Each year, the OSUCCC – James awards several Idea Grants that enable teams of faculty researchers to gather early data for their insightful projects so they can later apply for larger grants for this work from sources such as the National Cancer Institute.
Since 2010, the OSUCCC – James has awarded 157 Idea Grants totaling $17.6 million to research teams encompassing over 300 investigators across 11 of the 15 colleges at Ohio State, as well as Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. These competitive awards provide support for two years and for up to $200,000 each.
OSUCCC director Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, says the dedicated community of Pelotonia riders, virtual riders, donors, volunteers and corporate sponsors should take pride in helping to fund Idea Grants that ultimately advance cancer research.
Here are examples of Idea Grants awarded in a recent funding cycle, listed along with their principal investigator(s), their OSUCCC – James research programs and brief descriptions of their work.
Impact of Black Raspberries on Microbiome
Investigators: Steven Clinton, MD, PhD, and Daniel Spakowicz, PhD, both of the Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program, and David Carbone, MD, PhD, Translational Therapeutics Program
Microbes that live in and on humans have been shown to affect our health in many ways, including cancer risk. Some bacteria are thought to cause more inflammation, which has been linked to cancer, while other bacteria lower inflammation. But few studies have been conducted to determine if intentionally altering bacteria to decrease inflammation is associated with reduced cancer risk. In this study, researchers are evaluating whether a concentrated black raspberry nectar can alter the microbiome in people who are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer.
New Immunotherapy Approach for Lung Cancer
Investigator: Dwight Owen, MD, Translational Therapeutics Program
Immunotherapy, which trains the body’s natural defense mechanisms to recognize and then specifically attack cancer cells, has transformed lung cancer treatment; however, there is still no cure for lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. In this clinical trial, researchers are studying a new form of immunotherapy, known as PBF-1129 while in testing, that works differently than existing approaches and is one of the first oral formulations of immunotherapy. This study will determine whether a routine blood test can help identify patients most likely to respond to this new treatment approach.
Predicting Immunotherapy Outcomes in Melanoma
Investigator: Christin Burd, PhD, Molecular Biology and Cancer Genetics Program
Cancer immunotherapy relies on the body’s immune system to attack tumor cells. Immune system function declines with age, but how this impacts the effectiveness of immunotherapies is unclear. Burd’s team has identified a blood-based biomarker to measure “immune fitness” — an individualized measure of immune system strength and functionality. In this clinical trial, the team will determine whether this biomarker can be used to predict patient responses and/or drug toxicity in melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment. Results could help oncologists identify and improve the outcome for patients at risk for severe drug side effects or disease progression.
Pancreatic Cancer Immunosuppression and Disease Progression
Investigator: Thomas Mace, PhD, Translational Therapeutics Program
Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, and the disease has limited treatment options. Newer immunotherapy treatments are ineffective in the disease. In this preclinical study, researchers are investigating how a protein expressed specifically in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment promotes cancer growth. This knowledge will help scientists develop ways to interrupt this molecular pathway as a means of stopping pancreatic cancer progression. It may also build rationale for new and more effective immune-stimulating combination treatment approaches.
Reducing Neurologic Side Effects of Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Investigators: Anne Noonan, MD, and Shuiying Hu, PhD, Translational Therapeutics Program
The drug oxaliplatin is commonly used to treat colorectal cancer; however, it causes quality-of-life-impacting neurological side effects in over 50% of patients. Preclinical studies by OSUCCC – James researchers have shown that these effects are linked to a protein (OCT2) that regulates drug uptake into the peripheral nerves. In this study, researchers are evaluating whether they can reduce peripheral nerve damage — which often occurs in hands and feet — by blocking OCT2 with combination of the FDA-approved drug dasatinib.
Exploring Genomic Target for Cancer Prevention
Investigator: Kay Huebner, PhD, Molecular Biology and Cancer Genetics Program
To reduce the toll of cancer on human lives, scientists must discover targets for cancer prevention. This study looks at a tumor suppressor whose loss promotes cancer development in many types of cancer in association with loss of an enzyme, thymidine kinase, which is needed for stable normal DNA synthesis. In this laboratory study, researchers will determine if dietary thymidine supplementation can suppress cancer development. Differences in outcomes based on thymidine supplementation will support planning of similar prevention trials in humans.