Grantees Selected for The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and SWCRF Aging and Cancer Initiative

Grantees Selected for The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Aging and Cancer Initiative

$1.5M awarded to three research teams, one with additional support from the Melanoma Research Alliance

New York, NY – February 13, 2024 – The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) have selected six investigators to receive three grants for their collaborative, two-year program aimed at improving our understanding of the links between aging and cancer. With additional support from the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), $1.5 million will fund three innovative projects, each pairing one lab focused on aging with another working on cancer research.  

Aging is a major risk factor for developing and dying of cancer. In fact, 90 percent of cancer diagnoses and deaths occur in people over the age of 50. Furthermore, older patients often experience worse side effects from many current cancer treatments, as well as other possible age-related issues, making treating these patients more complicated. Despite this, specific aging/cancer research is underfunded, and older patients are routinely underrepresented in clinical trials.

“It is crucial to debunk the notion that cancer is a natural consequence of aging and instead invest in specific aging and cancer research that will improve prevention strategies and develop less toxic treatments to benefit all patients,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman, CEO and Founder of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. “I am enthusiastic that this partnership with The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the grantees we have chosen will make a huge impact in this regard.”

Each collaborative team will receive up to $500,000 over three years, divided between the individual investigators. The funded projects will be subject to an annual peer review by a select committee that comprises scientific leaders from both foundations and grantees will be expected to present their research results, prior to publication, at the SWCRF Scientific Review held every fall. The third year of funding may be possible based on evaluated progress and funds available.

“With life expectancies increasing around the world, the incidence of cancer is rising and expected to grow exponentially. This will take an enormous toll on governments, health care infrastructure, and people’s livelihoods,” added Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, CEO of The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. “Working together with our partners, we are confident these world-class scientists will deliver promising results from their innovative projects, ultimately helping to improve overall patient outcomes.”

The Samuel Waxman/Mark Foundation Collaboration on Aging and Cancer Program grantees are below.  (Note: For more detailed information, project titles link to the corresponding research portfolio pages on The Mark Foundation website.)

Julio Aguirre-Ghiso, Ph.D.                                             Ross Levine, M.D.

Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center      Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

 

Research project: Age-related clonal hematopoiesis as a driver of breast cancer awakening and metastatic relapse

Sandra McAllister, Ph.D.                    Kornelia Polyak, M.D., Ph.D.       Rachel Freedman, M.D.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital         Dana-Farber Cancer Institute        Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

 

Research project: Improving breast cancer outcomes by understanding how immune age impacts tumor evolution and response to therapy

 Ashani Weeraratna, Ph.D.                                          Arjun Raj, Ph.D.

John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health    University of Pennsylvania

*Research project: Spatiotemporal profiling of the aged microenvironment in tumor dormancy and recurrent disease

*The additional contribution from MRA is supporting this project.

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation:

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $120 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org

About the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research:  

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, a charitable organization based in New York City, actively partners with scientists around the world to accelerate research that will transform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.  Since 2017, The Mark Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in grants to over 100 academic institutions across 13 countries, with research programs focusing on early career support, team science collaboration, new technology innovation, and therapeutics discovery.  Additionally, The Mark Foundation maintains a growing portfolio of investments in early-stage cancer diagnostics and therapeutics companies, including several that have transitioned from grantee projects into commercial development.  To learn more please visit www.TheMarkFoundation.org.

About the Melanoma Research Alliance:  

The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) stands as the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research. Founded in 2007 by Debra and Leon Black, MRA's mission is to end suffering and death due to melanoma by advancing the world's most promising science and research. MRA provides critical funding for melanoma cancer research that propels advances in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, metastasis, and survivorship. MRA-funded researchers have been behind every major melanoma research breakthrough. Since MRA's inception, more than 16 new therapeutic approaches for melanoma have earned FDA approval. MRA is recognized as one of the most fiscally efficient non-profits in the country. Because MRA's Founders generously cover 100% of MRA's administrative and operating costs, every dollar donated is invested directly into MRA's scientific and research program. For more information, please visit: www.CureMelanoma.org

Media Contacts:

Wylie Tene

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation

Director of Marketing and Communications

212-867-4502

[email protected]      

 

Linda Heaney

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research

Communications Manager

[email protected]

 

Renee Orcione

Melanoma Research Alliance

Digital Engagement & Communications Manager

[email protected]

 

Israel Cancer Research Fund and SWCRF Announce Grantees for New Aging and Cancer Research Program

Israel Cancer Research Fund and Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Announce Grantees for New Aging and Cancer Research Program

Initiative Will Allocate Up To $1 Million Over Three Years

New York, NY – October 26, 2023 – The Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) have selected the grantees for their new, two-year collaborative program to address the rising incidence of cancer due to aging. The two teams, each comprised of one Israeli and one American, will receive $400,000 over two years, with an additional $100,000 extension to continue their research based on progress.

“Aging is considered the highest risk factor for cancer,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman, CEO and founder of SWCRF. “Over the years, research has identified many key processes that drive cancer growth, many of which are also involved in the aging process, but we don’t fully understand how they are connected. These projects will hopefully improve our understanding of these complex mechanisms and spur new interventions and treatments.”

The awardees include Drs. Raul Mostoslavsky from Harvard Medical School and Haim Cohen from Bar-Ilan University. Their project expects to identify why a special component called SIRT6, which protects against cancer, decreases with age. They hope to find ways to manipulate this component to prevent cancer in aging. Drs. Charles Brenner from City of Hope National Medical Center and Fuad Iraqi from Tel Aviv University aim to pinpoint specific genes that play a role in the initiation of intestinal cancer in response to aging and dietary factors.

“Funding for research into aging and cancer has been historically underfunded. This is why we are thrilled to expand our relationship with SWCRF to focus on this crucial area of research. We are optimistic that these projects will lead to important discoveries, but equally crucial, will propagate further interest in the links between aging and cancer across our field,” said Beryl Chernov, National Executive Director, ICRF.

Both organizations will jointly administer the research program. Funded investigators will be required to present research progress during the Annual SWCRF Scientific Review held in New York City each fall. For more information visit www.waxmancancer.org and www.icrfonline.org

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation:

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

About the Israel Cancer Research Fund:  

Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) was established in 1975 by a group of scientists, physicians, and philanthropists in the United States and Canada to support the best and brightest scientists conducting groundbreaking cancer research in Israel. Our goal is to end the suffering caused by cancer. To date, ICRF has provided almost $93 million in funding for over 2,800 grants to support innovative cancer researchers from leading institutions throughout Israel.

Today, ICRF is the largest nongovernmental source of cancer research funding in Israel. ICRF-funded scientists have been instrumental in the development of the transformational, FDA-approved drugs Gleevec®, Doxil®, and Velcade®, and include the first two Israeli Nobel Prize Laureates in Chemistry. ICRF grantees continue to make major breakthroughs and are at the forefront of cancer discoveries in nanomedicine, immunotherapy, stem cell research and targeted therapies. For more information, visit https://www.icrfonline.org.

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Media Contacts:

 

Wylie Tene

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation

Director of Marketing and Communications

212-867-4502

[email protected]

 

Maggi Heffler

Israel Cancer Research Fund

Communications Director

917-204-2324

[email protected]

SWCRF Collaborates with Albert Einstein College of Medicine to Study Aging and Cancer

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Collaborates with Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine to Study Aging and Cancer

 New York, NY – May 2, 2023 – Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) is collaborating with Albert Einstein College of Medicine scientists to co-sponsor research to address the increased risk of cancer relapse associated with aging. Funding will be provided to scientists based at Einstein’s Nathan Shock Center of Excellence (E-NSC) and Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center’s (MECC) new Cancer Dormancy & Tumor Microenvironment Institute (CDTMI).

Aging is the leading risk factor for cancer. The incidence of cancer among people aged 60 and older is more than 400% higher than the rate among people under age 20. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people over age 60 will grow to more than two billion by 2050, drastically increasing the global burden of cancer. However, how aging may influence the rate of cancer relapse after initial treatment has not been carefully explored.

“Despite the alarming increase in the incidence of cancer, research specifically designed to examine the complex interplay between aging and cancer continues to be underfunded,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman, SWCRF CEO. “Collaborating with investigators at Einstein will help us better understand the aging-associated processes that exacerbate recurrent cancer risk and lead to new preventions and treatments.”

“One of the strategic scientific priorities of MECC is to investigate the biological mechanisms of the aging process that lead to the development of cancer,” said MECC Director Edward Chu, MD, MMS. “This collaboration with Dr. Waxman and the SWCRF will provide a real boost to our MECC scientists focused on cancer and aging.”

The new collaboration will invest $120,000 to support a team of co-investigators from Einstein for two years. The pair of scientists—one whose research is focused on aging and the other on cancer—will examine links between aging, cancer dormancy, and relapse. Applications will be evaluated in June 2023 by scientific leaders at SWCRF, CDTMI, and E-NSC and the chosen grantees will receive funding starting in July 2023. Grantees will be present their research results at the SWCRF Annual Scientific Review held every fall.

“Much of the focus of aging and cancer has centered around cancer initiation, but relapse of a previously treated cancer can also be affected by aging,” said Dr. Julio Aguirre-Ghiso, founding director of CDTMI, co-leader of the Cancer Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis program at MECC, and the Rose C. Falkenstein Chair in Cancer Research at Einstein. “Our relationship with SWCRF is an important step in building a cadre of researchers exploring the connections between aging and cancer relapse, sparking research collaborations, and advancing our understanding in the field.”

MECC, the 4th NCI-designated Cancer Center in the nation, founded CDTMI in 2021 to comprehensively examine how variables such as residual cancer dormancy, lifestyle-related perturbations of target organ niches, epigenetics, genetics, treatments—and aging—influence relapse in cancers of all types.

“Targeting the biology of aging can prevent many diseases, including cancer,” said Nir Barzilai, M.D., director of E-NSC, director of the Institute for Aging Research, and professor of medicine at Einstein and an endocrinologist at Montefiore Health System. “Exploring this aging environment and how it relates to cancer development and relapse will help us develop new preventions and treatments that can improve healthy aging and reduce cancer mortality.”

“Collaborating directly with scientists at medical schools and other institutions is an exciting new model that we hope will inspire other medical schools across the country to consider,” added Dr. Waxman. “Together, we can stem the tide of cancer.”

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation:

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

 

Media Contact:

Wylie Tene

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation

Director of Marketing and Communications

212-867-4502 / [email protected]

Microorganisms in Your Gut Could Help Prevent and Treat Colorectal Cancer

Microorganisms in Your Gut Could Help Prevent and Treat Colorectal Cancer

 

New Study Highlights Role of a Healthy Diet in Decreasing Risk

 

New York, NY – May 1, 2023 - A recent study sheds new light on the development and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). The research, titled "Development and treatment of colorectal cancer: Insights from multi-kingdom microbiota," explores the role of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) that live in our gut in preventing or increasing the risk of developing colon or rectal cancer.

 

The study published in the April edition of Aging and Cancer, by Wiley Publications in partnership with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF), found that changes in the microbiota can lead to inflammation and damage to the gut lining, which could eventually lead to cancer. However, researchers also point out that targeting the microbiota may lead to the development of novel medications to prevent and/or treat colorectal cancer.

 

Furthermore, researchers highlight that diet plays a vital role in regulating gut microbiota. In fact, study authors point to a meta-analysis which showed how a healthy diet – one including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, fish and other seafood, milk, and other dairy products, lowered the risk of CRC incidence. In contrast, a diet characterized by a high intake of red meat, processed meat, sugary beverages, refined sugars, and potatoes was associated with a higher risk.

 

“While colorectal cancer can occur in young adults, the risk increases as people age with the average age of diagnoses around 68 for men and 72 for women,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman, SWCRF CEO and founder. “This study has important implications for public health due to an increasing older population. I applaud the authors’ clever investigation of microorganism interactions, which will pave the way to manipulate them more accurately in the prevention and treatment of CRC.”

 

In 2023, an estimated 153,000 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with CRC. Worldwide, CRC is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. However, colorectal cancer can often be successfully treated when found early. 

Study: Development and treatment of colorectal cancer: Insights from multi-kingdom microbiota

Media Contact:

Wylie Tene

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation

Director of Marketing and Communications

212-867-4502 / [email protected]

Grantees Selected for Extended Partnership for Aging and Cancer Research Program

Grantees Selected for Partnership for Aging and Cancer Research Program

New York, NY – January 9, 2023 – The Partnership for Aging and Cancer Research Program, a collaboration between the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF), National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Center for Cancer Research and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has selected four new grantees to study why aging is a leading risk factor for getting cancer. Launched in 2018, this cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary program pairs intramural investigators at the NIH with extramural scientists for collaboration. 

According to the NCI, cancer incidence increases significantly after age 40, and the median age of people diagnosed with cancer in the United States is 65 years. Americans diagnosed with the most prevalent forms of cancer are, on average, over the age of 50. And with the US Census Bureau estimating that the population of people over 65 will reach 83.7 million by 2050, the burden of new cancer diagnoses is expected to rise to alarming rates.

“We should not have to live with the threat of getting cancer as we age,” said Samuel Waxman, MD, SWCRF Founder and CEO. “Yet, research focused on specific links between aging and cancer is grossly underfunded. This partnership will boost our understanding of why the incidences of cancer increase as we get older and lead to new, more effective preventions and treatments.”

Numerous high-quality applications were received, demonstrating the importance of studying this crucial issue. Each application was thoroughly evaluated by SWCRF Scientific Leadership, members of the SWCRF Institute Without WallsTM, and selected NCI and NIA reviewers.

“We know there is a link between aging and cancer, but we don’t know all the mechanisms for this correlation. Funding novel research is vital,” said Tom Misteli, PhD, Director, Center for Cancer Research, NCI. “We are looking forward to the progress from these newest grantees.”

“More work needs to be done to address this growing challenge,” said Luigi Ferrucci, MD, PhD, scientific director of the NIA. “These collaborations will push the field forward and may uncover important connections between cancer and aging.”

The Partnership for Aging and Cancer Research Program started as a two-year pilot program. The initial launch funded seven pairs of investigators. Due to the success, the program was extended to fund an additional two pairs (4 investigators) through 2024. Each investigator will receive $100,000 in grant support with the second year of funding dependent on progress. Several investigators from the first round of funding will continue receiving grant support in 2023.

The 2022-2024 Partnership for Aging and Cancer Program Grantees are:

Lewis C. Cantley, MD, PhD                                                   Ji Luo, PhD

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute                                                 National Cancer Institute

Research project: Tumor intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence age-dependent Ras mutant cancer development in mice

____________________________________________________

Carl June, MD                                                                        Nan-ping Weng, MD

Smilow Center for Translational Research                            National Institute on Aging

Research project: “Mutation-based clonal evolution and aging of T cells and CART cells in late-in-life B cell cancers

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation:

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

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Media Contacts:

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation

Wylie Tene

Director of Marketing and Communications

212-867-4502

[email protected] 

National Cancer Institute

NCI Press Office

240-760-6600

[email protected]

National Institute on Aging

NIA Press Office

301-486-1752

[email protected]

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and SWCRF Announce New Grants for Aging and Cancer Research

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Collaborate to Fund Studies on Links Between Aging and Cancer

Aging is a leading risk factor for cancer yet research into aging and cancer is underfunded

New York, NY – January 5, 2023 – The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) have joined forces to fund innovative research at top tier institutions to better understand the complex links between aging and cancer. The two-year, collaborative program will allocate $1 million and support at least two pairs of researchers who are investigating aging and cancer.  

Aging is a major risk factor for developing cancer and ninety percent of cancers occur in people over age 50. According to the World Health Organization, there will be more than 2 billion people over age 60 by 2050, greatly increasing the global burden of cancer. Age also influences options for cancer therapy, while the treatments, themselves, can accelerate the aging process.

“Understanding the relationship between aging and cancer is formidable, yet crucial if we want to eradicate cancer as we know it,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman, CEO and Founder of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. “Unfortunately, until recently, research into aging and cancer has been terribly underfunded. We expect that this partnership with The Mark Foundation will make a significant impact and lead to new preventions and treatments for cancer.”

The Samuel Waxman/Mark Foundation Collaboration on Aging and Cancer Program will invest $500,000 each year for two years. Grant recipients must have NIH (RO1) or equivalent funding and commit to collaboration. Funded research will be subject to peer review by a select committee that comprises scientific leaders from both foundations. Grantees will be expected to present their research results, prior to publication, at the SWCRF Annual Scientific Review held every fall.

“Preventing cancer and improving overall patient outcomes is our primary goal. Currently, many medications are too toxic or simply not effective for cancer in older patients,” said Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, CEO of The Mark Foundation. “We are thrilled to partner with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation and work together to fund the best of the best in cancer and aging research.”

Both organizations will jointly administer the research program. Requests for applications will be sent in January 2023 and evaluated a committee made up by scientific leaders at SWCRF and MFCR. Funding will begin July 1, 2023.

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation:

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

About the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research:  

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research actively partners with scientists, research institutions, and philanthropic organizations around the world to accelerate research that will transform the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Since 2017, The Mark Foundation has awarded more than $180 million in grants to enable innovative basic, translational, and clinical cancer research, including drug discovery. In 2022, The Mark Foundation received an additional $500 million commitment to fund cutting-edge cancer research in its first decade. The Mark Foundation also has a robust and growing portfolio of investments in oncology companies developing novel therapeutics and diagnostics. Through its research and venture arms, The Mark Foundation supports projects throughout their life cycle to ensure their highest chance of success in impacting the lives of patients with breakthroughs in cancer care. For more information, visit www.themarkfoundation.org

Media Contacts:

Wylie Tene

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation

Director of Marketing and Communications

212-867-4502

[email protected]

 

Linda G. Heaney

The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research

Communications Manager

[email protected]

Israel Cancer Research Fund and SWCRF Invest $1 Million To Address Aging and Cancer

Israel Cancer Research Fund and Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Partner to Address Rising Rate of Cancer Due to Aging

Up to $1 Million Will Be Awarded to Four Scientists, Two in Israel, Two in the U.S.

New York, NY – January 5, 2023 – The Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) have announced a two-year collaborative program to address the rising incidence of cancer associated with aging. Two grants will be awarded to two pairs of investigators, comprised of one Israeli and one American.

Aging is a leading risk factor for developing cancer. Around the world, the median age of a cancer diagnosis is 65 years old, with the highest rates in people between 85-89. According to the World Health Organization, people over age 60 will number over 2 billion by 2050, drastically increasing the global burden of cancer.

“Aging and cancer is a global health crisis,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman, SWCRF CEO and Founder. “Yet, research focused on understanding the challenging links between aging and cancer is grossly underfunded, contributing to less optimal outcomes for older adults. This partnership with ICRF will help us better understand why aging makes us more susceptible to getting cancer and hopefully discover effective preventions and treatments.”

ICRF and SWCRF will contribute up to $1 million: $400,000 per organization for the first two years with an additional $100,000 for a possible one-year extension. Each scientist will receive $100,000 per year for the first two years and $50,000 each for the third year. (Grants may be extended pending scientific review and evaluation of each team’s progress, collaboration, and synergy)

“Understanding the connection between aging and cancer is a daunting challenge. Not only does cancer risk increase as we age, but research suggests that cancers and some of its treatments can accelerate aging and many current medications are too toxic for older patients to tolerate,” said Beryl Chernov, National Executive Director, ICRF. “We are excited to partner again with SWCRF and work together to focus on this crucial, and much needed, area of research.”

Both organizations will jointly administer the research program. Requests for applications will be sent in January 2023 and evaluated by a committee made up of scientific leaders from both SWCRF and ICRF. Funding will begin July 1, 2023. Each fall, grantees will present research progress during the SWCRF Annual Scientific Review.

“We are optimistic that this partnership will lead to groundbreaking research between top scientists in Israel and the United States and inspire future collaborations to address aging and cancer,” said Dr. Waxman.

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation:

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

About the Israel Cancer Research Fund:  

Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) was established in 1975 by a group of scientists, physicians, and philanthropists in the United States and Canada to support the best and brightest scientists conducting groundbreaking cancer research in Israel. Our goal is to end the suffering caused by cancer. To date, ICRF has provided more than $87 million in funding for over 2,700 grants to support innovative cancer researchers from leading institutions throughout Israel.

Today, ICRF is the largest nongovernmental source of cancer research funding in Israel. ICRF-funded scientists have been instrumental in the development of the transformational, FDA-approved drugs Gleevec®, Doxil®, and Velcade®, and include the first two Israeli Nobel Prize Laureates in Chemistry. ICRF grantees continue to make major breakthroughs and are at the forefront of cancer discoveries in nanomedicine, immunotherapy, stem cell research and targeted therapies. For more information, visit https://www.icrfonline.org.

Media Contacts:

Wylie Tene
Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation
Director of Marketing and Communications
212-867-4502
Beth Belkin
Israel Cancer Research Fund
Media Consultant

917-225-9604

[email protected]

Kids Cancel Cancel Event By Teen Advocates To Fund Pediatric Cancer Research

KIDS CANCEL CANCER: EVENT BY TEEN ADVOCATES TO FUND PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH

Kids Cancel Cancer is the latest fundraising event to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF), an international organization committed to funding world-class cancer research around the world. Unlike, other fundraising events, this event was created and is being organized by adolescents to specifically raise money for pediatric cancer research.

In addition to raising vital funds for groundbreaking research, Kids Cancel Cancer will be an entertaining day of arcades, miniature golf, great food, raffle prizes, and more. Parents are more than welcome to attend too.

This inaugural event will take place on August 17th, 2022 at the Clubhouse in East Hampton from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. Tickets are $100 for kids, $125 for parents (adults). For more information, or to buy tickets, donate - visit www.waxmancancer.org/kids-cancel-cancer

 

 

Mischa Abend

“Cancer impacts so many families around the world. My main goal is to raise awareness and make a difference.”

Abey Fuks

“The event will be fun and entertaining. Attendees will be inspired by the work the Foundation does to make a difference in peoples’ lives.”

Ava Litman

“Cancer has affected my family in so many ways. I have seen many dark days stemming from this horrible disease. I hope to help eradicate cancer.” 

Hayley Silvers

 “I want my friends to know that research can lead to a cure, and we can end this awful illness.”

Committee:

Scarlette Bejarano, Scott Eisenhofer, Jake Finley, Maia Gerson, Cooper Gronfein, Evelyn Gross, Ollie Heller, Romy Heller, Jagger Joseph, Lexi Klein, Anne Mikolasto, Annabelle Emerson-Molinoff, Caroline Paradise, Ava Passarelli, Isabelle Sands, Ethan Silvers, Olivia Taub, Elizabeth Waxman

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About Pediatric Cancer:

While pediatric cancer deaths have declined by 65 percent over the past few decades, cancer remains a leading cause of death for children and teenagers. In fact, it is estimated that 10,500 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed among children (birth to 14 years old) each year, and about 1,190 children will die from the disease. Additionally, a recent study published in Aging AND Cancer found that childhood cancer survivors experience serious health issues in adult life, much earlier than their counterparts who did not have cancer as a kid.

“It is also important to understand that while amazing advancements in treating cancer are saving lives, most treatments can have lasting negative impacts on the human body. This is why we must prioritize research that develops new therapeutics that are both effective, and also less toxic,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman, SWCRF CEO and Founder.

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation:

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

Cancer Rates in Dogs Rising Due to Longer Lifespans

Like with Humans, Cancer Rates in Dogs Are Rising Due to Longer Lifespans

New York, NY – March 21, 2022 – Increased risk of cancer in dogs and humans is associated with longer lifespans according to a new study - Increased Risk of Cancer in Dogs and Humans: A consequence of recent extension of lifespan beyond evolutionary determined limitations. Published in the March issue of Aging AND Cancer, the paper points out that while cancer is not a major cause of death for most animals in the wild, it is a leading cause of death for our pet dogs (and cats) as well as for humans.

According to the authors, the major component of the increased risk of cancer seen in domestic dogs, and in humans, is due to breaking the life-expectancy barrier that was evolutionarily determined. Pet dogs, like us, are living substantially longer due to modern medicine, protection from predation, food availability, improved hygiene, and shelter. Evolutionarily dogs and humans didn’t use to live as long, so natural selection did not invest in mechanisms to prevent cancer (and aging in general). Simply put, dogs and humans are living longer than nature intended.

It is important to note that while cancer in old age is virtually inevitable, only 25-40 percent of all humans and dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. Additionally, scientific breakthroughs for human cancers are saving lives. Key, for humans, has been early identification via screenings that have contributed to decreases in mortality. Extending this approach to dogs by developing testing to identify canine cancers as early as possible should have similar benefits. The authors highlight a few studies underway to improve detection and treatment of canine cancer and are optimistic that these results could benefit humans too.

Another consideration is that humans did not evolve to prevent cancers caused by factors such as those linked to smoking, alcohol, obesity, pollution, etc. and some of these factors (obesity, second-hand smoke, and pollution) could be contributing to increased cancer risk in domestic dogs as well.

“Cancer is a disease of aging and therefore most prevalent past middle age, and this goes for man’s best friend too,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman, CEO and Founder of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. “Research that prioritizes the links between aging and cancer will benefit both species and lead to better preventions and treatments.”  

Aging AND Cancer is a relatively new open access journal from Wiley Publishing produced in affiliation with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. The most recent issue includes three additional papers:

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF):

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

 About Aging AND Cancer:

Aging AND Cancer is a relatively new open access journal from Wiley focused on understanding how the process of aging is a central component of cancer evolution and progression. The journal covers basic, translational and clinical findings that are of broad interest, investigating the mechanisms via which age-associated deterioration of the individual, from macromolecules to tissues and organs, promote the onset, progression and relapse of cancer, and impact treatment options and outcomes. This journal provides a forum for new results and ideas that improve our understanding for how old age influences many different facets of cancer, from incidence to its development and pathology to treatment outcomes to psycho-social aspects of living with cancer. The journal is published in affiliation with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. For more information, visit https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/26438909.

Media Contact:

Wylie Tene

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation

Director of Marketing and Communications

212-867-4502

[email protected]

Mount Sinai and SWCRF to Collaborate Against the Rising Incidence of Cancer Due to Aging

Mount Sinai and Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation to Collaborate Against the Rising Incidence of Cancer Due to Aging

 New York, NY (February 1, 2022) — The Tisch Cancer Institute (TCI) at Mount Sinai and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) are launching a unique research program that will fund collaborations between TCI physician-scientists and colleagues from other established cancer research institutions to address the rising rates of cancer due to aging around the world.

The partnership will enhance the impact of both TCI and SWCRF through cross-institutional, cutting-edge research on abnormal gene function that causes cancer in order to uncover the link between aging and cancer and identify targeted therapies.

Both organizations will contribute equally to this pivotal, two-year, $1 million research program. And work together to prioritize, evaluate, and award research grants submitted for review by both TCI-affiliated and non-TCI-affiliated scientists throughout the two-year term of this collaboration, which starts this year.

“Science works better with collaboration,” says Samuel Waxman, MD, CEO and Founder of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation and Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine (Hematology and Medical Oncology), and Oncological Sciences, at The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai. “This model will provide an excellent opportunity to cast a wider net and connect investigators and labs who may not typically work together with the dual aim: investigate why aging in particular makes the body more susceptible to cancer and develop new, effective, and less toxic treatments for age-related cancers.”

The partnership with TCI and SWCRF comes at a pivotal time as aging increasingly becomes a leading risk factor for cancer. Older adults are a rapidly growing segment of the U.S. and global population, and it has been well documented that the incidence of cancer has continued to rise in people over 65. It is evident that a deeper understanding of the biological changes connected to aging in relation to the biology of cancer are required to understand and address the onset and trajectory of cancer.

“Our partnership with SWCRF will showcase our shared strengths in aging and cancer research,” says Ramon E. Parsons, MD, PhD, Director of TCI, Ward-Coleman Chair in Cancer Research, and Chair of Oncological Sciences at Icahn Mount Sinai. “We are proud that this concerted effort will help us deliver on our joint mission of providing the best in care and treatment for anyone diagnosed with cancer.”

Dr. Parsons added, “Our goal is to continue to build upon the great foundation of cancer research that has already been established by TCI at Mount Sinai and SWCRF. Cancer is complicated, and our collaboration will allow us to pick the right projects and bring together the best people to focus on this devastating disease.”

TCI has earned an indelible reputation as a leading cancer center thanks to its integrated, collaborative approach to cancer care, which has attracted renowned physicians and scientists whose expertise continues to elevate the work of the Institute. TCI has earned Designated Cancer Center status from the National Cancer Institute (NCI)—a program recognizing centers around the country that meet the rigorous standards for state-of-the-art cancer research—for a second consecutive five-year cycle. In 2019 alone, TCI engaged in 50 collaborations with other NCI-designed cancer centers. It also encompasses more than 80 renowned physicians and scientists whose expertise continues to propel the Institute’s work resulting in innovative new clinical trials that have led to new and innovative cancer treatments. 

SWCRF was founded in 1976 by Samuel Waxman, MD, who serves as the Distinguished Service Professor for Medicine (Hematology and Medical Oncology), and Oncological Sciences, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. For more than 45 years, SWCRF has been focused on eradicating cancer through funding ongoing collaborative, cross-institutional research around abnormal gene function to lay the groundwork for developing minimally toxic treatments for all patients with cancer. Since its inception, SWCRF has invested more than $100 million in cancer research to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe.  

About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest academic medical system, encompassing eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai advances medicine and health through unrivaled education and translational research and discovery to deliver care that is the safest, highest-quality, most accessible and equitable, and the best value of any health system in the nation. The Health System includes approximately 7,300 primary and specialty care physicians; 13 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 415 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of the top 20 U.S. hospitals and is top in the nation by specialty: No. 1 in Geriatrics and top 20 in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology/Lung Surgery, Rehabilitation, and Urology. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 12 in Ophthalmology. Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital is ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” among the country’s best in four out of 10 pediatric specialties. The Icahn School of Medicine is one of three medical schools that have earned distinction by multiple indicators: ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Medical Schools," aligned with a U.S. News & World Report "Honor Roll" Hospital, and No. 14 in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding. Newsweek’s “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals” ranks The Mount Sinai Hospital as No. 1 in New York and in the top five globally, and Mount Sinai Morningside in the top 20 globally.

For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on FacebookTwitter and YouTube.

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation:

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

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