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MARCH 2024
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IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
- From the Cancer Consortium
- Consortium Kudos
- In the Spotlight
- Current Funding Opportunities
- Save the Date - Upcoming Events
- From the Office of Community Outreach & Engagement
- From the Office of Education & Training
- From the Consortium Shared Resources
- Furry Friends of the Consortium
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Investigators are encouraged to forward this newsletter to trainees in their lab who might be interested in funding opportunities or event announcements. Trainees who wish to be included on future Consortium newsletters can email amiller2@fredhutch.org to be added to the distribution list.
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FROM THE CANCER CONSORTIUM
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Consortium Kudos
Consortium Researchers Awarded New UG1 Grants
Congratulations to Drs. Garnet Anderson and Charles Kooperberg, both of whom were recently awarded new UG1 grants!
Dr. Anderson's grant will support the Coordination and Communication Center (CCC) for the Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN) in determining the efficacy and potential impact of multicancer detection (MCD) technologies. Although MCD tests have garnered significant interest for their potential to improve early detection of cancer, more evidence is needed to assess their value, sensitivity, and effect on health inequities. In the first phase of this project, the CSRN will work to create the infrastructure, data, and learnings needed to support full-scale trials and additional observational studies of MCD tests and other cancer screening approaches.
In a Hutch News article, Dr. Anderson was quoted as saying, "There is a real urgency to do this research. There are about 50 companies all developing new kinds of tests, and we feel strongly that they need to be rigorously evaluated before being promoted in the community. We need to know if they’re accurate enough and how physicians can best use them.” Dr. Anderson will be working with Drs. Ruth Etzioni and Scott Ramsey, both of whom are also members of the Consortium, to lead the CCC.
Dr. Kooperberg's grant will support the Statistics and Data Management Center (SDMC) for the CSRN. In conducting trials to determine the aforementioned MCDs, it's imperative that trial designs balance screening frequency, trial duration, and sample size while also anticipating issues such as non-adherence, non-compliance, and contamination. The SDMC will ensure the CSRN's trial design is sound and accurate, and by extension, that the CSRN trials can be reliably used to formulate a national cancer screening policy.
In the same Hutch News article, Dr. Kooperberg said, "Organizing all this data is not a simple matter. The key for understanding the value of cancer screening is to look at mortality; that takes a long time.” Dr. Kooperberg will be working with Drs. Ziding Feng and Katherine Guthrie (both Consortium members) to lead the SDMC.
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Hutch Data Core Wins AWS IMAGINE Grant
Congratulations to the Hutch Data Core team, who recently won an Amazon Web Services (AWS) IMAGINE Grant for nonprofits! This public grant opportunity is open to registered 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the United States and the United Kingdom who are using technology to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. The grant, which was announced by AWS in November, will support Fred Hutch’s efforts to scale up and build out the services provided by Cirro, a bioinformatics platform developed by the Hutch Data Core, a small multidisciplinary team of scientists, bioinformaticians, designers, and software engineers.
Cirro, a cloud-native Analysis and Information Management System (AIMS) created at Fred Hutch, is specifically designed for life sciences within academic and research institutions. Its primary goal is to accelerate research while fostering collaboration. Using cutting-edge cloud capabilities, the system simplifies the ingestion, storage, batch processing, ad-hoc analysis, visualization, and distribution of scientific data to unite innovative research dedicated to preventing and eliminating cancer and infectious diseases.
The Hutch Data Core team spent three years developing a data platform designed to simplify the research process, with an aim toward allowing scientists to focus on discovery rather than dealing with software complexities.
“The promise of big data, machine learning, and cloud computing to revolutionize healthcare is evident. We created Cirro to simplify the adoption and execution of these technologies, to streamline collaboration, and ultimately to accelerate scientific discovery,” said Michael Zager, director of the Fred Hutch Data Core and Fred Hutch / Brotman Baty Data Visualization Center.
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In the Spotlight
The following interinstitutional Cancer Consortium collaborations were featured in the most recent edition of the Science Spotlight:
- "When it comes to HPV vaccination, just once is enough" featured collaborative work by Drs. Denise Galloway (Pathogen Associated Malignancies), Elizabeth Brown (Pathogen Associated Malignancies), Rachel Winer (Pathogen Associated Malignancies), and Nelly Mugo (Pathogen Associated Malignancies).
- "A one-two punch to battle Merkel Cell Carcinoma" featured collaborative work by Drs. Paul Nghiem (Pathogen Associated Malignancies) and Aude Chapuis (Cancer Immunology).
- "Mechanical coupling helps microtubules coordinate chromosomal separation" featured collaborative work by Drs. Charles Asbury (Cancer Basic Biology) and Sue Biggins (Cancer Basic Biology).
- "CAR-T cells and checkpoint inhibitors: ripping out the brakes, or hitting the turbo?" featured collaborative work by Drs. Cecilia Yeung (Hematologic Malignancies), Ryan Cassaday (Hematologic Malignancies), Aude Chapuis, Damian Green (Hematologic Malignancies), Hans-Peter Kiem (Hematologic Malignancies), Filippo Milano (Hematologic Malignancies), Mazyar Shadman (Hematologic Malignancies), Brian Till (Cancer Immunology), Stanley Riddell (Cancer Immunology), and David Maloney (Cancer Immunology).
- "In the crosshairs: herpesvirus 6B as a potential cause of idiopathic pneumonia" featured collaborative work by Drs. Joshua Hill (Hematologic Malignancies), Alpana Waghmare (Hematologic Malignancies), Guang-Shing Cheng (Hematologic Malignancies), Geoffrey Hill (Hematologic Malignancies), Keith Jerome (Pathogen Associated Malignancies), Wendy Leisenring (Cancer Epidemiology, Prevention & Control), Danielle Zerr (Hematologic Malignancies), and Michael Boeckh (Cancer Immunology).
Please join us in congratulating these investigators!
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CURRENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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NCI Administrative Supplements
Two NCI CCSG supplements are currently available from the Office of Cancer Centers. Because the Cancer Consortium is only allowed to submit one application per opportunity under the CCSG P30, all interested applicants from the Fred Hutch, University of Washington, and Seattle Children’s must submit a one page letter of interest to cancerconsortium@fredhutch.org by 5pm PST on Tuesday, March 19th. The letter of interest should include an overview of the research plan and address how the plan is responsive to the respective RFA (PDF format, 1” margins, 11-point font). Consortium leadership will select one applicant to apply per opportunity.
1) Administrative supplement to understand effects of within-group heterogeneity on cancer control outcomes in underrepresented populations.
The goal of this Notice of Special interest (NOSI) from the National Cancer Institute is to support administrative supplements for currently funded investigators to better understand within-group factors that contribute to cancer prevention and control outcomes and intervention effectiveness in populations that are underrepresented in or excluded from cancer research. This administrative supplement would provide funding for one year to initiate or enhance evaluation of heterogeneity within populations and/or how this heterogeneity influences cancer outcomes, within the scope of the parent grant. Application Deadline: April 29th, 2024.
2) Administrative supplement for contemporary modifiable exposures and cancer across the cancer control continuum.
The goal of this NOSI is to encourage currently funded NCI extramural investigators to apply for administrative supplement funds to active NCI-funded grants to support research and to advance our understanding of the impact of contemporary modifiable exposures (e.g., anti-obesity medications, cannabis use, e-cigarettes use, exposures to chemical hair relaxers, microplastics) on cancer. The goals of the administrative supplement are to support (i) the collection and assessment of contemporary modifiable exposures and/or (ii) research into the impact of these exposures on cancer across the life course and cancer control continuum. These exposures, products and their co-use have increased, but our understanding of their impact on cancer is limited. Application Deadline: April 22nd, 2024.
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Lung SPORE Career Enhancement Program
The Fred Hutch Lung SPORE is seeking applicants for a career enhancement award in lung cancer translational research. The overall goal of the program is to develop highly productive and innovative investigators in lung cancer translational research. Ideal proposals will include a laboratory-based component with a clear path for translation into humans.
Award Amount: up to $50,000 in direct costs
Applications Due: May 1, 2024
Start Date: June 1, 2024
Eligibility:
- Fellows in their final year of clinical or post-doctoral fellowship
- Junior faculty (not higher than assistant professor rank)
- Senior faculty (associate or higher) changing their field of interest to lung cancer
- All applicants must demonstrate a commitment to lung cancer translational research
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NCI Notice of Special Interest: Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)
This Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications from early career scientists conducting research within the mission of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) for the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) ( NOT-CA-24-022). The first available due date is February 12, 2024 (expires on May 8, 2029).
The mission of NCI's DCCPS is to advance research in cancer control and population sciences to eliminate cancer and its consequences for all.
Related Notices:
- Notice of NCI’s Participation in NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Awards (Parent K01) Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOT-CA-24-020)
- NOSI: National Cancer Institute Supports Applications for the Mentored Research Scientist Development Awards (K01) Within the Mission of the Division of Cancer Prevention (NOT-CA-24-023)
For questions related to the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences' research interests, please contact April Oh, PhD, MPH ( april.oh@nih.gov).
For questions related to the NCI K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award, please contact Sergey Radaev, PhD ( sradaev@mail.nih.gov).
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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» [Ongoing] Steam Plant Seminar Series, Wednesdays at 4pm
Please join us for the Steam Plant Seminar Series (O’Mack Suites, Steam Plant Building, Fred Hutch Campus). Seminars will be followed by beer hour in the first floor lounge. See below or visit our CenterNet page* for a list of upcoming dates and hosts:
- Thursday, 3/7/2024 - TBD
- Wednesday 3/13/2024 - Warren Lab
- Wednesday 3/20/2024 - Ring Lab
- Wednesday 3/27/2024 - Flow Cytometry, Nate Colvin
- Wednesday 4/3/2024 - Fred Hutch Innovation Lab
- Wednesday 4/17/2024 - (Phil) Bradley Lab
*Requires Fred Hutch credentials.
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» [Ongoing] NCI Cancer Moonshot Seminar Series
This seminar series showcases research from different Cancer Moonshot initiatives. These presentations will inform the community about the progress of Cancer Moonshot–funded projects, provide outreach related to Cancer Moonshot projects, enhance discussions and collaborations related to Cancer Moonshot research, and promote the sharing of data from Cancer Moonshot initiatives. See below for a list of upcoming events and speakers:
March 28, 2024 (12:00-1:00pm ET / 9:00-10:00am PT) [Junior Investigator Session]: Developing Immunotherapies for Adult and Childhood Cancers, featuring Drs. Kristopher Bosse (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) and Xiao Huang (Drexel University)
April 25, 2024 (12:00-1:00pm ET / 9:00-10:00am PT) [Junior Investigator Session]: Implementation Science and Patient Engagement Approaches to Improve the Early Detection and Treatment of Cancer, featuring Drs. Rachel Issaka (Fred Hutch) and Francesco Tomassoni-Ardori (NCI).
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» April 3 - May 29, 2024: PAM IRC Seminars
Please see below for a list of upcoming seminars hosted by the Pathogen Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center and organized by PAM IRC trainees:
Wednesday, April 3, 2-3pm: Dr. Daniel Blanco-Melo
Wednesday, April 17, 2-3pm: Dr. Hazem Ghoneim (Ohio State University)
Wednesday, May 22, 2-3pm: Dr. Heather Brandt (St. Jude's)
Wednesday, May 29, 2-3pm: Dr. Manuel R. Amieva (Stanford University School of Medicine)
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» April 20, 2024: Health & Wellness Festival
You're invited to this year's Health & Wellness Festival!
When: Saturday, April 20, 11am-3pm
Where: Ranier Beach, Seattle, WA
This is a community event in celebration of Minority Health Month. Join us for health resources, raffles, Zumba, family fun activities, cancer prevention information, and get a tour through CECE the giant inflatable colon!
If you are interested in hosting a table offering free health screenings and resources, please contact Liz Tallent ( etallent@fredhutch.org).
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» April 28 - May 1, 2024: Annual National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP) Conference
The 16th annual NORDP Conference will be held in Bellevue, WA, this year. The theme for this year's event is "Shaping the Future: Building on our Research Development Tools." Attendees can look forward to a variety of keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities focused on research development and supporting team science.
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» May 7, 2024: PAM IRC, Cancer Consortium PAM Program, and Microbiome Research Initiative (MRI) Joint Retreat - Register now!
Registration is now open for the 2024 Pathogen Associated Malignancies IRC and Microbiome Research Initiative Joint Retreat that will take place on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Pacific Tower (Seattle).
The retreat's agenda will include keynote presentations by Drs. Curtis Huttenhower (Harvard University, Chan School of Public Health) and Shannon Kenney (University of Wisconsin Department of Medicine). For more information about the retreat, visit our CenterNet page (FH users) or email Marcie Dominguez ( mdomingu@fredhutch.org) (non-FH users).
Click here to register. Registration will be open until March 29, 2024.
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» June 6, 2024: Save the Date for the Pathways to Equity Symposium
Please save the date! You are invited to the 2024 Pathways to Equity Symposium on June 6th at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle and online.
This year’s theme is Taking the next step: Bidirectional Partnerships for Health Equity. We’ll hear from keynote speakers Dr. Tabia Henry Akintobi and LaShawn Hoffman from the Morehouse School of Medicine. We’ll also learn from two panels of patients, researchers, and community-based organizations on topics of diversity, equity and inclusion in research and community-investigator collaborations. There will also be opportunities for conversation and networking.
More information and a registration link will be coming soon. This event is free, and lunch will be provided to those attending in person.
Please share this save the date with anyone who may be interested in joining, and thank you!
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FROM THE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT
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Nominations Are Now Open for OCOE Awards!
Nominations are open for the Beti Thompson Community Health Champion Award, Beti Thompson Cancer Health Equity Research Award, and the Stephaun Wallace Health Equity Staff Champion Award. The awards will be presented at the 2024 Pathways to Equity Symposium.
Do you know someone who is a:
- Community member and health champion who has had an extraordinary impact on the health and well-being of their community?
- Outstanding scientist from the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium who has made significant contributions to cancer health equity research?
- Outstanding staff member from the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium who has made an extraordinary contribution in elevating health equity and engagement with underrepresented communities within their program?
Tell us about them! Click here to submit a nomination before April 15.
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FROM THE OFFICE OF EDUCAION & TRAINING
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Seattle DROP: Virtual Postdoc Recruitment Event
Please join the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children's Cancer Consortium on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, for a collaborative postdoc recruitment initiative! This virtual event is a great opportunity to learn more about research opportunities in Seattle, hear from leading Consortium mentors with T32 grants, and enjoy a free lunch! All are welcome to attend; individuals from groups underrepresented in biomedical research are encouraged to come.
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FROM THE CONSORTIUM SHARED RESOURCES
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The New Biospecimen Processing and Biorepository (BPB) Shared Resource (SR)
The new BPB originated from the joined Specimen Processing & Research Cell Bank (RCB) lab, representing the RCB. The BPB-SR provides specimen processing services for research studies and clinical trials. One example is the Women’s Health Initiative, which we have been supporting for many years. BPB-SR also operates and maintains many biorepositories for individual principal investigators and research consortia. The two large biorepositories under BPB management are the International Histocompatibility Work Group (IHWG) Biorepository and the Hematopoietic Cell Therapy Research Cell and DNA Bank (HCT-RCB).
Investigators and study coordinators who are interested in knowing more and using BPB services can reach out to core director Dr. Jianhong Cao and Manager Lorna Nolan or visit our website.
Current Core Services:
- Processing biospecimens from blood, saliva, oral swab, stool swab and more
- Establish and maintain Biorepository of cells and DNA
- DNA/RNA extraction
- B cell transformation and B cell line
- Mycoplasma test
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The New Clinical Research Specimen Processing (CRSP) Shared Resource (SR)
The CRSP-SR was previously known as the Specimen Processing Lab (SPL), when it was operated jointly with the Research Cell Bank (RCB). Now operating independently, CRSP continues to support clinical trial research through the timely processing, storage and distribution of clinical research specimens. Our user base includes investigators at Fred Hutch and across the Cancer Consortium, accounting for 180+ active clinical trials.
Our streamlined workflow supports:
- Taking delivery of clinical trial research specimens, including blood, tissue, urine, swabs, etc.,
- Connecting those specimens with processing materials from individual study teams, and
- Processing received specimens in accordance with specified lab manuals / study protocols. Processing may include shipping of collected specimens directly to central labs, or fractionating blood into component parts for storage and subsequent shipment, or other standardized specimen processes.
CRSP works closely with study team members to ensure accurate chain of custody, and timely processing and management of processed specimens. CRSP Quality Assurance (QA) provides support for study startup and lab manual review.
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New User-Accessible Genomics Instrumentation
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The Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource has placed a user-accessible 10x Genomics Chromium Controller in a biosafety cabinet located in the Flow Cytometry shared resource. This provides all trained Fred Hutch and other Cancer Consortium users access to a shared Chromium Controller in a BSL-2 environment and enables single-cell RNA sequencing for samples that contain moderate-risk agents. We are very grateful to the Flow Cytometry team for providing the space in their laboratory to place this instrument.
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To sign up for time on the BSL-2 Controller, click here or contact genomics@fredhutch.org for further details. As always, Genomics offers users training on the Chromium Controllers.
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We have also placed a BluePippin, for DNA size selection, in the Shared Equipment Room (DE-341) and are making it accessible to users for $10 per run. Users must be trained by Genomics staff and must provide their own DNA Gel Cassettes. Learn more about the capabilities of the BluePippin here.
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Please Complete the Shared Resources Feedback Form!
A new feedback form is now available from Shared Resources! This form, which is separate from the annual user satisfaction survey conducted by Shared Resources, has been reformatted to be more user-friendly.
The annual survey will still be conducted; however, the new form allows feedback year-round. Please submit feedback as often as you like.
Click here to access the Shared Resources User Feedback Form.
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FURRY FRIENDS OF THE CONSORTIUM
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Behind every successful member of the Consortium team, there's a furry friend (as the well-known saying goes). This month, we're celebrating some of the true heroes of cancer research administration - the animals who keep our spirits high and our sanity intact.
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Frankie
(Human: Kris Blair, Cancer Consortium Research Development Specialist)
- Name: Frankie Blair (Irish Setter/Lab mix)
- Nicknames: Frankles, Momma Girl, da girl
- Age: just turned 11 in February!
- Favorite Snack: Bully sticks, pig ears, and sticks of butter from the kitchen table
- Toxic Trait: Her bark gets bigger the smaller the dog she sees!
- Likes: Guppy from Philanthropy, small children, and high-velocity tennis balls
- Dislikes: She most certainly does not like other dogs or long road/camping trips.
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FRED HUTCH/UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON/SEATTLE CHILDREN'S CANCER CONSORTIUM
1100 FAIRVIEW AVE. N., SEATTLE, WA 98109
Award number P30 CA015704-49
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