Tumors Grants

Clinical Research Awards for Neurofibromatosis: Request for Letters of Intent

The Children’s Tumor Foundation announces a call for Letters of Intent for Clinical Research Awards of up to $100,000. Clinical Research Awards seeks broad-thinking novel ideas to conduct pilot clinical trials of candidate therapeutics for the treatment of tumors and other manifestations of NF1, NF2 and schwannomatosis; OR innovative studies ancillary or adjunct to clinical trials that - if successful - will contribute to the advancement of effective clinical therapies for neurofibromatosis.

Examples of projects encouraged may include but are not limited to:
- Biomarker studies adjunct to an ongoing clinical trial (may be e.g. molecular, imaging or genetic biomarkers, or other novel outcome parameters) that may better inform on and ultimately help accelerate a clinical trial.
- Preclinical/clinical collaborative studies (‘clinical co-trials’). Note however that all studies must include a clinical element – preclinical-only studies are not eligible.
- Applications to fund pilot neurofibromatosis clinical trials are welcomed an encouraged.

It is anticipated that CTF will fund up to four Clinical Research Awards of up to $100,000 (including overheads/indirect costs).

Application Process and Timeline
LOI’s due: September 15, 2010
Applicants notified: October 4, 2010

Successful LOIs will be invited to submit a full application.

Full applications due: November 15, 2010
Applicants notified: Mid-December 2010
Funding commences as early as: January 2011

Before submitting your LOI, you are strongly encouraged to contact me to discuss your idea.

Kim Hunter-Schaedle, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer
Children's Tumor Foundation
Khunter-schaedle@ctf.org
Tel: 212-344-6633 x231

Caring for Carcinoid Foundation-American Association for Cancer Research Grants for Carcinoid Tumor and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research

Application Deadline: September 15, 2010, at 12:00 noon Eastern Time

Decision Date: January 15, 2011

Start of Grant Term: February 1, 2011

Recognition Event for Grant Recipients at AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011: April 5, 2011

The Caring for Carcinoid Foundation-AACR Grants for Carcinoid Tumor and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research represent a joint effort to promote and support innovative cancer research. These grants are available to independent junior and senior investigators to develop and study new ideas and approaches that have direct application and relevance to carcinoid tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Proposed research may be in any discipline of basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological cancer research.

Applications are invited from researchers currently in the field as well as from investigators with experience in other areas of cancer research who have promising ideas or research approaches that can be applied to carcinoid tumor and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor research.

These two-year grants will provide $250,000 over the grant term ($125,000 per year). Grant funds support direct research expenses, which may include the salary and benefits of the grant recipient and any collaborators (limited to 25 percent of the total grant), postdoctoral or clinical research fellows and/or research assistants, equipment, travel and supplies (indirect costs not permitted).

Mentored researchers working in carcinoid tumor and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor research should consider applying for the Raymond and Beverly Sackler AACR Fellowships for Ileal Carcinoid Tumor Research.

It is anticipated that two grants will be funded.

Research Project Criteria

Proposals will be accepted for new ideas and innovative approaches that have direct application and relevance to carcinoid tumors and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Proposed research projects can be any in discipline including basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological cancer research.

Applications are invited from researchers currently in the field as well as from investigators with experience in other areas of cancer research who have promising ideas or research approaches that they will directly apply to carcinoid tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Investigators who have powerful experimental tools that will lead to a better understanding of neuroendocrine tumor biology, elucidate the mechanisms of currently available therapies in neuroendocrine tumors, and identify new treatment targets for carcinoid tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are encouraged to apply. The applicability of the proposed project to carcinoid tumor or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor research must be fully described. A track record of research in this specific field is not a requirement for funding.

Genomic, RNA, and proteomic studies of carcinoid tumors and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that may complement ongoing genome-wide sequencing efforts funded by Caring for Carcinoid Foundation will be considered but special emphasis will be placed on research that is not duplicative of projects currently funded by the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (see www.caringforcarcinoid.org for listing of grants).
Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have a doctoral degree (including Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.C., N.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., Sc.D., D.N.S., Pharm.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, or a combined clinical and research doctoral degree) in a related field and not currently be a candidate for a further doctoral or professional degree.

Applications will be accepted from independent investigators at all levels who are affiliated with an academic, medical or research institution anywhere in the world. There are no citizenship or geographic requirements.

Employees or subcontractors of a government entity or for-profit private industry are not eligible. Exceptions may apply if an applicant holds a full-time position at a veterans' hospital or national laboratory in the United States. Employees or subcontractors of a government entity or for-profit private industry may serve as collaborators, but no grant funds may be directed towards these individuals or their respective institutions. Contact the AACR before submitting an application to determine your eligibility.

Applicants with a question about eligibility are encouraged to contact the AACR at grants@aacr.org, prior to submitting an application.

Program Guidelines & Application Instructions

Letters of Intent are now being accepted via the proposalCENTRAL website. Please download the Program Guidelines and Application Instructions document for more information.

Generously Supported By
Caring for Carcinoid Foundation

Inquiries
Ms. Julia Laurence, Program Associate
Telephone: (267) 646-0655
Fax: (215) 440-9372
Email: julia.laurence@aacr.org

Raymond and Beverly Sackler American Association for Cancer Research Fellowships for Ileal Carcinoid Tumor Research

Two-year grant of $100,000. Two grants will be awarded this cycle. The Fellowships are open to postdoctoral and clinical research fellows. Applications are invited from researchers currently in the field as well as from investigators with experience in other areas of cancer research who have promising ideas or research approaches that can be applied to ileal carcinoid tumor research. Proposed research may be basic, translational, clinical, or epidemiological in nature and must have direct application and relevance to ileal carcinoid tumors.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree (including Ph.D., M.D., D.O., D.C., N.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., Sc.D.,
D.N.S., Pharm.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, or a combined clinical and research doctoral degree) in a related field and not currently be a candidate for a further doctoral or professional degree.

Applicants must be in the first 5 years of a postdoctoral or clinical research fellowship at an academic, medical, or research institution anywhere in the world at the start of the grant term on February 1, 2011. Applicants must have started their fellowship no earlier than February 2, 2006 and no later than February 1, 2011. There are no citizenship or geographic requirements.

Application Deadline: September 15, 2010, at 12:00 noon, Eastern Time

Inquiries
Hanna Hopfinger, Grants Program Assistant
Telephone: (267) 646-0665
Fax: (215) 440-9372
E-mail: grants@aacr.org

American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors/BrainLAB International Research Fellowship

The AANS/CNS Section on Tumors is pleased to announce the establishment of a new international research fellowship program called Section on Tumors /BrainLAB International Research Fellowship.

This name recognizes the partnering of the Tumor Section with BrainLAB AG, who has generously provided the funding for this new fellowship program.

Purpose of Fellowship: To provide a program for neurosurgeons from outside the United States or Canada to perform clinical, translational or basic research in the field of neurosurgical oncology in a clinical and/or laboratory setting within the United States.

Eligibility: The fellowship is open to foreign neurosurgeons or graduating residents from outside the United States or Canada.

Stipend: $50,000 salary support & travel expenses for a period of one year

Important Dates:

* Annual application submission is November 17th
* The fellowship will be awarded on January 15th
* Commencement of the fellowship is July 1 of each year.

Application: The application includes a formal proposal (not to exceed 5 pages) that outlines the aims of the project, the background/rationale for the work, any preliminary results or supporting data for the project, and a detailed study design. The applicant must also submit a personal biographical sketch, a description of future academic plans, and a statement of why studying in the U.S.A. will be important for the completion of the work.

The Sponsoring Investigator of the accepting laboratory/program will be required to submit a letter in support of the applicant, verifying the investigator’s willingness to mentor the applicant and provide necessary space and supplies for the applicant during the project/study period. Two letters of recommendation are also required. Sponsor must be a member of the AANS/CNS Tumor Section.

Host institutions: The Tumor Section has established a list of investigators in the U.S.A. who are interested in sponsoring a foreign neurosurgeon:

Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Cleveland Clinic/Brain Tumor Institute-Center for Translational Therapeutics
Johns Hopkins
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Ohio State University
Penn State University
Stanford University Medical Center
UCLA Medical Center, David Gaffen School of Medicine
UCLA School of Medicine
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
University of Toronto

Review Process: Fellows will be chosen through a competitive application process open to all foreign neurosurgeons or graduating residents from outside the United States or Canada. A review committee, consisting of the chairman of the AANS/CNS Tumor Section and five others appointed by the chairman, will examine all submissions. Applications will be judged based on the novelty and scientific merit of the proposed study, the credentials of the applicant, and the support provided by the accepting program/laboratory.

Investigative Categories: Although the focus must be on neurosurgical oncology, all categories of investigative studies will be considered eligible for this fellowship, including (but not limited to) basic science, epidemiology, anatomic studies, preclinical or translational studies, and clinical trials. Areas of study may be within any subspecialty of neurosurgical oncology, including (but not limited to) primary brain tumors, metastatic brain tumors, spine and spinal cord tumors, peripheral nerve tumors, and skull base tumors. Preference will be given to proposals undertaking hypothesis-driven research.

Awarded Fellows: The winning fellow will be required to submit a written Mid-Year Progress Report and, at the completion of the project, a written Summary Report describing the results of the study. The applicant may also present an oral summary of the project at the AANS or CNS Annual Meeting upon completion of the fellowship.

It is hoped that this fellowship will become a source of education and collaboration between centers in the US and foreign countries. The Section on Tumors thanks all those who have worked so hard to make this fellowship possible. The Section is particularly grateful to BrainLAB AG who have provide the financial support for this program through an educational grant.

For more information please contact the Development Department of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) at 847-378-0500 or jaq@aans.org.

Systems Biology Approaches to Brain Tumor Research Research Grant

Deadline: December 17, 2010

Grant awards will range from $40k to $100k for the year depending upon the needs presented in the application. Funds may be used for travel, meetings and other appropriate expenses associated with non-laboratory planning requirements and collaborations, as well as for traditional (e.g. salary, etc.) appropriations.

National Brain Tumor Society seeks grant applications that embrace a systems biology approach for scientific research to benefit brain tumor patients.

Beyond the complication of the existence of a large number of types of brain tumors lies the dynamic biological complexity of tumors at a number of levels ranging from genomic, biochemical, cellular and micro-environmental. These levels of complexity characterize both differences between individual tumors of the same histopathological type as well as within and between the different cells that make up individual tumors. Much laboratory and clinical research, as well as standard of care therapy experience (surgery, radio- and chemotherapy), has demonstrated the enormous resilience of brain tumors such as glioblastoma (GBM) and their capacity to adapt to and overcome a variety of standard and experimental therapeutic approaches. Targeted therapies that hold the promise of being more effective than standard therapies have thus far been largely ineffective in trials that focus on single targets.

While it is generally accepted that combination therapies may be required, which combinations will be most effective is not known. Furthermore, the complexity of tumor signal transduction circuitry and adaptive alterations, heterogeneity of cells within tumors, and their enhanced mutational rate coupled with extreme cellular phenotypic plasticity makes these types of tumors dynamic moving targets even for combination therapies.

The tenet of modern approaches to cancer research involves the identification and validation of new targets, and the subsequent identification of therapeutic agents directed against those targets. For tumors such as GBM, a number of targets have been identified presenting a sizeable number of therapeutic combinations to be evaluated in clinical trials. While the identification of more new targets may be valuable, and the “rational” evaluation of therapeutics directed against targets based on current knowledge is valuable, the field has reached a tipping point. In thinking of future therapies, it will be necessary to move away from treatment modalities intended to alter a target(s) without taking into account the adaptive response of targeted cells or other nontargeted cells. Research needs to go beyond looking at targets in isolation and needs to addresses a higher-level biological order presented by tumor complexity, adaptability and the emergence of a complex adaptive system. National Brain Tumor Society seeks to do just that, to encourage systems biology research approaches through this RFA.

For more information on this viewpoint on the support of systems biology brain tumor please read the NBTS perspective paper at: www.braintumor.org/Perspectives.

SYSTEM BIOLOGY AND BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCH:
Systems biology research involves the evaluation of complex biological systems as a whole, comprised of interconnecting networks of multiple layers of component systems.

Understanding the higher-level properties of brain tumors as interactive complex biological systems rather than collections of individual component parts (e.g. genes, proteins, etc.) or immediate interactive component partners offers the promise of finding therapeutic approaches that include effective ways to prevent compensatory and adaptive tumor mechanisms that allow for their development of resistance and for their recurrence.

Systems biology is frequently described as a field at the intersection of biology, applied mathematics, engineering and the physical sciences. A brain tumor systems biology research program that incorporates all of these components might be considered a “top down” program due to the nature of its inclusive approach. These are exemplified by programs in the comprehensive genomic/molecular profiling of GBMs, and the characterization of individual cells of single brain tumors using nanotechnology and microfluidics. These types of typically large research programs are important for the progression of the field and need to be encouraged.

It is the goal of NBTS to encourage research programs that although they may be less expansive, they incorporate the essence of a systems biology perspective. The essential core of this perspective is that to understand the biological complexity of brain tumors in order to find approaches that tumors cannot survive or adapt to, it is critical to know the broader biological consequences, interconnections and interactions that result from the inhibition of any particular target or targets. The broader therapeutic consequences of targeting a particular pathway cannot be understood by only studying the effect that has occurred on the intended target, but rather the effect on the entire system and how it seeks homeostasis has to be evaluated. Such a strategy that emanates from the study of even a single target might be thought of as a “bottom up” systems biology research approach.

NBTS RESEARCH GRANTS IN BRAIN TUMOR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY:
National Brain Tumor Society believes in the potential positive impact of brain tumor research that embraces a systems biology perspective at all levels, from a bottom up approach to a top down approach. NBTS looks to encourage a systems biology perspective in any area of brain tumor research ranging from signal transduction to immunotherapeutics to mathematical algorithms for high throughput testing of therapeutic hypotheses.

NBTS recognizes the challenges in developing creative and innovative research programs from this perspective, particularly for the bottom up approach. As such, NBTS will employ a two-stage grant process.

The ultimate goal at the end of the two-stage process is the development of testable therapeutic approaches in brain tumor patients that takes into account the various levels of tumor complexity and that has the potential to eradicate or manage brain tumors in a way that prevents them from utilizing adaptive mechanisms that enable them to survive and/or recur.

The purpose of large multi-year Stage 2 Advanced grants is to support the research required to understand areas of research from a systems biology perspective and to apply that understanding into the development of an actionable translational plan.

The purpose of the smaller one-year Stage 1 Standard grants is to provide the time and support required to effectively develop a comprehensive strategy and team for Stage 2 research. Stage 1 grants are intended to support the feasibility/planning studies needed to develop that strategy. As such, Stage 1 applications should envision and describe an overview of what Stage 2 research would look like and articulate the roadmap and plans for getting there.

Proposed studies that would result in the accumulation of larger sets of data (e.g. –omic analyses) without  etermining an understanding of biological context and effects will not be considered for support.

Eligibility for applying for a Stage 2 grant is contingent on going through the Stage 1 process. NBTS looks to award from seven to ten Stage 1 grants to high quality applications and about three Stage 2 grants.

Stage 1:
NBTS seeks creative systems biology feasibility/planning study grant applications. These Standard Grants will be awarded for 1 year of study/planning.

During this stage support will be provided for either (1) laboratory research that establishes the basis of a larger systems biology brain tumor research program (potentially funded in stage two); and/or (2) the development of a research plan that transforms your particular area of research into a systems biology research approach that incorporates a broader biological context and that will serve as the basis of a larger research program (potentially funded in stage two). Laboratory research is not required for the planning studies. It is the goal of NBTS to fund both types of feasibility/planning studies in this stage. The expected deliverable of both feasibility/planning types of study is a detailed research proposal for the stage two grant applications.

For either type of project, applications should clearly describe the plans and timeline for accomplishing the goals of year one studies. Collaboration in creative and innovative ways and/or with partners not traditionally considered is highly encouraged. Plans for creating integrated teams of collaborators should be described.

Keeping in mind that the intent of Stage 2 research is translational application, specific plans for incorporating that translational goal should be built into Stage 1 studies and application, such as the inclusion of clinical scientist(s) into the research team.

A description for your plan for bioinformatics analyses (e.g. the right analytical tools and bioinformatics experts) should be included as needed.

Grant awards will range from $40k to $100k for the year depending upon the needs presented in the application. Funds may be used for travel, meetings and other appropriate expenses associated with non-laboratory planning requirements and collaborations, as well as for traditional (e.g. salary, etc.) appropriations.

Stage 2:
This research grant application stage will be built upon the first year Stage 1 grants. These grants will be awarded for 3 years at a level of $500k/year or greater. Only projects supported in Stage 1 will be considered for funding in Stage 2.

Both “top down” and “bottom up” brain tumor systems biology research will be considered for funding. This applies to any area of brain tumor research. The goal is the identification and development of effective interventional approaches based upon an understanding of the broader biological interconnections and complexities that characterize brain tumors.

The expected deliverable at the end of the 3 years is the elucidation and description of an implementable plan for translation of research into a therapeutic approach and clinical trial. Details about the application for Stage 2 grants will be issued at a later date.

National Brain Tumor Society

East Coast Office
124 Watertown Street, Suite 2D
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617 924 9997
Fax: 617 924 9998

West Coast Office
22 Battery Street, Suite 612
San Francisco, CA 94111-5520
Phone: 415 834 9970
Fax: 415 834 9980

Canary Foundation/American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Early Detection of Cancer

Technical developments in the rapidly advancing fields of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and imaging are transforming how patients and physicians evaluate risk, prevention, detection, and the treatment of cancer. These emerging technologies will lead to rapid, cost-effective, and coordinated evaluation of an individual’s DNA sequence, complex patterns of RNA and protein expression, and metabolic regulation. This in turn, presents exciting opportunities to translate such knowledge into clinical management.

The Canary Foundation, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, is extending its postdoctoral fellowship program focused on studies towards development of strategies for the early detection of cancer. Research should be directed at new approaches to improve clinical methods for the detection of primary tumors and/or metastases, including, but not limited to research focused in the following areas:

· Minimally invasive strategies for early detection
· Biomarker identification or discovery
· Imaging, including novel molecular imaging strategies
· Segmentation of early stage disease according to prognosis

The projects that will be funded are expected to have a direct impact on the early detection of cancer or to provide a clear conceptual or experimental foundation for the future development of methods for early detection. High risk, high return proposals will receive equal consideration.

Awards will be 3 years in duration with progressive stipends of $44,000, $46,000, and $48,000 per year, plus $4,000 per year for fellowship allowance. Applications will only be accepted from scientists who, at the time of application, have had no more than 2 years of research experience beyond their terminal degree (MD or PhD). Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents working with an accomplished mentor at a non-profit institution. Awardees will be asked to attend the Canary Foundation Early Detection Symposium in May of 2011 and to contribute to the online Canary Journal project. We anticipate awarding 2 fellowships this year.

Deadline: Complete application: October 15, 2010. For additional information contact:

Michael Melner, PhD
American Cancer Society, Inc.
404-327-6528
michael.melner@cancer.org

Access Electronic Grant application process at proposalCENTRAL

To learn about the Canary Foundation, please visit canaryfoundation.org.

Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation Grants, Awards and Fellowships

As a premier funder of neurosurgical studies, the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) of the American Association of Neurosurgeons (ANS) focuses on providing fellowship funding in basic neuroscience and neurosurgical programs in North America.

The NREF strongly encourages research projects from all fields of neurosurgery. The more research that is conducted, the better chance we have to SAVE LIVES in the future.

The NREF sponsors two neurosurgical research grant programs annually:

* Research Fellowship – Open to residents only, the Research Fellowship is offered as a one-year research project grant of $40,000.

* Young Clinician Investigator Award – Designed to support young neurosurgeons pursuing careers as clinician investigators, the Young Clinician Investigator Award is open to junior faculty for a one-year grant of $40,000.

The NREF endorses the submission of applications for both patient-orientated clinical research and basic science research. Applications from all neurosurgical areas of focused practice are encouraged. Application submission deadline for 2011 research opportunities is October 31, 2010.

These focus areas include...

* Head trauma and brain injury
* Tumors
* Spine-related conditions mechanics, diseases, tumors, injury, repair techniques, etc.
* Cerebrovascular disease
* Pain management
* Stroke

For additional information on the NREF research grant programs, contact the Development department at (847) 378-0500 or nref@aans.org .

American Association of Neurological Surgeons
5550 Meadowbrook Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL
60008-3852

P 847.378.0500 or 888.566.AANS (2267)
F 847.378.0600

Conference Student Scholarships: Stem Cells, Cancer and Metastasis

Scholarship Deadline: November 4, 2010 (Midnight US Mountain Standard Time)

Several concepts regarding the origins of cancer and metastasis have converged in recent years. In particular, special interest has focused on the possibility that tissue specific stem cells and cancer cells displaying the properties of these cells play fundamental roles in the malignant process. These concepts have been supported by studies of mouse models in which predictable patterns of tumor spread and access to both primary and metastatic lesions has allowed molecular analyses. With regard to primary tumors, emerging evidence suggests that important cancers, including those in the colon and brain, may arise directly from mutated progenitor cells that display deviant differentiation within "stem cell-niches". Tumors appear also to contain stem-like cancer cells that are both necessary and required to propagate the disease. These findings overlap with observations of metastasis that suggest tumor dissemination may be driven by critical changes in tumor cell differentiation, including epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the migration of malignant stem cells to "pre-metastatic niches". We believe the time is ripe for a joint conference that will bring together scientists and clinicians with interests in stem cell biology, cancer and metastasis. The meeting will provide a forum for exchange of information and insights between these rapidly moving fields. In addition to increasing the sharing of key scientific approaches we believe this conference will galvanize collaborative efforts among disparate research communities to address several key outstanding questions: (i) What is the relationship between normal and malignant tissue stem cells? (ii) What is the relationship between cancer stem cells and the so-called "metastatic precursor", that is capable of indefinite proliferation at the new metastatic site? (iii) What are the interactions between stromal and stem-like cancer cells in primary and metastatic disease sites? How do these interactions facilitate disease propagation and metastatic spread? (iv) How should we monitor in vivo the biology of stem-like cells in primary tumors and metastasis? (v) What are the optimal approaches to target therapeutically stem-like cancer cells in primary and metastatic disease? By focusing on these questions, we aim to elicit exciting fundamental biological discussions with significant translational application.

Keystone Symposia is offering scholarships to students and post-docs this conference season. These scholarships, of up to $1000 each, are to be used to help defray the expenses associated with conference attendance, including air (on a U.S. air carrier), ground transportation and lodging costs. Receipts will be required to receive reimbursement.

Abstracts submitted for poster presentation will be used as the basis for awarding the scholarships. Conference organizers will select the scholarship recipients based on the quality of science of the abstract and the relevance of the abstract to the conference topic. Only one application per abstract is accepted.

Keystone Symposia
221 Summit Place #272
PO Box 1630
Silverthorne, CO 80498
www.keystonesymposia.org

Financial Assistance / Student Scholarships
Phone: +1 (800) 253-0685 or
Ksenia Shambarger - +1 (970) 262-1230 extension 140
Fax: +1 (970) 262-0311

Conference Student Scholarships: Cancer Control by Tumor Suppressors and Immune Effectors

Scholarship Deadline: October 13, 2010 (Midnight US Mountain Standard Time)

The changes in the cell biology of tumor cells are conditioned by epigenetic and genetic reprogramming, genomic instability being an essential feature of both oncogenesis and tumor progression despite intrinsic tumor suppressing barriers. These modifications of cancer cells can be accompanied by the emission of “danger signals” that can be perceived by the innate and cognate immune systems. Likewise, promoting tumor cell death or autophagy may enhance or probe the activation of the immune system. Therefore, unravelling the links between the intrinsic barriers against tumor progression and the extrinsic anticancer checkpoints may contribute to unravelling the key molecular sensors of the host-tumor equilibrium and create novel therapeutic targets. The major objectives will be as follows: 1) examine the molecular links between tumor intrinsic checkpoints (p53, NF-Kappa B, autophagy, DNA damage response…) and immunity or immunosuppression, 2) explore the indirect effects of anticancer therapies (conventional or targeted) on the immune system, 3) describe the rationale for and the potential benefit of novel strategies of cancer vaccines or immunotherapies exploiting this knowledge.

Keystone Symposia is offering scholarships to students and post-docs this conference season. These scholarships, of up to $1000 each, are to be used to help defray the expenses associated with conference attendance, including air (on a U.S. air carrier), ground transportation and lodging costs. Receipts will be required to receive reimbursement.

Abstracts submitted for poster presentation will be used as the basis for awarding the scholarships. Conference organizers will select the scholarship recipients based on the quality of science of the abstract and the relevance of the abstract to the conference topic. Only one application per abstract is accepted.

Keystone Symposia
221 Summit Place #272
PO Box 1630
Silverthorne, CO 80498
www.keystonesymposia.org

Financial Assistance / Student Scholarships
Phone: +1 (800) 253-0685 or
Ksenia Shambarger - +1 (970) 262-1230 extension 140
Fax: +1 (970) 262-0311

Grant for Advanced Training Elective in Consultative Hematopathology and Solid Tumors

Available Funding: A maximum of $5,000 for the four week training rotation will be provided for each location, New York, Los Angeles, and Milan. Funding is available for up to 2 residents. Any expenses exceeding this amount are the responsibilities of the resident awardee.

About the Grant: This grant opportunity is for pathology residents and fellows in training who seek to gain advanced diagnostic experience in hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. Residents will have the opportunity to work in one of two state of the art laboratories located in Manhattan, New York or Los Angeles, California. There is only one laboratory in Milan, Italy and residents will work under the overall direction of Michael Dugan, MD, FCAP.

Location supervisors for New York will be Bruce Horten, MD, FCAP, and Henry Dong, MD, FCAP. Supervisors for Los Angeles will be Moacyr DaSilva, MD, FCAP, and Jess Savala, MD. The Milan, Italy supervisor will be Juan Rosai, MD, FCAP.

Expected Accomplishments for Residents:

1. Obtain hands-on experience with high volume, challenging hematologic and solid tumor diagnostic consultations. The training in Milan will be focused on diagnostic consultation, primarily solid tumor, with accompanying IHC under the direction of Dr. Juan Rosai.

2. Receive detailed instruction and hands-on experience (in NY or LA only) with
1. Flow cytometry
2. Molecular technologies
3. Cytogenetics
4. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
5. Immunohisochemistry (IHC)

3. Participate in review of diagnostic consultations regarding rare or unusual tumors.

4. In Milan, the awardee will receive detailed exposure to rare cases forwarded to Dr. Rosai from around the world. This would be about 50% thyroid/mediastinal tumors and about 50% other cases. The case mix would be about 50% from U.S. and 50% from other countries. The fellow would receive experience in Immunohistochemistry (IHC) interpretation related to this cases and help prepare the reports generated by Dr. Rosai.

Eligibility Requirements:
* Applicant must be a Junior Member of CAP or have an application in process
* Applicant must have at least one year of AP training including at least six months of applicable surgical pathology training, and at least 2 months of hematopathology related training.
* Additional experience in hematopathology or genetics preferred.

Selection Criteria:
Application will be judged on the following:

* Merit of application and narrative
* Education value to the applicant
* Applicant background and current knowledge of pathology practice
* Program director’s recommendation

Reporting Requirements

* After completion of rotation, the grant recipient(s) must submit a report and evaluation of the experience to CAP Foundation which will be shared with Genzyme Genetics.
* The CAP Foundation may communicate the results of the completed project to CAP resource committees and Genzyme Genetics Medical Directors who are best positioned to use them. Copies of any communications sent will be mailed to the award recipient.
* Recipients are to submit a photo(s) and share their experience in writing with others.
* The grant recipient(s) may submit an abstract of his/her research experience or project to the CAP and/or other pathology related annual meetings.

Application Guidelines: (all material must be typed)
Deadline: October 1

1. Completed Application Form
2. A current curriculum vita
3. A letter of recommendation from the director of the applicant’s residency program indicating that salary and benefits will be supported during the award period
4. A narrative, not to exceed two pages, describing the:
1. Applicant’s interest in fellowship training area, why this experience is desired, and how it will enhance their training in pathology
2. Description of any previous experience that will be helpful to fulfill the elective objectives
3. Benefit to society and the practice of pathology that this experience will provide
4. Why the Foundation support is needed and what other means of support are available

NOTE: Applicants must select a first and second choice for training locations from Manhattan, Los Angeles, or Milan. If selecting Milan, Italy, candidates must hold a valid U.S. passport and be eligible for a non-working visitor’s visa.

Candidates must be prepared to pay all expenses for their stay in NY, LA or Milan which exceed the amount provided by this grant. This typically might include food, ancillary travel or entertainment expenses, or could including housing expenses that exceed the amount provided by CAP fellowship award.

Mail applications to:
College of American Pathologists Foundation
325 Waukegan Road
Northfield, Illinois 60093-2750

OR

By Email: capfdn@cap.org
By Fax: 847.832.8324
Questions? 800.323.4040 x7324