News


2010

  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, August 18th, 2010 - Dr. Stephen Roberts, MD, LTC, MC, USA, Director of Pediatric Research, NCA Pediatrics Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Uniformed Services University Bethesda, Maryland
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, July 28th, 2010 - Majid Moridani, PharmD, PhD, DABCC, FACB. Topic: "Metabolism and biochemical toxicology of phenolic compounds as anti-melanoma agents: A prodrug design approach."
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, June 23, 2010 through July 27th, 2010 - Cancelled
  • June 17, 2010 - Innovations in Cancer Prevention and Research Conference Nov 16-19, 2010 Registration Now Open!
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, June 16, 2010 - Dr. Catherine Ronaghan, Clinical Professor - TTUHSC Dept of Surgery & Medical Director of the Arrington Comprehensive Breast Center at Covenant Health System, Topic: "Updates from American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Semi-Annual Meeting" and "The State of the Art Breast Reconstruction Options Following Mastectomy".
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, June 9, 2010 - Dr. Joehassin Cordero, Assistant Professor, TTUHSC Dept of Surgery, Division Chief - Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Topic: "Contemporary Management of Thyroid Cancer"
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, June 2, 2010 - Dr. Nicole Huebener, Research Assistant Professor, TTUHSC Dept of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Topic: "Neuroblastoma"
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, May 26, 2010 - cancelled (TTUHSC Employee Picnic/ Service Awards)
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, May 19, 2010 - TENTATIVE - Dr. Min Kang, Assistant Professor, TTUHSC Dept of Cell Biology and Biochemistry
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, May 12, 2010 - open
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, May 5, 2010 - Dr. Brenda Weigel, MSc, MD - Associate Professor, Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center University of Minnesota, Topic "Coley to Clinic: Building a Translational Pathway"
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, April 28, 2010 - TBD
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, April 21, 2010 - No Grand Rounds
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, April 14, 2010 - Murali Nair, PhD, DABR, Chief Medical Physicist, Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center; Adjunct Professor of Physics - TTU
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, April 7, 2010 - Joehassin Cordero, MD, Assistant Professor, TTUHSC SOM Dept of Surgery and Division Chief - Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Topic: "Thyroid Cancer"
  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, March 31, 2010 - Murali Nair, PhD, DABR, Chief Medical Physicist, Joe Arrington Cancer Research and Treatment Center; Adjunct Professor of Physics - TTU, Topic: "Computed Tomography (CT) Scans and Increased risk of Cancer Incidence"

2009

  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, Dec 9th - Billy Philips, PhD, Vice President, F. Marie Hall Institute of Rural and Community Health, TTUHSC, Topic: "Cancer Nutrition Network for Texans"

  • December 2-4, 2009 - Austin, TX
    Excellence in Cancer Survivorship Care: Developing Sustainable Programs

    Presented by the LIVESTRONGTM Survivorship Center of Excellence Network in collaboration with the Nurse Oncology Education Program and the Physician Oncology Education Program

    To encourage a geographically diverse group of participants in this program's inaugural year, Lance Armstrong Foundation has waived a registration fee to reduce any barriers to attendance.

    Overview
    This training will facilitate capacity building for healthcare institutions to develop sustainable survivorship programs to better serve the nearly 28 million cancer survivors living today.

    Who Should Apply
    Organizations that are currently ready to develop sustainable cancer survivorship programs and have a plan to actualize that commitment are invited to apply, in teams of two individuals involved in program planning and implementation (i.e. administrators, medical directors, and high-level clinicians).

    Educational Objectives:
    1. Discuss the key medical and psychosocial issues facing cancer survivors.
    2. Define the key components of care typically provided in cancer survivorship programs.
    3. Describe the roles of nutrition, exercise and psychosocial counseling in survivorship.
    4. Identify the business planning issues in starting a survivorship program.

    Click here for complete program details including how to apply.

    Deadline: November 13, 2009

    Once the commitment is reviewed, teams will be notified and allowed to register for the conference.

  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, Nov 11th - Robert Bright, PhD, Associate Professor, TTUHSC Dept of Microbiology and Immunology, Topic: "Immuno-modulation to Enhance Immunity to Tumor Associated Auto-Antigens"

  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, November 4th - Fred Hardwicke, MD, Assistant Professor, TTUHSC SOM Dept of Internal Medicine, Topic: "The Challenge of Bone Metastases in Breast Cancer"

  • October 30th, 2009

    CPRIT Releases a New Grant Application for a Multi-Investigator Research Award (MIRA)

    CPRIT announces today's release of the MIRA RFA - its latest request for research applications. The RFA is available on the CPRIT website, www.cprit.state.tx.us.

    The MIRA request seeks integrated programs of collaborative and cross-disciplinary research among multiple investigators for projects in critical areas of cancer research that cannot be effectively addressed by an individual researcher or a group of researchers within the same discipline Teams are encouraged to focus on critical areas of cancer research, especially those areas that have been inadequately addressed or where there is an absence of an established paradigm or technical framework. These awards are expected to promote a cooperative environment that fosters intensive interaction among members in all aspects of the research project. The Institute will only fund collaborative approaches that are expected to transform the research process through the integration of basic and/or clinical disciplines, leading to the aggressive translation of scientific discoveries (including the development of databases and tissue banks) into tools and applications that have the potential to significantly impact cancer incidence, detection, treatment, and mortality. Targeted areas include a statewide data/tumor repository, a Texas Clinical Trials Consortium, drug discovery and development platforms, and imaging consortiums.

    CPRIT encourages Texas cancer investigators to bring their best ideas forward for consideration. Creative collaborative projects that address critical questions should leverage Texas cancer research into a leadership position from both the national and international perspective. Federal programs should not be duplicated. Instead, teams should focus on enhancing the impact of the programs in Texas.

    Teams seeking less than $3 million should file a letter of intent. Teams seeking more than $3 million should file a pre-application. These will help CPRIT align its peer review committees with the expected applications, to offer suggestions about the optimal response to the RFA, and to encourage/suggest collaborations to assemble Texas "dream teams" representing the best science in state. CPRIT will accept letters of intent and pre-applications through its web-based grant portal www.cpritgrants.org beginning November 13, 2009 until January 5, 2010. Applicants are urged to submit their pre-applications and letters of intent as soon as possible - CPRIT will provide a rolling response to the pre-applications as they are submitted.

    MIRA applications will be accepted starting February 12, 2010 through March 1, 2010. Applications will be reviewed March - May, 2010, and award notifications are expected in June 2010.

    The MIRA application is intended for institutions, universities, and governmental and non-governmental organizations. Companies may participate as collaborators. A separate RFA specifically targeted for public and private companies is under development and will be released shortly.

    CPRIT Foundation Hosts Policy Roundtable Discussion

    On October 21, 2009, the CPRIT Foundation held its inaugural Breakthrough Dinner and Policy Roundtable in Austin, bringing together top researchers, politicians and business leaders from throughout the state. At the dinner, keynote remarks were made by Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst and Dr. Robert C. Young, President of RCY Medicine and Former Chancellor of the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Special presentations of the Champion Award were made to Senator Jane Nelson, Representative Jim Keffer and Representative Patrick Rose.

    The CPRIT Roundtable Meeting provided an opportunity for nationally-recognized cancer researchers, lawmakers, and the CPRIT Foundation Board of Directors to have a high-level discussion about cancer prevention and research as well as identify the priorities for the Institute. CPRIT Scientific Officer Dr. Al Gilman led the discussion. Many of the participants discussed ways for CPRIT to distinguish itself from NCI and other cancer funding programs. Recommendations for the Institute included establishing a statewide clinical trials network, recruiting top talent to the state, focusing on team science and integrative/system science approaches, and leveraging commercialization opportunities. Recommendations for prevention program strategies included increased screening for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer and dissemination of prevention information to community clinics in all regions of the state. A summary of the Roundtable discussion is attached.

    Other Open RFAs

    In addition to the newly posted MIRA RFA, five other RFAs are currently open - including the first two prevention grant applications. The deadline for Evidence-Based Prevention Programs and Services program application and for the Health Program, Public Education, and Outreach program application is November 13, 2009. Click here for the prevention RFAs.

    CPRIT Foundation Roundtable October 21, 2009

  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, Oct 21st - Carlos Torres, MD, Radiation Oncologist, University Medical Center. Topic: "Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Clinical Indications and Implementation at UMC"

  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, Oct 14th - Masaki Terabe, PhD, Associate Scientist, Deputy Section Chief in Molecular Immunogenetics and Vaccine Research Section, Vaccine Branch, CCR, National Cancer Institute, Topic: "NKT Cell-Mediated Regulation Of Tumor Immunity"

  • October 2, 2009
    Texas begins $3 billion quest to cure cancer

  • September 28, 2009
    CPRIT Announces Release of Two Prevention Funding Opportunities

  • September 17, 2009

    CPRIT Issues Five Requests for Applications for Research Grants, Announces Four More Funding Opportunities

    Five Requests for Applications (RFAs) for cancer research grants are available on the CPRIT website (www.cprit.state.tx.us). The RFAs seek submissions for High Impact/High Risk grants, Individual Investigator grants, and Recruitment grants (three different recruitment grants are available for first-time tenure track faculty, rising stars, and established investigators.)

    The deadline for High Impact/High Risk and Individual Investigator grant submissions is October 8, 2009 at 3:00 p.m CST. CPRIT expects to award the first round of High Impact/High Risk and Individual Investigator grants in early 2010. Recruitment grant applications will be considered as they are submitted.

    Pre-RFA announcements are also available for multi-investigator research awards and for research training awards. In addition, two prevention grant RFAs are expected to be officially released in late September, 2009. The prevention grant RFAs will award funds for evidence-based prevention programs and services and for health promotion, public education and outreach programs.

    All information related to CPRIT grants, including RFA announcements, applications, and frequently asked questions, is available through the CPRIT website. For individuals and organizations interested in the CPRIT cancer research and prevention program funding award process, CPRIT has made available its Policies and Procedures Guide online. The Policies and Procedures Guide provides the guidance and framework for CPRIT to award, implement, and monitor cancer research and prevention program grants.

    CPRIT On-line Grant Application System Live - September 15th 7am CST

    All applications for CPRIT awards must be submitted via the CPRIT Application Receipt System (https://CPRITGrants.org.) Only applications submitted at this portal will be considered eligible for evaluation. Applicants must register a user name to start and submit an application. Any questions or comments regarding CPRIT RFAs may be sent to ResearchHelp@CPRITGrants.org.

    The CPRIT RFA research help desk (866-941-7146) is also available to provide assistance between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.

    CPRIT Names Scientific Review Council Members

    The eight members of the CPRIT Scientific Review Council (SRC) have been officially appointed and approved by CPRIT's governing body, the Oversight Committee. SRC members will chair the seven peer review panels that will evaluate cancer research grant applications. The members and the CPRIT peer review panels that they chair are:

    SRC Chairman
    • Phil Sharp, Ph.D., David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT
    Basic Science Peer Review Groups (3)
    • Tyler Jacks, Ph.D., Director, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT
    • Richard Kolodner, Ph.D., Director, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, UCSD
    • Charles Sherr, M.D., Ph.D., Chair, Genetics and Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
    Translational and Clinical Review Peer Review Groups (3)
    • Clara Bloomfield, M.D., Cancer Scholar and Senior Advisor, Ohio State University
    • David Johnson, M.D., Deputy Director, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
    • William Kaelin, Jr., M.D, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School
    Interfaces (Chemistry, Physics, Engineering) Peer Review Group
    • Sanjiv Sam Gambhir, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Radiology and Bioengineering Director, Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford University

    The SRC members are currently recruiting experts in their field to serve on the peer review groups in preparation for the first round of CPRIT grants applications that will be submitted in October. All peer review committee members will be from outside of Texas.

    CPRIT Announces Members of the Advisory Committees

    University Advisory Committee

    The University Advisory Committee (UAC) members are appointed by the chancellors and presidents of the university systems and academic health institutions throughout Texas. The UAC advises the CPRIT Oversight Committee regarding the role of institutions of higher education in cancer research. The UAC members are:

    • James Knox Van Arsdale Willson, M.D., Director of Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
    • Roberta B. Ness, M.D., M.P.H., Dean of the University of Texas Health Science Center
    • Brett Giroir, M.D., Vice Chancellor of Research at the Texas A&M University System
    • Everardo Cobos, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine, Associate Dean for Oncology, Programs/Division Chief at Texas Tech University Health Science Center
    • Kathryn E. Peek, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for University Health Initiatives at University of Houston System
    • Bill C. Covington, Ph.D., Chief Research Officer at the Texas State University System
    • Glenn Dillon, Ph.D., Associate Vice President, Research Professor, Pharmacology & Neuroscience at the University of North Texas Health Science Center
    • David G. Poplack, M.D., Director of Texas Children's Cancer Center, Director of the Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine
    • James Coleman, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Research, Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Rice University

    Advisory Committee on Childhood Cancer

    The Advisory Committee on Childhood Cancer (ACCC) provides information and recommendations regarding issues related to childhood cancer to the CPRIT Oversight Committee. The ACCC members are:

    • Patrick Reynolds, M.D., Ph.D., Cancer Center School of Medicine at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center
    • George Buchanan, M.D., Director of Pediatrics at University of Texas Southwestern,
    • David Poplack, M.D., Director at the Texas Children's Cancer Center
    • Gail Tomlinson, M.D., Interim Director at Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute at University of Texas Health Science
    • Tim Culliver, Adams Angels Ministry in Brenham Texas

    CPRIT Proposes Rules for Grant Award Process, Seeks Public Comment

    Earlier this year, legislation was passed directing CPRIT to issue rules regarding the grant award process. The proposed rules were published in the August 28th edition of the Texas Register and are available on the CPRIT website (http://www.cprit.state.tx.us) for public review and comment. These proposed rules will apply to all CPRIT grants awarded on or after September, 2009 and will replace the current agency rules regarding grants adopted by the Texas Cancer Council, CPRIT's predecessor agency.

    The proposed rules cover all aspects of the CPRIT grant process, including topics such as the content of the Institute's request for applications, the peer review process, and awarding grants by contracts. The rules clarify the agency's statutory mandates regarding the CPRIT grant award process and provide additional guidance regarding issues that may not be specifically addressed by the statute. In conjunction with the information provided in the formal request for applications, the final rules will establish the parameters that all successful grant applicants must follow.

    These rules were drafted with two overarching goals. CPRIT aims to create an efficient grant process that identifies and awards the most innovative and creative projects representing the best science and prevention programs. At the same time, CPRIT is mindful that it serves as the steward for the investment that Texas will make in cancer research and prevention programs.

    As part of the rulemaking process, the public is invited to submit written comments to CPRIT regarding the proposed rules through September 28, 2009. The public comment period is an opportunity to seek clarity, to highlight best practices that have been used elsewhere, and to identify any inadvertent barriers to finding and awarding groundbreaking science. Final rules are expected to be officially adopted in November.

    Questions or comments should be sent to cpritrules@cprit.state.tx.us.

    Two CPRIT List Serves Available For Agency News and Grant Information

    CPRIT has created two new list serves to provide up-to-date information by email to anyone interested in agency news and grant information. To sign up for the list serves, please visit the CPRIT website (http://www.cprit.state.tx.us) and click the "Listserve" button on the top information bar.

  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds, September 16, 2009 - Ranadip Pal, PhD, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas Tech University; Topic: "Modeling and Control in Cancer Genomics"

  • TTUHSC Cancer Center Grand Rounds - Week of 8-31-2009

  • CPRIT releases multiple RFA's including recruitment grants

  • TTUHSC School of Medicine Grand Rounds Aug 26, 2009 at 12 noon to review and discuss CPRIT funding opportunities.