Vol. 2, No. 10 May 15, 2019
Cancer Institute Member Spotlight
Alan Tackett, Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
College of Medicine
Associate Director of Basic Research
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
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Dr. Tackett’s research focuses on the identification of biomarkers and drug targets to treat melanoma. Specifically, he focuses on the identification of molecular and epigenetic pathways dysregulated in metastatic melanoma patients who are non-responsive to immune checkpoint therapy. Read more>
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On May 2, 2019, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute hosted its inaugural research retreat at Heifer International in downtown Little Rock. The focus of the retreat was to provide a venue for cancer researchers and clinical scientists to share ideas, build collaborations and learn about all the local resources available to support their work. (View photos of the retreat.)
During this daylong event, about 125 attendees had the opportunity to hear from UAMS research leaders in hematological and solid cancer malignancies – including Robert Eoff, Ph.D.; Jason Farrar, M.D.; Aime Franco, Ph.D.; Samantha Kendrick, Ph.D.; Issam Makhoul, M.D.; Joseph Su, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Brian Walker, Ph.D.; and Muthu Veeraputhiran, M.D.
Jennifer Grandis, M.D., from the University of California San Francisco provided a dynamic keynote presentation focusing on how to build research synergy within a cancer center.
The formal program ended with an open-forum discussion on how to stimulate, coordinate and expand local research efforts, which ultimately will support the Cancer Institute’s mission to obtain NCI Designation.
Attendees finished off the day with an interactive poster session highlighting local cancer research and core facilities.
The retreat was organized by a committee consisting of Franco, chair; Su; Walker; A. Mazin Safar, M.D.; Sandy Moore, M.A., and Alan Tackett, Ph.D. Support for the event was provided by the Office of the Chancellor and the Cancer Institute.
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National Cancer Research Month
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Many of us know that certain months are dedicated to raising awareness for a specific type of cancer, but did you know that there is a month dedicated to raising awareness about cancer research?
May is National Cancer Research Month, and this year’s theme is “Bringing Research to Life.”
Here’s what you can do this month to promote cancer research:
- Share your own cancer research story
- Share your own “Bringing Research to Life” statement, as seen in this promotional video from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the world’s oldest and largest scientific organization dedicated to supporting cancer research.
- Engage on social media using and following National Cancer Research Month hashtags #NCRM19 or #ResearchSavesLives
- Follow National Cancer Research Month on Facebook
- Talk to your local and national elected officials about making cancer research a top funding priority. Click on the links below to find your elected officials.
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Donald J. Johann Jr., M.D., has received a $1.47 million grant from the FDA to fund an ongoing clinical trial examining the ability to monitor and screen for lung cancer using liquid biopsies.
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Send your publications, grants, awards or other resesarch-related accomplishments to Susan Van Dusen, communications manager, to be shared here or through our other communication outlets. Information and photos are welcome.
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Know someone who needs to be added to our email list? Send their name to Susan Van Dusen.
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