Heading out of Denver after a wonderful day at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, my head is filled with possibilities.
We began our day with METAvivor grant recipient Heide Ford, PhD, with whom we discussed the parallels between embryonic development and tumorogenesis, both featuring similar properties that don’t typically occur in adults. Since in adults the functioning is nearly unique to cancer cells, these tumor initiating cells may serve as a valuable and specific target for therapy that could avoid damage to healthy cells. One gene of particular of interest, and which was studied under the METAvivor grant is SIX1. We specifically discussed its transcription factor EYA. Together this pair drives a number of cellular mechanisms, but neither is particularly problematic on their own. One goal of Dr. Ford’s work is to break or prevent EYA-SIX1 bonding.
Our lunch began with an overview of the center, an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of the top centers in the nation with $130M/year in researcher funding. We learned about many collaborative efforts launched between CUCC and other local organizations to provide services, expand trials, and improve access to care, as well as a new partnership in “big data” management will promote shared access to patient tissue and cell lines.
We also heard from Dr. Ginger Borgas, a medical oncologist with a particular interest in young women and breast cancer. We had the opportunity to learn about breast cancer-related risk and benefits of lactation, and how much work there is ahead.
Finally, Steven Anderson, PhD invited us for an impromptu tour of the pathology lab where we learned more about their DNA sequencing capacities and their tissue bank.
What impressed us most was the collaborative spirit and clear focus on the task of changing the face of cancer and the impact that has on the lives of patients. The very campus is designed around the goal of cross-discipline cooperation, as well as integration with other parts of the campus, most notably the hospitals. And as with other visits, we had the chance to discuss the important role of advocates in medical research.
In the midst of a hailing thunderstorm we headed out of town, bound for our next stop – a Paint & Sip event with Susan G Komen Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City!
