Progress Newsletter Spring 2012 - University of South Alabama ...

Third AnnualCelebrate Hope –Raising Funds ForResearch ToKeep Hope AliveUSA MITCHELL CANCER INSTITUTE NEWSLETTER | SPRING 2012

Today, we’vegone beyondthe cutting edge.CyberKnife puts a powerful focus onnew patient treatment options.At USA Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI), we continueto pioneer innovative ways to conquer cancer thatalso brings a new measure of precision and comfort.Utilizing the latest advances in cancer treatments suchas the CyberKnife ® Robotic Radiosurgery System,our team of radiation oncologists, Dr. John Russell,Dr. Roger Ove and Dr. Suzanne Russo, provide patientsin the region with an effective, non-invasive alternativeto surgery.This remarkable technology—which delivers high dosesof radiation in one to five treatments to malignant andnonmalignant tumors with extreme accuracy—offerseven greater hope to those with inoperable or surgicallycomplex tumors. Because it is non-invasive, thetreatment is pain-free, and in most cases patients are ableto return to normal activity following the procedure.Our CyberKnife System is another way we’re leadingthe fight against cancer for the people of our region.To find out more or schedule an appointment, go towww.usamci.com or call our CyberKnife Coordinator,Dennise Bunch, at 251-445-9614.At MCI, our clinicians help patients battle cancer every day. Combining innovativeresearch with vast scientific knowledge, they provide new and highly effectivetreatments, transforming fear into hope. For more information on our clinicalcapabilities please contact us at 1-800-330-8538, or visit www.usamci.com.1660 Springhill Avenue | Mobile, Alabama 36604 | 251-665-8000188 Hospital Drive, Suite 400 | Fairhope, Alabama 36532 | 251-990-1850

Table of ContentsFrom the Director.........................................................1Visiting Professor at MCI to HeadExternal Advisory Board...............................................3Teamwork Saves Lives...................................................8Improving Patient Experiences......................................9MCI Physicians..........................................................10MCI Member Physicians............................................11Success Stories ThatPush Us Ahead Everyday.............................................12MCI Faculty Travel the Globe.....................................12Sharing the Word on Breast Cancer............................13Many Heads are Better Than One...............................13MCI Visitor Presented with Key to City.....................15The Search forthe Silver Bulletpg. 4Research developsnew cancer drugsin the Drug Discovery Research CenterCelebrateHopepg. 6A wrap-up of the2011 GalaSteinFamilySupportsMCI pg. 9The Stein family hopes their contributions will make acancer diagnosis and treatment journey easier for futurepatients.Dr. Rocconi Tapped for a New Role............................15MCI partners with ADPH to promoteawareness of prostate cancer........................................15Oncology Outlook 2012.............................................15Participate and Support Local Research.......................16Community Support..................................................17New Strategies for EarlyDetection pg. 14MCI teams up with Boston-based company to develop atest for the early detection of pancreatic cancer2 Progress | SPRING 2012

Dr. Bruce Chabner, aProfessor of Medicine atHarvard Medical School andDirector of Clinical Researchat Massachussetts GeneralHospital, has agreed to leadan external adivsory boardfor the Univeristy of SouthAlabama Mitchell CancerInstitute. The announcementwas made at the March USABoard of Trustees meeting.The creation of the advisoryboard, said MCI directorDr. Michael Boyd, is aimedat moving the MitchellCancer Institute one stepcloser to gaining a covetedNational Cancer Institutedesignation, something onlyabout 40 centers have earnednationwide.Chabner first visitedthe MCI this past Octoberand participated in theDistinguished ScientistsSeminar Program, lecturingon “Clinical Phase I Trials inCancer Guided MolecularProfiling.” He also spokeat the MCI’s first ScientificColloquium, recognizingoutstanding cancer researchwithin both MCI andthe University of SouthAlabama. In addition, hiswife, Davi-Ellen Chabner,author of numerous medicalterminology textbooksincluding “The Language ofMedicine” delivered a vibrantlecture to MCI faculty andstaff on medical terminologyas it relates to cancer.A visit by Dr. Chabnerwas especially meaningfulfor MCI Director,Visiting Professor at MCI to HeadExternal Advisory BoardFrom left to right: Dr Michael Boyd, Dr. Laurie Owen, Dr. Bruce Chabner and Ms. Davi-Ellen ChabnerDr. Michael Boyd, andAssociate Director of CancerControl and Prevention,Dr. Eddie Reed, as Chabnermentored both Drs. Boydand Reed at the NationalCancer Institute where allthree collaborated in the1980s and 1990s.Dr. Chabner has extensiveexperience in the fieldof cancer drug discoveryand development. Afterjoining the National CancerInstitute (NCI) as a SeniorInvestigator in the Laboratoryof Chemical Pharmacologyin 1971, he participated inthe training of clinical andresearch fellows there for24 years including a timewhere he served as Chief ofthe Clinical PharmacologyBranch and Director of theClinical Oncology Program.From 1971 to 1989, Chabnermaintained an activelaboratory program in cancerpharmacology, focusing onthe mechanism of action andresistance of antifolates andother antimetabolites, and ledthe development of Taxol.“I believe in the missionof the place,” Chabnersaid of the MitchellCancer Institute, “andI think cancer centersaccomplish a lot in thecommunities they existin. I’ve been associatedwith the one in Bostonfor many years and it’shad a great impact onpatients and research.”In 1995, Chabner joinedthe Massachusetts GeneralHospital as Clinical Directorof its Cancer Center andChief of Hematology/Oncology and assumed therole as Associate Directorfor Clinical Sciences of theDana-Farber/Harvard CancerCenter Consortium.The author of severalrenowned text books andpublications, Chabnerserves as senior editor for“The Oncologist.” In2006, Chabner received apresidential appointment tothe National Cancer AdvisoryBoard at the National CancerInstitute. According toChabner, “Mitchell CancerInstitute is developing a firstclass cancer research andtreatment enterprise in aregion where the need exists.Great things are happening inMobile at the MCI.”Progress | SPRING 2012 3

The Search for TheSilver BulletMCI’s Drug Discovery research team, from left, Bing Zhu, Ph.D.,Bernard Gary, Gary Piazza, Ph.D., and Adam Keeton, Ph.D.AsChief of Drug Discovery Dr. Gary Piazza uses a“bench to bedside” approach, a term used to describethe process where the results of research done in thelaboratory are directly used to develop new drugs to treat patients.This is the kind of research Dr. Piazza hopes will one day lead to anexperimental cancer drug in a clinical trial.To find that drug takes a multi-disciplinary team of scientistsmade up of medicinal chemists, molecular biologists, biochemists,and pharmacologists, which Piazza is in the process of assemblingat MCI. Each member of the team has a role which includesidentifying new molecular targets, designing and synthesizingexperimental compounds, screening of large collections ofcompounds for target specificity and potency, and testingWhen Gary A. Piazza, Ph.D, wasrecently hired to establish thenew Drug Discovery ResearchCenter at the USA MitchellCancer Institute, he broughtextensive scientific expertisein cancer discovery anddevelopment to MCI. He alsobrought a can-do attitude fromhis experience in academicand pharmaceutical research.promising leads in experimental cell and animal models of cancer.It’s a process that requires a dedicated team of scientists workingtogether towards one common goal - to cure cancer by focusing ona specific molecular target.Not only does it take the right team to discover and develop a newcancer drug, it also takes the right equipment and environment.To facilitate MCI’s aspirations to become a leading cancer researchcenter in the country, they recently invested over $2 million inrobotic equipment and other specialized instruments for a processreferred to as High Throughput Screening (HTS). This investmentwill be the cornerstone of a new state-of-the-art drug discoveryresearch center at MCI.4 Progress | SPRING 2012

HTS equipment gives the team a unique advantage in its ability tointerrogate large collections of compounds for anticancer activity. Theresults of these large-scale screening campaigns provide valuable insightfor chemists to design new drug candidates. For this purpose, MCI is alsorenovating and outfitting an adjacent laboratory that will be dedicated tosynthetic chemistry and will be staffed by medicinal chemists.Just over a decade ago, this type of drug discovery research was mostlylimited to big pharmaceutical companies. But in the last 10 years, theNational Institute of Health has moved to fund academic drug discoveryprograms by establishing high throughput screening centers throughoutthe United States, opening up the field to scientific investigators at cancercenters such as MCI.“By having the equipment, infrastructure and expertise in place here atMCI, we are postured to tap into new sources of funding,” says Dr. Piazza.“There is also strong potential that homegrown compounds could bediscovered and developed here in Mobile leading to clinical trials.”But it won’t happen overnight.According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it takeson average 12 years and over $350 million to develop an experimentalcompound into a new drug on the pharmacy shelf. Once a research centerdiscovers a drug candidate, it undergoes about five years of preclinicaldevelopment to test for safety and effectiveness before an application is madeto the FDA for testing in humans. Only about one in 1,000 compoundsthat enter preclinical development will ever make it to human testing.But Dr. Piazza hopes to improve the odds by building a strong team ofscientists focused on drug discovery at MCI. He has seen firsthand howthe drug discovery process works from his experience at Southern ResearchInstitute where he directed a NIH designated high throughput screeningcenter. Prior to joining MCI, he was also the Senior Director of Biology fora pharmaceutical company, Cell Pathways, Inc., where he led the preclinicaldevelopment of an anticancer drug from early laboratory studies in mice toPhase 3 clinical trials in humans.Seeing a drug go from initial laboratory testing through all phases ofFDA approval is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for a scientist. Dr. Piazzais trying to do it twice.“We need better cancer drugs. Many of the drugs being used in the clinictoday were developed 20-30 years ago and they’re still being used becausewe have nothing better. Cancer is a major killer and we need less toxic andmore effective anticancer drugs. I’m a believer that the silver bullet is outthere and HTS is the perfect tool for the job of finding it.”THE POTENTIAL OF“SUPER-ASPIRIN”One of the research areas of interest forDr. Gary Piazza is nonsteroidal antiinflammatorydrugs (NSAIDs), a widely-usedclass of drugs that includes over-the-counterdrugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, andprescription strength NSAIDs such as Clinoriland Celebrex. Clinical and preclinical cancerstudies have shown that NSAIDs taken inhigh doses for an extended period of timehave strong cancer preventive propertiesfor numerous types of cancers, particularlycolorectal, breast, lung and bladder cancers.So why aren’t we popping aspirin oribuprofen every day to deter cancer?The reason is that NSAIDs are too toxicfor long-term use in humans. They are notrecommended by the FDA because theirbenefits do not outweigh their potentiallyfatal risks. However, Dr. Piazza and otherscientists believe that it is possible todesign newer drugs that are safer andmore effective for suppressing cancer.Dr. Piazza collaborates with medicinalchemists as far away as Egypt and SaudiArabia to design new NSAID derivatives.“You can call it the search for a superaspirin,”he says. The team has beeninvestigating a new mechanism for theiranticancer activity that is being targeted todiscover safer and more effective drugs usingHTS approaches.Dr. Piazza believes that part of the reasonNSAIDS have been overlooked is becausemany researchers consider them an oldclass of drugs, lacking the glamour or buzzof newer experimental drugs.“Plus, the mechanism by which theyact is poorly understood. We’re trying tounderstand exactly how they work so we candesign improved drugs with reduced toxicitythat are more effective for inhibiting cancer.If we can harness that potential, such drugscould greatly benefit individuals who are athigh risk of developing cancer.”Progress | SPRING 2012 5

third AnnuAlPresented byBack row: Russ Ford, Executive Vice President, RegionalPresident of iBERIABANK, Dr. Joseph Busta, Marianne Terry,Robbie Murray, John Therrell, Eric Busby, Ben Kennemer,Ken Brown, Jerry Silverstein, Gordon Moulton, andDr. Mike Boyd. Seated: Abe Mitchell, Sheri Weber,Laura Ford, Tonia Silverstein, Arlene Mitchell and Ginni Boyd.For the 2011 CelebrateHope Gala: Sheri Weberserved as Chair, Tonia andJerry Silverstein served asVice-Chairs.For the second year in arow, the gala waspresented byiBERIABANK.6 Progress | SPRING 2012

Event was recordbreaking,grossing over$400,000.Over the past threeyears Celebrate Hopehas raised nearly$785,000 with allproceeds directlybenefiting cancerresearch at the USAMitchell CancerInstitute.MCI was transformedinto a land of hope.With white peak tents,and the silver, cobaltblue and black colorscheme contributing tothe modern theme“Keeping Hope Alive.”Third Annual CelebrateHope was held onThursday, November17th from 6:00-10:00pm at the USA MitchellCancer Institute.Guests enjoyedsignature dishes by 14featured chefs, whichwere paired with a wineand specialty beer, allwhile being entertainedby Mark and Clark,dueling piano twinsfrom Orlando, Florida.Held annually theThursday beforeThanksgiving,Celebrate Hope hasnow been establishedas a “must-attend”event in ourcommunity.Progress | SPRING 2012 7

Teamwork Saves Lives:Meet Dr. Windy Dean-Colombwomen. Partnering with the Mobile-based Franklin PrimaryHealth Centers, Inc., Dr. Dean has already received a grant toestablish a breast cancer prevention clinic within the FranklinMedical Mall located on Martin Luther King Ave. Staffed witha patient navigator and community health advisors, this clinicfocuses on increasing breast health education and increasing thenumber of mammograms performed on women who reside inareas that reflect the poorest screening rates in the state.Windy Dean-Colomb is passionate about improvingDr. breast cancer outcomes for all her patients and isworking hard to improve health disparities for women inMobile, AL. The positive, upbeat outlook of this 5 ft 2 inmedical oncologist, will make a difference for women in ourregion. “Dr. Dean,” as she is known by her patients, came tothe Gulf Coast from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center inHouston to establish a practice not far from her roots in BatonRouge. A veteran of challenges, Dr. Dean had just completedher residency at the University of Illinois when she was called toassist Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in thedisaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Thissort of “working in the trenches attitude” is what makes her lookat Mobile and envision how she believes change can be broughtto this community to improve breast cancer outcomes for allCollaborating with the American Cancer Society (ACS),Dr. Dean has strongly supported the “Community NetworkPartners” initiative where community health advisors arerecruited to educate their own communities. While working onthis project Dr. Dean discovered that Walkitria Alexander,2012 MAMGA Queen of Mardi Gras, was a medical student atMorehouse College of Medicine and shared a common interestin bringing positive changes in healthcare to her community. TheFranklin Primary Health Centers, Inc., American Cancer Society,Alabama Department of Public Health, Mobile County HealthDepartment and Mitchell Cancer Institute hosted a Health andCareer Fair this past February at the Franklin Primary HealthCenter; the event included the reigning Mobile Area Mardi GrasAssociation king and queen and provided the opportunity tohighlight their platform for healthier communities.“I treat my patients the wayI would want my familyto be treated.”Facing the loss of her brother to colorectal cancer when he wasonly 24, and later impacted by the realization that her familyis BRCA 2 positive, which places women at higher risk ofdeveloping breast cancer, Dr. Dean understands the impact ofcancer on the entire family. This empathy motivates her both inher research and in her caring for patients. “I treat my patientsthe way I would want my family to be treated. I make sure theyfully understand their cancer diagnosis and their treatmentoptions. It’s important for women to be able to tell theirdaughters and sisters exactly what kind of cancer they have.”Her philosophy is that education, communication and teamworkin cancer care is what saves lives.8 Progress | SPRING 2012

MCI PhysiciansMCI provides advanced, comprehensive cancer care with ahighly skilled team of professionals. This interdisciplinaryteam works hand-in-hand with University-based and privatepractice surgical oncologists, our member physicians andreferring physicians to develop individualized treatmentplans tailored to the unique needs of each cancer patient.Michael Boyd, M.D., Ph.D.Abraham Mitchell Chair &DirectorUnder the leadership of Director Michael Boyd, M.D.,Ph.D., our team of clinicians, clinician-scientists andresearchers work in a collaborative environment where webattle cancer on all fronts, from the “bench to bedside,”with cancer research and treatment under one roof. Meetour team of oncologists. We are here for you.Thomas W.Butler, M.D.Senior Staff MedicalOncologist,Associate Professor ofInterdisciplinary ClinicalOncologyDaniel G.Cameron, M.D.Senior Staff Physician,Medical OncologyServiceDavid R.Clarkson, M.D.Chief and Senior StaffPhysician, MedicalOncology ServiceWindy Dean-Colomb, M.D.,Ph.D.Staff Physician, MedicalOncology and AssistantProfessor, InterdisciplinaryClinical OncologyMichael A. Finan,M.D., F.A.C.S.Chief, GynecologicOncology ServiceProfessor,Interdisciplinary ClinicalOncologyRoger Ove,M.D., Ph.D.Philip Rubin Professor,Interdisciplinary ClinicalOncology, Vice-Chairand Senior StaffRadiation Oncologist,Department of RadiationOncologyEddie Reed, M.D.Point Clear CharitiesChair and AssociateDirector, CancerPrevention and Control,Professor of OncologicSciences, and AbrahamMitchell DistinguishedInvestigatorRodney P.Rocconi, M.D.Abraham A. MitchellClinical CancerResearch Scholar, GynecologicOncologist,Associate Professor ofInterdisciplinary ClinicalOncology, DeputyAssociate Director ofClinical ResearchJohn R.Russell, M.D.Chair, Department ofRadiation OncologyElsie Colle Professor,Interdisciplinary ClinicalOncologySuzanneRusso, M.D.Philip Rubin Professor,Interdisciplinary ClinicalOncology, Senior StaffRadiation Oncologist,Department of RadiationOncologyWilliam R.Taylor, M.D.Senior Staff MedicalOncologist, MedicalOncology Service andAssociate Professor ofInterdisciplinary ClinicalOncology10 Progress | SPRING 2012

MCI Member PhysiciansMCI’s member physicians are actively engaged inthe care for cancer patients and work closely withthe interdisciplinary team of MCI oncologists.Member physicians are provided access to clinicaltrials as well as access to the collective expertiseof our interdisciplinary team of clinicians andresearchers. They also have access to MCI coresupport research facilities and the opportunity toparticipate and collaborate in grant funded andinvestigator initiated research activities.Warren R.Amos, M.D.Radiation OncologyCrestview, FLGerhard A.W. Boehm,M.D., F.A.C.SSurgical OncologyMobile, ALRussell E.Brown, M.D.Surgical OncologyMobile, ALMing-ChenChang, M.D.Medical OncologyFort Walton Beach,FLCarloContreras, M.D.Surgical OncologyMobile, ALMember physicians fall into the categories of1) Member Physician as defined as a boardcertifiedphysician engaged predominantly incancer patient care and/or diagnosis within ourpartner health systems, 2) Associate MemberPhysician as defined as a board-certified physiciansubstantially engaged in cancer patient care and/or diagnosis within our partner health systems,and 3) Affiliate Member as defined as a boardcertifiedphysician substantially engaged in cancerpatient care and/or diagnosis outside of the MCIprimary service area.Michael E. Damrich,M.D., F.A.C.S.Thoracic SurgeryMobile, ALMatthew M.Eves, M.D.GastroenterologyMobile, ALLarkin J.Daniels, M.D.Thoracic SurgeryMobile, ALEdward R.Flotte, M.D.NeurosurgeryMobile, ALSilvio W.deMelo, Jr., M.D.GastroenterologyMobile, ALCurtis N.Harris, M.D.Surgical OncologyMobile, ALJackDiPalma, M.D.GastroenterologyMobile, ALWilliam R. Higgs,M.D., F.A.C.S.Thoracic SurgeryMobile, ALD. LynnDyess, M.D.Surgical OncologyMobile, ALS. Bennett Hooks,III, M.D.GastroenterologyMobile, ALHarvey Hsiang,M.D., Ph.D.Medical OncologyFort Walton Beach,FLHenry Hsiang, M.D.Medical OncologyFort Walton Beach,FLHamayun Imran,M.D., M.Sc.Pediatric OncologyMobile, ALShikha Khullar, M.D.RadiologyMobile, ALDimitris K. Kyriazis,M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.S.Thoracic SurgeryMobile, ALRobert L. Long,M.D., F.A.C.S.UrologyFort Walton Beach,FLCarl Maltese,M.D., F.A.C.S.Thoracic SurgeryMobile, ALDavid E. Mann, Jr., M.D.Medical OncologyCrestview, FLAnthony Martino, M.D.NeurosurgeryMobile, ALDavid H. Mull,M.D., F.A.C.S.Thoracic SurgeryMobile, ALRonald B.O’Gorman, M.D.,Ph.D., F.A.C.S.Thoracic SurgeryMobile, ALAllen Perkins, M.D.Family Medicine,Mobile, ALWilliam Richards, M.D.Surgical OncologyMobile, ALPaul Rider, M.D.Surgical OncologyMobile, ALBrad A. Steffler, M.D.InterventionalRadiologyMobile, ALJames Stevens,M.D., F.A.R.C.ORadiation OncologySanta Rosa Beach,FLLee W. Thompson,M.D., F.A.C.SSurgical OncologyMobile, ALZhiqing Xing, M.D.OrthopaedicOncologyMobile, ALProgress | SPRING 2012 11

Success stories thatpush us ahead every day“Now my family understandswhen I volunteerto raise funds.”Rosie McGowin has always beena huge supporter of the USAMitchell Cancer Institute (MCI),volunteering to raise money forthe Institute through Polo at thePoint. But she never thought shewould have a need for it—until herdaughter, Win, (pictured far right)was diagnosed with cancer. Thatwas when Rosie saw firsthand howworthwhile her efforts have been.Dr. Finan, Win and Rose McGowin“At first, I felt like a deer in the headlights until I saw the plaque dedicatedto Polo at the Point and I immediately felt a connection,” McGowin said.“I am amazed and humbled by the support we received from MCI since mydaughter’s diagnosis. Now my family truly understands when I volunteer toraise funds. MCI is a world-class facility and would not have been possiblewithout multitudes of volunteers and many generous donors living inour community.”Today, Win is back in the saddle and getting on with her life!Win McGowinriding Blanco.MCI Faculty Travel the Globe sharing expertiseMCI faculty members travel the globerepresenting USA Mitchell CancerInstitute and sharing expertise in cancerresearch. In early September, Dr. EddieReed, Associate Director of CancerControl and Prevention, travelled to theInstitut de cancerologie Gustave Roussyin Paris to serve as a visiting professorand guest of Dr. Jean-Charles Soria,Chief, Lung Cancer Group and Director,Phase I Clinical Studies. The Institut decancerologie Gustave Roussy is the 4thlargest cancer center in Europe.Sir Richard Timothy Hunt and Dr. Ming TanMCI researcher, Dr. Ming Tan, travelledto Oslo also in early September as aguest lecturer at the Norwegian CancerSymposium 2011. The focus of thisinternationally prestigious symposiumwas “Growth and Proliferation: MolecularRegulators of Cancer.” Dr. Tan andonly 16 other invited lecturers fromaround the world were invited to speakat the symposium. Included in this listof renowned cancer researchers was SirRichard Timothy Hunt (pictured left), aNobel Prize Laureate.12 Progress | SPRING 2012

SHARING THE Word onBreast Cancer…One Cup at a TimeEach year an estimated 230,000 women in the United Statesare diagnosed with breast cancer. At MCI, we’re committed to“Thinking Pink” to maximize awareness of breast cancer andthe importance of breast cancer screening. This past October,MCI held its second annual “Think Pink Tea” in partnershipwith Infirmary Health System. Cookie Aftergut, breast cancersurvivor and founder of Chemoflage, an Atlanta-based non-profitorganization designed to teach women to be self-confident cancersurvivors, served as the keynote speaker. With an attendance ofmore than 200, our Think Pink Tea successfully celebrated breastcancer survivors. Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2012Think Pink Tea to be held on October 25, 2012.“WHEN MANY HEADSARE BETTER THAN ONE,”NEW SCIENTIST, 31 MARCH 2012The March 31, 2012 publication of the prestigiousNew Scientist featured an article entitled “WhenMany Heads are Better than One,” whichhighlighted the importance of translationalcancer research in bringing together scientists andphysician-scientists from a broad range of disciplinesto fight cancer. Emphasizing the critical role ofcreating an environment where clinical and basiccancer researchers communicate and collaborationsare encouraged, the article quoted Dr. Michael Boydas well as leaders at M.D. Anderson and New YorkUniversity School of Medicine. “While translationalresearch may be easy to talk about,” says Boyd, “it’shard to achieve. But when it all comes together, it’salmost magical.” Innovative approaches at MCIwere cited alongside institutions including Brown,University of Pennsylvania, University of California,San Francisco and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,among others.“The Mitchell Cancer Institute, for example,encourages transparency among researchers,clinicians, and patients by having facilities withglass walls,” states the article.Progress | SPRING 2012 13

NEWSTRATEGIESFOR EARLYDETECTION(from l to r) Robert Raleigh, Tom Kelly, Carlo Contreras, MD, Jana Rocker, Lewis Pannell, PhD,Jack DiPalma, MD, Harry Keegan, Mark ClevelandPancreatic cancer is one of the mostfatal of all cancers. Of all cancertypes tracked by the National CancerInstitute, pancreatic cancer is the onlycancer with a five year survival rate inthe single digits. Most notably, survivalrates for pancreatic cancer have notimproved substantially in the last 40years since the passage of the NationalCancer Act. A major factor underlyingthe poor overall survival is that mostpancreatic cancers are diagnosed inclinically advanced stages. Becausethe pancreas is located deep inside thebody, early tumors cannot be seen orfelt by health providers during routinephysical exams. Patients usually have nosymptoms until the cancer has spreadto other organs or become so largethat normal liver function is impaired(blockage of the common bile ductleading to jaundice). At this stage thecancer is often advanced and treatmentoptions are more limited.Two years ago, Jana Rocker, achildhood cancer survivor, started aPh.D. program under Lewis Pannell,Ph.D., in the Proteomics facility of theMCI. She was interested in utilizingprotein biomarkers to find moreaccessible methods for the detectionof colorectal cancer. Colon sampleswere obtained by using a currentU.S. Preventive Services Task Force(USPSTF) recommended screening testfor colorectal cancer known as a fecalimmunochemical test or FIT.That is how the current researchproject into pancreatic cancer began.While looking for markers for colorectalcancer the research team detectedproteins that indicated the health of thepancreas. The work was exciting andbecame the major focus for Rocker’sPh.D. thesis. This work would not bepossible without the highly collaborativeenvironment that is fostered at theMCI. The proteomics group is workingclosely with Drs. Carlo Contreras andJack DiPalma from the USA HealthSystem as well as Drs. Lee Thompsonand Russell Brown from MobileInfirmary Medical Center with thegoal of developing a test for the earlydetection of pancreatic cancer. The datacollected from these samples helped toestablish the pancreatic cancer diagnosticapproach which led to the filing of anexpedited patent application in 2011.This research attracted the attentionof a major Boston-based company thatrealized the potential health benefitsof early detection of pancreatic cancer.Through the Technology Transfer Officeat USA, MCI entered into an agreementwith this company to continue thispromising research. Dr. Pannell, whojoined the MCI in 2002 as its secondmember, sees this as exactly theway clinical research should work.“There needs to be a close affiliationbetween the research and clinicaloperations,” says Pannell, “to ensure thatapproaches are developed for significantclinical problems that can then betranslated into detection and treatment.”Researchers continued on page 16Examples ofCurrent CancerTests Using ProteinBiomarkers:PSAProstate Specific AntigenBiomarker used inthe early detection ofprostate cancerCA125Cancer Antigen 125Biomarker used tomonitor patients witha known cancer; mostcommonly used withovarian cancer14 Progress | SPRING 2012

mobile mayor presents city key to mci visitorLast December the, USA Mitchell CancerInstitute hosted Dr. Bart Barlogie, director ofthe University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesMyeloma Institute for Research and Therapy(UAMS). During his visit, Barlogie delivereda Distinguished Scientist Seminar Program,entitled “Challenges of Myeloma Diagnosisand Therapy from the Arkansas Perspective.”While visiting he met with MCI physiciansand scientists, and was presented a key to theCity of Mobile by Mayor Sam Jones. His visitwas particularly meaningful to Mayor Jones asDr. Barlogie is his physician, directing hiscancer care.On the faculty at UAMS since 1989,Barlogie has built the largest center in theworld devoted exclusively to clinical care andresearch in multiple myeloma. MCI is pleasedto bring distinguished scientists to Mobile todevelop collegial and collaborative relationshipswith our physicians and scientists.President Moulton, Dr. Barlogie andMayor Sam JonesDr. Rod Rocconitapped for a new roleIn addition to his role as Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Clinical Oncology, Dr. Rodney P. Rocconihas been appointed Deputy Associate Director for Clinical Research. In this role, Rocconi serves as thephysician-leader and advocate for the Institute’s growing clinical trials portfolio. Rocconi is uniquelyqualified for this role; as a physician-scientist at the MCI, he maintains a thriving gynecologic oncologypractice as well as a basic research laboratory program. “As an academic cancer center, our goals includeproviding state-of-the-art advancements in cancer treatment and playing a key role in advancing thescience of cancer therapy. With this mission, we provide a ‘bench to bedside’ approach in developingtreatment plans for our patients. I look forward to expanding our clinical trials portfolio as we continue tooffer the latest cancer therapies to our region,” says Rocconi.For the Community,Knowledge is HealthThe Mitchell Cancer Institute was proud topartner with the Alabama Department of PublicHealth during June and July of 2011 to promoteawareness of the need for education aboutprostate cancer, providing information on signsand symptoms and supporting the role of theindividual in informed decision making. Theawareness campaign included partnering withthe Mobile Bay Bears for the Ed Randall “Bat forthe Cure” baseball event and it also included freescreenings offered by Drs. Eddie Reed and RogerOve to the public on 6 consecutive Fridays hereat the Mitchell Cancer Institute. Participants werecitizens age 40-75 who resided in Mobile, Baldwinor Washington Counties. Education was providedduring the intake process by MCI PatientNavigators, Cathy Tinnea and Dennis King. Atotal of 118 men were screened. Of those menscreened, 42 were found to have abnormalitiesthat required counseling or clinical interventionand 4 were found to have cancers. While screeningfor prostate cancer remains a topic frequently inthe news, the need for informed decision makingand awareness of each individual’s risk factors arecrucial components of comprehensive cancer carethat the Mitchell Cancer Institute provides.Prostate screenings will be offered again in Juneand July 2012. To schedule an appointment call251-445-8428.Dr. Eddie ReedONCOLOGYOUTLOOK2012March 16-17th, marked the third year that the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute hassponsored Oncology Outlook, a continuing medical education event held at one of ourlocal treasures, the beautiful Marriott Grand Hotel Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear, AL.The goal of the conference is to offer timely updates on the latest treatments and emergingtechnologies in cancer care, as well as provide a relaxed atmosphere in which regionalphysicians and other healthcare providers can interact, discuss the delivery of care andshare ideas, which ultimately improves patient outcomes. This year’s conference focused onwomen’s cancers and was co-directed by MCI gynecologic oncologists Drs. Rodney Rocconiand Michael Finan. For more information visit usa-cme.com or contact Susan Crutchfieldat 251-445-9829 or scrutchfield@usouthal.edu. Oncology Outlook 2013 will be held onMarch 15 and 16, 2013.Progress | SPRING 2012 15

OCTOBER 28, 2012Researchers continued from page 14According to Dr. Pannell, the glass walls andopen design of the MCI building were planned toencourage these interactions and to let patients andresearchers know that they are each there for theother.” Our patients, researchers and medical staffare all part of the team that works toward a goal ofreducing the suffering and death rates from cancer.‘Without all players, things cannot move forward.”Laurie Owen, Ph.D., Associate Director of Basic andTranslational Science at MCI said, “This is a greatexample of how cross-collaborative, use-inspired,research efforts can synergize in an effort to savelives.”A video on the proteomics research group andJana’s history is available at http://southalabama.edu/research/MCIvideo.html.Stein continued from page 9The Stein family’s support of breast cancer isn’tlimited to research however. David and Veritha Stein,Buddy’s son and daughter-in-law, made a contributionthat enabled MCI to purchase bags created specificallyfor patients preparing to undergo breast surgery. Thebfflbag (best friends for life) is designed to providecomfort and improve the patient experience byproviding all of the things a woman might need for herin-hospital surgical recovery and then to accompanyher through her chemotherapy and radiation, if needed.According to Mr. Stein, one of the toughest decisionsthat a family, as care givers, has to make when a lovedone is diagnosed with cancer is to decide where theindividual can get the best treatment. “For mostpeople, this decision is complicated by having to travelout-of-town for quality care, whereby disrupting thefamily. Having the Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile,however, helps makes that decision a little easier forfamilies in South Alabama, South Mississippi andNorth Florida,” he explained.The Stein family hopes their contributions will makea cancer diagnosis and treatment journey easier forfuture patients.participate andsupport local researchJune 22 & 23, 2012Ruth’s ChrisReservations: 251-476-0516A percentage of sales each night willbenefit the MCI.September 15, 2012 • 8:00 a.m.5th Annual GO forGynecologic Oncology5K/1 Mile Fun Run/WalkMoulton Tower- USA Main CampusBenefits GYN cancer research at MCIOctober 20, 2012Inaugural Gaillard FamilyFishing TournamentBenefits pancreatic cancer researchat MCIOctober 21, 2012Polo at the PointBenefits cancer research aimed atadvancing pediatric cancer treatment.October 25, 20124:00 – 6:00 P.M.3rd Annual Think Pink TeaMCI Community Outreach CelebrationMitchell Cancer InstituteOctober 28, 2012 • 1:00 P.M.3rd Annual Tennis for TatasMobile Tennis CenterBenefits breast cancer research at MCIContents of the bfflbag TM .Noonie Thompson,bfflbag TM creator.November 15, 2012 • 6:00 P.M.4th Annual Celebrate Hope galaMitchell Cancer InstituteBenefits cancer research at MCIMobile Tennis Center | Mobile, AlabamaOCTOBER 28, 201216 Progress | SPRING 2012

COMMUNITY SUPPORTA donation of $489.20 was presented to theMCI from proceeds of Kidz Klozet’sbi-annual charity sales.In October 2011, fifty percent ofsubscription dollars from ACCESSMagazine was donated to theUSA Mitchell Cancer Institute.The second annual Tennis forTatas tennis tournament washeld in October, 2011 at theMobile Tennis Center. Playersenjoyed a beautiful day oftennis while supporting breastcancer research. Over $10,000was raised for the MCI.Pictured above are tennis chairs, Cindy Leonard and DianneMareno with Dr. Windy Dean-Colomb.St. Luke’s Episcopal School5th Grader, Michaela Holt(pictured left), implemented arecyling program as her projectfor being the school’s RedRibbon Award Ambassador.She has collected cans all yearthroughout the school and atSt. Luke’s sporting events to raisefunds for the MCI.The University of South AlabamaMitchell Cancer Institute recentlyreceived a gift from the MobileFire Rescue Department. At thecheck presentation are, from left,Alfred Patrick, fire service driverand president of Local 1349; JimSpafford of MBI Inc.; USAMCI Oncologist Dr. Windy Dean-Colomb; and, James Connick, fire service captain and vice presidentof Local 1349.The fourth annual GO RUNwas held on September 17,2011 on USA’s main campus.With over 1,200 participants,the GO RUN is now oneof the largest 5K runs inMobile. During the past fouryears this event has raisedsignificant awareness of gynecologic cancers and has generatedover $135,000 in funding for gynecologic cancer research at theMitchell Cancer Institute.McConnell Automotive hostedthe Second Annual Cashfor Cancer Skeet Shoot andGathering on March 10, 2012,at Dennis Lake in Stockton,Alabama.This event was heldin memory of Jim “Cash”McConnell. The event raised$15,000 which will be used to purchase two videotime-lapse microscopes. These microscopes aresmall enough to be placed directly in the incubatorso that cells can be monitored as they divide and interact witheach other. Event organizers Baker and Stan McConnell featured.The 5th Annual EasternShore Toyota/Hyundai GolfTournament was held onOctober 18, 2011 at TimberCreek Golf Club. Shawn andLeyla Easfahani present acheck in the amount of$30,854 to Drs. Rajeevand Lalita Samant for breast cancer research at the MCI.The 14th Annual “Walkingfor the Memories” was heldon April 28th at Grand BayMiddle School. Nearly$9,000 was raised for breastcancer research at the MCI.Pictured: Chair BarbaraHudson waves as walk begins.The Kerri Castello CancerResearch Foundation ServingHope Tennis Challenge washeld in March, 2012 at theMobile Country Club. Held inmemory of Kerri Castello, thisevent contributed $42,937.44to the Mitchell Cancer Institute.Participating players enjoyed a pre-tournament party atCamp Grace. For more information on the KCCRF,visit: www.servinghope.com.Progress | SPRING 2012 17

ThIrd annualThank you toandall of the donors, sponsors, attendeesvolunteers that made the Third Annual Celebrate Hope, benefitingthe USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, a great success. We once again hadsellout attendance and 100 percent of the funds support local research. Thankyou also goes to our featured restaurants and caterers including Aramark/USA Dining Services, The Battle House Renaissance Hotel, Bay Gourmet,The Bull, The Camellia Café, Classic City Catering, Clifton Morrissette Catering,Jam Cakery, Kneading Dough Catering, Panini Pete’s Café and Bakeshoppe,Ruth’s Chris Steak House, TRUE Restaurant, Vincent Henderson SignatureEvents and The Wilton Caterer, accompanied by custom wine andspecialty beer pairings provided by Alabama Crown, Brookley InternationalDistributing, Gulf Distributing Company of Mobile LLC, and Preferred Brands.Thank you for SuPPorTInG uS In keePInG hoPe alIve.Donor ListpresentingCeLLAr MAsterBeau Rivage Resort and Casino | Abraham A. MitchellMrs. Arlene Mitchell | Jo Ann & Cortez Fowler Family FoundationPress-Register | Teresa & Norvelle Smith FundCHeF De CAVeAgency VERGE | Gulf Distributing Company of Mobile LLCGwin Charitable Foundation | Mobile Gas, A Sempra CompanyLanita & Russell Steiner | University of South Alabama FoundationWine MAKerDex Imaging of Alabama | Lexus of MobileMobile Airport Authority | Aloyis L. SonnebornenOpHiLeInfirmary Health System | Mr. & Mrs. Herbert A. MeislerAlabama CrownAramark/USA Dining ServicesMary and Dow BarkJim Barnes EnterprisesBay Shore FinanceBlue Rents, Inc.grAnD sOMMeLierBrookley InternationalDistributingCox Family FoundationCox Nuclear Pharmacy-MobileHUB InternationalGulf South LTDLive Oak LandscapingP&G Machine & Supply Co., Inc.Page & Jones, Inc./Michael LeeJeanna and Rodney PilotSmith, Dukes & Buckalew, LLPSuperior PrintingZimlich the Florist, Inc./Dennis C. Harris, AIFD, CAFA