In Memoriam

V. Craig Jordan, PhD, DSc, pioneer of hormone therapy for the treatment of breast cancer, died June 9, 2024, at the age of 76. I worked with Craig from 2005 to 2008 when we were both at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and then here at Lombardi from 2009 to 2014, where he served as our scientific director.

Read more.

Case Study Reveals Important New Details About Rare Second Cancers Related to CAR-T Therapy

A new, detailed analysis of a patient’s second cancer after receiving CAR-T therapy for the initial cancer, published by researchers including Georgetown Lombardi member Aykut Üren, MD, provides rare but important insights intended to offer helpful guidance for oncologists and pathologists about the clinical presentation and pathologic features involved in a CAR-T related second cancer. Read more about this case study.

Addressing Cancer Screening Behaviors in the Muslim Community in Washington

An important study by researchers at the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at Georgetown Lombardi has revealed crucial insights into the cancer screening behaviors of Muslims in the Washington, D.C., area, highlighting the influence of cultural and religious beliefs on health practices. Read more about this work.

Increasing Use and Awareness of Oral Nicotine Pouches Detailed

A comprehensive synthesis of evidence from 62 studies related to the use of oral nicotine pouches by researchers including Georgetown Lombardi member David Levy, MD, and Nargiz Travis, MSPH, of the Center for the Assessment of Tobacco Regulations (CAsToR) provides a much-needed assessment of how these products could lead to potential harmful consequences if used by young people. Read more about this research.

Deadline Extended: FY25 Toulmin Pilot Project Awards

The deadline for the Toulmin Pilot Projects, designed to target innovative multidisciplinary biomedical research that will lead to grant funding submission in the next fiscal year, has been extended to Monday, July 1, at 5:00 p.m. ET. The program is open to full-time research faculty at GUMC.



• View the RFP for eligibility and application details.
• Submit applications via Google Form.

The Toulmin Pilot Projects are supported through the philanthropy of Harry and Virginia Toulmin.

Accelerating Research Translation Grant: LOI Due July 18

Georgetown will apply to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for an Accelerating Research Translation grant. If awarded, the grant would support a number of Seed Translational Research Projects with up to $150,000 per project over two years. If you have a proven innovation ready to move to the translational stage that you would like to be considered for inclusion in the NSF grant application, use this form to submit a Letter of Intent to the Office of Technology Commercialization before 5:00 p.m. on July 18. View more details on our internal process.

24th Annual Men’s Event is Tuesday

The 24th Annual Lombardi Men’s Event, a fundraiser in support of cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi, takes place on Tuesday, June 18 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. The evening will kick off at 6:30 p.m.; there will be limited opportunities for 18 holes of golf with tee times to be arranged in the early afternoon. Individual tickets as well as tables are available for purchase.

Register for the 3rd Annual Healthy Aging Symposium

This year’s Healthy Aging Symposium takes place on Wednesday, July 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Fisher Colloquium, Hariri Building, and via Zoom. The event features a plenary address by Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, of the School of Nursing, University of Maryland; sessions on molecular and clinical resilience; panel discussions; and a poster session. View the full agenda. The event is presented by Georgetown University’s Center for Health Aging. Register. Questions: contact Bill Rebeck, PhD, (Bill.Rebeck@georgetown.edu) or Pamela Saunders, PhD, (saunderp@georgetown.edu).

Georgetown Lombardi's DEI Office selects and promotes opportunities and information of interest to our constituents. Be sure to check our Announcements page for updates.

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Summer Seminar Series in Cancer Biology: “Introduction to Cancer Biology”

Presented by Mary Beth Martin, PhD, Georgetown professor of oncology, as part of this series showcasing Georgetown Lombardi research. Join this seminar in W302, New Research Building, or via Zoom. (add to Google Calendar)

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Special Seminar: “Comprehensive Analysis of Targetable Alterations in Urachal Cancer by NGS”

Presented by David J. Benjamin, MD, medical oncologist, Hoag Family Cancer Institute (Newport Beach, CA). Sponsored by Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Join this seminar via Zoom. (add to Google Calendar)

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Cancer Research Data Meeting

Featuring presentations by:

• Ronald Missihoun, “Calcium-dependent Proteins in Cellular Stress Response” (Mentor: Maria Laura Avantaggiati, MD)
• Xintang Li (Mentor: Alejandro Villagra, PhD)

Join the meeting in W302 or via Zoom. (add to Google Calendar)

Next Week

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

GUFaculty360 Class - Updating Your Profile

Learn how to upload your CV, add your personal website information, upload a syllabus, publications and more. Register for this class held via Zoom.

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Summer Seminar Series in Cancer Biology: “Pancreatic Cancer Evolution From Start to Finish”

Presented by Alvin Makohon-Moore, PhD, assistant member, Center for Discovery and Innovation at Hackensack Meridian Health, as part of this series showcasing Georgetown Lombardi research. Join this seminar in W302, New Research Building, or via Zoom. (add to Google Calendar)

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Cancer Research Data Meeting

Featuring presentations by Sonia Sebaoui and Nicholas Kynast, PhD students in the Tumor Biology Program. Join the meeting in W302 or via Zoom. (add to Google Calendar)

In the News

Live Science Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer Gave Rise to 2nd Cancer in Extremely Rare Case

Nature How Personalized Cancer Vaccines Could Keep Tumours From Coming Back



Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Oncologist Is Humbled, Inspired by His Patients

Publications

Consolidation Osimertinib Versus Durvalumab Versus Observation After Concurrent Chemoradiation in Unresectable EGFR-Mutant NSCLC: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Exploring the Role of Casein Kinase 1α Splice Variants Across Cancer Cell Lines

A Paradigm Shift in Understanding Vulvovaginal Melanoma as a Distinct Tumor Type Compared With Cutaneous Melanoma

Non-invasive Detection of Orthotopic Human Lung Tumors by MicroRNA Expression Profiling of Mouse Exhaled Breath Condensates and Exhaled Extracellular Vesicles

Indolent CD4+ CAR T-Cell Lymphoma after Cilta-cel CAR T-Cell Therapy

Proteomic Analysis of Plasma at the Preterminal Stage of Rhesus Nonhuman Primates Exposed to a Lethal Total-Body Dose of Gamma-Radiation



Enteric Nervous System Alterations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Perspectives and Implications

NEW Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Funding Opportunities

The Komen Foundation offers two limited submission opportunities for up to two nominees each from Georgetown Lombardi. Research projects must be hypothesis-driven, breast cancer-focused studies.

• Career Transition Awards (CTA) aims to help outstanding senior postdoctoral and clinical research fellows launch competitive, independent breast cancer research careers. It provides up to five years of funding in two phases: Phase 1 supports the final years of their postdoctoral research and Phase 2 supports their independent research as they begin their careers as tenure-track investigators. 
• Career Catalyst Research (CCR) grants foster promising breast cancer researchers who are in the early stages of their faculty careers by providing support for up to three years of “protected time” for research career development under the guidance of a Mentor Committee.

View eligibility requirements, deadlines and LOI submission instructions. Those interested in submitting an LOI for either of these opportunities should send a paragraph about their project and their biosketch to Sharon Levy (sgl5@georgetown.edu) by COB Monday, July 29.

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Research Fellows Award Program

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Research Fellows Award Program is an initiative that supports early career researchers at the postdoctorate, medical fellow or junior faculty levels currently active or interested in research in multiple myeloma research. The MMRF will provide $150,000 in research funding over two years to successful applicants who seek to learn more about the biology of multiple myeloma and identify new approaches to monitor for and treat the disease. Read the full program guidelines. Application deadline is Friday June 28, at 11:59 p.m. ET; applications must be submitted via ProposalCENTRAL.

Small Business Transition Grant for Academic Biotech Innovators

The Small Business Transition Grant is accepting applications from early career scientists seeking support in their pursuit of taking their cancer technologies from research institutions into a startup to advance their biotech inventions toward commercialization. This fast-track opportunity provides up to a total of ~$2.5 million for projects that fit into one of the following categories:

• Therapeutics and preventive agents
• Imaging technologies, interventional devices, and in vivo diagnostics
• In vitro and ex vivo diagnostics and prognostics
• Technologies for cancer prevention and control, supportive care, and survivorship

Those interested in applying should submit a letter of intent to NCI SBIR Program Director Saroj Regmi (saroj.regmi@nih.gov) by Sunday, July 21.

Impacting Blood Cancers through Clinical Repurposing Trials 2024

Cures Within Reach, a philanthropic leader in drug, device and nutraceutical repurposing research, requests proposals for clinical repurposing trials in any blood cancer, with a preference for multiple myeloma and/or myelodysplastic syndrome, from anywhere in the world. Eligible clinical trials must test approved drugs, devices, nutraceuticals, diagnostics and/or eligible cellular/gene therapies in a new indication. Proof of concept, Phase I or Phase IIA trials are preferred; we are also open to co-funding larger trials to help speed patient impact. Budgets of up to $75,000 are accepted; this funding can cover all costs or supplement existing funding. Read more about this RFP. Letter of Intent (LOI) submissions are due by Monday, July 29, on ProposalCentral using the Disease Specific Repurposing Research program. Top-rated LOI submissions will be invited to submit a full proposal

Federal Melanoma Funding Opportunities

The Department of Defense Melanoma Research Program (MRP), managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, has released its fiscal year 2024 funding opportunities. The MRP is committed to diminishing the disease burden of melanoma on service members, veterans, and the general population. The program’s goal is to change the approach to melanoma prevention, treatment and long term care. Pre-application (letter of intent) is required. Direct questions to help@eBRAP.org or 301-682-5507. View the funding opportunities and application instructions for:

• Survivorship Research Award, Pre-application due July 29, 5:00 p.m. ET
• Idea Award, Pre-application due July 29, 5:00 p.m.
• Melanoma Academy Scholar Award: Pre-application due July 29, 5:00 p.m.
• Team Science Award: Pre-application due July 29, 5:00 p.m.
• Focused Program Award – Rare Melanomas: Pre-application due July 29, 5:00 p.m.

Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation 2024 Medical Research Awards

Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation funds promising physician scientists who are applying novel and state-of-the-art techniques to address fundamental problems in the genesis and treatment of blood related cancers. Applications for this year’s grants are welcome from two junior faculty members at Georgetown Lombardi — one who is conducting mainstream or conventional research and one who is conducting complementary or integrative research. Projects will be funded for a three-year period at $75,000.00 per year. View grant guidelines and application (view application as a Word doc). Electronic grant submission must be received by Friday, August 16 at grants@gabriellesangels.org; one hard copy of the application must be postmarked by that date as well.

Federal Grants Digest: Colleges & Universities Edition



A weekly curated digest of federal funding opportunities of interest to colleges and universities to support programming, research, infrastructure and other efforts, provided by Thorn Run Partners. View current issue (for June 12, 2024).

8:00 AM | Division Weekly Update Meeting | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

8:30 AM | Monday Morning Oncology Report | Inpatient Oncology Fellow | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

9:00 AM | Breast Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 528 212 194)

11:00 AM | GU/Melanoma Research Meeting | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 796 253 566)

4:00 PM | GU Tumor Board (on 1st/3rd Mondays of the month) | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 869 742 463)

9:00 AM | Hematology Path Conference - Inpatient Heme fellows + Outpatient Heme + BMT fellow | Podium A / Microsoft Teams (CME code: 80737; phone: 202-796-7323)

4:00 PM | Liver Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams

5:00 PM | Breast Tumor Board | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 932 1012 3816; CME Code: 87253)

8:00 AM | Thoracic Tumor Board | Podium A / Zoom (dial 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 993 7680 5192; Passcode: 4231; CME 86693)

12:00 PM | Melanoma Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams (CME: 80988)

5:00 PM | GI Tumor Board | Podium A / Microsoft Teams

9:00 AM | Cancer Research Data Meeting - Rida Kazmi and Nicholas Kynast | W302 New Research Building or Zoom

9:30 AM | Head and Neck Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams

12:30 PM | GI Research Meeting | WebEx (dial 844-302-0362, Meeting Number (access code): 712527865, HOST PIN: 5514)

5:00 PM | Lymphoma Tumor Board - every other week | Microsoft Teams

5:00 PM | Myeloma Tumor Board - every other week | Microsoft Teams

7:00 AM | CNS Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 298 285 483 265, Passcode: rJWpmU)

12:00 PM | Oncology Grand Rounds Lecture Series | none | New Research Building Auditorium / Zoom

12:00 PM | Dr. Ruth He - Biomarkers Lecture | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)

1:00 PM | Faculty Evaluations - Faculty Evaluations | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)

1:00 PM | Pancreas Tumor Board | Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 299 996 740 910, Passcode: z7j7Rc)

2:00 PM | Max Stevenson - Palliative Care | Podium A | Teams Conference Link (Text In Code: 81202 or 81203 / Text In Telephone: 202-796-7323)