Renata Pasqualini, Ph.D., Receives Carcinoid Tumor and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Grant

CHICAGO — The American Association for Cancer Research will award Renata Pasqualini, Ph.D., of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with the 2012 Caring for Carcinoid Foundation-AACR Grant for Carcinoid Tumor and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research.

The grant will be given during a grants reception on Tuesday, April 3 at the AACR Annual Meeting 2012, held here.

Created in partnership with the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF), the grant will advance the understanding of neuroendocrine tumor biology, elucidate the mechanisms of currently available therapies, and identify new treatment targets for carcinoid and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

This two-year grant of $250,000 ($125,000 per year) support junior and senior investigators as they develop and study new ideas and innovative approaches that have direct application and relevance to carcinoid tumors or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Pasqualini is the Buchanan and Seeger Professor of Medicine and Experimental Diagnostic Imaging. Wadih Arap, M.D., Ph.D., Stringer Professor of Medicine and Experimental Diagnostic Imaging at MD Anderson, and Steven K. Libutti, M.D., Professor of Surgery and Genetics at Einstein and the Marvin L. Gliedman, M.D. Distinguished Surgeon at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York are long-time collaborators of Pasqualini’s. The three have worked together on targeted cancer therapies and are internationally recognized experts in vascular biology, metastasis and angiogenesis.

Their research titled “Octreotide-targeted treatment of neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas,” will showcase the use of a hybrid vector with genetic elements from adeno-associated virus (AAV) and a M13-derived phage called AAVP to display octreotide and mediate selective internalization of viral particles.

“Establishing an octreotide-targeted AAVP for delivery of TNF-α (AAVP-TNF) would provide for the systemic, targeted delivery of an apoptotic agent directly to the vulnerable vasculature of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with limited toxicity for normal tissues,” the researchers wrote in their abstract.

The Caring for Carcinoid Foundation is dedicated to discovering cures for carcinoid, pancreatic neuroendocrine, and related neuroendocrine cancers. Along with its focus on research, the foundation is committed to supporting patients, families, friends, and caregivers by providing them with complete and up-to-date information.  CFCF directs 100 percent of all individual donations to breakthrough scientific research. This is made possible by the generous support of CFCF’s board of directors and corporate sponsors. Since its inception, CFCF has awarded more than $6 million in research grants to leading scientists at renowned institutions worldwide. For more information about CFCF please visit www.caringforcarcinoid.org.

An additional Caring for Carcinoid Foundation-AACR Grant for Carcinoid Tumor and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research grant is expected to be awarded by the fall of 2012.

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About the AACR

Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR’s membership includes 34,000 laboratory, translational and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in more than 90 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, biology, diagnosis and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 20 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting with more than 18,000 attendees. In addition, the AACR publishes seven peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration and scientific oversight of individual and team science grants in cancer research that have the potential for patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. 

For more information about the AACR, visit www.AACR.org.

Media Contact:
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