Announcements
GAC GRANTS AWARDED FROM 2011 FUND-RAISING
The Triad Dinner for Cancer Research, a Golfers Against Cancer organization, has funded almost $2 million in grants for projects developed at the three NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in NC (UNC, Duke, Wake Forest), along with ECU (a major research facility) over the past seven years. GAC as a whole has funded over $20 million nationally. Our focus is on projects that will (hopefully) lead to a cure for cancer or improved treatments that place cancer in a “chronic” disease category. In addition, studies leading to prevention or early detection (that enables a quick eradication of that particular disease) are researched, as those are, effectively, cures.
You may have seen a recent news report (first of January) that serves as a good example of the type of project we’re seeing in our proposals and then funding; this report was in regard to PSA tests for prostate cancer, and quoted a big study that showed PSA testing did not save lives. The problem involves the false positives, missed diagnoses, and the lack of ability to distinguish between aggressive (harmful) prostate cancer and those that will never grow to cause problems during the patient’s lifetime, and the resulting large number of over-treatments. GAC has just funded two studies, one at Wake Forest and one at ECU, that seek to address this problem, the WFU project involving the correlation between calcium levels and prostate cancer, and the one at ECU centered around a light sensitizing test for the early detection of prostate (and potentially other) cancers that would let the doctor know whether the patient has an early development and, if so, what type. Both of these, if successful, would involve only a blood test, thereby satisfying the need for a simple, non-invasive test to accurately diagnose cancer.
The following projects are the most recent approved by the Greensboro GAC’s board:
ECU – Dr. Xin-Hua Hu was awarded $50,000 for his study developing a prostate cancer screening test using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detected by diffraction imaging flow cytometer technology (light) – existing and proposed CTC detection involves “traps” like tiny brushes; this new project involves light scatter in cells that will show the type/grade of cancer. It uses prostate cancer since there is a large patient population in ECU’s region, but will be adaptable to most other cancers. ECU has filed for a patent on this procedure, and has a NC Bio-Tech Center grant to supplement the study.
DUKE – Dr. Jing Cai was awarded $70,000 for a study of motion management using 4D MRI for liver cancer in radiation therapy. Some areas of the body are difficult to treat with radiation since they move with normal breathing; therefore, the radiation field is necessarily larger than the tumor to make sure coverage includes not only all the tumor but acceptable margins as well. Without some means of adapting to the movement, more unaffected tissue is damaged, which can have adverse effects. This technology will enable radiation beams to follow tumor motion and allow a full dose of radiation to the tumor and margins only, minimizing collateral damage. Also significant is the fact that MRI has no radiation like the CT scans sometimes used for targeting purposes.
UNC – Drs. Ben Major and Neil Hayes were awarded $60,000 for their study defining “driver gene mutations” (the ones that go on to become cancerous) from among the 1,000’s of “passenger” gene mutations (those that are harmless) in individual cancer patients. There are many gene mutations, and many have nothing to do with a patient’s cancer; therefore, we need to find the ones that do versus those just hanging out – and then develop personalized therapies based on the functional role of these driver genes (e.g., the pathway to the target). This study uses lung cancer as a model, but should be adaptable to other cancers. (funding for this study is partially provided by the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Foundation)
WFU (two projects) – Dr. Leslie Poole was awarded $30,000 for a study entitled “Mitochondrial antioxidant proteins mediate cisplatin resistance in aggressive ovarian cancer cells”. Ovarian cancer is a difficult one to treat, since cisplatin, a common but highly toxic chemotherapy for this cancer, is extremely toxic, to the point that many patients have to have the dosage reduced because of the side effects. This, in turn, reduces the efficacy of the chemo. This study will hopefully lead to a reduction of side effects which will then allow an increase in the efficiency of the cisplatin, in effect enhancing the treatment.
Dr. Steven Akman was awarded $30,000 for his study of DHX36, a protein that appears to regulate telomere (found in all cells) length which, in turn, leads to malignancies. DHX36 is an oncoprotein present in 85% to 90% of all cancers and, if blocked, could lead to the disruption of cell growth and stop up to 90% of all cancers. This study has generated a great degree of excitement given its potential applicability in so many situations.
The Triad Dinner for Cancer Research, a Golfers Against Cancer organization, has funded almost $2 million in grants for projects developed at the three NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in NC (UNC, Duke, Wake Forest), along with ECU (a major research facility) over the past seven years. GAC as a whole has funded over $20 million nationally. Our focus is on projects that will (hopefully) lead to a cure for cancer or improved treatments that place cancer in a “chronic” disease category. In addition, studies leading to prevention or early detection (that enables a quick eradication of that particular disease) are researched, as those are, effectively, cures.
You may have seen a recent news report (first of January) that serves as a good example of the type of project we’re seeing in our proposals and then funding; this report was in regard to PSA tests for prostate cancer, and quoted a big study that showed PSA testing did not save lives. The problem involves the false positives, missed diagnoses, and the lack of ability to distinguish between aggressive (harmful) prostate cancer and those that will never grow to cause problems during the patient’s lifetime, and the resulting large number of over-treatments. GAC has just funded two studies, one at Wake Forest and one at ECU, that seek to address this problem, the WFU project involving the correlation between calcium levels and prostate cancer, and the one at ECU centered around a light sensitizing test for the early detection of prostate (and potentially other) cancers that would let the doctor know whether the patient has an early development and, if so, what type. Both of these, if successful, would involve only a blood test, thereby satisfying the need for a simple, non-invasive test to accurately diagnose cancer.
The following projects are the most recent approved by the Greensboro GAC’s board:
ECU – Dr. Xin-Hua Hu was awarded $50,000 for his study developing a prostate cancer screening test using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detected by diffraction imaging flow cytometer technology (light) – existing and proposed CTC detection involves “traps” like tiny brushes; this new project involves light scatter in cells that will show the type/grade of cancer. It uses prostate cancer since there is a large patient population in ECU’s region, but will be adaptable to most other cancers. ECU has filed for a patent on this procedure, and has a NC Bio-Tech Center grant to supplement the study.
DUKE – Dr. Jing Cai was awarded $70,000 for a study of motion management using 4D MRI for liver cancer in radiation therapy. Some areas of the body are difficult to treat with radiation since they move with normal breathing; therefore, the radiation field is necessarily larger than the tumor to make sure coverage includes not only all the tumor but acceptable margins as well. Without some means of adapting to the movement, more unaffected tissue is damaged, which can have adverse effects. This technology will enable radiation beams to follow tumor motion and allow a full dose of radiation to the tumor and margins only, minimizing collateral damage. Also significant is the fact that MRI has no radiation like the CT scans sometimes used for targeting purposes.
UNC – Drs. Ben Major and Neil Hayes were awarded $60,000 for their study defining “driver gene mutations” (the ones that go on to become cancerous) from among the 1,000’s of “passenger” gene mutations (those that are harmless) in individual cancer patients. There are many gene mutations, and many have nothing to do with a patient’s cancer; therefore, we need to find the ones that do versus those just hanging out – and then develop personalized therapies based on the functional role of these driver genes (e.g., the pathway to the target). This study uses lung cancer as a model, but should be adaptable to other cancers. (funding for this study is partially provided by the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Foundation)
WFU (two projects) – Dr. Leslie Poole was awarded $30,000 for a study entitled “Mitochondrial antioxidant proteins mediate cisplatin resistance in aggressive ovarian cancer cells”. Ovarian cancer is a difficult one to treat, since cisplatin, a common but highly toxic chemotherapy for this cancer, is extremely toxic, to the point that many patients have to have the dosage reduced because of the side effects. This, in turn, reduces the efficacy of the chemo. This study will hopefully lead to a reduction of side effects which will then allow an increase in the efficiency of the cisplatin, in effect enhancing the treatment.
Dr. Steven Akman was awarded $30,000 for his study of DHX36, a protein that appears to regulate telomere (found in all cells) length which, in turn, leads to malignancies. DHX36 is an oncoprotein present in 85% to 90% of all cancers and, if blocked, could lead to the disruption of cell growth and stop up to 90% of all cancers. This study has generated a great degree of excitement given its potential applicability in so many situations.
GAC funds ECU researcher Xin-Hua Hu
http://blog.ecu.edu/sites/newblog/blog/2012/01/08/ecu-scientist-receives-250000-grant-to-study-non-invasive-prostate-testing/
SUMMARY: SUCCESSFUL GAC GRANTS
FUNDED TO DATE
JANUARY, 2011
Wake Forest University
Inhibition of Lung Tumor Growth by Angiotensin-(1-7): Dr. Patricia E. Gallagher, et al
Phase I clinical trial completed, Phase II in progress. Involves approved drugs, also breast and glioblastoma cancer research. Has shown some tumor reduction.
The Integration of Nanotechnology, Computational Treatment Plans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Improve Combinatorial Hyperthermia Treatment of Cancer: Drs. Kraft, Carroll
Received additional pilot funding for continuation and is close to clinical applications. As seen in several newspaper articles, Dr. David Carroll has developed commercial/industrial applications with significant potential influence, which came about partially as a result of GAC’s funding for the original project.
Effects of Inflammation & PKA Activity on Prostate Cancer: Dr. George Kulik
Received $1.7 million NIH/NCI grant (5 years). Research continuing.
Phase II Trial of Vitamin D & Soy Supplementation for Recurrent Prostate Cancer: Dr. Dan Fried
Active trial, accrual close to completion, should lead to development of subsequent trials.
DUKE
Targeting CD15-expressing Cancer Stem Cells in Medulloblastoma: Dr. Robert Wechsler-Reya
Project on pediatric brain cancer, NIH funding applied for, recently published in Cancer Cell.
Vaccine Therapy For High Risk Colorectal Cancer: Michael Morse, MD
Phase II clinical trial enrolling patients at 6 centers (Duke, Wake-Forest, Georgetown, Moffitt, MD-Anderson, Medical University of South Carolina, Earle Chiles Cancer Center, Portland), made possible by GAC funding. Over 76 patients enrolled, with data from the study submitted but not yet cleared for publishing. To date, preliminary data suggests extended overall survival for patients on vaccine. Data is to be presented to NCI to support a request for a Phase III trial.
East Carolina University
Senescence-Associated Exosome Release From Human Prostate Cancer Cells: Dr. David Terrian
Accepted for publication by Cancer Research; collecting samples from actual patients; this research was duplicated by Harvard researchers and a commercial application was licensed before Dr. Terrian could finish this process.
University of North Carolina
Targeting Breast Cancer with Zinc Finger-Linked Enzymatic Engines: Pilar Blancafort, PhD
The goal is to develop technology to inhibit breast tumor cell growth, reactivating tumor suppressor genes. Project has generated over $1 million in additional funding, from Dept. of Defense and NIH/NCI. Four manuscripts are in preparation.
UNC Mouse Phase I Unit (MP1U): Ned Sharpless, MD
This facility, started with GAC support, tests novel cancer drugs in mouse models of human cancer, to determine which therapies will work in humans, to minimize the toxicity associated with some treatments. The unit collaborates with labs at, for example, Duke, Harvard, and UT-SW as well as large pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline. NIH and other funding has been received, and the work has led to four filed patents and a UNC spin-off startup company.
Development of Molecularly Targeted Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Radiosensitizers: Andrew Z. Wang, MD
This study is developing nanoparticles as a means to directly sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, lessening the severity of side effects, and should work with several cancer types. Dr. Wang, as a result of this funding, has a manuscript under review at the International Journal of Radiation Oncoloty*Biology*Physics, and the abstract received the Best Biology Abstract Award at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology. An agreement has been reached with Samyang Corp., a leading nanoparticle therapeutics company, to conduct clinical trials at UNC Lineberger, focusing on chemoradiotherapy and radiosensitization.
Improving Overall Survival in Patients with Leukemia and Lymphoma: Dr. Stefanie Sarantopoulos, MD, PhD
Stem cell transplantation often cures these diseases, but graft-versus-host disease is a significant side effect, basically curing the illness but killing the patient. This study is determining which patients will go on to develop chronic GVHD, and hopefully leading to a predictive biomarker to help improve overall survival after transplant. Several potential biomarkers have been identified. NIH funding exceeding $500,000 has been obtained, along with other grants.
JANUARY, 2011
Wake Forest University
Inhibition of Lung Tumor Growth by Angiotensin-(1-7): Dr. Patricia E. Gallagher, et al
Phase I clinical trial completed, Phase II in progress. Involves approved drugs, also breast and glioblastoma cancer research. Has shown some tumor reduction.
The Integration of Nanotechnology, Computational Treatment Plans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Improve Combinatorial Hyperthermia Treatment of Cancer: Drs. Kraft, Carroll
Received additional pilot funding for continuation and is close to clinical applications. As seen in several newspaper articles, Dr. David Carroll has developed commercial/industrial applications with significant potential influence, which came about partially as a result of GAC’s funding for the original project.
Effects of Inflammation & PKA Activity on Prostate Cancer: Dr. George Kulik
Received $1.7 million NIH/NCI grant (5 years). Research continuing.
Phase II Trial of Vitamin D & Soy Supplementation for Recurrent Prostate Cancer: Dr. Dan Fried
Active trial, accrual close to completion, should lead to development of subsequent trials.
DUKE
Targeting CD15-expressing Cancer Stem Cells in Medulloblastoma: Dr. Robert Wechsler-Reya
Project on pediatric brain cancer, NIH funding applied for, recently published in Cancer Cell.
Vaccine Therapy For High Risk Colorectal Cancer: Michael Morse, MD
Phase II clinical trial enrolling patients at 6 centers (Duke, Wake-Forest, Georgetown, Moffitt, MD-Anderson, Medical University of South Carolina, Earle Chiles Cancer Center, Portland), made possible by GAC funding. Over 76 patients enrolled, with data from the study submitted but not yet cleared for publishing. To date, preliminary data suggests extended overall survival for patients on vaccine. Data is to be presented to NCI to support a request for a Phase III trial.
East Carolina University
Senescence-Associated Exosome Release From Human Prostate Cancer Cells: Dr. David Terrian
Accepted for publication by Cancer Research; collecting samples from actual patients; this research was duplicated by Harvard researchers and a commercial application was licensed before Dr. Terrian could finish this process.
University of North Carolina
Targeting Breast Cancer with Zinc Finger-Linked Enzymatic Engines: Pilar Blancafort, PhD
The goal is to develop technology to inhibit breast tumor cell growth, reactivating tumor suppressor genes. Project has generated over $1 million in additional funding, from Dept. of Defense and NIH/NCI. Four manuscripts are in preparation.
UNC Mouse Phase I Unit (MP1U): Ned Sharpless, MD
This facility, started with GAC support, tests novel cancer drugs in mouse models of human cancer, to determine which therapies will work in humans, to minimize the toxicity associated with some treatments. The unit collaborates with labs at, for example, Duke, Harvard, and UT-SW as well as large pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline. NIH and other funding has been received, and the work has led to four filed patents and a UNC spin-off startup company.
Development of Molecularly Targeted Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Radiosensitizers: Andrew Z. Wang, MD
This study is developing nanoparticles as a means to directly sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, lessening the severity of side effects, and should work with several cancer types. Dr. Wang, as a result of this funding, has a manuscript under review at the International Journal of Radiation Oncoloty*Biology*Physics, and the abstract received the Best Biology Abstract Award at the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology. An agreement has been reached with Samyang Corp., a leading nanoparticle therapeutics company, to conduct clinical trials at UNC Lineberger, focusing on chemoradiotherapy and radiosensitization.
Improving Overall Survival in Patients with Leukemia and Lymphoma: Dr. Stefanie Sarantopoulos, MD, PhD
Stem cell transplantation often cures these diseases, but graft-versus-host disease is a significant side effect, basically curing the illness but killing the patient. This study is determining which patients will go on to develop chronic GVHD, and hopefully leading to a predictive biomarker to help improve overall survival after transplant. Several potential biomarkers have been identified. NIH funding exceeding $500,000 has been obtained, along with other grants.
2011 Triad Dinner for Cancer Research
On Sunday, September 18, 2011, the Triad Chapter of GAC will host the Seventh Annual Triad Dinner for Cancer Research. The event will include dinner, a live and silent auction, and special honored guests. This year's event will take place at the Greensboro Country Club, 410 Sunset Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408.
Sponsors will enjoy a golf outing on Monday, September 19, 2011 at Greensboro Country Club's Farm Course, 5121 Hedrick Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408.
The Triad Chapter of Golfers Against Cancer (GAC) proudly announces that it has awarded $285,000 to fund promising research projects in 2011. The funds, raised at the organization’s Sixth Annual Triad Dinner for Cancer Research (September 19, 2010), will go to the Comprehensive Cancer Research Centers at UNC-CH, Duke and Wake Forest Universities, and to the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Grant recipients were selected based on the viability and scope of their research projects; as well as, their ability to procure matching funds, often doubling the total award received. For specific information about the grants, please visit Research Grants.
On Sunday, September 18, 2011, the Triad Chapter of GAC will host the Seventh Annual Triad Dinner for Cancer Research. The event will include dinner, a live and silent auction, and special honored guests. This year's event will take place at the Greensboro Country Club, 410 Sunset Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408.
Sponsors will enjoy a golf outing on Monday, September 19, 2011 at Greensboro Country Club's Farm Course, 5121 Hedrick Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408.
The Triad Chapter of Golfers Against Cancer (GAC) proudly announces that it has awarded $285,000 to fund promising research projects in 2011. The funds, raised at the organization’s Sixth Annual Triad Dinner for Cancer Research (September 19, 2010), will go to the Comprehensive Cancer Research Centers at UNC-CH, Duke and Wake Forest Universities, and to the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Grant recipients were selected based on the viability and scope of their research projects; as well as, their ability to procure matching funds, often doubling the total award received. For specific information about the grants, please visit Research Grants.
Thank you to our latest 2011 sponsors!
Dave Reich-Best Services Group Platinum
level
Labcorp Gold level Dillon Yarn Corp. Bronze level | McMichael Family Foundation Gold level Judy & Len White Bronze level Harden Blackwell/Terminix Co. Bronze level Craft Insurance Center Bronze level |
