Spotlight

Leveraging genetics and technology in EGFR-mutated lung cancer

Activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) occur in a unique subset of patients with non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). In advanced disease, the response rates of these patients to EGFR inhibitors are as high as 75% in prospective trials and 100% in retrospective analyses. Such extraordinary results have led Lecia Sequist (MGH) to initiate the first study of the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib (Tarceva) in early stage patients with EGFR mutations whose NSCLC has been resected; a novel feature of the trial is the use of new chip technology to capture circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for genetic analysis. [more]

First melanoma trial to target KIT aberrations with imatinib

The incidence of malignant melanoma is increasing by 4% every year -- the highest of any cancer type. At the same time, patients with melanomas arising from mucosal surfaces (eg, sinuses, mouth, vagina) or acral surfaces (eg, non-hair-containing palms, soles, and nailbeds) have very limited treatment options and survive less than 12 months once the disease has disseminated. A recent discovery, however, may offer new hope: a significant fraction of these melanomas and of those arising from chronically sun-damaged skin carry KIT aberrations; F. Stephen Hodi (DFCI) is now leading a clinical trial to target this distinct subtype of melanomas with imatinib (Gleevec), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). [more]

New Faces

Leadership

Since our last edition of eNews, the following members have assumed new DF/HCC leadership positions:

Members

Twenty-one individuals have recently joined DF/HCC. Learn more about these scientists and their research interests.

More on Cores

Pathology Specimen Locator Core

Director: Frank Kuo (BWH)

The Pathology Specimen Locator (PSL) Core has developed and implemented a web-based, center-wide solution that enables investigators to identify, locate, and retrieve formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded pathology specimens for translational research. The Core has created an operation to eliminate barriers to accessing tissues and has united resources such as pathologist expertise, tissues, and histopathologic services. PSL was integrated with the DF/HCC Pathology cores in July 2008, and became fully staffed and operational in December 2008. Services include IRB application assistance, query design and execution, block and slide retrieval, and data management. Additional professional services offered include block selection by slide review, and coordinating pathologist collaboration. [more]

Tissue Microarray and Imaging Core

Director: Sabina Signoretti (BWH)

The Tissue Microarray and Imaging (TMI) Core is dedicated to the construction and evaluation of high-quality tissue microarrays and imaging techniques for cancer research. Core services include construction of standard and custom tissue microarrays, preparation of array slides, immunofluorescent staining, image acquisition and analysis by AQUA, high-throughput isolation of DNA and RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue cores, as well as consultative services. [more]

News and Events

DF/HCC Conference on Cancer

On April 7, DF/HCC hosted its first full-day Conference on Cancer. The goal for the day was to feature the work of young cancer investigators, share information on recent groundbreaking research discoveries, engage in dialogue regarding current problems in cancer research, and catalyze trans-disciplinary collaborations that will ultimately improve cancer treatment, prevention, and outcomes. More than 175 DF/HCC members took part in the conference and presentations spanned the cancer continuum.

DF/HCC participates in Minority Cancer Awareness Week

In recognition of April's National Minority Cancer Awareness Week (NMCAW), April 19-25, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center's Initiative to Eliminate Cancer Disparities (IECD) collaborated with community organizations to sponsor a variety of cancer awareness and prevention events throughout the Greater Boston community during the month of April. [more]

RAS Activation in Human Cancer

On May 29, the DF/HCC Cancer Cell Biology Program will hold a minisymposium on activation of the RAS Pathway in human cancer on strategies to target RAS mutant cancers. Registration is required as seating is limited.

DF/HCC Kidney Cancer Retreat

On June 5, the DF/HCC Kidney Cancer Program/SPORE will hold a full-day scientific retreat featuring presentations from leading kidney cancer investigators within the DF/HCC community. Registration is required.

The Microenvironmental Landscape of Tumor Evolution

On June 22, the DF/HCC Cancer Genetics Program will host a symposium on the tumor microenvironment featuring a panel discussion with experts in the field. [more]

Research Highlights

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:
Research focuses on cancer metabolism: Lewis Cantley, PhD, is targeting cancer's Achilles heel

Brigham and Women's Hospital:
A more direct delivery of cancer drugs to tumors

Children's Hospital Boston:
Metastasis-promoting protein identified

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:
Blood type study sheds light on biology of pancreatic cancer

Harvard Medical School:
For cancer cells, genetics alone is poor predictor for drug response

Harvard School of Public Health:
Genetic risk prediction -- are we there yet?

Massachusetts General Hospital:
Tiny sacs released by brain tumor cells carry information that may guide treatment