SCIENTIFIC FOCUS AREAS
Metabolism | Immuno-Oncology | Precision Oncology | Structural Biology | Cancer Disparities

November 12, 2024

Focus

Annual Scientific Retreat Unites Cancer Center Researchers, Trainees, and Staff to Drive Discoveries that Cross the Finish Line

Image: Alex Saula, Dr. Carol Williams, Dr. Navonil De Sarkar, Dr. James Thomas, Dr. Wei Liu, and Dr. Lan Zhu smile with Audaxity hats. 

On November 1, the Annual MCW Cancer Center Scientific Retreat brought together more than 160 researchers, trainees, and staff, all revved up to learn about the groundbreaking work within the Center’s Cancer Biology (CB), Cancer Control (CC), and Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics (DDT) programs. Held at the iconic Harley-Davidson Museum, the event created a space for the brightest minds in science to connect across disciplines, spark new partnerships, and tackle cancer’s toughest challenges. This year’s theme, Funding Discoveries that Cross the Finish Line, was inspired by Audaxity, the Center’s new bike fundraiser that helps accelerate cutting-edge research for patients across Wisconsin. Energized by the retreat’s camaraderie and shared purpose, attendees left ready to build an unstoppable momentum and race toward discoveries that leave cancer in the dust. 

Attendees are invited to take the event survey. 

In his opening remarks, MCW Cancer Center Director Gustavo Leone, PhD, shared his vision for the future and outlined ambitious plans to elevate the Center’s research impact. Key priorities included expanding the three research programs through targeted recruitment and investment, increasing trainee opportunities, and fostering collaboration in the new Cancer Research Building. He emphasized that Audaxity would be crucial for raising funds to support new fellowships, investigator-initiated trials, and the recruitment of top scientists to drive the Center’s mission forward.

Breakthroughs That Stop Cancer in Its Tracks

Attendees heard from three distinguished keynote speakers, along with colleagues from across the Center’s three research programs. Greg Delgoffe, PhD, Associate Director, Graduate Program in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, shared how metabolic pathways within the tumor microenvironment affect T cell function, specifically focusing on the role of MCT11—a transporter protein upregulated in exhausted T cells. His recent research found that blocking MCT11 can restore T cell function and enhance antitumor immunity, which may help boost the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.

Linda Malkas, PhD, Professor of Molecular Diagnostics & Experimental Therapeutics at City of Hope, presented her work on targeting cancer-specific DNA replication proteins to develop precision medicines. Betina Yanez, PhD, Associate Professor and Cancer Control and Survivorship Program Co-Lead at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, discussed ways to enhance patient-centered care by improving patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and promoting health equity.

The Cancer Center’s two newest members took the stage with excitement to share their work. Fumou Sun, PhD (DDT), Assistant Professor of Hematology and Oncology, gave insights into his team’s development of Activation-Inducible Bispecific CAR-T cells, which target BCMA and CD24 to eliminate residual cancer cells that can lead to relapse. This dual-targeted approach has the potential to strengthen the immune response against multiple myeloma and may be applicable to other cancers. 

Antje Schaefer, PhD, (CB), Assistant Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology, discussed how mutations in the RHOA GTPase signaling pathway drive the development of aggressive gastric cancer, particularly diffuse gastric cancer, which currently has only few treatment options. Her research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms of these RHOA mutations to enable targeted therapies that could inhibit tumor growth and improve outcomes for this lethal cancer type.

Image: New Cancer Center Members Drs. Antje Schaefer (CB) and Fumou Sun (DDT). 

In addition to a poster session, this year’s event introduced two-minute speed presentations, where Cancer Center Service Leaders and researchers from across programs shared quick insights into their work. The audience also received updates from Francesca Marassi, PhD, Associate Director of Shared Resources (SR), and other SR leaders on the Center’s wide range of services supporting cancer research.

Image: Melanie Burns, Dr. Staci Young, and Debra Nevels, members of the Community Outreach and Engagement team, smile in front of their poster.   

Putting the Brakes on Cancer: Audaxity Builds Hype for 2025 Ride

Audaxity added a fun, lively spirit to the event, motivating attendees to start their ride teams and fundraising efforts to help end cancer. The team came with a variety of raffle prizes, including Audaxity swag, Harley-Davidson Museum gift cards, courtside Bucks tickets, and the grand prize—a new bike from Wheel & Sprocket valued at over $2,000. During her speed presentation, Audaxity Managing Director LB Bennett hyped up the crowd, highlighting that the 2025 ride will directly support their research, empowering them to pursue groundbreaking science and make an impact right here in Milwaukee.

Image: Lisa Olson, Program Manager of the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination, wins a new bike from Wheel & Sprocket. 

Image: Staying true to the theme, Cancer Center leaders trade their lab coats for leather jackets. Front row left to right: Marilyn Larson, Staci Young, Melinda Stolley, Mary Horowitz, Gustavo Leone, Razelle Kurzrock, Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen, Xue-Zhong Yu, and Ben George. Back row left to right: Francesca Marassi, Janet Rader, Tobi Cawthra, Wei Liu, Carol Williams, Cindy Dwight, Joan Neuner, and William Drobyski. 

The MCW Cancer Center thanks all who attended this year’s Scientific Retreat. Stay tuned for details on the 2025 event! 

Seminars

Events

Inaugural Hematopoiesis Symposium
November 21  |  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  |  Register

Details: Versiti Blood Research Institute’s (VBRI) hematopoiesis program focuses on understanding how blood cells develop and how different mutations contribute to leukemia. VBRI’s inaugural Hematopoiesis Symposium brings together international leaders in normal and malignant blood cell development to present their latest findings. Its goal is to be a leading center for hematopoiesis; this symposium provides an exciting opportunity to highlight the labs’ work and engage with some of the brightest minds in hematopoiesis. With questions, contact Teresa Soles (TSoles@versiti.org).

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Virtual Office Hours 
Join us: Nov. 13  |  12:00 - 1:00 p.m.  |  Virtual meeting only
Details:  The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) provides services and resources including workshops, professional development, and consultation to ensure Cancer Center members and staff feel welcome, included, supported, and have access to a workplace environment conducive to professional success. EDIB Virtual Office Hours occur bi-weekly (every 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of the month) and are open to anyone who would like to ask a question or learn more about EDIB efforts within the Cancer Center. Due to the upcoming holidays, EDIB office hours will be held only on the second Wednesday of the month for November and December. For more information, contact Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen, PhD, MS (lsanchezjohnsen@mcw.edu). Questions or concerns related to topics such as safety and well-being, conflict resolution, or discrimination, should be directed to the MCW HR Department. To report a Title IX violation, click here. For helpful links, see below.

• Employee Relations: policies and procedures, general workplace concerns
• Ombuds Office: confidential resource to address workplace issues
• Sexual Misconduct: reporting a Title IX violation
• Wellness Resources: physical and emotional well-being 

Mayo Clinic Symposium on Immuno-Oncology and Tumor Microenvironment Crosstalk
Join us: Dec. 5-7  |  Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida  |  Register
Details: This symposium brings together scientists, clinical experts, and industry partners in tumor microenvironment, immune therapy, anti-angiogenesis, and targeted therapy. It will facilitate the exchange of ideas and new scientific direction, involving basic biology and pathways that may lead to new individualized therapies for patients. As part of the symposium, abstracts detailing original research dedicated to the field of basic science, oncology, or vascular specialties will be presented. Accepted abstract recipients will be chosen from all abstracts received by the submission deadline on November 1. To submit an abstract, please complete this webform. 

Disease-Oriented Teams Integrated Science Meetings​​

DOT Integrated Science Meetings: Full calendar of events (PDF)​​

Funding

Visit the Cancer Research Funding page for full descriptions of external funding, pilot grants and Pre- and Post-Doctoral fellowship opportunities. If we missed any cancer-related funding opportunities, please email CCgrantsupport@mcw.edu.

For industry news, read The Cancer Letter. Access is provided by the MCW Library to all employees using their MCW IP or VPN.

MCW Cancer Center 
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