If Memory Serves...

After NCI began funding research proposals in 1937, there was a strict policy of separation between intramural and extramural projects. This was, in part, to avoid criticism that intramural personnel could benefit from knowledge of extramural grant requests. (Read more)

For more information about the birth of NCI, go to http://www.cancer.gov/
aboutnci/ncia.

DCLG to Meet October 24-25
The NCI Director's Consumer Liaison Group (DCLG) will meet on October 24-25 in Room 6C10 in Building 31 on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. The meeting is open to the public and public comments will be accepted at 3:15 p.m. on October 25. The meeting will be webcast at http://videocast.nih.gov; the agenda is available at http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/dclg/24oct07adg.pdf.

PLCO Etiology Study Seeks Applicants
The Etiology and Early Marker Studies (EEMS) is a component of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. By collecting biologic materials and risk factor information from trial participants before the diagnosis of disease, PLCO EEMS provides a resource for cancer research, focused on cancer etiology and early markers. Etiologic studies investigate the environmental, biochemical, and genetic risk factors for cancer. Early detection studies aim to develop reproducible, diagnostics-ready biomarkers of early disease.

PLCO data and biospecimens are available to qualified researchers through a peer review process. The EEMS program accepts proposals for access to PLCO biospecimens twice a year in June and December. Proposals will be accepted for the PLCO EEMS winter review cycle starting December 1, 2007. Applications will be accepted until December 28, 2007 at 5:00 p.m., ET. Details of the review process and application materials are available at http://www.parplco.org.

YMCA and Armstrong Foundation Partner to Promote Wellness for Cancer Survivors
The YMCA of the USA and the Lance Armstrong Foundation recently announced a partnership to develop physical activity and well-being initiatives to address the specific needs, wants, and interests of cancer survivors. During the pilot and implementation phases of the project, a panel of cancer survivorship researchers, including NCI representatives, will contribute their knowledge and perspective on best practices.

NCI Liaison Office Launches Web Site
The NCI Liaison Office in Brussels, Belgium, recently launched a new Web site, making it easier for European cancer researchers to register clinical trials in PDQ, NCI's clinical trials registry.

The Liaison Office acts as a European link to NCI's cancer research and treatment programs. The mission of the office is to facilitate the interchange of information, ideas, experimental drugs, scientists, and scientific expertise between the NCI and its European partners and collaborating institutions. Activities include organization of joint symposia, initiation and coordination of exchange programs, launching of a joint clinical monitoring program, and an agreement with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer to coordinate submission of clinical trials to PDQ.

New Patient Education Materials Available
Six new or revised patient education publications are now available from NCI. They can be accessed, downloaded, or ordered at https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/ncipubs/ or 1-800-4-CANCER. The new publications include: Chemotherapy and You; Radiation Therapy and You; Radiation Therapy Fact Sheet Series; Helping Providers Help Their Patients: Using the Radiation Therapy Fact Sheets; Caring for the Caregiver: Support for Cancer Caregivers; and Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment. All of the materials are free; a shipping charge will be applied to orders of more than 20 total items.

Disparities Summit Report Available
NCI's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities and the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities recently released the report on the Cancer Health Disparities Summit 2006, Strengthening Our Culture of Collaborations for Reducing Cancer Health Disparities. The report evolved from a 3-day workshop held July 17-19, 2006 and can be accessed and downloaded at http://www.cancermeetings.org/CHDSummit06/CHDStrengtheningReport.pdf.