Tobacco Smoke Causes Lung Inflammation and More
Repeated exposure to tobacco smoke makes lung cancer much worse, and one reason is that it steps up inflammation in the lung. Scientists at UC San Diego, led by Michael Karin, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology and Pathology, have found that mice with early lung cancer lesions that were repeatedly exposed to tobacco smoke developed larger tumors – and developed tumors more quickly – than unexposed animals. The key contributing factor was lung tissue inflammation.  

The results of their study, just published by the journal Cancer Cell, provide definitive evidence for the role of lung inflammation brought on by chronic exposure to tobacco smoke in promoting lung cancer growth. The findings also establish new lung cancer models, provide insights into both the development and growth of lung cancer, and suggest the possibility of using anti-inflammatory agents to prevent or slow lung cancer progression, said Karin. (more)

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Final Farewell to a Volunteer and Valiant Champion for Cancer Patients
It is with great sadness that we report that volunteer Stevie Vildibil, died at home on January 10, 2010 of kidney cancer. For over three years Stevie volunteered in our Patient and Family Resource Center, where she helped patients, family members and visitors find health information and comfort when faced with cancer. She made a profound impact on so many people's lives and will be greatly missed by those who were privileged to know her.  

Having survived breast cancer for over ten years, Stevie was passionate about eradicating cancer in all its forms, and to make the cancer journey easier for others. She did this in a variety of notable efforts that culminated in the statewide award of the American Cancer Society (ACS) Terese Lasser Reach to Recovery Memorial Award in 2009.   

“Stevie has been with us since the very beginning,” says Danielle Casden, PhD, Director of the Resource Center. "She was an inspiration to us all.  Her optimism and enthusiasm were contagious.  Her ability to listen deeply and help others with genuine concern was a natural gift.  She will be missed greatly by everyone at Moores and in the community.”

Stevie was certified as an ACS Reach to Recovery (R2R) volunteer in 1991. R2R volunteers visit with patients one-on-one and, for the past 18 years, Stevie helped over 200 women with breast cancer – half of whom were dealing with recurrence or new cancers. As reported by those she helped, Stevie was a calming influence and had a wonderful ability to make each person feel special and important.   

She served as Chair for the R2R Coordinating Committee in the San Diego Region, worked on the R2R management team for the State of California, piloted a new volunteer training program for the National office in 1999, served as a Reach Coordinator, became a State trainer, and has chaired the Daffodil Days campaign for San Diego's East County. In 2009, she served as the Chair of El Cajon “Relay for Life.” Stevie was also a long-term volunteer for the City of San Diego Speakers Bureau, and would talk whenever and wherever she was asked. 

“As a survivor, Stevie was an inspiration to all and her gift of the heart touched many lives,” said Selina G. Travers, Mission Delivery Strategic Director/California, ACS.

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Meet Neuro-Oncologist Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD
Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD, has been named Chief of the Division of Neuro-Oncology in the Department of Neurosciences and associate professor of neurosciences at UC San Diego. Kesari, who is also the Director of Neuro-oncology at our Cancer Center, specializes in the treatment of brain tumors and has special interests in drug development, biomarkers for cancer detection, and the behavior and potential therapeutic use of both normal and cancer stem cells.  

One of Kesari's major goals is to establish an interdisciplinary, translational neuro-oncology program here focused both on improving the understanding of the biology of brain tumors and on developing more personalized treatments for patients.  (more)

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Cleaning for A Reason
Are your patients focused on good health rather than cobwebs and dust? Now women with any type of cancer can turn to Cleaning for A Reason Foundation -- a non-profit organization that wants their clients to “worry about one less thing.”

Local cleaning services contract with the organization, which join a nationwide group of professionals who want to make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients. Three are based right here in San Diego. The foundation authorizes housekeeping services for 50 customers each day. Since their inception in 2007, they have assisted 3,500 women and provided $500,000 in free services across the country.  

Stephanie from Long Island, New York writes, “There are tons of cancer research foundations. I need help with my house! I have three small children and have been taking chemotherapy for 19 months. This is a God-send to me.”  Other heartwarming testimonials – written and verbal – are available on their website.There are even comments from the service side, indicating that people helping people is a wonderfully satisfying experience.  

Learn more about the organization, its simple online application process, and how your cancer patients might benefit:   http://www.cleaningforareason.org/index.html

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Meet Our New Member
Robyn Cunard, MD
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Medicine
Program: Cancer Biology
Dr. Cunard has a large clinical practice that includes a good number of renal cell carcinoma patients. She also studies a group of proteins, called T cell receptor beta proteins (TRB), particularly TRB2 which has been shown to induce acute myelogenous leukemia.

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Member Grants – November
Congratulations to Cancer Center members!  The combined total of new and renewal grants awarded for November 2009 to those featured is: $15,437,329. Of this, the National Cancer Institute funded 6%, or $955,383. Programmatic break-down by faculty affiliated with the Cancer Center's research programs is:

Cancer Biology	$2,382,864	15%
Cancer Genetics	$2,056,829	13%
Cancer Prevention	$   476,911	3%
Hematologic Malignancies	$1,113,151	7%
Reducing Cancer Disparities	$     47,638	--
Tumor Growth, Invasion & Metastasis	$7,983,135	52%
Program M	$1,376,802	9%