California Breast Cancer Research Program Awards $8 million to Researchers
June 14, 2005—Oakland, CA—The California Breast Cancer Research Program is excited to announce its 11th cycle of funded research projects seeking improvements in prevention and treatment methods and quality of life for those affected by breast cancer. During a rigorous two-step evaluation process, 51 applications from 21 California institutions and community organizations were selected for funding.
The newly funded grants will begin on July 1 and extend for up to three years. The types of research represented include career development, innovative research, and community-based projects.
The projects focus on a wide range of research topics. Twenty-three basic science projects will study either tumor biology or aspects of normal breast biology that lead to cancer; nine projects will pursue etiology (causes) and prevention strategies; nine projects will study new detection and treatment options; and ten projects will focus on the community and individual impact of breast cancer.
Faith Fancher Research Award
Faith Fancher was a long-time television news anchor and personality with KTVU (Oakland) who waged a very public battle against breast cancer. She also was the founding member of the CBCRP Executive Team, which formed in 2001 to help raise the visibility and fundraising profile of our program. Faith passed away in October 2003 after a six-year struggle with breast cancer.
In Faith's honor, and to commemorate all that Faith Fancher did for breast cancer education and research, we have created the annual Faith Fancher Research award, which will be presented to a researcher, institution, or community-based organization whose work reflects those values that Faith held most closely and extends the work that Faith did for all women facing breast cancer.
The recipients of the 2005 Faith Fancher Research award are Beverly Burns, M.S., at the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic in Oakland and Shelley Adler, Ph.D., from the University of California, San Francisco, for their project, "Underserved Women with Breast Cancer at End of Life". The burden of breast cancer is disproportionately borne by low-income women and especially women of color. African American and Latina women are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease and have poorer survival rates than European American women. The goals of this project are: (1) to examine the beliefs, values, concerns, expectations, and goals regarding end-of-life among underserved, minority metastatic breast cancer patients, their physicians, their alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner, and their informal care-givers, and (2) to describe the nature of communication about end-of-life issues among these groups.
Funding Research through Tax Donations
Last year, California taxpayers donated $697,750 to the California Breast Cancer Research Program through a voluntary check-off area on their state income taxes. That money is earmarked specifically for research projects that could make the greatest impact on California women, and so the following five projects received funding through the Tax Check-off Program:
South Asian Women with Breast Cancer: What are Their Needs?
Roshan Bastani, Ph.D., and Beth Glenn, Ph.D., at the University of California,
Los Angeles
Zul Surani with the South Asian Cancer Foundation
This study focuses on a qualitative needs assessment targeting South Asian
women who are breast cancer survivors. Little is known about this subgroup
of immigrant women and their experiences in breast cancer treatment and its
aftermath. The aim is to develop culturally appropriate means of assisting
these women.
Breast Cancer Lymphedema: Role of Insulin Resistance/FOXC2
Stanley Rockson, M.D., at Stanford University
The aim of this project is to conduct a small case-control study exploring
the association between insulin sensitivity and breast cancer treatment-related
lymphedema. The study focuses on the role of a polymorphism (a genetic variant
that appears in at least 1% of a population) in the FOXC2 gene in the development
of lymphedema and insulin resistance. This gene has been shown to be mutated
in individuals with inherited lymphedema syndromes and its product regulates
directly or indirectly several aspects of adipocyte (fat cell) metabolism.
Early Breast Cancer Detection Using 3D Ultrasound Tomography
Thomas Nelson, Ph.D., at the University of California, San Diego
In collaboration with Dr. John Boone at the University of California, Davis,
they will develop a 3-dimensional breast ultrasound unit coupled with an existing
computed tomography (CT) breast imaging system. This combination will enable
an improved identification of breast lesions in high-risk patients or patients
with dense breasts, a big problem in traditional mammography.
Inhibition of Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer
Brunhilde Felding-Habermann, Ph.D., from The Scripps Research Institute,
La Jolla
The blood-brain barrier is an obstacle to treating breast cancers that
have metastasized to the brain. This project aims to deliver antibody fragments
to the brain via special viruses, called scFv antibody phage, via the nose.
The work will be done in mice. This high risk-high reward study could lead
to a novel approach for treating this form of metastasis that has a poor prognosis.
Breast Cancer Risk Associated with High Mammographic Density
Thea Tlsty, Ph.D., from the University of California, San Francisco
Increased breast density is associated with higher risk of breast cancer,
but we do not know if this problem is caused by genetic, physiologic or environmental
factors. The hypothesis in this study is that fibroblast cells, which are
the main cells of the supporting breast stroma, from high density breasts
are different and may contribute to the progression of breast cancer.
Broad Support
The CBCRP supports several levels of research experience. This year we are
funding:
•
12 postdoctoral fellowships to support the training of tomorrow’s
breast cancer researchers
• 7 dissertation awards to encourage graduate student to pick breast cancer
for their career interest
• 23 innovative (IDEA) projects that are high-risk/high-reward grants pursuing
novel approaches to breast cancer issues and achieve breakthroughs
• 2 competitive renewals of IDEA grants that have shown promise for continued
study
• 7 projects with community organizations as co-equal partners with traditional,
academic researchers
Regionally, the grants are split evenly between northern and southern California organizations and institutions, including both large institutions like Stanford University and smaller organizations such as the Mendocino Cancer Resource Center.
The California Breast Cancer Research Program is the largest state-funded breast cancer research funder in the country. We receive funds from a portion of the tobacco tax, voluntary contributions through state income tax Form 540, and individual donations. Ninety-five percent of our funds go directly to research and education for the prevention, treatment, and cure of breast cancer.
List of Cycle 11 Grants
Regulation of Mammary Epithelial Invasion by MMPs and FGFs
Andrew J. Ewald, Ph.D.
University of California, San Francisco
Treating Insomnia with CBT in Women with Breast Cancer
Lavinia Fiorentino, M.S., M.A.
University of California, San Diego
Cost-effectiveness of Breast MRI Screening by Cancer Risk
Allison K. Kurian, M.D.
Stanford Univesity School of Medicine
Effect of Bright Light on Fatigue in Breast Cancer
Sonia Ancoli-Israel, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego
New Breast Cancer Approaches: Integration, Communication
Leah S. Karliner, M.D.
University of California, San Francisco
Underserved Women with Breast Cancer at End of Life
Beverly Burns, MS, BA, L.Ac and Shelley Adler, Ph.D.
Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic and University of California, San
Francisco
Psychosocial Support Services for Latinas with Breast Cancer
Carmen Ortiz, Ph.D. and Anna M. Nápoles-Springer, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Circulo de Vida and University of California, San Francisco
Consultation Recording for Rural Underserved Breast Cancer Patients
Sara O'Donnell; Jeff Belkora, Ph.D.; and Joy Hardin, Ed.D.
Mendocino Cancer Resource Center; University of California, San Francisco;
and Humboldt Community Breast Health Project
South Asian Women with Breast Cancer: What are Their Needs?
Zul Surani; Roshan Bastani, Ph.D.; and Beth Glenn, Ph.D.
South Asian Cancer Foundation; University of California, Los Angeles, Division
of Cancer Prevention and Control Research; and University of California, Los
Angeles, School of Public Health, Health Services
Breast Cancer Risk Profile of Vietnamese Nail Salon Workers
Kim D. Nguyen and Peggy Reynolds, Ph.D.
Asian Health Services and California Department of Health Services
Partnership to Reduce Cancer Disparities in Spanish Speakers
Maximiliana P. Ruiz and Rena J. Pasick, Dr.P.H.
Women's Cancer Resource Center and University of California, San Francisco
Sisters in Motion—Breast Cancer Risk Reduction through Nutrition
Janette Robinson-Flint and Kimlin T. Ashing-Giwa, Ph.D.
Black Women for Wellness and University of California, Los Angeles
Structural Characterization of Aromatase
Yanyan Hong, M.S.
Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope
Androgen Receptor Gene and p21 Gene in Breast Cancer
Wei Wang, M.D.
University of Southern California
Grape Seed as a Natural Breast Cancer Chemopreventive Agent
Melanie Ruth Palomares, M.D., M.S.
Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope
Breast Cancer Lymphedema: Role of Insulin Resistance/FOXC2
Stanley G. Rockson, M.D.
Stanford University
Targeted Chemoprevention in a Mouse Model for DCIS
Jeffrey P. Gregg, M.D.
University of California, Davis
Estrogen Receptor Beta Agonists to Prevent Breast Cancer
Peter J. Kushner, Ph.D.
University of California, San Francisco
cAMP Antagonists of Protein Kinase as Breast Cancer Drugs
Sanjay Adrian Saldanha, Ph.D.
The Scripps Research Institute
Validation of Small Molecules Disrupting BRCA2-RAD51 Interac
Jiewen Zhu, Ph.D.
University of California, Irvine
Removing Respiratory Artifacts in Nuclide Breast Imaging
Brian Thorndyke, Ph.D.
Stanford University
Molecular Imaging of Breast Cancer Using Breast PET/CT
John M. Boone, Ph.D.
University of California, Davis
Early Breast Cancer Detection Using 3D Ultrasound Tomography
Thomas R. Nelson, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego
Inhibition of Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer
Brunhilde Felding-Habermann, Ph.D.
The Scripps Research Institute
ID4 A Prognostic Factor of Breast Cancer Metastasis
David S. Hoon, MSc, Ph.D.
John Wayne Cancer Institute
The Role of LMO4 in Breast Cancer
Zhengquan Yu, Ph.D.
University of California, Irvine
Role of Integrins in Lymphangiogenesis During Breast Cancer
Barbara Susini, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego
Reactivation of the Inactive X Chromosome and Breast Cancer
Bogi Andersen, Ph.D.
University of California, San Francisco
ECM, Caretaker Proteins Role in Repair of Replication Damage
Albert R. Davalos, Ph.D.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
A Pre-clinical Model of Human Metastatic Breast Cancer
Richard M. Neve, Ph.D.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Breast Cancer Research in Three Dimensions
Robert T. Abraham, Ph.D.
The Burnham Institute
Role of Telomerase in Mammary Stem Cell Function
Steven Artandi, Ph.D.
Stanford University
HER3 Infidelity and Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Mark M. Moasser, M.D.
University of California, San Francisco
Integrated Proteomic and Metabolic Analysis of Breast Cancer
Kyle P. Chiang
The Scripps Research Institute
Defining Mutagenesis Pathways in Breast Cancer Evolution
Ewa Lis
Scripps Research Institute
Evaluating the Role of RIN1 in Breast Cancer
Marc Milstein
University of California, Los Angeles
A Role for p53 and Splicing Factor SAP145 in Breast Cancer
Lan N. Truong
University of California, Irvine
Modulation of TGF-beta Signaling in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Xiaoman Xu
University of California, Irvine
Apaf-1 is a Transcriptional Target for the ZNF217 Oncogene
Sheryl R. Krig, Ph.D.
University of California, Davis
An Approach to Antiestrogen Resistance in Breast Cancer
Oksana V. Tyurina, Ph.D.
University of California, San Diego
Imaging RhoC-induced Breast Cancer Invasion and Angiogenesis
Konstantin V. Stoletov, Ph.D.
The Scripps Research Institute
Stem Cells of Molecularly Diverse ER Negative Breast Cancers
Stephanie Jeffrey, M.D.
Stanford University
Structural Analysis of Cancer-Relevant BCRA2 Mutations
Henning Stahlberg, Ph.D.
University of California, Davis
Studies of Mammary Pre-Cancer Origins in a Mouse Model
Borowsky
University of California, Davis
Histone Methylation as a Marker of Breast Cancer Progression
Judd C. Rice, Ph.D.
University of Southern California
Survivin: Target for Breast Cancer Brain Metastases
Florence M. Hofman, Ph.D.
University of Southern California
The Role of B-Myb in Human Breast Cancer Progression
Joseph Lipsick, M.D.,Ph.D.
Stanford University
Novel Approach to Analyze Estrogen Action in Breast Cancer
Brian P. Eliceiri, Ph.D.
La Jolla Institute for Molecular Medicine
Breast Cancer Risk Associated with High Mammographic Density
Thea D. Tlsty, Ph.D.
University of California, San Francisco
Identifying Metastatic Breast Cells from Peripheral Blood
Kristen S. Kulp, Ph.D.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Identification of BRCA1 Ubiquitylation Targets
Peter Kaiser, Ph.D.
University of California, Irvine
About the CBCRP
The mission of the California Breast Cancer Research Program is to eliminate
breast cancer by leading innovation in research, communication, and collaboration
in the California scientific and lay communities.
Created by the State Legislature in 1993, the California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP) is the largest state-funded breast cancer research program in the nation and is administered by the University of California, Office of the President. To date, the CBCRP has awarded 617 grants to 70 scientific institutions and community entities, totaling more than $160 million for research in California to prevent, treat, and cure breast cancer. Grants from the CBCRP fill gaps not traditionally funded by other research programs to jump-start new areas of investigation that push the boundaries of research and foster new collaborations. The CBCRP is funded through the voluntary tax check-off program on personal income tax form 540, a portion of the state tobacco tax, and individual contributions. For more information, call 888 313-2277, or visit www.cbcrp.org.
