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Big Ideas in Breast Cancer Research at Ohio State |
Three breast cancer studies are among the nine research projects awarded 2014 Idea Grants at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). These two-year grants are primarily funded by the Spielman Fund and Pelotonia.
Social Isolation’s Role in Breast Cancer Development and Progression Studies show that women with breast cancer who are socially isolated have worse clinical outcomes. This OSUCCC – James team will examine whether loneliness and isolation alter cancer-related gene activity in breast tissue. The study investigates a molecular mechanism by which the social environment influences breast cancer initiation and progression. The team hypothesizes that a tumor-suppressor gene called PTEN plays a significant role in this process. Information from this study could reveal potential new diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic tools for breast cancer prevention and treatment. Breast tissue for this study will be obtained from women undergoing biopsy at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center for possible breast cancer.
Understanding Molecular Crosstalk Driving Aggressive Breast Cancers Research suggests that two molecular pathways in particular play important roles in breast cancer development and how it is spreads, but little is known about the molecular conversations and the chain of events that lead to breast cancer growth and metastasis. A better understanding of this molecular crosstalk could help scientists identify points in the pathway to intervene and put the brakes on cancer development. This project seeks to further characterize the role of proteins in the two targeted pathways to better understand breast cancer growth, blood vessel formation and tumor spread. This information is especially critical for the development of new therapies in triple-negative breast cancers.
Brain Inflammation and Depression and Anxiety in Breast Cancer Patients Breast cancer survivors commonly experience depression and anxiety—particularly when undergoing chemotherapy. Inflammatory changes in the brain could be a primary cause of these symptoms. This OSUCCC – James team will study whether reducing inflammation in the brain using a readily available and well-tolerated drug called minocycline reduces depression and anxiety during chemotherapy. This study will be conducted in up to 30 postmenopausal women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center.
For more information on these and other Pelotonia idea grants, please visit cancer.osu.edu.
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Are you tough enough? |
Congratulations to our friends at the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Horse Show for ranking 7th out of more than 300 Wranger "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" events in the nation for raising $65,000. Their gift to the Spielman Patient Assistance Fund came from the 7th annual Horse Show held last September.
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Tailgating Serves a Purpose |
The annual Stef's Celebrate Life Tailgate is an event that so many look forward to every year. The food, music, photos and, of course, football bring guests together, but it's their purpose that makes this event like no other. As tailgaters gather each year, they know that their presence at the event is helping purchase key equipment to treat patients at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Cancer. The 2013 tailgate raised funds for the purchase of a new Breast Ultrasound machine, and in previous years, proceeds funded a new Digital Tomosynthesis machine. Thank you to all of the attendees and hosts of this event. You help provide much needed care for so many.
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Our Partner: Jersey Mikes
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Again this year, Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute is partnering with Jersey Mike’s in their Month of Giving to benefit breast cancer research. All throughout March, when you have lunch or dinner at Jersey Mike’s, you can make a $1, $3 or $5 donation at the register to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research at The James. And on March 26, be sure to plan for lunch at any of the 14 Jersey Mike’s locations in central Ohio (listed below) and 100% of the proceeds from your order will benefit the Stefanie Spielman Fund. This will be Jersey Mike’s fourth annual Month of Giving and it is supported from coast to coast in all 600+ locations. In 2013, Jersey Mike's contributed $29, 240.46 to the Spielman Fund.
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15th annual stefanie's champions luncheon |
Join us as we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Stefanie’s Champions. This year, we continue to honor those whose dedication and strength are powerful influences in the lives of cancer survivors, while also recognizing organizations and individuals who go above and beyond to further our vision of a cancer-free world.
Stefanie’s Champions Luncheon Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Noon to 1:30 p.m. Event Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Ohio Union Archie Griffin Grand Ballroom 1739 North High Street, Columbus, OH Reserve Your Seats before 3/31: go.osu.edu/ 2014ChampionsRegistration
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