methodology summer/fall 2014
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METHODOLOGYThe Research and Education Newsletter of Houston Methodist
The Texas A&M and Houston Methodist joint degree programs combine the strengths of our institutions to train the next generation of physician leaders.
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SUMMER/FALL 2014
Houston Methodist and Texas A&M join forces to enhance physician education and research innovation
Houston Methodist and Texas A&M Health Science Center
are partnering to bring more innovative research and medical
education to the state through new health professions degree
programs in the Texas Medical Center. Beginning in 2015,
24 Texas A&M medical students will begin clinical training
and graduate research in Houston, with plans for that number
to double by 2016.
“Our programs will mentor young physicians to nurture their ideas
for new cures and treatments, and provide them with the skills
they need to turn these ideas into realities that improve health for
patients everywhere,” said Timothy Boone, M.D., Ph.D., co-director
of the Houston Methodist Institute for Academic Medicine and the
new regional vice-dean for the Texas A&M College of Medicine.
>> CONT. PAGE FOUR
Front row, from left: Marc L. Boom, M.D. and Brett Giroir, M.D.; Back row, from left: Paul Ogden, M.D.; Regent John D. White, JD; Rep. John Zerwas, M.D.; Robert Robbins, M.D.; Regent Charles W. Schwartz, JD; Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D.
Photo: Gabriel Chmielewski
- Timothy Boone, M.D., Ph.D. Co-director, Houston Methodist Institute for Academic Medicine
Welcome to the fall issue of Methodology, an issue that highlights our newest affiliation with Texas A&M and our commitment to innovative education. You will also find exciting updates on our national clinical trials for early phase blood and lung cancers lead by Drs. Swaminathan Iyer and Eric Bernicker of the Cancer Center, and for the CoreValve SURTAVI interventional trial lead by Drs. Michael Reardon and Neal Kleiman of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.
The education pillar of Houston Methodist is dedicated to training the next generation of
academic medical leaders, and the principle that leadership requires innovation and a dedication
to research. Just as we have focused our research around the concept of translating innovations
into real clinical applications, we are growing our educational programs in the translational
medicine space.
Our educational programs will teach the art and science of translational medicine as a core
principle of clinical practice and medical research. Texas A&M shares this vision, and has joined
with us to create joint programs for their medical and graduate schools. Future leaders in these
programs will practice translational and clinical research and medicine at Houston Methodist
during their rotations and thesis work in the Texas Medical Center.
We have also partnered with the University of St. Thomas to create a Master in Clinical
Translational Management degree program for students interested in the biomedical sector
and the bridge between research and business. This program offers students a capstone
project experience in translation of technologies at Houston Methodist. Together we join the
University of California at San Francisco and Johns Hopkins University to offer the third
program of its kind in the nation to teach this critical skill set.
As you begin your journey through Methodology, I’d like to invite you to join us in honoring
Mr. John F. Bookout. The Houston Methodist Research Institute auditorium now bears the
name of this visionary leader who inspired our I CARE values and galvanized the academic
affiliation between Houston Methodist and Weill Cornell Medical College more than a decade
ago. I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Bookout and his family for their dedication to
Houston Methodist and our mission of leading medicine.
Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D.Ernest Cockrell Jr. Presidential Distinguished ChairPresident and CEO, Houston Methodist Research InstituteDirector, Institute for Academic Medicine Executive Vice President, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX Senior Associate Dean and Professor of MedicineWeill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
Read more online: HoustonMethodist.org/hmrinews
Contents
MEssAGE FROM THE PREsiDENT
by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Featured News
Houston Methodist and Texas A&M join forces .................................... 1
John F. Bookout auditorium ..........3
RoboDoc on call ........................... 6
New drug may save $1 billion annually for hemodialysis patients ..............8
Two new drug targets for triple negative breast cancer ..................9
Research Highlights ..........10
Factors regulating repair of DNA damage identified ......................10
Alzheimer’s and cancer link found ....................................11
Clinical Research Highlights ..............................12
Identifying brain structures initiating urination via functional magnetic resonance imaging ......................12
Clinical Trials: Now open & enrolling..................14
Inside the Institute ............16
Translational Research Initiative intramural RFA ............................16
Grants & contracts updates .......16
Education News ...................20
MERLIN roll out ...........................20
Master in Clinical Translational Management degree, University of St. Thomas .............................21
I CARE Moments ..................22
Awards & Accolades .........24
New Employees ...................26
Contents
John F. Bookout Auditorium
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“ Mr. Bookout has had some role in everything that Houston Methodist has accomplished in the last 36 years – and he has helped build a strong foundation for everything we will accomplish in the future.
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- Marc L. Boom, M.D. President, Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist
Mr. John F. Bookout is a true Houston stalwart – not only helping make this city the energy capital of the world, but
also generously giving his time and talent to further the mission of Houston Methodist. He joined the board in 1979
and served as its chair from 1991 to 2007. Today, he continues as senior chairman. During his long tenure as chair,
he led this institution through prosperity and adversity, and eventually reshaped our culture and helped establish our
I CARE values as the cornerstone for the work we do on a daily basis.
With his steady hand at the wheel, Mr. Bookout guided us through negotiations that led to an affiliation between
Houston Methodist and Weill Cornell Medical College and New York-Presbyterian Hospital 10 years ago. In April, the
Research Institute auditorium was dedicated in his name as Mr. Bookout was vital in founding the Houston Methodist
Research Institute, which is now a center for innovation, discovery, and translation.
John F. Bookout and Marc L. Boom, M.D.
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>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE
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&Houston MethodistTexas A&M join forces
“These are exciting times for the Aggie family as
we continue to build our Houston campus, and
in turn, lead world-class research and medical
education in the most important health-related
district in the world,” Giroir said.
The partnership is part of a larger Houston
expansion plan for the Texas A&M Health
Science Center. This follows the recent
announcement of a two-year ground lease
in the Texas Medical Center for future
construction of a multidisciplinary research
and education building adjacent to the
Albert B. Alkek Building that currently houses
the Texas A&M Institute for Biosciences
and Technology.
The medical degree program will begin with two
years of basic medical science and preclinical
training at Texas A&M Health Science Center
College of Medicine in Bryan and continues with
the third year rotation and options for fourth
year electives at Houston Methodist Hospital.
As part of a joint M.D./Ph.D. degree program,
Texas A&M University will work with Houston
Methodist to provide translational research
opportunities at the Houston campus. Those
individuals pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. degree
will take their medical and graduate sciences
classes at Texas A&M campuses and complete
three to four years of doctoral thesis work at
the Houston Methodist Research Institute or
the Institute for Biosciences and Technology.
Through combined efforts, Texas A&M and Houston Methodist are offering aspiring physicians and clinician scientists a unique, unparalleled educational opportunity in an academically rich environment renowned for scientific discoveries and translational clinical research.
>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE
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- Brett P. Giroir, M.D. CEO, Texas A&M Health Science Center
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“We are pleased with the announcement of this partnership
between two prestigious members of the Texas Medical
Center, Houston Methodist and Texas A&M Health Science
Center,” said Robert Robbins, President and CEO of the Texas
Medical Center. “This is a great example of the new spirit of
collaboration that is emerging across the Texas Medical Center.”
Participating Houston Methodist doctors and scientists
will receive Texas A&M faculty appointments and titles.
“This partnership will afford Texas A&M medical students
the opportunity for specialized training alongside world-
class doctors and scientists at Houston Methodist as
they complete their journeys toward becoming the next
generation of health care leaders,” said Paul Ogden, M.D.,
interim dean of medicine and vice president for clinical affairs,
Texas A&M Health Science Center. “Together we are opening
new doors for the future of medical education, all the while
ensuring Aggie doctors are amply prepared to address the
ever-changing health care needs of Texans.”
Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Houston
Methodist Research Institute and director of the Houston
Methodist Institute for Academic Medicine, said initiatives
like this one join the strengths of two Texas institutions in
a way that benefits Texans. “They empower physicians at
our nationally recognized hospitals, to partner with our
excellent universities and our growing biotechnology industry
to use research dollars more efficiently and achieve real
progress in treating the worst diseases,” said Ferrari.
First row, from left: Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D.; Brett Giroir, M.D.; Marc L. Boom, M.D.; Rep. John Zerwas, M.D.; Second row, from left: Regent Charles W. Schwartz, JD;
Robert Robbins, M.D.; Paul Ogden, M.D.; Third row, from left: Regent John D. White, JD; Timothy Boone, M.D., Ph.D.; Tong Sun; Forth row, from left: Gregory V. Nelson, JD;
Edward A. Jones; Mary A. Daffin, JD.
These are the kinds of programs Texas needs to cut through the barriers to medical innovation.
– Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D. President and CEO Houston Methodist Research Institute
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Photo: NASA.gov
Houston Methodist and NASA partner to train a Robot in performing medical procedures
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Blurring the line between medicine and
science fiction, Houston Methodist and
NASA are partnering to train a humanoid
robot to perform medical procedures.
Zsolt Garami, M.D., from the Transcranial
Doppler Center, Houston Methodist
DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, has
been working closely with NASA researchers
to make this happen. The robot is called
Robonaut 2, or `R2.’
Astronauts are currently trained in basic
medical and surgical skills, in addition
to all the other demanding training and
conditioning they undergo before space
missions. Dr. Garami was initially brought
on-board to train astronauts in ultrasound
procedures. With the objective of easing
the burden on astronauts, the idea to use
a robot was born. This seemed possible as
NASA already had access to a robot with
previously demonstrated learning skills.
“We wanted the robot to provide the
astronauts with that much needed extra
hand,” said Garami. Another advantage
would be that unlike humans, robots are
not prone to factors like fatigue and stress,
making them an ideal ally in challenging
environments like space.
robot is simply not possible given the time lag
that results from the great distances involved.
From the standpoint of future applications of
this project on earth, the prospects transcend
multiple fields and are seemingly limitless.
For example, Robonaut 2 could be used to
perform intricate medical operations like
endovascular surgery, as well as function as
a telemedicine doctor in remote and hostile
areas. Potential applications in the manufacturing
sector are also being considered.
The Houston Methodist-NASA collaboration
on the Robonaut 2 project grew from the
networks that were established through the
Pumps and Pipes program. This is a great
example of how talented scientists from very
different industries can work together to
build a technology platform that transcends
traditional boundaries.
So far, Robonaut 2 has been trained in
ultrasound-guided venous access. This
involves finding a vein in a mannequin’s
‘neck’ using an ultrasound transducer held
by Robonaut 2 in one hand, and sticking
the vein with a needle and syringe held in
Robonaut 2’s other hand. Robonaut 2 is
being trained to perform these procedures
while being guided remotely by physicians.
Physicians are provided with gloves that
help control the robot’s actions through
their hand movements. Using cameras
placed on its body, physicians can watch
what Robonaut 2 is doing. This is an apt
example of telemedicine at work.
The plan eventually is for Robonaut 2 to
function independently. The desire to
automate the robot completely is driven
by NASA’s plans to explore deep space.
In such missions, real-time control of the
Zsolt Garami, M.D. (far right)
and the Robonaut 2 team
Training the Robonaut was not very different from training a resident. Just a lot faster.
- Zsolt Garami, M.D. Director, Transcranial Doppler Center Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center
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New drug may save U.s. $1 billion annually for hemodialysis patientsby Leif Peterson, Ph.D.
The peer-reviewed study was published by the International Journal of Nephrology
and Renovascular Disease. Prior to this study, the potential health care cost savings
on a national scale due to the use of ferric citrate in end-stage renal disease, also
known as ESRD, were undetermined.
Approximately 500,000 ESRD patients require hemodialysis three times/week.
The number of patients with ESRD is also increasing annually due to the growing
obesity epidemic. For such patients, costs for anemia-management drugs like
erythropoietin stimulating agents and intravenous iron are at least $10,000
annually and the total annual CMS cost for ESRD is $30 billion. The study results
indicate that if ferric citrate usage nominally reduced utilization of erythropoietin
stimulating agents by 20% and IV iron usage by 40%, a cost reduction of $1 billion
could potentially be realized for hemodialysis patients with ESRD.
Ferric citrate or Zerenex from Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, is approved for use in Japan,
and new drug applications have been submitted by Keryx in the US and Europe.
The report was authored by Anila Thomas, Pharm.D., BCPS of the Houston Methodist
Hospital Clinical Pharmacy Services and Leif Peterson, Ph.D., from the Center for
Biostatistics at the Houston Methodist Research Institute.
Thomas A, Peterson LE. Reduction of costs for anemia-management drugs associated with the
use of ferric citrate. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis. 2014 May 20;7:191-201.
Houston Methodist Research Institute and Houston Methodist Hospital researchers recently reported that the drug ferric citrate, a novel phosphate binder, has the potential to reduce the usage of expensive anemia management drugs used during hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease patients.
The cost saving from the use of ferric citrate is expected to grow annually because of the increasing prevalence of ESRD. This could significantly impact medical costs not only for dialysis patients but also for others with related conditions like anemia-non dialysis.
Quick FactsHOUSTON METHODIST INSTITUTE FOR ACADEMIC MEDICINE
Million in Research Expenditure
1460 Credentialed Researchers
Faculty
Trainees
Million in Extramural Funding
540120
55890
580562
Thousand Sq Ft Research Space
Clinical Protocols
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The suppression of two genes reduce breast cancer tumor formation and metastasis by interfering with blood vessel formation and recruitment, report a team of Houston Methodist and five other institutions in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . The findings may help medical researchers identify effective drug targets for triple negative breast cancer also referred to as TNBC.
We have found two unique genes that may affect the
most lethal type of breast cancer. Most importantly,
we have drugs that can block nitric oxide signaling
and wil l begin a clinical trial in the Cancer Center
in the near future.
Two new possible drug targets for triple negative breast cancerby David Bricker
About 42,000 new cases of triple negative
breast cancer (TNBC) are diagnosed in the
United States each year, about 20 percent of
all breast cancer diagnoses. Patients typically
relapse within one to three years of being
treated. TNBC is distinguished from other
breast cancers in that it does not express the
genes for estrogen receptor, progesterone
receptor, and Her2/neu and is frequently
harder to treat.
By suppressing close to five hundred
TNBC-related genes, Jenny Chang, M.D. and
her research group found interference was
strongest with MLF2 and RPL39 in triple
negative breast cancer model tissue. The
genes, MLF2 (myeloid leukemia factor 2)
and RPL39 (a ribosomal protein), were found
to most profoundly impact the production of
nitric oxide synthase, which helps regulate
blood vessel behavior and could be crucial
for the recruitment of new blood vessels to
growing tumors. These genes impact the
spread of TNBC throughout the body, and have
not been linked with breast cancer so far.
The scientists also learned that mutations in
these genes in patients were associated with
worse survival in triple negative breast cancer.
The researchers went a step further,
determining which configurations of small
inhibitory RNA (siRNA) were most efficient
at shutting down MLF2 and RPL39 in breast
cancer stem cell lines. siRNA molecules
interfere with the cell’s ability to express
genes and have proven to be effective drug
tools for a wide variety of diseases, including
some cancers.
In preliminary studies, the combination of siRNA
and chemotherapy agent docetaxel significantly
reduced tumor volume relative to chemotherapy
alone and also appeared to prolong survival.
Separate analyses showed suppression with
siRNA appeared to yield fewer metastases to
lung tissue.
Dave B, Granados-Principal S, Zhu R, et al. Targeting RPL39 and MLF2 reduces tumor initiation and metastasis in breast cancer by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2014 Jun 17;111(24):8838-43.
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- Jenny Chang, M.D. Director, Houston Methodist Cancer Center
Research Highlights
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Factors regulating repair of DNA damage identifiedby David Bricker
The gene “MOF” (males absent on the first)
plays a role in histone modification that is critical
for cell survival as it is involved in transcription.
MOF has also been implicated in the recruitment
of key DNA binding proteins that aid in the
repair of DNA double-strand breaks.
Houston Methodist Research Institute cancer
geneticist and radiation biologist Tej K. Pandita,
Ph.D., and colleagues from Houston Methodist
and three other institutions, reported to Cell
Reports the intricate sequence of interactions
that allow MOF to regulate DNA double-strand
break repair in a cell cycle specific manner.
Regulation of genetic repair is critical for the
suppression of cancer development.
If you think that 3D glasses are only for
watching movies, think again. Surgeons at
the Houston Methodist Hospital are using
3D technology in the operating room while
performing laparoscopic surgery. During surgery, surgeons wear 3D glasses to
view TV monitors that project 3D images from an HD scope inside the body.
With this innovative minimally invasive technology, patients undergoing surgery for
colon cancer, diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease can leave the hospital much faster
after surgery, return to their daily routines sooner, experience less pain, and have
smaller scars. Dr. Haas is the only surgeon in Houston using this technology for
colorectal laparoscopic procedures.
Go to khou.com to learn more.
3D glasses define the tissues very precisely, and allow us to do parts of the procedure that would be extremely challenging.
3D glasses–From movie theaters to operating rooms
Houston Methodist Research institute scientists will receive about $250,000 from the Muscular Dystrophy
association to determine whether an absence of the protein tDP-43 in the cell nucleus causes nerve cells to die.
the three-year project is an investigation of how tDP-43’s expression and location within nerve cells
contributes to errors in DNa repair. Researchers will also see whether the resulting accumulation of DNa
damage is responsible for the loss of brain cells during the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (aLs),
a neurodegenerative disorder sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease.
aLs affects about 2 of every 100,000 people worldwide. Disease progression is fairly rapid; 50 percent
are alive two years following diagnosis, with only 10 percent surviving more than 10 years. Effective drug
therapies have so far proven elusive.
Houston Methodist scientists receive $250,000 to learn why ALS nerve cells die
“What we learn may lead to new drugs and therapies that slow or stop the
disease’s progression,” said neuroscientist and radiation oncologist
Muralidhar L. Hegde, Ph.D., the project’s principal investigator.
by David Bricker
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- Eric Haas, M.D. Colorectal surgeon, Houston Methodist
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Scientists witness ‘a new era of digital biology’ using biomedical data and supercomputing.
Alzheimer’s and cancer l ink found
A team led by Houston Methodist Research Institute scientists has found that Alzheimer’s disease and cancer share a common pathway
in gene transcription, a process essential for cell reproduction and growth. The findings were published in the open access journal
Scientific Reports by the Nature Publishing Group.
According to the lead investigator, Stephen Wong, Ph.D., P.E., of the Houston Methodist Research Institute, this study showed a new
link between Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of neurodegenerative disease, and glioblastoma multiform (GBM), the most
aggressive form of brain cancer.
The scientists used the
Lonestar and Stampede
supercomputers at the Texas
Advanced Computing Center (TACC),
The University of Texas at Austin, to
analyze and compare data from thousands
of genes and to narrow the search for
common cell signaling pathways of the two
diseases. By finding which genes were active in
the two diseases, the active genes could be mapped to
known pathways through a process called pathway analysis.
The research is supported by a gift from the Ting Tsung and
Wei Fong Chao Foundation, and by grants from the National
Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH program officer for the grant,
Dan Gallahan, deputy director of the Division of Cancer Biology with
the National Cancer Institute remarked: “This work of Dr. Wong’s is quite
exciting in that it shows connections between two of the most intractable
diseases in modern society. And while our focus is on cancer, the great hope
is that as we make these connections we can leverage that knowledge to find
new targets and opportunities that can provide meaningful intervention for
either disease.”
Visit tacc.utexas.edu to read more about this work.
by Jorge Salazar
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Clinical Research Highlights
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Clinicians and researchers from the Departments of Urology and Translational
Imaging used functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, to identify
brain activation centers associated with initiation of urination in normal healthy
females. Their findings were recently published in The Journal of Urology.
In a discussion with Nature Reviews Urology which
covered this study as a news story, Rose Khavari,
M.D., the lead author of the story said, “When we
researched the literature, we realized that a majority
of the published studies had used positron emission
tomography and computerized tomography
(PET CT) or fMRI to evaluate the bladder in the
filling phase. This was mainly due to challenges
that exist with voiding in the fMRI machine.”
There is only one other study in the literature
that had actually examined functional brain activity
during bladder emptying. The current study was
therefore designed to expand on this data and
evaluate the etiology of voiding dysfunction.
This was a pilot observational study where brain
activity was observed via fMRI during simultaneous
urodynamics testing. The study evaluated the
blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signals
recorded during fMRI of the brain when normal
subjects underwent urodynamics testing. This also
included the pressure-flow voiding phase. You can
learn more about this research in the Nature
Reviews Urology news story.
Shy M, Fung S, Boone TB, et al. Functional magnetic resonance
imaging during urodynamic testing identifies brain structures
initiating micturition. J Urol. 2014 Apr 21.
Identifying brain structures initiating urination via functional magnetic resonance imaging
This is one of the first reports on the activation of a brain network consisting of regions for motor control, executive function, and emotion processing.
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The drug, alisertib or MLN8237, inhibits the enzyme
aurora A kinase, which is known to be very active
during cell division. The present study, published
in the journal Investigational New Drugs, looks at
the safety, tolerability, and preliminary success of
alisertib in treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma and
chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
“An advantage with this drug is it is oral and very
effective in a significant number of patients with
aggressive lymphoma when used at that dose
for 7 days out of a 21 day cycle,” said hematologist
Swaminathan Iyer, M.D., who led the multi-site study.
Although about half of patients participating in
the phase I study experienced side effects,
most were fairly tolerable and manageable.
Alisertib is not yet approved for general medical
use by the FDA. Its impact on T cell lymphoma is
being investigated in a separate, phase III trial
for a specific type of lymphoma called the T cell
lymphoma. Houston Methodist is a participating
study site for that project.
The work was funded by Millennium:
The Takeda Oncology Company.
New drug for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia passes early test by David Bricker
Lung cancer study focuses on a more targeted treatment option
A new study offered at Houston Methodist Hospital will compare an emerging
immunotherapy drug to an existing chemotherapy drug and look at the effects both
drugs have on the development of non-small cell lung cancer, a type of cancer which
makes up about 85 percent of lung cancer cases. Lung cancer is the second most
common malignancy in the United States.
For many years, researchers had hoped to find a way to manipulate the immune
system to attack tumors. Immunotherapy stimulates the body’s own immune system
to attack cancer cells through manmade proteins.
With so many different studies looking at immunotherapy, this particular study offered
at Houston Methodist Hospital is important because it hopes to see how the new
therapy stacks up against standard chemotherapy. “From a research standpoint, we
need to be able to offer new options to our patients using less toxic therapies, with
fewer side effects,” said Eric Bernicker, M.D., thoracic medical oncologist with Houston
Methodist Cancer Center and the study’s principal investigator. This study is sponsored
by Genentech. Houston Methodist is the only study site in the city of Houston.
by Katie Wooldridge
Researchers are beginning to recognize that the
immune system can be better harnessed to help
fight disease. For the first time, we are using
targeted therapy and relying on the patient’s
immune system to help fight the cancer.
A new chemotherapy drug being investigated
for its potency against two types of cancer
was found by scientists at Houston Methodist
and seven other institutions to be effective
in about one-third of the 58 patients who
participated in a phase I study.
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- Eric Bernicker, M.D. Director, Medical Thoracic Oncology Houston Methodist
Clinical Research Highlights
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Diet and Physical Activity in Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Progression-Free survivalInvestigator: Aparna Kamat, M.D. Study Coordinator: Jaya S. Kamath, MS, MT (ASCP), CCRC/ 713-441-6616
The purpose of this study is to find out if a change in diet and exercise in women with stage II, III or IV ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer, has an effect on the length of time she is cancer free following initial treatment.
Ciprofloxacin for Prevention of BK infectionInvestigator: Samir J. Patel, Pharm.D. / 713-441-2168
BK virus infection is an important cause of graft dysfunction and graft loss after renal transplantation. This study hopes to
determine whether routine, short-term ciprofloxacin administration post-transplant can lower the incidence of BK infection.
Abbott COAPT Trial for Functional Mitral RegurgitationInvestigator: Neal Kleiman, M.D. Study Coordinator: Candice Blaylock, BSN, RN/ 713-441-3629
MitraClip is a percutaneous device developed for the treatment of clinically significant mitral regurgitation. The COAPT trial will provide new data on the safety and effectiveness of the MitraClip System specifically in heart failure patients who have functional mitral regurgitation and are extremely high risk for mitral valve surgery.
HeartWare® Ventricular Assist system (supplemental Trial) for Heart FailureInvestigator: Brian Bruckner, M.D. Study Coordinator: Emily Taylor, MS, BSN, RN, CVRN, CCRP / 713-441-3963
This study will evaluate the incidence of stroke in patients implanted with a HeartWare® HVAD who receive optimal blood pressure management. HeartWare® HVAD is implanted as a destination left ventricular assist device or LVAD therapy.
NOBLE study for Alzheimer’s DiseaseInvestigator: Joseph C. Masdeu, M.D. Study Coordinator: Jennifer Garrett, RN / 281-222-9983
NOBLE study will evaluate an investigational drug specifically for people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The drug called T-817MA, uses neuroprotectant qualities that could help suppress disease progression in this population. Houston Methodist is the only study location in Texas to offer this randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study.
Clinical Trials: NOW OPEN & ENROLLiNG
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Cockrell Clinical Trial Centers The Cockrell Clinical Trial Centers promote and support clinical research operations throughout Houston Methodist.
They offer approximately 5000 sq. ft. of office space throughout the greater Houston area including the Texas Medical Center,
Sugarland, West Houston, and a new facility in Pearland, to support clinical trials closer to study participant homes or workplaces.
The Cockrell Clinical Trial Centers provide a full range of outpatient clinical care and study management services, including regulatory
submissions and budget management support for all phases of clinical trials. The Cockrell Clinical Trial Centers are staffed by highly
skilled and experienced medical and research professionals. The Phase 1 Clinical Research Unit located in the Houston Methodist
Hospital’s Main 6 Southeast wing, is involved with conducting phase 1 clinical trials and advanced pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic
evaluations.
Contact Julie Sicam, Director Clinical Research Services at [email protected] for more information.
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HOUSTON METHODIST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
COCKREll ClINICAl TRIAl CENTERS PHASE 1 ClINICAl RESEARCH UNIT - TMC HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAl
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WEST HOUSTON WEST HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAl
PEARlAND METHODIST PRIMARy CARE GROUP
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lEADING MEDICINE IN GREATER HOUSTON
CoreValve TAVR study reports lower death rate in high risk patients
Michael Reardon, M.D. and Neal Kleiman, M.D. from the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, along with the
U.S. CoreValve Clinical Investigators reported the results of the CoreValve high risk study in the New England Journal of Medicine
publication titled “Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement with a Self-Expanding Prosthesis.” This is the first and only trial to show
superior survival for a transcatheter aortic valve versus a surgical aortic valve in a randomized study.
SURTAVI - now open and enrolling - is the follow-up trial to the CoreValve high risk study, which will investigate the outcomes in intermediate
and moderate risk patients. Dr. Reardon is the national surgical Principal Investigator for this study. According to Dr. Reardon, this study will
likely be pivotal in helping define the patient risk pools most appropriate for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.
by Maitreyi Muralidhar
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Adams DH, Popma JJ, Reardon MJ, et al. Transcatheter aortic-valve replacement with a self-expanding prosthesis. N Engl J Med. 2014 May 8;370(19):1790-8.
Inside the Institute
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Translational Research Initiative Intramural RFAHouston Methodist announces the Translational Research Initiative for product development or clinical trials
based on Houston Methodist inventions. The Translational Research Initiative will support development of projects
that are ready to advance beyond the laboratory. Proposed projects should be poised for product development
[Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) production, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) studies] or clinical trials from
phase I through IIa. This RFA or Request for Applications solicits projects in any area of medicine.
Please contact [email protected] for further details on eligibility or submission guidelines.
New funding mechanisms for sustained supportTo provide sustained support for investigators in all stages of careers, NIH is piloting the concept of awarding longer-term grants. This will hopefully reduce the amount of time investigators spend in writing grant applications. The NIH Pioneer Award, supported by the Common Fund, is one example of the new approach. The Pioneer Award will support individual scientists with transformative or pioneering ideas and will grant $500,000 annually in direct costs for five years. Various NIH Institutes and Centers will soon be announcing similar funding opportunities.
NiH and AHRQ policy for application submission The NIH and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) have announced that for application due dates after April 16, 2014, following an unsuccessful resubmission (A1) application, applicants may submit the same idea as a new (A0) application for the next appropriate due date (NOT-OD-14-074).
Progress reportsThe Research Performance Progress Report or RPPR module is required to submit progress reports for Streamlined Non-competing Award Process (SNAP), fellowship, and multi-year funded awards (NOT-OD-14-079).
inclusion data reporting NIH is in the process of transitioning to a new module in the eRA Commons for reporting gender, race, and ethnicity information as required by the NIH Policy on the Inclusion of Women and Minorities in Clinical Research.
National biosafety stewardship month To raise awareness about critical biosafety issues and to focus special attention on safe laboratory practices, the NIH and other federal agencies are initiating the National Biosafety Stewardship Month. All recipients of NIH funds are invited to join federal agencies in taking the month of September to focus special attention on biosafety practices (NOT-OD-14-127). Houston Methodist Research Institute is participating in this recommitment to biosafety.
Go to nih.gov for more information on these updates.
iMPORTANT NiH ANNOUNCEMENTs
GR
AN
TS &
CO
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AC
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FuNDINg AT-A-glANCe
•Dailyupdatedfundingopportunitiesfromover3,500publicandprivatefundingbodies
•Over2.8millionawardedgrantrecords
•Abilitytofilterbyeligibilityandadvancedoptions
•Tailoredalertsfornewfundingopportunities
SCopuS AT-A-glANCe
•Thelargestdatabaseofpeer-reviewedresearchliteratureandconferenceproceedingsfrom around the world
•More than 21,900 titles from more than 5,000 international publishers and 105 different countries
•Over53millionrecords,23millionpatentsfrom5patentofficesworldwide
For questions regarding Scopus & SciVal® Funding, contact Houston Methodist librarians:
Linné Girouard: [email protected] or
Bob Bartlett: rjbartlett@@houstonmethodist.org
As part of the Research and Education Profiles (REP) project,
Houston Methodist now has access to SciVal® Funding and
Scopus databases. Access is available from any Houston
Methodist computer through the Houston Methodist library:
houstonmethodist.org/library
HOUSTON METHODIST REP ACADEMIC TOOLBOX
Houston Methodist Research &
Education Profiles
Publication Resources
Largest abstract and citation database of
peer-reviewed literature
Largest funding opportunity database
6,000 sponsors 19,000 active RFAs
Sign up for alerts
Conferences & Seminars
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Online profile Find collaborators
Format biosketches
Conference planning Online registration & tools
Advertise seminars Use it when you need it
Writing & editorial service Metrics & reports
Boilerplate Graphic design
Printing & production
Collaboration Concierge
SMEs & collaborators Cores & services
Information sources Resources & support
INS
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Updates to Research Credentialing In response to feedback received from
the research community as well as peer
research institutions, Houston Methodist
Research Institute re-credentialing will now
be due for renewal on a three-year cycle.
What does this mean? Instead of having to complete your online
CITI training every two years, your renewal
will now be due every three years. Individuals
working with comparative medicine models
will still have to undergo an occupational
health assessment on a yearly basis.
Please contact hmricredentialing@
houstonmethodist.org with any questions.
Houston Methodist REP
Inside the Institute
18
Mission Nano game available on NisE websiteFunded by a Nanoscale Informal Science
Education Network mini-grant, the Houston
Methodist Research Institute and Rice University’s
Center for Technology in Teaching and Learning
partnered to develop a nanotechnology-based
multimedia game app. The product, Mission: Nano,
is now available online. It educates players about
the uses of nanotechnology in medicine and
inspires them to consider careers in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Go to houstonmethodist.org/nanoday
for more information.
Houston Chronicle - Research PhilanthropyIn an article titled “Philanthropy keeps
wheels of research turning,” the
Houston Chronicle featured Houston
Methodist Hospital’s David S. Baskin,
M.D. and Mrs. Donna Peak, a biochemist
and the wife of the late Kenneth Peak.
The article leads with Dr. Baskin’s
research work, and features the
Kenneth R. Peak Center for Brain and
Pituitary Tumor Treatment and Research
further into the story.
Go to chron.com to learn more.
senate Appropriations Committee HearingThe Senate Appropriations Committee held
a hearing on “Driving Innovation through
Federal Investments” in April, to evaluate
how federal investments in R&D affect our
nation and citizens. The Houston Methodist
Research Institute provided a written
testimony that focused on the need to
commit funding for translational research.
Visit appropriations.senate.gov to read the
full testimony.
Houston Methodist is pleased to announce that 10 faculty members were
recently appointed or reappointed to prestigious endowed chair positions.
We now have a total of 37 endowed chairs, made possible by some of
the most generous philanthropic supporters.
•MohammedAttar,M.D.-LynnandOscarWyatt,Jr.ChairinCardiologyinhonorof Dr. Mohammed Attar
•DavidS.Baskin,M.D.-KennethR.PeakPresidentialDistinguishedChair
•JohnP.Cooke,M.D.,Ph.D.-JosephC.“Rusty”WalterandCaroleWalterLookePresidential Distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular Disease Research
•StuartM.Dobbs,M.D.-LennyC.KatzChairinHealthOutcomesandQuality in honor of Dr. Stuart M. Dobbs
•JosephC.Masdeu,M.D.,Ph.D.-TheGrahamFamilyDistinguishedChair for Neurological Sciences in the Institute for Academic Medicine
•EamonnM.Quigley,M.D.-DavidM.UnderwoodChairofMedicinein Digestive Disorders
•LawrenceRice,M.D.-DottieandJimmyC.AdairDistinguishedChairinHematology
•WilliamL.Winters,Jr.,M.D.-JohnS.Dunn,Sr.ChairinClinical Cardiovascular Research and Education
•StephenWong,Ph.D.-JohnS.Dunn,Sr.PresidentialDistinguishedChairin Biomedical Engineering
•WilliamA.Zoghbi,M.D.-ElkinsFamilyDistinguishedChairinCardiacHealth in honor of Dr. William A. Zoghbi
NEw ENDowED CHAIRS
Houston Methodist researchers and
clinicians now have access to professional
scientific editing, writing, and consulting
services. BioScience Writers LLC
specializes in meeting the scientific writing
and editing needs of the global research
community, and they will soon be available
at our location to assist faculty and staff
with manuscript publishing and grant
funding projects. To learn more about
how BioScience Writers can assist you,
contact Kimberly Busiek, Ph.D., the Project
Manager dedicated to serving Houston
Methodist at HM-onsite@biosciencewriters.
com to schedule a time to meet with her.
scientific Writing and Editing services
Now Available!
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JoVE – Updates and New Features
JoVE, the Journal of Visualized Experiments,
the world’s first peer reviewed scientific
video journal, has recently come out with a
new look and some enhanced features.
•AskJoVE:Userscannowdownloadan
“Ask JoVE” button to their Bookmarks
Bar. This allows users to pull up relevant
JoVE articles while researching a topic
in another journal or on PubMed, thus
visualizing applicable experiments or
procedures, and saving time and energy.
•Casestudies:JoVEhasrecently
published two case studies - one on
catheter implantation, the other on a
bioprinter. These case studies illustrate
the value of using scientific-video
articles and the savings institutions
see in time, energy, resources, and
money spent.
New book details the history of cardiovascular surgery and medicine in the “heart capital of the world” by George Kovacik
William Winters, M.D., a cardiologist for nearly 50 years with Houston Methodist
Hospital, has published “Houston Hearts, A History of Cardiovascular Surgery
and Medicine and the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center at Houston
Methodist Hospital.” Written with Betsy Parish, a former columnist with the Houston
Post, the book details the story of how Houston became synonymous with heart
care and became known as the heart capital of the world.
“The book looks at the vast history of Houston Methodist’s leadership in the field
of cardiovascular surgery, research, and clinical care,” Winters said. “We cover
everything from the rise of great surgeons like Dr. Michael E. DeBakey to the
pioneering studies, experiments, and groundbreaking surgeries that have made
Houston Methodist a world leader in cardiovascular care.”
“Houston Hearts” tells the story
of the many men and women
who helped create, develop,
and nourish the pioneering
advances made in cardiovascular
surgical and medical care that
people around the world have
access to today.
Healthy Knowledge blog now live
Healthy Knowledge, the new official blog
for Houston Methodist, is now live.
Go to blog.houstonmethodist.org to
access it. Contact Jason Lauritzen at
with any suggestions for blog topics.
Cyclotron facility begins 18F-FDOPA production Houston Methodist Research Institute Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceutical core is now
one of only three sites in the US producing clinical grade 18F-FDOPA for adult glioblastoma
PET-CT imaging. Contact [email protected] to work with the Cyclotron and
Radiopharmaceutical facility.
2014
Education News
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MERLIN, the Methodist Education and Research Learner Information Network, is a new online rotator application system that the Institute for Academic Medicine will roll out later this fall. The system will allow rotating residents, medical students, and other learners coming to Houston Methodist to submit application materials in a secure environment.
MERLIN allows learners, approvers, and staff to review the status of the application during the course of review and will ultimately provide a more robust metrics report.
Please contact Trevor Burt, Director of Education Administration at [email protected] for additional information.
MERLIN will eliminate the paper application process by allowing the learner to upload required forms and documents which will get routed to the appropriate programs for review. once applications are routed through the approval process, an electronic notification of the status will be sent to the applicant’s email address.
MERLIN Roll Out
Houston Methodist is happy to announce the initial accreditation by the Accreditation Council for the Gastroenterology
Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) fellowship program. Bincy Abraham, M.D. serves as the program director of the
three-year, six trainee fellowship program that opened in July 2014.
Three Houston Methodist physicians, Drs. Robert Schutt (Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center),
Tejal Patel (Oncology), and Deepa Gotur (Critical Care) were among the eight selected to participate in the Mentored
Clinical Research Training Program for 2014. In this accelerated clinical research program offered jointly by Weill
Cornell Medical College and Houston Methodist, the selected trainees had the opportunity to attend a four-day
workshop with didactic coursework, group sessions, and invited speaker sessions on the clinical research process.
Gastroenterology is Newest ACGME-Accredited Fellowship Program
Mentored Clinical Research Training Program 2014
by Trevor Burt
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MERLIN Roll Out Graduate Fellowships in Translational Research
offered by The University of Houston Cullen
College of Engineering and the Houston Methodist
Research Institute, provide a unique opportunity
for Ph.D. students to pursue a degree in engineering
and translational research. The second class of
fellows entered the program on August 25.
The Houston Methodist Academy hosts diversity
fairs to promote awareness about different
cultures and diversity in the workplace. The
summer diversity fair held on July 2, showcased
the country of Brazil. Employees celebrated
Brazilian culture, customs, and food, followed
by games, activities, and prizes. The Consulate-
General of Brazil, Roberto Ardenghy, was the
guest of honor for the event.
The Houston Methodist Academy conducted a
ten-week summer internship program attended
by over 50 summer interns. The interns pursued
research projects under the guidance of faculty
members at the Houston Methodist Research
Institute. The program included didactic lectures,
interactive MITIE tour, journal clubs, and a retreat
where all students presented their research projects.
Graduate Fellowships in Translational Research 2014
summer Diversity Fair
Houston Methodist Academy summer internships
by Maitreyi Muralidhar
By breaking the silos within which professionals in fields such as basic research,
clinical practice, and business traditionally operate, this program can help expedite
the translation of research discoveries from bench to bedside, reducing the time
needed to bring effective therapies to patients. the program is designed to fit the
needs of both researchers and healthcare professionals interested in the business
side of medical technology, or entrepreneurs looking to gain insights into the
biomedical sector. the application for the program went live on august 1, 2014
for the first class starting spring 2015.
the Houston Methodist Research institute is pleased to announce the abramson-
Finger scholars Fund to help support students enrolled in the program. the scholarship
fund was made possible thanks to the generosity of Rolaine and Morrie abramson, and
Elaine and Marvy Finger.
The University of st. Thomas Cameron school of Business and the Houston Methodist Research institute are offering a unique new Master in Clinical Translational Management degree to bridge the gap between science and business. Currently, there are only two such programs in the U.s., offered by University of California, san Francisco (UCsF) and Johns Hopkins University.
Master in Clinical Translational Management Degree
NEW PROGRAM
Contact Amy Wright, Program Manager
Houston Methodist Academy at
for more information.
First row, from left: Marvy Finger; Morrie Abramson; Robert Ivany, Ph.D; Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D.; Back row, from left: Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr.; Timothy Boone, M.D., Ph.D.; Beena George, Ph.D.; Dominic Aquila, Ph.D.; Tong Sun; Amy Wright; Bert Edmundson, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.
I CARE Moments
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More than 250 children, their parents, and Houston Methodist staff gathered at the Houston Methodist Research Institute Saturday, April 5, to celebrate NanoDay 2014. Future medical scientists aged 3-12, played educational games and did mini-experiments designed
to introduce them to the world of nanoscience. Children who attended, performed scientific
experiments, and learned about nanotechnology and its applications. This is the fourth year that
the Houston Methodist Research Institute has hosted the annual event, part of the Nano Days
festival sponsored by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education initiative (NISE) and funded by
the National Science Foundation.
Houston Methodist celebrates NanoDay 2014 with games, educationby David Bricker
Houston Methodist Research Institute employees have been actively promoting STEM
education in the greater Houston community. Jason Sakamoto, Ph.D. and Hannah Kim visited
the Dodson Montessori Magnet School on their College and Career Day, and answered a gamut
of questions from young minds on how Nanomedicine research can impact everyday life.
Rebecca Hall, Ph.D. and Amy Wrightz visited Elrod Elementary - A Health and Nutrition Magnet
with a focus on pre-med and medical technology. In their presentation at Elrod, Dr. Hall and
Amy provided an overview of Houston Methodist research & education activities and highlighted
career pathways in the world of health and science for interested students.
by Maitreyi Muralidhar
Advocacy in Our CommunityS T EsC
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Photo: nisenet.org
Photo: nisenet.org
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“Healing Hearts” - Looking for a deeper purpose and meaning
Fitbit challenge
In the hustle and bustle of busy schedules, to-do lists, and deadlines, we can often lose sight of the deeper meaning of our work. To promote
contemplation around what we do and why we do it, the Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration embarked on a unique exercise of designing
a graphic that visually depicts the purpose and goal of the Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration. Here we feature one of the few thought
provoking submissions.
To encourage the culture of health and fitness, Houston Methodist provided all employees with an opportunity to purchase a Fitbit at an extreme discount of over 50% off retail. As an added incentive, the Beat your CEO Fitbit contest was also launched. Anyone who averaged more steps per month than their CEO, was entered into a drawing to win prizes by earning a Pick Up Your Pace credit.
From the Houston Methodist Research Institute, three people averaged an impressive greater number of steps per day than CEO Mauro Ferrari. The winners are: •EmilyTaylor(23,711steps) •JonathanOttoMartinez(20,541steps) •MarthaE.Silva(19,973steps)
Atotalof153HoustonMethodistResearchInstituteemployeesbecame members of the Houston Methodist HealthyDirections Fitbit Community. Each one of them was entered into a drawing to win an iPad. The lucky winner is Leif Peterson!
Congratulations!
“The mission of the Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration is to restore
cardiovascular health through translational research, by focusing on
the determinants of cardiovascular plasticity, reprogramming, and
aging. Simply stated, we are ultimately in the business of “Healing
Hearts.” Healing cannot be achieved without the human touch,
represented in this graphic by the hands enveloping the heart.
As researchers, we are deeply committed to the mission of Healing
Hearts either by preventing cardiovascular ageing or by regenerating
cardiovascular tissue though breakthroughs in our research.
“
– Palas Chanda, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow Houston Methodist Research Institute
24
Awards & Accolades
CON
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Excellence in Peer Reviewed Publications: Xian Li, M.D., Ph.D., for the
Lancet publication titled “A new era for organ transplantation in China.”
Research Excellence: Alessandro Grattoni, Ph.D. for Nanomedicine research
Other Academic Achievements: Members of the Cyclotron and
Radiopharmaceutical Core for cGMP production of 18F-FDOPA for
non-invasive imaging of recurrent glioblastoma.
Radiation Oncology $ 1,212,200, Sankar Mitra, 4 yrs, National Institute of General Medical Sciences
$ 1,184,139, Sankar Mitra, 4 yrs, National Cancer Institute *
$ 1,212,200, Tej Pandita, 4 yrs, National Institute of General Medical Sciences
$ 1,594,532, Tej Pandita, 5 yrs, National Cancer Institute *
$ 311,403, Tej Pandita, 1 yr, National Cancer Institute * $ 40,000, Muralidhar Hegde, 1 yr, ALS Association$ 17,007, Sanjay Adhikari, 1 yr, National Institute on Drug Abuse *
Cardiovascular sciences$ 1,587,025, Prasanna Krishamurthy, 4 yrs, National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute *
$ 658,125, Yohannes Ghebremariam, 5 yrs, National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute *
$ 139,338, Stephen Little, 2 yrs, American Heart Association
Transplant immunology $ 1,886,719, Xian Li, 5 yrs, National Institutes of Allergy & Infectious Disease$ 1,602,130, Roger Sciammas, 4 yrs, National Institutes of Allergy & Infectious Disease
Pathology and Genomic Medicine $ 300,000, Adriana Rosato, 1 yr, National Institutes of Allergy & Infectious Disease
Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases$ 308,000, Tuo Deng, 4 yrs, American Heart Association
Nanomedicine$ 598,125, Alessandro Grattoni, 3 yrs, National Institute of General Medical Sciences
systems Medicine and Bioengineering $ 249,972, Stephen Wong, 2 yrs, US Army$ 175,000, Stephen Wong, 1 yr (Supplement), National Cancer Institute
Biostatistics$ 239,894, Leif Peterson, 2 yrs, NASA
NEW FUNDiNG AWARDs
PREsiDENT’s AWARDs
* New Faculty Transfers
25
Philip Cagle, M.D., leader of the multi-organization CAP/IASLC/AMP Lung Cancer Biomarkers Guideline task
force and the co-directors, received the prestigious Power of a Gold Award from the American Society of Association
Executives in recognition of their innovative guidelines which impact the care of many lung cancer patients.
Alan Garber, M.D., received the 2014 National Lipid Association’s Honorary Lifetime Member Award, in
recognition of his accomplishments in the field of Lipidology.
Malgorzata Kloc, Ph.D., was named the “Distinguished Fellow of the Koscuiuszko Foundation Collegium of
Eminent Scientists” for outstanding achievements and contributions to the Polish scientific community.
David Haviland, Ph.D., C.Cy., has been elected to a four-year term as Councilor of the International Society
for the Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC).
Zheng Yin, Ph.D., earned first prize in the poster competition at the Multiscale Cancer Systems Biology Symposium.
Academic Press of Elsevier published the book ‘Cancer Theranostics’, authored by Stephen Wong, Ph.D, P.E.
Lenis Sosa, MSN, BSN, RN, OCN, published an article in the “Houston Methodist Nurse” magazine in
March 2014 on positive work culture and employee development.
Travel Awards:
Timo Nazari-Shafti, M.D., German Academic International Network Meeting
Gianfranco Matrone, Ph.D., International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR)
Haibo Wang, Ph.D., Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS)
Xiaomin Shi, Ph.D., World Transplant Congress (WTC)
AWARDs & ACCOLADEs
New Members, Employees, and Promotions
PromotionsRandall Olsen, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Member, Pathology and Genomic MedicineLenis Sosa, MSN, BSN, RN, OCN, Regional Clinical Trial Manager
New MembersQi Cao, Ph.D., Assistant Member, Center for Inflammation and EpigeneticsYihui Fan, M.D., Ph.D., Instructor, Transplant Immunology Research ProgramEugene Golanov, M.D., Ph.D., Full Member, NeurosurgeryJoshua Harris, M.D., Assistant Member, Orthopedic SurgerySoma Jyothula, MBBS, Assistant Member, MedicineJoseph Masdeu, M.D., Ph.D., Full Member, NeurologyReginald Munden, M.D., DMD, MBA, Full Member, RadiologyTej Pandita, Ph.D., Full Member, Radiation OncologyAlexandria Phan, M.D., Associate Member, Cancer CenterBryce Portier, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Member, Pathology and Genomic MedicineCorina Rosales, Ph.D., Instructor, Cardiovascular SciencesAmy Schefler, M.D., FACS, Assistant Member, OphthalmologyMartyn Sharpe, Ph.D, Associate Member, Neurosurgery
Department of Nanomedicine Hailong Li, Postdoctoral Fellow, Nanomedicine Research Jonathan Otto Martinez, Postdoctoral Fellow, Nanomedicine Lab Lyle R Hood, Postdoctoral Fellow, Nanomedicine Lab Marco Farina, Graduate Research Fellow, Nanomedicine Lab Megumi Kai, Postdoctoral Fellow Nanomedicine Lab Sarah Diane Hmaidan, Research Assistant, Nanomedicine Lab Suhong Wu, Postdoctoral Fellow, Nanomedicine Lab Usha Thekkedath, Scientific Writer, Nanomedicine Lab Yiyang Wu, Research Assistant I, Nanomedicine Lab
Department of Financial Reporting and Budgets Christina Clements, Senior Financial Analyst
RNAcore Colleen Fisher, Research Assistant II
Department of NeurosciencesValeria Miss Guglielmi, Postdoctoral Fellow I
Cancer ResearchBaohua Sun, Research Associate II, Cancer Lab Saikat Saha, Postdoctoral Associate, Cancer Lab Zhebin Liu, Postdoctoral Fellow IV, Cancer Lab
Clinical Trials supportAndrea De Hester, Medical Assistant, AOCT Bela Jain, Clinical Trials Manager, AOCTErica J Garcia, Medical Assistant, AOCT Jason Gardner, Financial Analyst, AOCTSemahat Eiswirth, Clinical Research Nurse, AOCT
Grants and ContractsVivian Yvette Robinson, Grant & Contract SpecialistDiane Smith, Grant & Contract Specialist
Comparative MedicineBari Gibson, Animal Care Technician IDebra Bruce, Veterinary Technician I Roger Ramirez, Project Specialist Ryan Barrett Vance, Research Assistant Bench
Center for inflammation & EpigeneticsChuang Sun, Postdoctoral Fellow Meng Lin, Graduate Research FellowQin Tang, Graduate Research Fellow
Radiation OncologyAnjana Tiwari, Research Associate I Avijit Majumdar, Project Specialist Clayton R Hunt, Research Scientist Dharmendra Sharma, Research Associate IDurga Udayakumar, Research Scientist Erika Nicolle Guerrero, Graduate Research Fellow Joy Mitra, Graduate Research Fellow Kazi Mokim Ahmed, Research Associate IINobuko Horikoshi, Research Assistant Bench INobuo Horikoshi, Research ScientistRaj K Pandita, Manager Research Laboratory Sharmistha Chakraborty, Research Associate IIShashank Hambarde, Postdoctoral FellowTej K Pandita, ScientistVijaya Kumar Charaka, Postdoctoral Fellow
Exp/Phase i TherapeuticsAnna Rogojina, Senior Research Associate
Executive AdministrationSabitha Prabhakaran, Scientific Writer
Tissue/serum Core Hannah Brister, Research Assistant Bench INathan Garcia, Research Assistant Bench I
surgery Alice Esther Li, Undergraduate Research Fellow, Surgery - Outcomes Research Mark David Hatfield, Graduate Research Fellow, Surgery - Outcomes Research Rabera Onyango, Project Analyst, Surgery - Admin
Research Technology DevelopmentParas Bhatt, Business Analyst II
immunobiology ResearchLi Jia, Postdoctoral FellowRui Jin, Postdoctoral FellowVeena Krishnamoorthy, Postdoctoral Fellow I
infectious DiseasesJesus Eraso, Research Scientist
Department of Cardiovascular sciences Bahij Kreidieh, Postdoctoral Fellow, Electrophysiology Research Darukeshwara Joladarashi, Postdoctoral FellowDedipya Yelamanchili, Research Assistant II, AtherosclerosisEvgeniy Bovshik, Research Assistant, Cardiovascular SciencesLi Lai, Postdoctoral Fellow, Cardiovascular SciencesLiu Chun, Postdoctoral Fellow, Cardiovascular Sciences Longhou Fang, Scientist, Cardiovascular Sciences Lynnanna Shawn Bender, Clinical Research Nurse Manuel Angel Rojas, Financial Analyst, Cardiology Odeaa Al Jabbari, Postdoctoral Fellow, Cardiovascular SurgeryPrasanna Krishnamurthy, Scientist, Cardiovascular SciencesRachel Barosh, Research Assistant I Rajarajan Amirthalingam, Postdoctoral Fellow III, Cardiovascular Sciences Rock DeLane Rickel, Undergraduate Research Fellow, Cardiology Imaging Research Sahana Suresh Babu, Postdoctoral FellowSergio Hugo Ibarra Cortez, Postdoctoral Fellow, Electrophysiology Research Zia Ali, Financial Analyst, Heart Center Research
systems Medicine and BioengineeringRichard Ogunti, Project Specialist Xiaohui Yu, Research Programmer
26
Houston Methodist Research institute
6670 Bertner Ave.Houston | TX 77030
Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Hall, Ph.D.
Managing Editor and Writer Maitreyi Muralidhar, MS
Design & Creative lead Doris Huang
Content Coordinator Michelle Shemon
METHODOLOGYThe Research and Education Newsletter of Houston Methodist
Contributing Writers David Bricker Trevor Burt Colleen Kelly George Kovacik Leif Peterson Jorge Salazar Katie wooldridge
Read more online: houstonmethodist.org/hmrinews
office of Communications and External RelationsInstitute for Academic MedicineHouston MethodistEmail: [email protected]
IAMNEwS-003 | 10.2014 | 1590
october 9-10 George and Angelina Kostas Research Center
for Cardiovascular Nanomedicine Annual International Meeting
CME credit available
october 10 MITIE - Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy &
Endoluminal Therapy
october 15 Study Startup/Deconstructing a Clinical
Research Trial for Excellence
october 25 Image-Guided Therapy Seminar
CME credit available
october 27 Swansea University Research Showcase
october 28 Research Institute Employee Town Hall -
October 2014 Update
November 22 Inaugural Neurosurgery Symposium
December 4-6 Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center
Frontiers in Organ Failure and Transplant Management
CME credit available
December 8 Pumps & Pipes 8: Ideas to Insight
December 11 2014 Annual Clinical Research Professionals Training
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPco
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ven
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Go to houstonmethodist.org/hmrievents for more information.