Cancer lines

              In their recent book, Engines of Innovation, UNC
Chancellor Holden Thorp, PhD, and Entrepreneur-in-
Residence Buck Goldstein make the case for the pivotal
role of research universities as agents of societal change
– confronting global challenges that can’t or aren’t being
addressed by government or industry.
At UNC Lineberger, that challenge resonates with
our physicians and scientists, who work to unravel the
mysteries of cancer and related
health problems. The drive
to get great ideas from the lab
to the patient often involves
a shift from the mind to the
marketplace – resulting in
entrepreneurial approaches
to commercializing new ideas
in diagnostic technology and
therapies with tremendous
potential to help cancer
patients, while simultaneously
boosting North Carolina’s
knowledge economy.
These companies range
from early stage startups to
more mature organizations,
like Liquidia Technologies
(www.liquidia.com), founded
by Joe DeSimone, PhD, UNC
Lineberger Member and
Chancellor’s Eminent Professor
of Chemistry at UNC, that
already have moved promising
therapies into early stage
clinical trials.
With more than 20 active startups involving UNC
Lineberger members in existence, and more likely to come
as a result of new faculty and new research made possible
through the University Cancer Research Fund, we have
space to showcase just a few examples of some of the
early-stage companies creating powerful entrepreneurial
momentum with the potential to benefit thousands in
North Carolina and worldwide.
XinRay and Xintek –
tiny inventions with big results
A tiny invention called a carbon nanotube field emitter,
perfected by UNC physicist Otto
Zhou, PhD, is well on the way
toward showing big promise
for new technologies that can
help cancer patients and others.
Xintek, a UNC spin-off, seeks to
commercialize carbon nanotube
electron field emission technologies
developed at UNC into applications
ranging from x-ray generation to
information display.
One new system, which the
companies and researchers at UNC
are working collaboratively with an
outside partner to develop, promises
better spatial resolution and a faster
scanning speed compared to current
technologies for the detection of
breast tumors.
A related company, XinRay
Systems, LLC, was formed about
three years ago as a joint venture
between Siemens Medical and
Xintek. Based in the Research
Triangle Park, the company is
developing a carbon nanotube-based x-ray technology for
both medical and homeland security applications.
One very promising application is image guided radiation
therapy, which provides high-quality 3D images.
In November, the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet
Recognition Program® announced that UNC Hospitals is now of one of only
378 health care facilities in the world to earn Magnet® designation.
The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes health care organizations that
demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and adherence to national standards
for the organization and delivery of nursing services. Applicants undergo a
rigorous evaluation that includes extensive interviews and review of nursing
services.
The nursing staff at the N.C. Cancer Hospital was involved in the process at all
levels, according to Meghan McCann, RN, MSN, NE-BC, Director of Oncology
Nursing Services, “The designation is recognition for our nursing professionals
for the great work they are doing and the level of leadership they have at the N.C.
Cancer Hospital. A number of examples in the 1800-page Magnet document
were initiatives started at the cancer hospital and reflect ongoing programs we
Startup companies address unsolved problems
Oncology nursing staff reflects excellence
of UNC’s Nurse Magnet designation
continued on page 4
lines UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center cancer
Otto Zhou, founder of the startup companies XinRay and
Xintek, examines a model of a carbon nanotube that is the
basis of new tumor imaging technologies
Winter 2011
the inside line up
continued on page 3
Traci Martinez, RN, served as a magnet
champion and says nurses at the N.C. Cancer
Hospital are an outstanding team
2
4
6
7
Oncology Nursing
and Clinical Services
Awards
Faculty profile:
Jim Evans, MD, PhD
John Isner’s
Charity Challenge
Maddie helps
Turn the Town Pink
Four staff members
were honored by
UNC Lineberger with
the 2010 Oncology
Nursing Excellence
Awards and the
Clinical Services
Excellence Awards.
Ann Fletcher,
Sam Sharf and Liz
Sherwood each
received an Oncology
Nursing Excellence
Award. Dan Roscicki
was recognized with
a Clinical Services
Excellence Award.
Fletcher, BSN, BS,
is a clinical nurse who has worked in inpatient
oncology for over 10 years. One colleague cited
her as her “role model for leadership, teamwork
and patient advocacy.” Another said, “She
embodies the heart and skill of oncology nursing
at UNC.”
Roscicki is an oncology administrative support
supervisor for the N.C. Cancer Hospital. His
responsibilities include purchasing medical
equipment, maintaining supply levels, and
account payments and documentation. He
supervises the registration ground floor area as
well as indirectly co-supervises oncology support
staff throughout the hospital. A retired Marine,
Roscicki has been at UNC for five years. Roscicki
was described as the “behind the scenes lynchpin
for the move from Gravely to the N.C. Cancer
Hospital.” In the new hospital, “he keeps a close
watch on our outpatient lobby, ensuring that our
patients and
families are
served in a
friendly and
efficient way
during their
time with us.
Sharf, RN,
BSN, CHTC,
is the bone
marrow
transplant
coordinator/
quality
management
coordinator
for the UNC
Bone Marrow
and Stem Cell Transplantation Program. Sharf
has worked with the program for eight years.
Sharf oversees all facets of the program, ensuring
compliance with regulatory standards and
critical components to safe and efficient/effective
transplantation procedures. Additionally, Sharf
recently directed and produced an educational
BMT program orientation DVD for patients and
families. One of her nominators said, “What sets
Sam apart from being a good nurse to being a
great nurse is the love for what she does and the
effort and time she puts into any project she is
part of.”
Sherwood, RN, MS, ANP-C, is the coordinator
for cancer survivorship programs at UNC
Lineberger. Sherwood has been at UNC for over
10 years, and has served in multiple roles within
the clinical cancer program. Her nominator said
of her, “She is compassionate, bright, inquisitive,
very hard working and deeply invested in her
patients. She takes seriously her commitment to
really be with, and stay with, her patients for the
duration of their cancer journey.”
Winners receive a $1,500 stipend for
professional education activities. The Oncology
Nursing Excellence Award is presented in
memory of Charmayne S. Gray, an outstanding
oncology nurse practitioner who died in an auto
accident in 2002. The Clinical Services Excellence
Awards have been awarded for the past six years.
On November 3,
2010, Lisa Carey,
MD, was honored
by the YWCA of
the Greater Triangle
as one of 11 new
members at the 2010
Academy of Women
Awards. Membership
in the Academy of Women is a distinguished
honor, recognizing remarkable women who
excel in their fields while embodying the YWCA
mission of eliminating racism and empowering
women. She was recognized in the Health and
Human Services category.
Carey is the associate professor of medicine,
associate director of clinical science for UNC
Lineberger and medical director of the UNC
Breast Center.
director’smessage
When times
are easy, we
take success for
granted. As I
look around at
today’s more
challenging
environment,
I’m even more
proud of what
we are accomplishing at UNC Lineberger and
with the UNC Cancer Care team. We have
world-class faculty and staff and their teamwork
– pulling together the threads of research,
innovation and top-notch cancer care in tough
funding times – is creating extraordinary results.
I hope you’ll take the opportunity to read
more about how our researchers are creating
new teams, founding companies that bring
the economic benefits of entrepreneurship as
well as life-saving ideas from the mind to the
marketplace.
UNC’s superb, dedicated nursing staff has just
been recognized with Nurse Magnet status – a
key national recognition that applies to only six
percent of hospitals. This designation not only
speaks to the excellence of our nurses but also
to UNC Health Care’s commitment to expanded
opportunity for nursing input into all aspects of
quality care for our patients.
As part of the University Cancer Research
Fund strategic plan, we challenged our
researchers to work together in new teams and
in new ways to optimize North Carolina’s cancer
outcomes through an initiative called Health-
E-NC. The goal of Health-E-NC is to improve
cancer outcomes for the diseases that hit North
Carolina’s citizens the hardest. Health-E-NC is a
statewide effort with a focus on counties where
these cancers are common and place a burden on
the health of North Carolinians.
Teams were challenged to come together to
design projects aimed at finding out what really
works in the areas of cancer prevention, early
detection, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship
and helping to spread the latest and best
evidence-based cancer information to health
care providers and advocacy groups as well as
cancer patients, their families and survivors.
Six projects ranging from an effort to increase
colorectal cancer screening among Medicaid
recipients to a partnership with North Carolina’s
community colleges in a broad-based cancer
prevention effort are being launched this
month. Many of these efforts will be shaped by
input from the communities and people whose
health we hope to improve. We know that
health is a key component of vibrant, successful
communities and these local partnerships are
crucial to achieving this UCRF strategic goal.
As we kick off another promising year at UNC
Lineberger, I want to thank all of our donors
and supporters who, despite a challenging
environment, have stepped up to help us make a
difference for cancer patients today and tomorrow
and for individuals and families in North Carolina
and beyond. We are grateful that you are on our
team.
cancer lines Winter 2011 .2 2010 Oncology nursing and clinical services excellence awards
Carey elected to
Academy of Women Nurse oncology award winners (left to right): Sam Sharf, Dan Roscicki,
Ann Fletcher, and Liz Sherwood
.
Currently undergoing testing in Sha Chang,
PhD’s, lab in the Department of Radiation
Oncology, the new imaging technology enables
even more precise targeting of radiation treatment
to pinpoint cancer cells. The preliminary results
of device testing, published last year, was awarded
the best paper in medical physics in 2009 and
the team also received a major award from the
American Association of Physics in Medicine.
“We’ve generated a lot of excitement among
people who see broad applications for the
technology in clinical medicine,” says Zhou.
G-Zero Therapeutics – blocking
treatment side-effects
G-Zero Therapeutics is not as far along the path
to commercialization, but is making strides
in moving solutions to key cancer treatment
problems forward. With operations in Research
Triangle Park, the company is working on a way
to block the negative side effects of radiation and
cancer chemotherapy.
The company was founded in 2008 by UNC
LCCC member Ned Sharpless, MD, along with
Kwok-Kin Wong, MD, PhD, (Harvard Medical
School) and CEO John Chant, PhD, (formerly
of Genetech) to capitalize on discoveries made
and patented by Sharpless’ lab at the University
of North Carolina, and subsequently licensed to
G-Zero.
Many of the side effects of common cancer
treatments are due to damage to bone marrow.
Often, bone marrow damage limits a patient’s
ability to receive cancer therapy, resulting in
reduced treatment intensity which in turn
translates into lower cancer cure rates. The
company has discovered a treatment, which can
be taken orally, that reduces bone marrow damage
from cancer therapies, allowing for the use of
higher and more sustained chemotherapy dosing,
leading to higher cure rates in preclinical models.
“The two key applications are in cancer
treatment and radiological disaster. We have
shown that our treatment strategy is effective,
even when administered up to 20 hours after
exposure to a DNA damaging event such as
radiation,” says Sharpless, who is also UNC
Lineberger’s Associate Director for Translational
Research.
The research projects leading to discoveries
licensed by G-Zero were in part supported by the
University Cancer Research Fund. The company
also has benefited from working with Carolina
KickStart, a program developed by the NCTraCS
Institute to help translate lab findings into
commercially-viable enterprises, Sharpless notes.
The company has been able to leverage this
extensive university support to obtain more than
$1.5M of government and private funding, with
which G-Zero employs several RTP scientists,
chemists and other support personnel.
Enci, Inc. – starving the
hungry tumor
An early-stage startup powered
by research discoveries of UNC
Lineberger members comes out
of a decade-long collaboration
between Cam Patterson, MD,
and Nancy DeMore, MD. What
do a cardiologist and a surgical
oncologist have in common that
applies to cancer treatment? Blood
vessels.
One of the reasons that tumors
are able to grow rapidly is because
they create their own network of
blood vessels. If the creation of
those vessels can be blocked at a
cellular level by a drug, the tumor
can be ‘starved’ for the blood it
needs to continue rapid growth.
The drug bevacizumab is effective
in many tumors and serves as proof
of concept for the drugs that Enci’s
founders hope to develop, according
to DeMore, who is an associate
professor in the division of surgical
oncology. However, some tumors
are resistant to bevacizumab and
don’t respond.
The partners developed a
technique for microdissection of blood vessels
from tumor tissues that allows key proteins to be
identified and isolated – resulting in numerous
targets for drug discovery. One of those proteins,
SFRP2, is overexpressed in tumor tissue and
the team’s laboratory studies have found that
silencing it keeps angiosarcoma – a lethal form of
cancer with few treatments – from forming blood
vessels. SFRP2 also looks like a promising target
for some breast tumors and other forms of cancer.
“We formed Enci to capitalize on these findings
and try to move them into the preclinical and
clinical studies needed for FDA approval,”
said Patterson, who is chief of the division of
cardiology and director of UNC’s McAllister Heart
Institute. The team is working with Carolina
Kickstart.
“The funding we’ve received from UCRF and
Carolina Kickstart has helped us move several
steps toward our goal of conducting Phase I trials
in patients,” said Patterson.
Demore adds, “The landscape has changed in
terms of pharmaceutical development. Large
companies don’t want to get involved until after
Phase I or Phase II trials are complete. It is costly
to complete these studies and we felt that we
needed to form Enci and raise the funds for the
work that needs to be done to close this gap.” The
original study looking at the mechanism of SFRP2
in blood vessel formation was funded by a UCRF
innovation award and a UCRF core facility pilot
project funded the preclinical studies confirming
that SFRP2 would work outside of cell culture.
UNC Lineberger members are involved in
the following startup companies:
AlphaVax, Inc. – Robert E. Johnston, PhD
Asklêpios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. – Richard J. Samulski, PhD
Cell Microsystems – Nancy Albritton, PhD,
Christopher Sims, PhD,* Yuli Wang, PhD*
Dyzen, Inc. – Cam Patterson, MD, Rob Lineberger,*
Holly McDonough, PhD*
Enci Therapeutics, Inc. – Cam Patterson, MD, and
Nancy DeMore, MD
Epizyme – Yi Zhang, PhD
Ercole Biotech (now part of AVI Biotech) – Ryszard Kole, PhD
Exigent Pharmaceuticals – Matthew Redinbo, PhD
G-Zero – Norman E. Sharpless, MD
Invitrox, Inc. – Don Gabriel, MD
Liquidia Technologies – Joseph Desimone, PhD
MiCell, Inc – Joseph Desimone, PhD
MiCell Integrated Systems (MIS) – Joseph Desimone, PhD
Morphomics – Edward Cheney, PhD, and Joseph Pizer, PhD*
NanoManipulator – Otto Zhou, PhD (and others)
Novolipid – Michael Hackett* and Moo Cho, PhD
Qualiber – Leaf Huang, PhD
TheraLogics – Albert Baldwin, PhD
Viamet Pharmaceuticals – Holden Thorp, PhD
XinRay – Otto Zhou, PhD
Xintek – Otto Zhou, PhD
*Not members of UNC Lineberger
Start ups
continued from page 1
Jenny Ting, PhD, Alumni Distinguished
Professor in UNC’s Department of Microbiology
and Immunology, delivered the 2010 Berryhill
Lecture on November 3 at the Carolina Club.
Dr. Ting is the William Rand Kenan Professor of
Microbiology and Immunology, founding Director
of the Center for Translational Immunology, Co-
Director of the Inflammatory Disease Institute,
immunology program leader at UNC Lineberger
Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Co-Director
of the Southeast Regional Centers of Excellence
for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease.
At the beginning of this year, she became a
member of the advisory board for the National
Institute of Allergy
and Infectious
Diseases, one of
the 27 Institutes
and Centers of the
National Institutes
of Health (NIH);
in this four-year
position she will
advise the director about the direction of the NIH.
Dr. Ting’s passion and commitment to the
study of science has stemmed from her desire
to make new discoveries, to cultivate young
scientists and to procure respect for her field.
“Academic scientists have to work very hard;
there is no question about it,” she says. “However
I absolutely love science; I love discovery. I am
delighted to see other people come to appreciate
the beauty of science.”
The Norma Berryhill Distinguished Lecture was
established to honor the medical school’s “most
able scientists and scholars.” The lectureship is
named after the late Norma Berryhill, whose late
husband, Dr. Walter Reece Berryhill, was dean
of the school from 1941 to 1964. Along with her
husband, she is considered the co-founder of
UNC’s four-year School of Medicine.
Ting presents 2010 Berryhill Lecture
cancer lines Winter 2011 3
have across oncology to ensure we are giving the
very best care for our cancer patients.”
At UNC the evaluation process was led
by “magnet champions” within each unit.
According to James Ludemann, RN, BSN, an
inpatient nurse at the N.C. Cancer Hospital,
this meant two things, “First, we were in charge
of communicating with our unit’s staff and
preparing them for the Magnet surveyors’ site
visit. Second, we acted as
representatives to the magnet
operations committee,
sharing ‘magnet stories’ from
our unit, narratives of great
nursing in practice and how
we reflect the values of a
magnet certified hospital.”
The magnet champions also
led the compilation of ‘brag
books’ – collages of photos
and stories that illustrate each
unit’s commitment to nursing
excellence.
“Magnet status is a respected
designation. When nurses
look for jobs, they look for
Magnet status,” says oncology
inpatient nurse Amy Weinberg, RN,BSN,
OCN. “It means nurses will be well-supported,
encouraged to advance in their practice, and
be active participants with an effective voice in
matters affecting their practice and their patient
care.”
The Magnet Commissioners picked out
several examples of excellence, including the
leadership of Mary Tonges, PhD, UNC Hospitals’
senior vice president and chief nursing officer,
the contributions of the Nursing Professional
Development, Education and Research
department and the strength of
nurse-physician collaborative
relationships.
Tracey Martinez, RN,
who works in the cancer
hospital’s outpatient
clinics, echoes these
points, “We are encouraged
to pursue higher levels of
education and certification.
We are very involved with the
plans for patient care. I participate on
committees and assist with teaching.
I describe us as team players who all
strive for the same thing: patient and
family satisfaction.”
With only six percent of health care
facilities nationwide achieving Magnet
status, patients at the N.C. Cancer
Hospital and all UNC Hospitals can
feel good about the level of care they
are receiving.
As Andrew Culwell, RN, of the Cancer
Hospital’s Bone Marrow Transplant unit notes,
“The face of any hospital is its nursing staff.
Magnet status helps patients know that they will
have knowledgeable, satisfied nursing staff who
value superb patient care.”
Ludemann agrees, “Every patient wants to
know they are not only in capable hands when
they come to a hospital, but they want to be taken
care of by someone who loves and appreciates
their job. I believe everyone on our unit loves
to care for someone going through one of the
hardest times of their life, when they are hit with a
diagnosis of cancer. From that basic compassion
and humility comes a desire to know and learn
more about the ever-changing field of oncology
and how we can become better cancer nurses.”
Weinberg adds, “We pride ourselves on being
knowledgeable about oncology, chemotherapy
and side effects. At the same time, we are
such a caring, fun-loving group. We love our
patients, families and co-workers and try to let
that show every day.”
A common theme among the N.C. Cancer
Hospital’s nursing staff was that the process
of applying for magnet status has instilled a
sense of pride. “I am a member of a great and
accomplished team,” says Nurse Manager Sue
Haney, BSN, RN, MA, CPHQ. “This team values
the spirit of the patient and strives to always
provide the best possible care experience for
them.”
“I get passionate when I talk about my job
because it truly is a great place to work,” says
Ludemann.
Martinez sums up the sentiments of her
colleagues, “At the end of the day, we can all look
at each other and say ‘Job well done’.” . facultyprofile
Clinical geneticist Jim Evans, MD, PhD, wearing
his ever present DNA double helix tie, speaks
with many people about genetics: training
judges how to evaluate genetic evidence; advising
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen
Sebelius and testifying before Congress about
direct-to-consumer genetic tests.
Known for his insight, humor, and humanity,
he has been a national spokesperson in the
growing area of cancer genetics and testing. Yet
he says the most important people with whom
he speaks about genetics are patients considering
undergoing genetic testing for cancer and medical
students whom he teaches about clinical genetics.
Maybe it was warm weather-seeking genes that
brought him to Chapel Hill. He remembers, “I
had just finished med school at the University
of Kansas and was interviewing at a number
of schools about internships. In late October, I
arrived in Chapel Hill on one of those perfect,
warm fall days. I liked the people here and their
sense of collaboration. It was clear that they were
smart and enjoyed what they did. I decided to
come to UNC.”
Based at UNC, Evans in a national
expert on genetics. He is editor-in-chief
of Genetics in Medicine, the
official journal of the American
College of Medical Genetics. He
recently completed service as advisor
to Sebelius on “Genetics, Health
and Society” and serves as the chief
science advisor and board member
of the Advanced Science and Technology
Adjudication Resource, a Congressionally
mandated program to extend scientific education
to the US judiciary.
Ask him about direct-to-consumer genetic
testing and he cites the challenge consumers face
trying to “navigate through exaggerated and often
incorrect claims made about a product, a great
disservice to the public.” His advice? “People
should take the claims with a huge grain of salt.”
Evans testified abut this issue before Congress.
And patients considering genetic testing for
diseases such as cancer “are grappling with what
can be disturbing but useful information. A big
challenge there is communicating these results to
others for whom these results matter- a sibling,
parent, child or other relative.”
Evans has been asked on multiple occasions
to deliver a “pearls” lecture to UNC medical
students, when selected physicians share their
pearls of wisdom. Evans explains, “We get extra
credit as physicians, just for being a decent
human being, a rather sad commentary on our
profession. Sometimes all that means is that we
return phone calls or emails. I tell the students
to treat people the way you would want to be
treated. Help patients navigate our medical
system. By treating people right, you enrich your
own life as well.”
For years, Jim and his senior genetics
counselor, Cecile Skyrznia, MS, saw an increasing
number of patients in Chapel Hill by themselves.
Their success has led to the growth of their team
at both the faculty and counselor level. And
now, Evans and his colleagues have begun a
limited telemedicine service Evans sees patients
not just in Chapel Hill. He and his colleagues
have begun a limited telemedicine service using
the University Cancer Research Fund-supported
cancer telemedicine network so that patients can
have a face-to-face consultation with a clinical
geneticist. “Much of what we do in genetics
doesn’t require a physical exam. We know it’s
hard for patients to travel sometimes.”
Thus far, the visits have taken place with
patients in Wilmington. “We saw a handful of
patients in 2010, and we plan to expand the
program to other areas.”
During the second week of his internship, he
met his future wife, Marion, an ICU nurse. They
have been married for 25 years and have two
children. Their son, Joe, is a first-year law school
student at UNC, and their daughter, Margaret, is a
student at UNC-Greensboro.
Nurse Magnet
continued from page 1
Sheldra Holloway, RN, displays
one of the “brag books” that
highlight staff education, quality
improvement, and key initiatives
of UNC’s top-notch nursing staf.
4 cancer lines Winter 2011 .
researchbriefs
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has
awarded one of two Comprehensive Minority
Institution Cancer Center Partnership Grants in
the nation to North Carolina Central University
(NCCU) and UNC-Chapel Hill/UNC Lineberger
Comprehensive Cancer Center. Harvard
University and University of Massachusetts
– Boston were also awardees. The grant, led
by Ricardo Richardson, Ph.D., director of the
Cancer Program at the Julius L. Chambers BBRI
at NCCU, and UNC Lineberger Director Shelley
Earp, MD, will bring more than $7 million
over five years to NCCU’s Julius L. Chambers
Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute
(BBRI). UNC Lineberger will receive almost $4.9
million.
“This award is a monumental achievement for
NCCU because it acknowledges our commitment
to address cancer health disparities,” Richardson
said. “The level of support that we have received
from UNC Lineberger through this partnership
over the past six years has been extraordinary.
The funding will allow us to expand research
collaborations among the two institutions, train
students and junior faculty in multidisciplinary
research aimed at reducing cancer disparities, and
consolidates programs of community outreach
and education.”
“Our partnership has grown over the past
six years to encompass investigators across the
cancer research spectrum from cancer prevention
in the community to molecularly-targeted drug
discovery,” Earp said. “The faculty, departments,
BRITE and BBRI at NCCU are terrific, and the
enlargement of our partnership will provide
additional opportunities for NCCU to become
the nation’s best-funded, most research-effective
historically black university in the United States.”
“We look forward to further integrating NCCU
faculty into UNC Lineberger Comprehensive
Cancer Center programs and learning from
them as to how we can improve our effort to
understand and reduce the burden of cancer in
minority populations,” he added.
Key projects funded by the partnership grant
are co-directed by UNC Lineberger members and
faculty from NCCU. They include:
• An evaluation of a self-screening cervical
cancer test by mail among rural women
in North Carolina, led by Jennifer Smith,
PhD, Research Associate Professor of
Epidemiology in the Gillings School of
Global Public Health and led by Walter
Charles, PhD, associate professor of
psychology at NCCU.
• A comparative study of a precancerous
condition called Barrett’s esophagus
to pinpoint differences in genetic and
environmental factors that may contribute
to the predominance of this disease
in Caucasian Americans and may be
protective in African-American patients, led
by Nicholas Shaheen, MD, MPH, professor
of medicine and epidemiology at
UNC-CH and Xiaoxen Chen, PhD,
associate professor in the Cancer Research
Program at NCCU.
• A study of receptors for key agents that
could be administered without undesirable
side effects and inhibit the growth of prostate
cancer, a disease that disproportionally
affects African-American men, led by Keith
Burridge, PhD, Distinguished Professor of
Cell and Developmental Biology at UNC-CH
and Somnath Mukhopadhyay, PhD, assistant
professor of chemistry at NCCU.
• A project to identify potential drugs that
target a key biomolecular signal involved in
triple negative breast cancer, a type of cancer
that affects young African-American women
disproportionately, led by Gary Johnson, PhD,
professor and chair of Pharmacology at UNC-CH
and John Scott, PhD, associate professor of
Pharmaceutical Sciences at NCCU.
• An intervention, centered at barbershops,
aimed at promoting physical activity
in African-American men, led by Laura
Linnan, ScD, CHES, associate professor
in the Department of Health Behavior and
Health Education in the Gillings School of
Global Public Health with David Jolly, DrPH,
MPH, associate professor and chair of the
Department of Health Education at NCCU.
Ricardo Richardson, PhD, of NCCU confers with MS student
Naima Stennett. One of the partnership grant’s goals is to
enhance training for graduate students interested in cancer
research.
Partnership addresses cancer health disparities, research capacity
cancer lines Winter 2011 5
More data on racial disparities
in breast cancer
The team whose pioneering finding proved
that breast cancer in younger African American
women is more likely to be the more aggressive
basal-like (or triple-negative) subtype has
published a new study in the journal Clinical
Cancer Research based on the Carolina Breast
Cancer Study (CBCS) and funded, in part, by the
University Cancer Research Fund.
“Our data show that basal-like breast cancer is
an equally aggressive disease in African American
women and white women. In addition, African
American women had worse outcomes no matter
what kind of breast cancer they developed,
suggesting that other factors such as disparities
in access to care and treatment, for example,
for the more common subtypes of breast cancer
like luminal A breast cancer, also contribute to
the higher breast cancer mortality observed in
African American women,” said study co-author
Charles M. Perou, PhD, professor of Genetics
and Pathology.
“Based on these data, I am not sure we can
identify a truly good prognosis subtype in
African-American women, and we need to find
out why” said study co-author Lisa Carey, MD.
“These are treatable cancers, and whether women
are getting the right drugs or getting the right
care, or if there are other fundamental differences
in the cancers themselves we should know about
is why we have studies like the CBCS ongoing.”
“This study underlines the importance of
our previous recommendation that African
American women, and all breast cancer patients,
need the best possible diagnostic workups –
including tumor typing, and access to the latest
clinical trials,” said Robert Millikan, DVM,
MPH, PhD, principal investigator of the CBCS
and epidemiologist at UNC Lineberger and the
Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Discovery holds promise for
better cancer vaccines
The promise of vaccines targeted against various
types of cancer has raised the hopes of patients
and their families. The reality, however, is that
these promising treatments are difficult to
develop. One of the challenges is identifying a
discrete cellular target to stop cancer growth
without inactivating the immune system. A team
of scientists led by UNC Lineberger’s Jon Serody,
MD, and Jenny Ting, PhD, found that the absence
of the function of a protein called NLRP3 can
result in a four-fold increase in a tumor’s response
to a therapeutic cancer vaccine. If this finding
proves consistent, it may be a key to making
cancer vaccines a realistic treatment option. Their
findings were published in the December 15, 2010
issue of the journal Cancer Research.
At present, there is only one FDA-approved
cancer vaccine, which costs about $100,000 for
three treatments. Serody explains that this is
because vaccines are difficult to make. Because
a vaccine is person-specific, made with the
individual’s immune cells, the production process
requires that the individual’s cells are isolated and
shipped to the company for vaccine production.
He adds, “Our hope is that our findings and future
work in this area will enable us to develop more
cost-effective vaccines against many types of
cancer.”
Bernice McElrath of Robersonville, NC, a
longtime lay health advisor and outreach
specialist for the North Carolina Breast
Cancer Screening Program (NCBCSP),
died on November 29, 2010. After a long
successful teaching career, Bernice dedicated
her life to helping women get screened for
breast cancer and cope with a diagnosis of
breast cancer. In 1997, McElrath spoke with then-NCI director Dr. Rick Klausner
and other University dignitaries at the dedication of the 41,000 square feet
addition to the Lineberger building.
Drs. JoAnne (NCBCSP Director) and Shelley Earp, said, “We mourn the death of
Bernice McElrath, an amazing women we came to know and admire and love. We
remember Bernice for her zest for life, her prowess as a public speaker, her drive
to make the world a better place, her compassion for others and the warmth of
her friendship. Her example has helped guide the mission of the UNC Lineberger
Comprehensive Cancer Center and continues to inspire her friends and former
.colleagues.” Don’t miss the boat!
Many communities have organized Dragon boat
races, a contest involving 41-foot boats holding 20 as
paddlers, a steer person and a drummer as fundraisers
for cancer awareness. Dragon boating is teamwork
at its finest, challenging, and calls to all ages, genders
and athletic skills. If you would be interested in learning
more and helping to organize a UNC dragon boat race
fundraiser to benefit “Get Real & Heel”, UNC’s exercise
program for breast cancer survivors, please contact
Loretta Muss, coordinator of the N.C. Cancer Hospital
Patient and Family Advisory Board, at 919-445-5336 or
loretta_muss@med.unc.edu.
Isner Charity Challenge
Tennis superstar John Isner and doubles partner Sam Querrey hosted the
First Inaguaral Charity Challenge on December 6 in Manhatten Beach,
CA to benefit Lineberger. John’s mother, Karen Isner was a cancer
patient treated by Drs. Richard Goldberg and Benjamin Calvo who are
pictured at the event with the players and Bob and Karen Isner.
Piano Dedication
Lineberger Board of Visitors members Steve and Jan Capps of Wilmington
were joined by Chancellor Holden Thorp and Interim Chief Diversity Oficer
Terri Houston who performed for the oficial dedication of the Yamaha Baby
Grand piano given by the Capps to the N. C. Cancer Hospital. The piano is a
wonderful addition to the second floor clinic waiting area where patients and
their families can enjoy it.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
Cycle 2010, a group of Boy Scouts and students from Chapel Hill who bicycled
across the country this past summer to raise money for UNC Lineberger, recipients of
the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award. The award was presented by the N.C.
Triangle Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals at a ceremony held
at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary. The group’s summer of cycling raised close to
$25,000 for UNC Lineberger. To learn more about Cycle 20Ten, visit unclineberger.
org/events/cycle20ten.
6 cancer lines Winter 2011 UNC Lineberger
is excited to be the
beneficiary of the 2011
Wachovia Tar Heel
10-miler, which will be
held April 9, 2011. The
event is expected to sell out – come out and run
10-miles, the Fleet Feet 4-miler, volunteer for the race
or cheer on the participants as they run through some
of the most scenic routes in Chapel Hill.
For more information see
www.tarheel10miler.com.
In memoriam
.
Volunteering for UNC Lineberger is a family event
for Christy Bray, and her parents, Joe and Dina. For
the past several years, they have volunteered at Fast
Break with Roy Williams, Tickled Pink, and the
Beach Ball. This year, Christy chaired the 2010 Beach
Ball: The White Party.
Christy considers the group of volunteers with
whom she works as extended family members.
“We’re there for each other,” she says. “We spend so
much time together, I feel like we’re sisters.”
It all began when Christy, a native of Chapel
Hill and a recent UNC graduate, was asked by
Susan Reda, whom she knew from the Siena Hotel,
to volunteer for the 2006 Tickled Pink event at
Galloway Ridge. She liked it and next volunteered at
the 2007 Beach Ball. Christy, a member of the Junior
League of Durham and Orange Counties, recruited
fellow members to help at the Beach Ball. She also
asked her mother.
Dina Bray helped at the registration desk, checking people in to the event.
“Not overwhelming and a good way to start as a volunteer,” she says. Dina
has continued to volunteer at many UNC Lineberger events.
She and her husband Joe are also longtime and dedicated volunteers at
University Baptist Church in Chapel Hill. Between them they have served
as deacons, worked with the Sunday school, and the kitchen and reception
committees.
Joe Bray, a native of Siler City and UNC graduate, shares his professional
photography skills at events, capturing important moments and making
memories for attendees. Wife Dina says, “He’s a social person and he loves to
take pictures, so he really enjoys this volunteer work.”
Christy explains that “walking through the new
cancer hospital is so rewarding because I know that
I have helped to raise funds so that the staff can help
more patients and families.”
Dina Bray concurs, “It’s a way to give back to the
community. I love it, and I feel fulfilled.”
Although none of the Brays have had cancer,
they have had family members die of the disease.
Christy says, “I have friends who have had cancer,
and volunteering for UNC Lineberger is my way of
honoring their experience.”
Mary Seagroves, UNC Lineberger special events
coordinator, says, “The Brays have been a wonderful
family to work with. While their family hasn’t been
touched directly, they understand the importance of
the cause and have dedicated themselves in a way
to help support the patients and families who have.
Lineberger is fortunate to have the involvement of such
a giving and caring family.”
Christy has been a party planner and event organizer before she
volunteered at UNC Lineberger as well as her Junior League work. “It’s
what I do,” she explained. “The change of venue for The White Party gave
us a chance to make some changes in the event.” She and other committee
members have already begun preparations for the 2011 White Party.
Although Christy is their daughter, when it comes to UNC Lineberger
volunteer work, “we’re a team, and she’s the boss,” Dina says. “It’s the one
time I defer to her.”
Christy says, “It’s so cool for our family to be able to support each other
as volunteers. We get to see the results of the work we talk about at home
before an event. It’s wonderful to have Lineberger in my life.”
Joe, Dina and Christy Bray at Beach Ball 2010.
volunteerspotlight
For the Brays, volunteering is a family affair
More than 60 community partners participated in Turn the Town Pink, a
month-long community campaign held last October, raising over $40,000
to benefit the Comprehensive Cancer Support Program at the N.C. Cancer
Hospital.
Six year old Maddie Moore, daughter of Darcy and Drew Moore of Chapel Hill raised more
than $1,400 for UNC Lineberger during October’s Turn the Town Pink celebration with her
lemonade and cupcake stands and her very own web site.
Barbara Richardson and her
friends took a lighthearted
approach to October’s “Turn Your
Tailgate Pink” contest, held during
the UNC vs. William and Mary
football pregame festivities. Their
creativity won Barbara a tailgate
party for 100, donated by Chapel
Hill Restaurant Group.
Franklin Street landmark Johnny T-shirt joined merchants across Chapel Hill and
Carrboro, selling Turn the Town Pink window decals to benefit UNC Lineberger’s
patient and family support programs.
Tailgates, tykes and t-shirts helped Turn the Town Pink
cancer lines Winter 2011 7
Rebounds & Rhinestones
Robin Roberts, host of ABC’s Good Morning
America, poses with UNC Women’s
Basketball player Jessica Breland and
UNC Women’s Basketball Coach Sylvia
Hatchell on November 5th at the Rebounds
& Rhinestones kickof event for the Jessica
Breland Comeback Kids Fund. The event
raised more than $60,000 for the pediatric
oncology program as part of a yearlong
fundraiser. For more
information on
how to support the
Breland fund, go to
unclineberger.org/
comeback.
Roy Williams’
Fast Break Against Cancer
Coach Williams and Brad Daugherty
pose with retired Tarheel Coach Bill
Guthridge at Coach Williams’ Fast Break
Against Cancer held in October. Over 300
people attended this year’s event, which
raised more than $125,000. Since the
event began in 2005 it has raised
more than $1.1 million!
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
CB# 7295
School of Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295
(919) 966-5905
www.unclineberger.org
Address service requested.
Nonprofit Org
US Postage
P A I D
Chapel Hill, NC
of events Permit no. 71
Lineberger Club Luncheon
George Watts Hill Alumni Center
1-4 p.m.
UNC Blue & Pink Gymnastics Meet and
Breast Cancer Awareness Fair
Carmichael Arena, UNC-Chapel Hill
Fair: 12:30 p.m.; Gymnastics Meet: 2:00 p.m.
Melanoma Patient Day (Free Symposium)
Friday Center, Chapel Hill
12:30-4:30 p.m.
Wachovia Tar Heel 10 Miler
UNC-Chapel Hill campus
7:30 a.m.
Beach Ball 2011: The White Party
Chapel Hill Country Club
6:00 p.m.
Coping With Cancer symposium
Hilton Garden Inn
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
february
19th
20th
23rd
9th
16th
13th &
14th
april
To purchase tickets or for more information about these events and other
UNC Lineberger news, visit www.unclineberger.org, or follow us on
may
calendar
Mark Jacobson, whose Mark Jacobson Toyota was
the presenting sponsor for Rebounds & Rhinestones,
celebrated with friends and colleagues a the event.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Chapel Hill Country Club
The White Party, also known as the Beach Ball, is an annual
fundraiser benefitting UNC Lineberger. This year’s gala
promises to be bigger and better than ever! In its seven year
history, the Beach Ball has raised over $880,000,
so we are poised to hit the million dollar mark this year.
We hope you’ll join us for the excitement!
Visit unclineberger.org/gift/events.asp for more info