| May 2011 | |
Focus on IBC
IBC RESEARCH FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER |
| | |
Robert J. Schneider, Ph.D., NYU Medical Center
Recipient of 2010 ibcRF Grant
By, Ginny Mason, RN, BSN
Executive Director, ibcRF Through a generous gift from the Milburn Foundation the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to Robert J. Schneider, Ph.D., of New York University, Langone Medical Center. Dr. Schneider's project, "Translating mTOR and translational regulation to therapy in triple negative inflammatory breast cancer" was chosen from a pool of outstanding applications. "It's difficult to choose just one project for funding when they are all worthwhile and important projects", said Executive Director Ginny Mason. Dr. Schneider's proposal received high marks for relevance and for the translational potential, moving from 'bench to bedside' to impact patient treatment. Read more about Dr. Schneider and the Emmy awarded to WABC-TV for its special, "Breast Cancer: New Protocols & Greater Hope," in which Dr. Schneider was interviewed about his ground breaking IBC research. The grant process involved inviting specific scientists to respond to a request for applications (RFA.) Once those materials were received they were reviewed by the Medical Advisory Board and the Board of Directors of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Following the review, comments were evaluated and one project was chosen to receive the 2010 grant. The announcement of the 2010 grant recipient was delayed to 2011 due to unforeseen circumstances. Dr. Schneider and colleagues have focused much of their research time and effort in the study of inflammatory and locally advanced breast cancer. Last year's publication by Dr. Schneider, "Essential role for eIF4GI overexpression in the pathogenesis of inflammatory breast cancer", created quite a stir in the inflammatory breast cancer community. The media presented this research as discovering the gene for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), when in actuality it is a translation factor. It's important to understand that eIF4GI is a translation factor overexpressed in most IBCs, resulting in its unique pathogenic properties. Understanding this mechanism can aid potential control of the disease. "Inflammatory Breast Cancer Radio-resistance and its Cancer Stem Cell Population are Oppositely Controlled by Translation Factor eIF4G", is a follow-up article that builds on the previous eIF4G work of Dr. Schneider's lab, exploring the role of radio-resistence. Click here to read the entire article.
Dr. Schneider and colleagues have developed a unique understanding of the importance of translational control in the development and progression of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). This understanding can now be used to help develop novel therapeutic and tailored approaches for IBC in general and triple negative IBC in particular. This research group has identified and developed innovative, targeted and triple negative IBC-specific approaches for treatment of this disease. With this grant, Dr. Schneider will use these insights in animal models to rapidly develop targeted therapeutic intervention, leading to a future pilot Phase I/II clinical trial.
The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation is excited to join with Dr. Schneider and colleagues in this important research venture targeting the needs of those patients diagnosed with triple negative inflammatory breast cancer.
|
|
|
2010 Annual Report
Each year we take the opportunity to review the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation's activities for the year. Click here to read about the highlights of 2010. | |
|
MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER IN THE NEWS |
Olufunilayo (Funmi) I. Olopade MBBS, FACP, was appointed as a member of the National Cancer Advisory Board by U.S. President Barack Obama. Dr. Olopade is the Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine & Human Genetics, Associate Dean for Global Health, and Director of the Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics at the University of Chicago. She is also a practicing clinician and Director of the University's Cancer Risk Clinic. Dr. Olopade received a Conquer Cancer Foundation (formerly the ASCO Cancer Foundation) Young Investigator Award in 1991 and was the 2010 recipient of the ASCO/American Cancer Society Award and Lecture.
Our congratulations and thanks to Dr. Olopade, member of the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation Medical Advisory Board. |
|
Upcoming Events | |
May 14 - Breast Cancer Education Day; Science & the City; New York, NY Click here.
June 3-7 - American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; Chicago, IL Click here.
June 21-22 - Patient Advocate Foundation Patient Congress; Washington DC
Click here. |
|
Quick Links for IBC Patients and Caregivers
|
1-877-STOP-IBC 1-877-786-7422
email: |
|
|
|
|
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program from C4YW
In our last newsletter volunteer Carol McWilliams provided a commentary on the Conference for Young Women (C4YW) held the end of February. This gathering for young women affected by breast cancer is sponsored by the Young Survival Coalition and Living Beyond Breast Cancer. The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation has been involved in this conference for 4 years as an exhibitor and appreciates the opportunity to connect with young women facing the challenges of IBC and educating those who may not know about this form of breast cancer.
This year Dr. Kimberly L. Blackwell of Duke University Medical Center, was invited to provide a session on inflammatory breast cancer. Those attending have provided lots of positive feedback about the session so we are delighted to share that this session is now available on a podcast through the Living Beyond Breast Cancer website.
Learn about the latest research outcomes for this rare but aggressive form of breast cancer. Understand your treatment options, and find out about the latest clinical trials so you can work with your healthcare team to get the best care possible.
Our thanks to Dr. Blackwell for her presentation and to Living Beyond Breast Cancer for making this session available via podcast from their website. |
|
NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION NEWS
The National Breast Cancer Coalition's Project LEADŽ Institute
The Project LEAD Institute is NBCC's intensive, five-day science course for breast cancer advocates covering cancer biology, genetics, epidemiology, research design, and advocacy. This course is designed to provide advocates evidence-based scientific cancer education to strengthen and empower their work as research advocates.
If you have a serious interest in scientific study and in preparing yourself for participation in the policy-setting and decision-making roles of research advocacy, don't miss this opportunity for outstanding training by a renowned faculty at NBCC's Project LEAD Institute.
The Institute will take place July 17-22, 2011 in San Diego, CA. The application deadline for the course is May 20, 2011. Scholarships are available for those in financial need. Requests for scholarships must be completed in the online application. The course is free to NBCC members and annual membership is only $35. To apply for the course, please complete the application forms and if your membership is not current for this year, complete the membership form found on the website.
|
|
NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH MONTH
The Inflammatory Breast Cancer RESEARCH Foundation is dedicated to research.
Because of that focus we want to highlight that May is National Cancer Research Month, in recognition of high quality, innovative cancer research. The United States Congress made this declaration in "2007 to raise awareness of the critical advances in cancer research made by its 33,000 members and cancer researchers worldwide." A new resolution was introduced in 2011.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is focused on the prevention and cure of cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration; a mission clearly in sync with the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation's mission and goals. Through the AACR Annual Meeting and the Scientist <-> Survivor Program, ibcRF volunteers have had the opportunity to establish relationships with top researchers, engage in important dialogue, and develop research projects focused on the needs of the IBC community.
Cancer is not a single disease. Even breast cancer is not a single disease. It will take a focused and concerted effort of all those involved (researchers, scientists, clinicians, laboratories and clinics, government, industry, consumers and advocates) working together to end this disease that claims half-a-million American lives each year.
To learn more about National Cancer Research Month and the AACR click here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
