August 2017 Update on the ASLCRF Funding and Progress of the Saltzman Cancer Research Laboratory
We are pleased to report several successful investigations and events related to the cancer research lab and to our fundraising in support of the lab.
NCI / NIH Invitation to Present Lab Discoveries - July 2017
The lab accepted an invitation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to participate in their July 2017 International Conference on Microbial-Based Cancer Therapy. Dr. Saltzman, Janet Schottel, Lance Augustin and Dr. Leonard were honored to present the achievements of the lab and help in the discussions. There were over 600 scientists from the US and abroad attending these sessions. Here is a link to more info on the conference: https://ncifrederick.cancer.gov/events/PointOfCare2017/default.asp
Combination Tumor Killing Therapy
This year the lab demonstrated in an experimental design that combining a 25% dose of chemotherapy with the lab’s genetically engineered salmonella construct has as much tumor killing power as using 90- 100% chemotherapy. This is a great advance for patients because it decreases the toxicity of chemotherapy and adds quality of life to patients since the salmonella construct has minimal side effects or complications as was demonstrated in the Phase One human study and animal experiments.
Improved Autogenous Research Method
An important advance in the lab has been to recognize that the type of experimental work using what is called a transplantation model, where tumor is inserted under the skin and the agent is used to kill the tumor, is not the best way to experiment with the immune system or any other form of tumor therapy. This is not the way tumors grow in humans. We have thus instituted what is called the autogenous type of experimental model, where the tumor grows from one cell and expands, and is thus akin to the human growth of tumors. We have proven by experiments (and tested in a metastatic breast cancer mouse model) that the autogenous system is the most efficient means of tumor eradication because of its similarity to human cancer development.
Current Lab Investigations
The lab is now working on methods to increase the amount of genetic engineered salmonella material that can be inserted into the tumor by the autogenous method. This investigation should improve the ability to insert tumor-killing cells. The four principal lab scientists and lab technicians continue weekly meetings to discuss present and future experimental approaches.
Partnering with Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation for Lab Funding
Dr. Leonard’s Cancer Research Fund is now partnering with Stan Hubbard and the Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation to meet their generous Matching Funds Challenge of up to $125,000 each year for 3 years.
With your support, we are so excited that both the 2016 and 2017 challenges have been met. Thank you! We are again asking for your support as we look forward to reaching the challenge again with our 2017 year-end fundraising drive and the 2018 Doc’s Cancer Shootout scheduled for March 8th, 2018.
Additional Lab Funding
In addition, Dr. Leonard and Dr. Saltzman met with Stan Hubbard and his family foundation in July to review the lab’s progress and request an additional $35,000 for hiring an additional scientist for the lab because of the significant progress in the past year and to reach the research goals for the upcoming year. It is our great pleasure to report that Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation granted this request.
Looking Forward with Thanks
We humbly thank you for your continued support for the exciting new discoveries in the lab this year, battling cancer and providing quality of life. Our most sincere Thank You goes out to all of our new and our longtime supporters, especially those who have given significant resources of their time and support in addition to extensive funding of the lab including Phil Kalleberg, Marv Kotek, Dave Brockpahler, The Kolpin Family, Cabin Fever Sports, Minnesota Vikings, Cabelas and the ASLCRF Board of Trustees.
100% of Donations Go Directly to the Lab for Cancer Research
Because Dr. Leonard personally funds all of the overhead operational expenses for the ASL Cancer Research Fund, every dollar donated goes directly to the Saltzman Lab at the University of MN Foundation Fund #8203.
The Arnold S. Leonard Cancer Research Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit fund. ID# 20-2924536
