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Research & Studies

Funding novel research ideas that may lead to national

funding

Maine Cancer Foundation provides start-up funds for a new researcher or a researcher with a new idea. With one year of funding, the scientist can test a theory and produce evidence worthy of future study. Outcomes are subject to rigorous peer review prior to publication in a respected journal. Only then is the investigator eligible to apply for larger national funding.

Several researchers funded in 2009 are currently seeking additional national funding. They include Don Wojchowski, Ph.D., MMCRI, Scarborough whose investigation of functional tests of PODXL’s contributions to tumorigenesis led to a National Cancer Institute application; Xijie Yu, Ph.D., Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health, Brewer will submit a federal grant based on an exploration of the role of MicroRNA-10b in neurofibromatosis type 1 tumorigenesis and progression.

Inspiring the next generation of cancer researchers

In each research lab, students gain experience and credentials under the tutelage of a principal investigator. Predeep Sathyanarayana, Ph.D., after working in Dr. Wojchowski’s lab, was promoted to Scientist I. As an independent MMCRI faculty member, he submitted and received NIH approval for a related project looking at roles of Podocalyxin during the onset of progression of acute myeloid leukemia.

Interpreting new knowledge for clinical care

For most cases of cancer the exact cause is unknown. However, about 10% of cancer diagnoses can now be traced to inherited genetic alterations. Identifying the underlying genetic basis is an important part of cancer care for the patient. Equally important is cancer prevention for the patient's family members who share a cancer susceptibility gene.

Integrating genetic risk assessment into cancer medicine is becoming a standard of care but that was not the case in 1998 when Maine Cancer Foundation funded the first hereditary cancer risk assessment and prevention program in the state and one of the earliest programs of its kind in the nation.

Support from Maine Cancer Foundation established the cancer genetics program at Maine Center for Cancer Medicine, Scarborough. Maine’s first cancer genetics program continues to serve hundreds of patients and families, reaching every county in Maine.