SHARE:  
LOMBARDI THIS WEEK

Week of January 22, 2024

Director’s Blog

BellRinger!


I hope you had a good (though no doubt chilly) weekend!

 

Last week began with the observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, then was bookended by snowstorms. I had unexpected opportunities to work on a new R01 submission that is shaping up nicely. Although Grand Rounds by Dr. Barbara Burtness had to be done virtually due to Friday’s snowstorm, I was delighted to meet with her and then attend her presentation. I had the privilege of recruiting Barbara from Yale to Fox Chase when I worked there; she actually covered my patients for me a few times. She left Fox Chase a few years after I did and returned to Yale. Her career, which was already ascendant, has really gone into hyperdrive, and her presentation was spectacular. I very much enjoyed catching up with her. She epitomizes the value of the translational physician investigator.


In other news, it’s hard to believe that it’s time to renew our focus on BellRinger! Last October’s ride was an unqualified success, and serves as a motivator for BellRinger 2024, which will be held this October.


Read more.

News & Announcements

Understanding Immunotherapy Resistance Leads to New Therapeutic Strategies — and Hope

Dr. Khleif works in the lab

Some cancers are resistant to immunotherapy from the outset, while others may improve with treatment, only to eventually stop responding. Understanding why so many cancers are resistant to currently available immunotherapy, and developing strategies to overcome that resistance, are the goals that drive research for Samir Khleif, MD, Georgetown Lombardi immunologist and professor of oncology. Read more about this work.

Evidence-based Action Steps to End Racial Disparities in Gynecologic Cancer

Black woman looks at a medical provider

Georgetown Lombardi member Charlotte Gamble, MD, MPH, and co-authors presented evidence-based strategies to reduce racial disparities in outcomes for people with gynecologic cancers in a recently published narrative review in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, which she summarized in a MedStar Health Blog post last week. Read the full post.

You’re Invited: BellRinger Gear Up Celebration

Image of two men on bikes overlaid by graphic that reads Gear Up Celebration

It’s time to celebrate! Join BellRinger and Georgetown Lombardi the evening of Thursday, January 25, at Perkins&Will DC to celebrate YOUR impact on cancer research with the announcement of dollars raised through BellRinger 2023! From great food and drinks, remarks from researchers, and the announcement of funds raised, it’s an evening you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets here!

Accelerating Innovation: Funding Your Biomedical Technology through the NIH SBIR/STTR Programs


The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Development Center presents a workshop on Tuesday, February 6, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in Warwick Evans Conference Room, Building D about funding opportunities for biomedical innovators, as well as application tips, programs, and available entrepreneurial resources for small business applicants and grantees. Speaker presentations are followed by a Q&A. Attendees may book one-on-one meetings from 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. with NIH program staff to discuss their projects (contact Bryce Geiling, bryce.geiling@nih.gov, by Friday, Feb. 2). Co-sponsored by Georgetown University, George Washington University and the National Cancer Institute. Register by this Friday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m.

Submit Abstracts for the 2024 MedStar Health-Georgetown University Research & Education Symposium

The 2024 symposium takes place Monday, April 29, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. It will feature research posters for peer-reviewed projects from across the academic health system. All MedStar Health and Georgetown University physicians, nurses, researchers, staff, residents, and fellows are encouraged to submit. Abstract submissions will be accepted through February 5.



Please submit abstracts/case reports using the following links:


Only selected abstracts will be presented as posters during the event as determined by the Scientific Review Committee; those whose abstracts are selected will be notified the week of March 25. Please contact research@medstar.net with questions. NOTE: If you submit an abstract or case report, it is expected that you will attend the Symposium on Monday, April 29. Please save the date.

Call for Proposals: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Cancer Research, Education & Training Opportunities and Funding

Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion logo

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Georgetown Lombardi, in collaboration with the Cancer Research, Education and Training (CRTEC) Office, is issuing a call for proposals for 2024: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Cancer Research, Education & Training Opportunities and Funding. Funding is available to faculty, staff or trainees doing work affiliated with Georgetown Lombardi, John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack Meridian Health or MedStar Health. View information about specific initiatives and a link to the application portal. Contact LombardiDEI@georgetown.edu with questions.

Diversity in Cancer Research Summer 2024 Undergraduate Internship Program Now Accepting Applications

 

This internship program is open to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors with an interest in STEM, cancer and/or biomedical research. Applicants from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research are strongly encouraged to apply. Application deadline: February 16, 2024. View more information and application portal. Questions, please email cancerresearchtraining@georgetown.edu.

Meetings & Events

CDI Seminar: “Genetic Basis of Cancer Predisposition: "Basic and Translational Studies”


Tuesday, January 23

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


Presented by Gary Kupfer, MD, professor of oncology, pediatrics, and internal medicine, co-director, Hemophilia Treatment Center, co-program leader, Cancer Cell Biology Program, Georgetown Lombardi. Join this seminar via Zoom.

Diane Bolton

Department of Microbiology & Immunology Seminar Series:HIV-1 Prevention and Cure: Adjuvanted Vaccine Evaluation and Ex Vivo Virus Hunting


Tuesday, January 23

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


Presented by Diane Bolton, PhD, chief, Animal Models & Viral Persistence Section, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Join this seminar in Med-Dent NE301 and via Zoom.

GUMC Staff/AAP Council Caucus Virtual Brown Bag Lunch


Wednesday, January 24 

12:00 - 12:50 p.m. 


Learn about the various topics on which the Council has been engaged and share your thoughts at this informal meeting. Join via Zoom.

GUFaculty360 Class - Updating Your Profile


Wednesday, January 24

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. 


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

Cancer Research Data Meeting


Thursday, January 25

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.


Amir Bagheri, a PhD student in the Tumor Biology Program, presents “The Role of C-terminally Phosphorylated p27 as cJun/STAT3 Transcriptional Co-activator in Regulating Cell Cycle Progression.” Mentor: Joyce Slingerland, MD, PhD. Join the meeting in W302 or via Zoom.

Equity Forward Faculty Workshop:Reimagining Teaching and Learning for Student Success


Thursday, January 25

12:00 - 1:15 p.m.


Presented by Susan Cheng, EdLD, MPP, senior associate dean for diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, associate professor, Department of Family Medicine, deputy Title IX coordinator, Georgetown University School of Medicine. Register to join this workshop via Zoom.

Jonathan Moreno

Distinguished Scientist Seminar Series: ‘Absolutely Essential’: Bioethics and the Rules-Based International Order


Thursday, January 25

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.


Presented for International Holocaust Remembrance Day by Jonathan Moreno, PhD, David and Lyn Silfen University Professor of Ethics, University of Pennsylvania. Co-sponsored by the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics and Kennedy Institute of Ethics. Held in-person in the New Research Building Auditorium with Zoom option.

Elizabeth Platz

Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series: Collaborating Across Disciplines for Cancer Discovery and Translation

 

Friday, January 26

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. 

 

Presented by Elizabeth Platz, ScD, MPH, professor, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Martin D. Abeloff, MD Scholar in Cancer Prevention, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University. Held in-person in the New Research Building Auditorium with Zoom option.

Georgetown Lombardi Faculty Meeting


Monday, January 29

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.



This meeting will be hybrid format; lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. A portion of the meeting will address faculty evaluations. Join the meeting in person in Med-Dent NE201C or via Zoom.

Bhussry Seminar Series:Single-Cell to Tissue-Scale Inflammatory Memory


Tuesday, January 30

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.


Presented by José Ordovas-Montanes, PhD, research faculty, Division of Gastroenterology, co-director, Cell Discovery Network, Boston Children's Hospital; assistant professor of pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Robertson Investigator, New York Stem Cell Foundation; principal faculty, Harvard Stem Cell Institute; associate member, Broad Institute. Sponsored by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology. Join this seminar via Zoom.

News

CNN Cancer Rate Ticks Up Among Middle Aged


Global Newswire The Washington, D.C. Auto Show, the Washington Area Hyundai Dealers and Hyundai Hope on Wheels Team up to Support Georgetown Lombardi and Children’s National Hospital Through “Hyundai Hands On Hope” Contest


FOX 5 Hyundai Hands on Hope Awards $100K to DC Area Hospitals for Pediatric Cancer Research


The Hoya Georgetown Lombardi Survivorship Research Initiative Hosts Health Equity in Cancer Care Seminar


EurekAlert! ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group Melanoma Research Team Led by Michael Atkins, MD, Receives the 2023 Paper of the Year Distinction from the Journal of Clinical Oncology

Publications

WNT4 Regulates Cellular Metabolism via Intracellular Activity at the Mitochondria in Breast and Gynecologic Cancers


Accessibility of Clinical Study Reports Supporting Medicine Approvals: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation


Analysis of Breast Cancer Mortality in the US-1975 to 2019


A Pralidoxime Nanocomplex Formulation Targeting Transferrin Receptors for Reactivation of Brain Acetylcholinesterase After Exposure of Mice to an Anticholinesterase Organophosphate



Unpacking the Relationship Between Shared Decision-Making and Decisional Quality, Decision to Screen, and Screening Completion in Lung Cancer Screening

Funding and Award Opportunities

LOI DUE 1/22: V Foundation Women Scientists Innovation Award for Cancer Research


Sustaining the careers of women in research and preventing the loss of women from academic careers focused on cancer is paramount to accomplishing the V Foundation’s mission. To help level the playing field for women in cancer research, Georgetown Lombardi may nominate one applicant to apply for the V Foundation’s “Women Scientists Innovation Award for Cancer Research.” This grant opportunity is specifically for cancer research led by a woman Principal Investigator. The nominee may apply in either the V Scholar or the Translational grant type (note the strict eligibility criteria and scope for each). Those interested should submit a letter of intent to Sharon Levy (sgl5@georgetown.edu) by Monday, January 22.

NEW Twisted Pink Metastatic Breast Cancer Impact Award


Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, in collaboration with Twisted Pink are pleased to announce a new grant funding opportunity for independently conducted basic, translational, and clinical research in metastatic breast cancer. The overall goal of this funding is to accelerate understanding and advancements in clinical applications for people living with metastatic breast cancer. The grant will provide $200,000 in funding for the direct costs of the research over a 24-month project period. Indirect costs are not allowed. There is funding for one award. The grant agreement term is August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2026. View complete eligibility and application requirements. The application requires a two-step application process, and a Letter of Intent (LOI) is required. All application materials must be in English and must be submitted through the Application Portal. Paper applications or applications sent by e-mail or fax will not be accepted. If you have questions, please email the grants team. Letter of Intent due date: January 29 at 11:59 EST.

Damon Runyon Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK)


The Damon Runyon Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) is a one-year research opportunity open to current college seniors and those who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree within the last 36 months who are:

  • From a racial, ethnic, or other group underrepresented in biomedical fields, including first-generation college students, those from economically and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds as defined by the Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity, and those with disabilities
  • A U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA recipient who is eligible to legally work in the United States 
  • Strongly committed to a future career in research, with a curiosity for cancer research, and planning to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD degree following completion of post-baccalaureate research

The program will provide students who have the potential to become leaders in cancer research with rigorous scientific training and a network of mentors and peers to support their next steps into graduate school and beyond. The award includes a stipend and expense allowances for the recipient. Application deadline: Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. View more details and application guidelines.

Federal Grants Digest: Colleges & Universities Edition


A weekly curated digest of federal funding opportunities of interest to colleges and universities to support programming, research, infrastructure and other efforts, provided by Thorn Run Partners. View current issue (for Jan. 17, 2024).

Upcoming Events
Meetings in italics should be attended by all fellows.
Monday

8:00 AM | Division Weekly Update Meeting | Podium A / Microsoft Teams


8:30 AM | Monday Morning Oncology Report | Inpatient Oncology Fellow | Podium A / Microsoft Teams


9:00 AM | Breast Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 528 212 194)


11:00 AM | GU/Melanoma Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 796 253 566)


4:00 PM | GU Tumor Board (on 1st/3rd Mondays of the month) | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 869 742 463)

Tuesday

9:00 AM | Hematology Path Conference - Inpatient Heme fellows + Outpatient Heme + BMT fellow | Podium A / Microsoft Teams (CME code: 80737; phone: 202-796-7323)


4:00 PM | Liver Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams


5:00 PM | Breast Tumor Board | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 937 7707 3374; CME code: 80044)

Wednesday

8:00 AM | Thoracic Tumor Board | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 993 7680 5192; Passcode: 4231; CME 86693)


12:00 PM | Melanoma Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams (CME: 80988)


5:00 PM | GI Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

Thursday

9:00 AM | Cancer Research Data Meeting - Amir Bagheri -“The Role of C-terminally Phosphorylated p27 as cJun/STAT3 Transcriptional Co-activator in Regulating Cell Cycle Progression” | W302 New Research Building or Zoom


9:30 AM | Head and Neck Tumor Board | 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 | Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 298 285 483 265, Passcode: rJWpmU)


12:00 PM | Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series | Elizabeth Platz, ScD, MPH: “Collaborating Across Disciplines for Cancer Discovery and Translation” | New Research Building Auditorium / Zoom


12:00 PM | Amy Klion - Mastocytosis and Hypereosinophilia | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)


1:00 PM | Dr. Liu - Make-Up SCLC | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)


1:00 PM | Pancreas Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 299 996 740 910, Passcode: z7j7Rc)


2:00 PM | Dr. Tsang - Heme Path 2 | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)

Connect with Georgetown Lombardi on Social Media
Facebook  Twitter  

If you would like to share news or updates from your department, please get in touch with Sarah Riehl.
Contact Us
Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center