Impact - The Jimmy Fund

American Cancer Society grants propel cutting-edge research
The relationship between the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Dana-
Farber spans more than 60 years, beginning with the society’s support for
Institute Founder Sidney Farber, MD, and his innovative research into
childhood leukemia. As the nation’s largest
nonprofit source of funding for scientists
researching cancer in the U.S., the ACS has
granted $3.4 billion since 1946. Dana-Farber
has been the recipient of nearly $40 million
of that funding over the years.
Most recently, the Institute’s researchers
were awarded more than $1.38 million
to further their studies. The recipients of these grants—Adam Boutin, PhD;
Lawrence Kwong, PhD; Jennifer Perry, PhD; and Kimberly Stegmaier, MD—are
all working to keep the DFCI/ACS partnership thriving.
“We take a great deal of pride in having awarded funding to some of the most
talented investigators in the nation at Dana-Farber,” said Donald J. Gudaitis, CEO
of the American Cancer Society, New England Division. “We have seen impressive
results from these scientists in high-impact areas, ranging from chemotherapy and
chromosome composition biology to the effect of acupuncture on the quality of
life for patients with late-stage cancers.”
Moving novel research forward
The grant for Stegmaier’s research will further her investigation into novel
treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through a series of preclinical
studies aiming to validate a new protein target for therapy.
“We take a great deal of pride in having awarded
funding to some of the most talented investigators
in the nation at Dana-Farber.”
— Donald J. Gudaitis
“Grants such as the ACS award are essential for the success of my research
program because of the strong emphasis on translation,” explained Stegmaier.
“Historically, it has been quite difficult to secure funding, such as government-based
grants, for translational research, and the ACS funding will support the necessary
preclinical studies.”
The other DFCI physician-scientists honored by the society are also engaged
in work that will get a needed boost. Boutin’s grant will back his investigations
into the genetics of colon cancer metastasis, which he hopes will lead to a better
understanding of the disease.
Kwong’s funding will further his research into a specific gene found in
melanoma tumors and its relationship to suppression of this type of skin cancer.
In addition, ACS’ support will help Perry study the effects of a particular group
of proteins called polycomb proteins and their effect on tumor formation.
“Ultimately, the American Cancer Society’s efforts to fund the most innovative
and significant research possible will help us continue our fight to reduce the burden
of cancer and create a world with more birthdays,” explained Gudaitis. “We are
proud to partner with Dana-Farber in making an investment in that future.” n
Trust family displays
faith in DFCI’s kidney
cancer research
Dena and Martin Trust’s belief that Dana-Farber can conquer cancer has led
the couple to support the Institute for nearly two decades. Most recently,
they reaffirmed this commitment with a $250,000 gift to create the
Trust Family Research Fund for Kidney Cancer at Dana-Farber. Managed under
the direction of Toni Choueiri, MD, this gift also provides support for Mission
Possible: The Dana-Farber Campaign to Conquer Cancer.
Despite recent breakthroughs, kidney cancer research is an area that has
struggled for funding from
traditional sources. Thus,
philanthropic support is critical to
driving these investigations forward.
“The Trusts’ gift is essential to
expanding Dana-Farber’s clinical
research platform in kidney cancer,”
said Choueiri. “It has given us the
resources necessary to execute a great
deal of new and exciting projects.”
The ultimate goal of Choueiri’s
clinical research is to understand
better the genetic mutations that
give rise to the disease and target
them with novel therapeutics.
The Trusts’ gift will enhance the
specimen repository at Dana-
Farber, thereby providing more
adequate tissue samples for
researchers to analyze. In addition,
their gift has helped to recruit Fabio
Schutz, MD, a research associate
focused specifically on conducting
this research.
“With the leadership of Drs.
Choueiri and Schutz, it is clear to
us that the projects are in extremely
capable hands,” said Martin Trust.
“We are pleased to give to Dana-
Farber because we know that these
Dena and Martin Trust’s support is playing a pivotal
role in advancing Dana-Farber’s kidney cancer
research initiatives.
funds will be used to produce
significant results.” n
We know the answer
to conquering cancer
is Dana-Farber.
With support,
The Jones Family
ACTUAL GENE IS 4” X 4”
Name a gene.
Make your mark on cancer.
Be part of the cancer revolution. Name a gene at Dana-Farber.
This visual and dynamic display represents the real genetic
information that leads us to lifesaving cancer treatments.
Show your support by naming a 4-inch-square gene with a
personal message in honor of a family member, friend, or caregiver.
For more information, contact:
Zach Dubin
617.582.8830
gene_display@dfci.harvard.edu
NameAGene.org
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Impact SPRING 2010