Our 2020 Initiatives.
The 2019-2020 funding cycle brought us an amazing group of researchers and organizations. We feel beyond fortunate to meet and interact with the brilliant, empathetic men and women who spend their lives fighting against cancer. Below are summaries of a few of the 2020 initiatives that we were honored to support.
Early Detection of Eye Cancer.
At Stanford, Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, MD, MHS is using proteomic data analysis to develop rapid and precise diagnostic tools for earlier detection of metastatic uveal melanoma (eye cancer), the most common primary intraocular tumor that leads to non-radiographically detectable (micro) metastatic disease. His groundbreaking research aims to identify targetable biomarkers that may delay or eliminate the risk of metastatic disease. It is suspected that (micro) metastatic disease develops in patients with eye cancer 3-5 years prior to detection of the primary tumor, so identifying biomarkers early is essential to patient outcomes. Dr. Mruthyunjaya hopes to use the project data for the basis of future studies to customize treatment plans for patients with malignant uveal melanoma.
Improving T Cell Effectiveness.
At UCSF, Melissa Reeves, MD is working to improve T cell effectiveness through a mouse study focused on analyzing the success of immunotherapy boosted T cells when put to work in tumors with 2-10 different cell types. The experiment will enable Dr. Reeves to quantify the degree to which T cells are successful in finding their target tumor cells. She is also studying whether T cell effectiveness can be improved by stimulating the dendritic cells that are responsible for instructing T cells about their targets. Learning more about the reasons T cells are or are not successful at reaching their target tumors will help researchers in development treatment plans for many, many types of cancer.
Increasing Sensitivity to Immunotherapy.
At UCSF, Deanna Kroetz, MD is studying how to increase the success rate of immunotherapy in cancer patients. Immunotherapy has been approved in recent years for the treatment of many types of cancer but unfortunately only a subset of patients respond to the treatment and even fewer achieve maximal clinical benefits. Strategies are needed to improve the tumor immune cell environment so that more tumors will respond to immunotherapy. Dr. Deanna’s exploratory research will test the hypothesis that lowering the levels of PGE2 outside the tumor cell will improve its response to immunotherapy and increase the number of patients that benefit from the treatment.
Understanding Immune Escape Programs.
At UCSF, Paola Betancur, PhD is cracking the code linking inflammation and cancer immune escape programs. Tumors can evade the immune system by activating immune suppression programs, inflammatory signals that prevent immune cells from eliminating tumor cells. It is critical to understand how these tumor cells activate this response to therapeutically lower inflammation and prevent cancer cells from escaping immune surveillance. While Dr. Betancur’s study focuses on gynecological cancers, because they are very difficult to diagnose at early stages, if successful, this breakthrough has a broad application and can be used on many other solid cell tumors.
Camp Okizu - Supporting Childhood Cancer.
Camp Okizu helps all members of families affected by childhood cancer to heal through peer support, respite, mentoring, and recreational programs. Due to the financial burden that often accompanies a pediatric cancer diagnosis, all of Camp Okizu’s programs are offered free-of-charge to the families they serve. A week at Camp Okizu is a welcome respite from the rigors of cancer treatment and the anxiety and fear that accompany it. Cost for sending one child to camp for a week is $1,000. Camp Okizu is a favorite of The Cancer League and camperships are funded yearly.
