Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers Symposium Review
 
Friday, February 3
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
 
Please join Drs. Marshall, He, Weinberg, Noel, and Mukherji of the Ruesch Center for a review of the most compelling abstracts in colorectal, pancreatic, liver, and upper GI cancers from the ASCO Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers Symposium. Register to receive the Zoom link.

Friday, February 3
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Presented by Steven Leach, MD, director, Dartmouth Cancer Center, professor of molecular and systems biology, Preston T. and Virginia R. Kelsey Distinguished Chair in Cancer, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, as part of the Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series. Join this lecture via Zoom.
The 20th Annual John Collins Harvey Lecture: “Covert Consciousness and Clinical Ethics: Neuroscience and Normative Obligations”

Friday, February 3
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

This year’s virtual lecture features a conversation between Joseph Fins, MD, MACP, FRCP, E. William Davis, Jr., MD professor of medical ethics & professor of medicine, chief, Division of Medical Ethics, Weill Cornell Medical College, and James Giordano, PhD, chief of the Neuroethics Studies Program at the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics, and professor of neurology at Georgetown University Medical Center. Sponsored by the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics. Register for this Zoom lecture.

Tuesday, February 7
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Learn how to upload your CV, add your personal website information, upload a syllabus, publications and more. Register for this online class.

Tuesday, February 7
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

This year’s lecture features Fr. Mark Bosco, vice president for mission and ministry, and Sr. Celeste Mokrzycki, chaplain for the School of Health and the School of Nursing. Presented by the Committee on Mission and Values. Register for this Zoom webinar.
 
Wednesday, February 15
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Open to postdocs and professors from all disciplines
 
American Cancer Society (ACS) Extramural Grants Program staffers Doug Hurst, PhD, and Nicole Lopanik, PhD, present an overview of American Cancer Society funded grants and research, highlighting program features such as eligibility requirements, and providing insights for preparing a successful application. Address questions to Amy Deavitt (amy.deavitt@cancer.org), or Suzi Ford (suzi.ford@cancer.org). Register for this Zoom workshop by Feb. 10.
Save the Date:

Saturday, April 29
 
The Anthem
901 Wharf Street, SW
Washington DC 20024
 
6:30 p.m.: Cocktail Reception
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.: Dinner Program
9:30 p.m.: After-Hours Party
In the News
Publications
Funding and Award Opportunities
NEW BRCA Research and Education (CureBRCA) Grants
 
BRCA Research & Cure Alliance (CureBRCA) is now accepting funding applications for BRCA-related initiatives that involve prevention, detection, screening, and/or treatment for men at risk for BRCA-related cancers. All grant applications must address one of the following: identification of at-risk carriers, cancer prevention, early detection and screening for cancer, or novel treatment approaches pertaining to BRCA-related cancers. BRCA research, educational initiatives, or outreach efforts that cater to men who are at risk for BRCA mutations are desired. Applications that include collaboration, either across institutions, or within a single institution will be prioritized. Applications submitted from junior faculty or from underrepresented groups are encouraged. Applicants can request up to $500,000. View RFA for more information about eligibility, funding, evaluation, key dates, and application portal. Application deadline: March 1.
Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award
 
The Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award supports the most promising early career physician-scientists willing to devote their efforts to the development and application of new diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for cancer and cancer prevention through clinical investigation. Preference is given to those whose research adheres to the “Handshake Rule,” meaning that the physician will conduct research studies that directly involve patients (this rule does not apply to pathologist candidates). The award will provide $600,000 over three years in financial support for the investigator’s scientific needs. In addition, the foundation will retire up to $100,000 of medical school debt owed by the awardee. Five nominations will be accepted for review from Georgetown Lombardi, GUMC and Georgetown University School of Medicine. Finalists will be invited to be interviewed by the selection committee. Only one application will be accepted from a mentor (including co-mentorships) or investigator per review session. View detailed award information, eligibility criteria, application guidelines and forms. Application deadline: Wednesday, February 1.
Cancer Screening Research Network Funding Opportunities

The National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Prevention has released three funding opportunity announcements for applications to create the Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN). The CSRN will conduct rigorous, multi-center cancer screening trials and studies to evaluate emerging technologies and strategies for the purpose of cancer screening. The CSRN will have three different components for an integrated network.
View the following links for more information about each funding opportunity:
  • RFA-CA-23-020: ACCrual, Enrollment, and Screening Sites (ACCESS) Hub (UG1 Clinical Trial Required) 
  • RFA-CA-23-021: Statistics and Data Management Center (UG1 Clinical Trial Required)
  • RFA-CA-23-022: Coordinating and Communication Center (UG1 Clinical Trial Required)
Application deadline: February 28, at 5 p.m.
Request for Applications: Aging & Cancer Research with The Israel Cancer Research Fund

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation and The Israel Cancer Research Fund are accepting applications for collaborative proposals to focus on aging and cancer. Projects must involve collaboration between two research groups — one in the U.S. and one in Israel — with different, but complementary expertise. Proposals must justify the partnership through synergistic scientific aims. Two collaborative projects will be funded. Each of these projects will be awarded $200,000 per year for two years, or a total of $400,000, with each research group receiving $100,000 per year ($200,000 total). Successful projects may be eligible for a third year of funding at the level of $100,000 ($50,000 per research group). View full RFA guidelines. Submit letters of intent via email by 5 p.m. ET, March 1 to Wylie Tene at wtene@waxmancancer.org.
Upcoming Events
Meetings in italics should be attended by all fellows.
Monday
8:00 AM | Monday Morning Oncology Report | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

8:30 AM | Division Weekly Update Meeting | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

9:00 AM | Breast Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 528212194)

11:00 AM | GU/Melanoma Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 796253566)

12:15 PM | Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer – Dr. Mukherji | Podium A / Zoom

4:00 PM | GU Tumor Board (on 1st/3rd Mondays of the month) | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 869742463)
Tuesday
9:00 AM | Hematology Path Conference - Inpatient Heme fellows + Outpatient Heme + BMT fellow | Podium A / Microsoft Teams (CME code: 81202; phone: 202-796-7323)

12:15 PM | Bleeding Disorders – Dr. Kessler | Podium A / Zoom

4:00 PM | Liver Tumor Board | WebEx (dial 844-302-0362; Meeting number (access code): 711 507 430, password: Mse4mGSA2N5)

5:00 PM | Breast Tumor Board | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 93777073374; CME code: 80044)
Wednesday
8:00 AM | Thoracic Tumor Board Thoracic Fellow | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 941 1630 5835)

9:00 AM | Thoracic Research Meeting Thoracic Fellow | Microsoft Teams

12:00 PM | Melanoma Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

12:15 PM | Myeloma – Dr. Doucette | Podium A / Zoom

5:00 PM | GI Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams
Thursday
9:00 AM | Cancer Research Data Meeting | Speaker: Raneen Rahhal | W302 New Research Building or Zoom

9:30 AM | Head and Neck Tumor Board - Thoracic Fellow attendance encouraged as clinic allows | Microsoft Teams

12:15 PM | Onc Path – Drs. Marks and Gibney | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

12:30 PM | GI Research Meeting | WebEx (dial 844-302-0362, Meeting Number (access code): 712527865, HOST PIN: 5514)

5:00 PM | Lymphoma Tumor Board - every other week | Microsoft Teams

5:00 PM | Myeloma Tumor Board - every other week | Microsoft Teams
Friday
7:00 AM | CNS Tumor Board | Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 378 807 316)

12:00 PM | Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series: “Toward Biomarker-based Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer” | Steven Leach, MD | Zoom

12:00 PM | No Lecture | Zoom

1:00 PM | Pancreas Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams
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If you would like to share news or updates from your department, please get in touch with Sarah Riehl.