The Science of Caring - Moores Cancer Center - UC San Diego

PathwaysSpring 2007University of California, San Diego | Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer CenterThe Science of CaringFor the Psychological, Spiritual, and Practical Needs of PatientsThe Moores UCSD Cancer Center is internationally recognized for its cutting-edge research, itsstate-of-the-art clinical services, and increasingly, its outstanding care of the psychological,spiritual, and practical needs of patients.In This IssueMessage from the DirectorDennis A. Carson, M.D.page 2What is a Clinical Trial?page 3News Briefspage 4Resources for Youpage 4Donors Make the DifferenceDiana Longpage 5Research Focuspage 5Cancer Center Eventspage 6Under the banner of “The Science ofCaring,” the Cancer Center’spsychosocial program aims to helppatients cope with the impact of cancer ontheir lives through family and individualcounseling, support groups, wellness andstress-reduction training, educationalseminars, and advocacy. Almost all of theseservices are available at no charge to patients,and their families, and to anyone in thecommunity.“Once someone walks through the doors ofthe Cancer Center, we want to be sure theynever feel alone,” says Matthew Loscalzo,MSW, Director of Patient and FamilySupport Services, who oversees the Science ofCaring Program. “We are committed topatients and their families and will be theconnective tissue between the Cancer Centerand their normal life at home.”When Loscalzo arrived two-and-a-half yearsago, there was only one social worker for theentire Cancer Center—and that was nearlythe extent of support for patients.Today, the Science of Caring Program offersunique services that set the Moores UCSDCancer Center apart from almost all othercancer centers in the world: every newpatient is met by a social worker whoremains an integral part of their health careteam from diagnosis through treatment; allpatients complete a simple touch-screenquestionnaire at their first visit thatcommunicates immediate medical,psychological, and practical concerns to theirhealth care team; and, beginning in Spring2007, they will receive an orientation packetto help empower, inform, and guide themthrough their treatment.c o n t i n u e d on pa g e 2Pathways is a publication of theMoores UCSD Cancer Center.Executive Editor: Pam WernerContributors: Dora Dalton, JenniferHarris, Sarah Locher, Laura Margoni,Nancy Stringer, Tammy TraudtComments are welcome.3855 Health Sciences Drive # 0658La Jolla, CA 92093-0658(858) 822-0175Moores UCSD Cancer Center PublishesCookbook and Nutrition GuideNutrition experts from the Moores UCSD Cancer Center havecreated a cookbook that is far more than just a compilation ofhealthy recipes. The book’s three co-authors, all members of theCancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program, haveexpanded the cookbook concept to include helpful, easy-toreadinformational guidelines about healthy eating and living.“Food for Thought: Healing Foods to Savor” is a guide onnutritious foods and how to easily incorporate them intodaily meals. The book is based upon research conducted atthe Cancer Center and other recognized institutions.c o n t i n u e d on pa g e 3

Message from the DirectorWith the New Year comes a number of excitingnew initiatives at the Moores UCSD CancerCenter that I would like to share with you.We are launching a major new research effort incollaboration with UCSD’s Scripps Institution ofOceanography (SIO) to develop cancer drugs fromthe sea. The program also involves scientists fromthe UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy andPharmaceutical Sciences and the UCSDDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry. SIOhas one of the world’s most diverse collections ofchemicals isolated from marine organisms.We believethese complex chemicals will be useful in cancer because they have naturallydeveloped over time to protect the organisms — sponges, algae and other marineinvertebrates — from attack. From our initial screening, we have already identifiedtwo extremely potent compounds that hold promise for anti-cancer drug development.Our unwavering focus oncuring and controlling cancerbrings new options and newhope to cancer patients.On the clinical side, we are expanding ourRadiation Oncology Department with a newfocus on technology development in order tobring the newest and best treatment optionsto patients. For example, we are currentlyone of only two centers in the nation offering‘frameless’ radiosurgery for brain tumors. This is a non-invasive brain tumortreatment that is delivered in a single day without the use of surgical incisions, andwithout immobilization devices bolted to the skull.Soon, we will have a new director of the Division of Surgical Oncology. Thisdivision is being developed in collaboration with the UCSD Department ofSurgery. The division will involve highly skilled surgeons who specialize onlyin cancer to ensure that our patients who need surgery are receiving care fromsomeone who is experienced in their disease and who is using the latest technology.As one of only a handful of federally designated comprehensive cancer centers inthe U.S., we play an important role in the national cancer effort. Our unwaveringfocus on curing and controlling cancer drives us to continually push out theboundaries of what is known, and to bring new options and new hope to cancerpatients. We believe this is why we have experienced an increase of 30 percentin patient visits in less than two years. Patients know that when they are facinga challenge like cancer, they can do no better than to come to a comprehensivecancer center like ours.Sincerely,The Science of Caringc o n t i n u e d from front co v e rOther Science of Caring resources includean innovative palliative care program andan active Patient Advisory Council. Inaddition, Loscalzo’s team continuallyevaluates all of the program’s services tohelp develop new knowledge that willenhance patient care—thus putting the“science” in the Science of Caring.At the Moores UCSD Cancer Center,hundreds of patients have welcomed andpraised these new services. One suchpatient, Lou Sangiolo, has participated inseveral supportive programs since hiscancer was diagnosed a year ago. He iscurrently undergoing chemotherapy, yet hestays active and finds encouragement frommany of the program’s sources.The Science of Caring teamSangiolo has been a regular at a weeklyPatient Support Group, has kept in closetouch with his social worker, and hasoccasionally sought additional help fromcounselors to cope with his cancer.“I’m a little bit calmer, a little bit smarter,and more patient. Counseling and supportgroups have improved my quality of lifeand my relationships,” he says.Dennis A. Carson, M.D.Director, Moores UCSD Cancer CenterChugai Pharmaceutical Chair in CancerAssociate Dean, UCSD Health Sciences2

Sangiolo also has been a volunteer in thePatient and Family Education Center,which the Science of Caring Programcreated to serve as a reliable source ofinformation about cancer. “I really washappy to talk to patients and share myexperiences,” he says. “And I got to talk tocaregivers and let them know that they,too, could get help.”Sangiolo’s advice to others who are facingcancer? “Use the services that are available.Just look at the Cancer Center’s Calendarof Activities—there are so many thingsavailable to help you.”There’s much more that the Science ofCaring team hopes to implement in thenear future, including: navigationterminals to assist patients and visitors; acommunity wellness center; emergencyfunding to help cover patients’ practicalneeds such as legal services andtransportation to appointments; programsto engage and acknowledge Cancer Centerstaff; and broader programs for cancersurvivors.The most important message that theScience of Caring Program wants toimpart to patients and their loved ones:“We are here to help.”“It is our job to be certain that wemaximize normalcy in every waypossible—and our team knows how to dothat,” says Loscalzo.For more information on the Science of CaringProgram, please call: (858) 822-3267 or Social WorkServices: (858) 822-2168 or email swhelps@ucsd.eduFood for Thoughtc o n t i n u e d from front co v e r“We included lots of tasty and easy recipes,”says co-author Susan Faerber, projectdirector of the Women’s Healthy Eating andLiving (WHEL) Study, the source for mostof the information in the book. “These arerecipes for real people; busy people whodon’t have a lot of time but who want tomake healthy meals and snacks for theirfamilies,” adds co-author Sheila Kealy, M.P.H.The book contains healthy eating andliving guidelines; a guide to understandingprotein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sodium,potassium, and calcium; an alphabeticalreference of vegetables, fruits, beans/legumes, and whole grains that includestips on how to select, store, and preparethem; and recipes with complete nutritionalanalyses.What is a Clinical Trial?clinical trial is a study conducted withA cancer patients, usually to evaluate anew treatment. Each study is designed toanswer scientific questions and to find newand better ways to help patients. People takepart in clinical trials for many reasons. Theymay hope for a cure, a longer time to live,or a way to feel better. Often they want tocontribute to a research effort that may helpothers, including family members. For example,when a woman with breast cancer participatesin a trial, her daughters, sisters, nieces,and granddaughters–who may be at risk ofdeveloping the disease in the future–standto benefit directly from the new knowledgegained from her participation in the trial.For example, the authors clear up theconfusion about carbohydrates — are theygood or bad? They explain the benefits offiber and provide best bets for fiber-rich foodsincluding broccoli, oranges, raspberries, andbarley. They share secrets of how to easilysupercharge meals, and they provide tipson how to cut time and energy out of mealpreparation.“One of the biggest health concerns today iscancer, which will affect one of every two orthree people at some point in their lifetime,”says co-author Vicky A. Newman, M.S.,R.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Familyand Preventive Medicine, UCSD Schoolof Medicine. “Our research at the MooresUCSD Cancer Center is contributing to theunderstanding of how diet can help preventand control diseases like cancer. We wanted toshare this important information, along withsimple ways for people to enjoy a variety ofgreat foods often. This book does that in anupbeat and entertaining way.”“Food for Thought: Healing Foods to Savor”is available for $20 at the UCSD ThorntonHospital gift shop, UCSD Bookstore,or directly from the program’s Web site:www.healthyeating.ucsd.edu. All proceedsbenefit the Cancer Prevention and ControlProgram at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center.If you think you may be interested inparticipating in a clinical trial, or just wantfurther information, visit the Cancer Center’sWeb site at www.cancer.ucsd.edu or contactthe Clinical Trials Office at (858) 822-5354or email cancercto@ucsd.edu. Please alsoconsider visiting our Patient and FamilyEducation Center where trained volunteersare available to help with clinical trialsinformation.3

News BriefsMoores Partners with Light One Little Candle FoundationThe Moores UCSD Cancer Centerheld a kickoff event on November15 for its new partnership with theLight One Little Candle Foundation(LOLC), a non-profit organization thatencourages parents undergoing cancertreatment to read to their children.The program distributes new children’sbooks to cancer patients through theCancer Center’s Patient and FamilyEducation Center. Children’s classicsare available in both English and Spanish along with selections written in English butgeared towards other cultures. To make a donation or to purchase books for LOLC atthe Cancer Center, visit www.lightonelittlecandle.org.Links Found Between Sunlight Exposure and Ovarian & Kidney CancerUsing a newly available database of worldwide cancer incidence, researchers at theMoores UCSD Cancer Center have published two studies indicating a clear associationbetween deficiency in exposure to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB), and bothkidney cancer and ovarian cancer. UVB exposure triggers photosynthesis of vitaminD3 in the body. This form of vitamin D is also available through diet and supplements.In both studies, researchers used a new tool called GLOBOCAN, developed by theWorld Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, to mapcancer incidence rates for 175 countries. The plots resulted in parabolic curvesindicating high cancer rates at high latitudes and low cancer rates in the equatorialregion. Because there are many variables besides sun exposure associated with location,the researchers recommend further studies on the effects of vitamin D3 and cancer risk.Dr. Webster K. Cavenee Awarded Albert Szent-Györgyi PrizeThe National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) awardedWebster K. Cavenee, Ph.D., the 2nd Annual Albert Szent-GyörgyiPrize for Progress in Cancer Research. The prize was established tohonor pioneering scientists who have made outstanding scientificachievements in the war against cancer. Dr. Cavenee is Directorof the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR) San DiegoBranch, Professor of Medicine and member of the Moores UCSDCancer Center. His research provided the first genetic evidence forthe existence of tumor suppressor genes, one of the most influential breakthroughs incancer research.American Cancer Society Honors Moores Cancer Center, Appoints SadlerThe San Diego office of the American Cancer Society (ACS) honored the Moores UCSDCancer Center as “Healthcare Partner of the Year” for its participation and collaborationin a number of patient service and educational programs. The award was presentedDecember 6th at the ACS’s annual “Community Salute.” Georgia Robins Sadler, Ph.D.,has also been appointed as President-Elect of the board of directors for the CaliforniaDivision of the ACS, where she will provide strategic leadership for all the healthinitiatives of the California Division. Sadler is currently the Associate Director forCommunity Outreach at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center.4Resources for YouTips For Early DetectionThe following are steps you can take to findcancer early, when there is the best chance forcure. (Guidelines apply to average risk peoplewith no symptoms.)Breast CancerBreast self-exam—Monthly starting at age 20Clinical breast exam—Every 3 years startingat age 20; annually starting at age 40Mammogram—Annually starting at age 40Cervical CancerPap smear and pelvic exam—Annuallystarting approximately age 21; every 2-3 yearsafter 3 consecutive normal results.Colorectal CancerFecal occult blood test—Annually starting atage 50Sigmoidoscopy—Every 5 years starting at age 50Colonoscopy—Every 10 years starting at age 50Prostate CancerDigital rectal exam—Annually starting at age 50PSA test—Annually starting at age 50Oral CancersDuring your regular checkup, ask the dentistto check your mouth and gums.Family HistoryLearn about your family risk of cancer; 5 to10 percent of all cancers occur in people witha family member with the same cancer.Knowing what cancers have been in the familyis the first step toward tailored screening andpreventive options.EnvironmentAvoid exposure to environmental chemicalsknown to cause cancer such as radon andbenzene. Have your home tested for radon, anodorless gas released from rocks and soil thatenters homes through cracks in the foundation.Benzene is a natural part of gasoline andcigarette smoke; exposure comes frominhaling air that contains it, so avoid smoking,secondhand smoke, and vapors from heavytraffic and gas stations as much as possible.(radon—lung cancer; benzene—leukemia)Information sources: Cancer Prevention andControl Program of Moores UCSD CancerCenter, and the National Cancer Institute.

Donors Make the DifferenceDr. Thomas Kipps with Diana LongAnd although most thyroid cancers arecurable, CLL is not. So while Long hadher thyroid removed and underwentiodine radiation therapy to treat herthyroid cancer, she found there was littleshe could do to fight such an aggressiveform of leukemia. Faced with a lifeexpectancy of three-to-eight years, Longbegan searching for researchers whofocused on CLL. She found Dr. ThomasKipps, the Deputy Director for Researchat the Moores UCSD Cancer Center andthe Founder and Director of the BloodCancer Research Fund.“Dr. Kipps is brilliant,” says Long. “Heleads the effort to find a cure for CLLwhile treating patients like me withgenuine concern for our well being.” Sostrong is her trust in Kipps that althoughshe and her husband have since movedfrom San Diego to the Bay Area to beDiana LongFor most people, battling one type of cancerwould be enough of a challenge in life, but asDiana Long learned in 2002, she didn’t face justone challenge, she faced two: “I was diagnosedwith thyroid cancer and chronic lymphocyticleukemia (CLL) that year,” she recalls. “It wasquite a shock.”closer to family, she returns to San Diegofor her main treatments.Her belief in his abilities also led her tobecome one of his strongest supporters.Not only did Long and her family pledge$50,000 toward Kipps’ research efforts,but she also sent out a fundraising letterto some 250 friends, family members,and acquaintances. Her efforts yieldednearly $65,000 in support, with giftsranging from $25 to $10,000.Since then, Long has continued herefforts to support cancer research and istrying to stay involved in any way she can.“Patients like me have the best chance ofraising funds because people respond bestto the people they know,” she says. “Ithink we’re close to finding a cure and Iwant to help as much as possible. I’ll doeverything I can to help move theresearch forward.”Jump-start your legacyWith a New Tax-Saving Opportunity for IRA Owners…You may be interested in the recent changes made through the Pension Protection Actof 2006. Of special interest is the provision that allows tax-free distribution of up to$100,000 per year from Individual Retirement Accounts directly to qualified nonprofitorganizations, including the UC San Diego Foundation. While no charitable incomededuction accompanies the transfer, the distribution directly to the charity is notincluded in taxable income. Gifts must be completed by December 31, 2007, and theowner of the IRA account must be age 70 or older by the date of the contribution.This is an excellent opportunity to give to the Moores UCSD Cancer Center! If you haveany questions or would like a free copy of our brochure, How To Make Charitable GiftsFrom Your IRA, please feel free to contact Geoff Graham at (858) 534-2249 or visit ourWeb site at www.plannedgiving.ucsd.edu.Research FocusVassiliadis Fellow TargetsImportant Pathway in CLLResearch sometimes takes us to unexpectedplaces, and this is indeed the case for VassiliadisFellow Jerry Liu, M.D., Ph.D. Eighteen monthsago, Liu’s investigations concerning organbasedcancers led him to focus on the Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway–a pathway thathas remarkable potential in treating chroniclymphocytic leukemia (CLL).CLL is the most common leukemia amongadults in the U.S. A cancer characterized by theoverproduction of mature lymphocytes (a type ofwhite blood cell), this progressive disease is dueto an abnormal balance in the signals for cellsurvival and cell death which can leave the bodysusceptible to anemia, infection, and bleeding.Liu surmised that by targeting the pathway inthese cells, they would instead die as theynormally should. His next charge: to find aneffective pathway inhibitor.Liu and colleagues set out to screen a druglibrary of 960 commercially-available drugs,working in the Moores UCSD Cancer Center,in Director Dennis Carson’s lab. A commondiuretic drug used in the 1970s, ethacrynicacid (EA), was identified as a strong inhibitor ofthis pathway. Using a tissue culture system, Liushowed that EA was very potent in inducing celldeath in CLL cells and in concentrations thatcould be safely used in patients.He also found that EA had a synergistic effectwith fludarabine, which currently is the drugwith the highest rate of response in untreatedpatients with CLL. This is important becausesome patients become resistant to fludarabine;perhaps EA could reverse this resistance.Based on these findings, a clinical trial with EAin fludarabine refractory patients is currentlyunderway at the Moores Cancer Center. Patientseligible for this clinical trial must have advancedCLL and have failed chemotherapy treatments.Liu’s research was supported by the Carol andAlkiviadis Vassiliadis Endowed Fellowship, whichhe was awarded in June 2005. The Fellowship’s“seed money” allowed him to pursue cuttingedgeresearch, present findings at the 48thAnnual Society of Hematology annual meeting,and prepare results for publication.5

Moores Cancer Center EventsMarch 7Faculty Ambassador Event“Ovarian Cancer: What You Should Know”Speaker: Cheryl Saenz, M.D.Moores Cancer Center6:00 – 8:00 p.m.May 1226th Celebrity Chefs Cook Gala“Très Gourmet”Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina6:00 p.m. – MidnightJune 5Faculty Ambassador Event“Biomarkers and Personalized Medicine”Speaker: Richard Schwab, M.D.Moores Cancer Center6:00 – 8:00 p.m.August 19Luau & Longboard InvitationalScripps Pier7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Longboard Invitational9:00 a.m. Registration begins11:30 a.m. Luau opensSeptember 12Faculty Ambassador Event“Prostate Cancer and the Diet’s Role in Prevention”Speaker: Kelly Parsons, M.D.Moores Cancer Center6:00 – 8:00 p.m.October 135K Melanoma Walk for a CureUCSD Campus, Faculty Club8:30 a.m.For reservations and information please call (858) 822-0175. For a complete event schedule,please visit our Web site at www.cancer.ucsd.edu.Helping YouGet Connected!The following phone numbersand Web site address areprovided here to help youquickly and easily access theinformation you need:General information(858) 534-7600New patients(858) 822-6100 ortoll-free (866) 773-2703Clinical trials(858) 822-5354If you are a physician(888) 822-8741Charitable donations(858) 822-0175Web sitewww.cancer.ucsd.eduMoores UCSD Cancer CenterPresident of the BoardCarol Littlejohn Changboard of directorsJ. Samuel Armstrong, IVKathryn A. Bernert Morgan, Esq.Gordon P. BoernerMarilynn BoeskyHoward I. CohenL. Reneé ComeauWilliam T. Comer, Ph.D.Charles FaithDaniel J. GattoFrank M. GoldbergCharles F. Gorder, Sr., Esq.Donald W. GrimmMaurice C. Kaplan, Esq.Jerome S. Katzin, Esq.George L. Liggins, M.P.H., Ph.D.Jeffrey LipinskyCinda K. LucasJoany MosherAlex M. Nadzan, Ph.D.Henry L. NordhoffAnne S. OttersonJohn W. Otterson, IIRudolph RehmMary Rand TaylorCarol Vassiliadisex officio membersMarye Anne Fox, Ph.D.Rebecca NewmanSuzanne AgarwalPaul GraysonSue KalishCraig Knoxadvisory boardLois CrandellAudrey GeiselGeorge L. GildredIrwin Jacobs, Ph.D.Richard LeviMarianne McDonald, Ph.D.Peter PreussRuth L. SchulmanWalter ZableDirector, Moores UCSDCancer CenterDennis A. Carson, M.D.Medical Director,Deputy DirectorClinical OncologyJoanne Mortimer, M.D.Deputy Director,Research OperationsThomas J. Kipps, M.D., Ph.D.Associate Director,AdministrationIra S. GoodmanDirector of DevelopmentPamela M. Werner, CFREPathwaysspring 2007University of California, San Diego | Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer CenterNon-Profit Org.U.S. PostageP A I D3855 Health Sciences Drive #0658San Diego, CALa Jolla, CA 92093-0658Permit No. 1909