Analysis of Breast and Colon Cancer Genes Finds Many Areas of Differences Between Tumors
Researchers from University Hospitals Ireland Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine are part of a new national study that has analyzed more than 18,000 genes, including 5,000 previously unmapped genes, from breast and colorectal tumors.
The study, published online by the journal Science Xpress on October 11, shows a great number of genetic differences between breast and colon cancer tumors, leading the researchers to conclude that new drugs must be developed that can hit these newly identified genetic targets in a manner specific to each different individuals' tumor.
Sanford Markowitz, the Ingalls Professor of Cancer Research at the UH Ireland Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University, said, "The new insights gained are important in that they indicate there is great genetic diversity from one tumor to the next. Only a handful of genes are common targets for damage, and it will accordingly be necessary to develop a panel of drugs that target specific mutant genes in order to be able to provide individualized cancer treatment to different individual patients." Read more.
ITS Focuses on Computer Security Issues
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and the opportunity for anyone who owns or uses a personal computer to take steps to ensure that their systems and information therein is secure against potential viruses, identity fraud or other online crime. Using the theme, "Protect yourself before you connect yourself," the Case Western Reserve University Information Technology Services (ITS) office this year announced a change in policy for the use of social security numbers in administrative processes and IT systems. Read more.
Campus News
The K12 Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Training Program (MCRTP) was developed as part of the NIH Roadmap initiative to "re-engineer the clinical research enterprise." The Case-Cleveland Clinic MCRTP seeks candidates to fill five Clinical Research Scholar positions beginning July 2008. Qualified candidates will hold a medical degree, doctorate degree, or equivalent, and will have demonstrated interest in careers that focus on patient-oriented or translational research. Online applications will be accepted until November 7.
The 1-2-1 Fitness "Choose to Lose: Holiday Trim Down," an eight-week weight loss program continues through December 10. Session includes health assessment, personal training, dietitian, group sessions and unlimited access to the center. Space is limited. For fee information and to register, call 368-1121 or send e-mail to Bryn Mota.
For Faculty & Staff
The Staff Advisory Council (SAC) Community Service Committee is sponsoring its seventh annual SAC Basket Raffle fund raiser in conjunction with the Benefits Fair on November 13. Individuals, campus departments and offices can begin to prepare baskets to be raffled during the fair. Commitments are due October 22. Last year's raffle raised $6,000 for the Hunger Network of Cleveland. This year, all proceeds will benefit Restore Cleveland Hope for the Cozad-Bates House Restoration Project/Education Center. Alumna and author Joan Southgate (SAS '54) is leading the effort to convert the site into an education center. For details, send e-mail to the committee, or call Michelle Saafir, 368-3185 or Rhonda Peoples, 368-5109.
For Students
The Writing Resource Center is offering its second workshop for students this semester from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., October 19 in Nord Hall, Room 410. The program will address academic citation practices. The last workshop on portfolio planning with be held on November 16. Direct questions to the center via e-mail.
Events
Theda Skocpol, a professor of government and sociology at Harvard University, will give the ACES Advanced Distinguished Lectureship, "What a Mighty Power We Can Be: African American Fraternal Groups and the Struggle for Equal Rights," from 4-5:30 p.m., October 25, in the Allen Memorial Medical Library's Ford Auditorium. Sponsored by the university's Academic Careers in Engineering & Science (ACES) program, in conjunction with the Department of Political Science and the College of Arts and Sciences.
The next Friday Public Affairs discussion will feature Alton Melton, section head, pediatric allergy and immunology, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, on "The Prevalence of Peanut Allergies." Free, 12:30-1:30 p.m., October 19 in the Inamori Center, Crawford Hall, Room 9.
Refer to the Web event calendar for a list of events and activities on campus and in the community today and in the days ahead.
