Salmonella target and kill tumor cells directly and are being further genetically modified to serve as a delivery vehicle for cancer therapies that cannot specifically target tumors.  When targeted to the cancer site, this BCT combination therapy will destroy tumors with maximum efficiency but minimal side effects. Our goal is to tailor the best match of combination therapy to the tumor’s genetic profile – choosing the right therapeutic components that have demonstrated to most efficiently destroy the tumor being targeted.

We are in the process of testing new anti-cancer compounds produced by the bacteria at the cancer site, as well as attaching molecular scaffolds on the surface of the bacteria that can be used to shuttle large numbers of nanoparticles and other therapeutic drugs to the cancer site.  These scaffolds can also be used to enhance the tumor targeting specificity of our bacteria.

Continued work on our animal models demonstrates the safety of our BCT therapy.  We have established that our therapy can be taken on a regular basis in our prostate cancer mouse models without adverse reactions from the immune system, an important step towards bringing BCT therapy into the clinic. In 2011 we are testing clinical doses of BCT therapy in both mice with prostate tumors and rats with breast tumors in order to determine how much therapeutic Salmonella is needed to cure and significantly extend the life span of these animals. Currently, these animals live less than one year due to their tumor development.  Our goal is to have them live as long as mice and rats that do not develop tumors.

We are pursuing collaborations with other cancer-fighting organizations including local organizations (Immunophotonics, Inc. and the University of Missouri – Columbia) as well as scientific collaborations with colleagues in California, Australia and China.  By combining our therapeutic efforts, we can see if our anti-cancer treatments are stronger when used together rather than alone.  All these efforts bring BCT therapy another step closer to successful clinical use.

Dr. Robert A. Kazmierczak
Senior Investigator, Cancer Research Center

This flag returned recently to a grateful nation after being flown over a U.S. military base in Afghanistan. Accompanied by a case and a certificate of authenticity it is a striking reminder that freedom isn’t free.

~Donated by Steve Lee
Value: Priceless

Restaurant Tour

A sampling of the area’s finest restaurants have provided

gift certificates for your dining pleasure. Great for hosting out of town guests, business clients or just making the rounds of these favorites yourself. Package includes: two $50 gift cards to Stadium Grill, four $12 Gift Certificates to Lee’s Famous Chicken, two $50 Gift Certificates to Murry’s, complementary meal for two at Cracker Barrel, $100 to Grand Cru Seafood & Steakhouse, two $25 Honey Baked Ham Gift Certificates, $40 to House of Chow, five $20 Gift Certificates to Perche Creek Cafe, four $25 Gift Certificates to Teppanyaki Grill & Buffet, $25 to the 63 Diner, four $25 Gift Certificates to Pickleman’s, three $50 Gift Certificates to Glen’s Cafe at the Frederick in Boonville and $25 to D.Rowe’s Restaurant & Bar.

~Donated by Area Restaurants

Over a $850 Value

Boonville Restaurant Package

Explore Boonville, MO one plate at a time! Package

includes: a $25 gift certificate to the 87 Dinner, $100 to Glenn’s Cafe at the Frederick, $25 to Maggies Bar & Grill, $20 to The Palace Restaurant and $50 gift certificate to the Blind Ref Sports Bar & Grill.

~Donated by Our Friends in Boonville

Value: $220

St. Petersburg, Florida Condo Getaway

Already gorgeous, this pool level 2 bedroom (1 king, 2 full size beds), 2 full bath beach front vacation condo with heated pool and Jacuzzi in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida, just received a makeover and is now absolutely stunning. The condo can accommodate a maximum of 6 people and with the exception of  holidays, spring break or booked weeks your Saturday to Saturday stay can be anytime of the year you choose. Start planning your escape now! No smoking & no pets. Must be used within 1 year of purchase. Contact Chris Kellar to make arrangements.

~Donated by Dan & Chris Kellar–Joe Machens Toyota

Value: $1,500+

Child’s Ride with Truman the Tiger on Truman’s Taxi Before an MU Home Football Game

An opportunity of a lifetime! Your child or grandchild (12 years of age or younger, up to 2 children) will circle Faurot Field with Truman the Tiger on “Truman’s Taxi” the Old Yellow Fire Truck while operating the siren during pre-game activities at a University of Missouri-Columbia home football game. Valid for 2012 Season.

~Donated by Boone County Fire Protection District
Value: $1,150

Weekend with a Toyota

Guests coming into town for the weekend and could really use an extra car? Been thinking of buying a new Toyota but want to drive it for a while and sleep on it first? Well, here’s your chance! This gift certificate for a “Toyota Weekend” will get you a Toyota vehicle agreed upon between the winner and the dealer from Friday at noon through Monday at noon. Rental includes 100 miles/day for a total of 300 miles. Driver must be 18 yrs of age or older and have full coverage insurance.

~Donated by Dan & Chris Kellar–Joe Machens Toyota
Value: $300

One-of-a-Kind Ladies Pearl Fashion Ring

Handcrafted in 14-karat gold this ladies ring from the collection of our own Carole Newman features a 7.5mm cultured pearl cradled by four swirling leaves. A very unique and beautiful piece. You won’t see another! Appraised and resized for the lucky winner by Gary B Robinson Jewelers.

~Donated by Carole Newman, Appraisal & resizing donated by Gary B Robinson Jewelers
Value: $850

Keg Party for 50!

Grab 49 of your closest friends and get ready for a keg party with appetizers at Harpo’s or 10 Below on a mutually agreed upon date!

~Donated by Harpo’s
Value: $500

John Deere Summer Fun Wagon

Built to last John Deere stake wagon filled with all the fun of summer. Keep the kids and the young at heart
entertained for hours!

~Donated by Farm Power-Lawn and Leisure
Value: $225

Henry Repeating Arms Co. Big Boy .45LC Rifle

Sporting a solid brass receiver and a distinctive 20” octagon barrel the Big Boy harkens back to the first Henry rifles built 140 years ago and is said to have the smoothest actions of any centerfire lever action rifle on the market today! From big game to Cowboy Action Shooting (SASS approved) this model H006C Big Boy has you covered.

~Donated by Bill Burnett, Travis Burnett, Yolanda Burnett & Jackie Adkison
Value: $1,200

Pig Roast Party for 100!

Pig roast fun without the work. Includes: preparation, cooking, three side dishes and delivery to your door or place of business. Makes a great lunch for an employee or customer appreciation event. Don’t delay, must be scheduled before the end of October 2012.

~Donated by Elks Lodge #594
Value: $750

Cardinals vs. Royals at Busch Stadium Tickets

Round up some friends because it is time for Cardinal’s baseball! Or maybe in your house it’s Royal’s baseball! We won’t judge, choosing sides is up to you!  Either way you get four tickets (seats 1-4) in Section #151, Row 8 for the Saturday, June 16th, 1:15pm game.

~Donated by First Bankers Bank Securities–Ken Bretthorst

Value: $320

Lake of the Ozarks Condo 2 Night Getaway

Serving the Lake of the Ozarks since 1985, Lake Ozark Vacations offers the best selection of fully equipped condominiums and homes for groups and families. Get ready to enjoy the best of the Lake with 2 nights lodging for up to 4 persons in a deluxe 2-bedroom condominium at the Lake of the Ozarks. Amenities include a full kitchen, living room and deck with grill and pool. Boat slips are available at an additional charge. Subject to availability. Advance reservations required. No holidays or special events. Use by 4-14-13.

~Donated by Lake Ozark Vacations–Sally & Jim Estes
Value: $450

Cross River Lodge Trip

Cross River Lodge is located on the sunny north shore of crystal clear Gunflint Lake, a Canadian border lake with direct access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Enjoy a one week stay-Saturday to Saturday in a 2 bedroom cabin. Book ASAP. Openings in May thru mid June & September to 1st half of October. Must be used in 2012.

~Donated by Cross River Lodge–John & Rose Schloot & Ken Kormeier

Value: $1200

Instant Garden–2 Large Planters

Do you have a black thumb? It’s OK. We won’t tell. In fact we will help you hide it! Just bring home these two gorgeous planters from Rost Landscaping and no one will be the wiser. Rost did all the hard work you just add water and admire. If you need a hand Rost will even deliver within 10 miles of Columbia. Trust us, your “gardening skills” will be the envy of the neighborhood.

~Donated by Rost Landscaping–Tim & Toby Rost

Value: $1,200

Frank Haith Autographed Basketball

2011-12 Henry Iba Coach of the Year Award winner Frank Haith lead the Tigers to their second Big 12 Tournament Championship and is one of only three MU coaches to win national coach of the year honors. This autographed basketball is one last piece of Big 12 history for your Mizzou basketball collection or game room. Sure to be on proud display for years to come!

~Donated by KOMU–Lisa Stevens
Value: Priceless

ELLE Sterling Silver Jewelry Package

Brighten your day and your favorite outfit with this contemporary ELLE sterling silver necklace and matching earrings! Party into the night and when you’re ready to kick off your heels the included Rowallan red leather jewelry box will keep them safe until your next night on the town.

~Donated by McAdam’s Ltd.
Value: $453

The Pear Tree Restaurant Package

This delightful dining package includes a $300 Gift Certificate to The Pear Tree Restaurant in Bevier, MO and a limousine ride to and from the restaurant for 8 people (not available during graduation or proms).

~Donated by: The Pear Tree Restaurant–Al & Michael Abbadessa & VIP Limousine Service LLC–Rodney Gaines & Billy Williams

Value: $600

Burr Oak Tree Delivered & Planted

Few things are more spectacular than a thriving Burr Oak tree.  Just take a drive down to the Missouri River Bottoms and visit the “Big Oak” if you have any doubts.  While quite a bit smaller at 3” caliper and 10-12’ tall this beautiful Burr Oak has all the potential for greatness. Provide TLC for 6 generations and you will have the next giant oak in your yard. Forevergreen will get you started with delivery and planting within a 10 mile radius of Columbia.

~Donated by Forevergreen Nursery–Tanaine & Jim Kulich

Value: $600

Table 1. Salmonella typhimurium strains used for this study*.

* Starting in the late 1940âs, Miloslav Demerec and associates at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory stocked an extensive collection of auxotrophic mutants for the purpose of mapping the S. typhimurium LT2 chromosome. Over 10,000 of these original sealed agar stab cultures (0.5 ml/agar stab vial) are now curated in our laboratory at the Cancer Research Center. Information on alleles is from labels on vials or from original notebooks.

^a. Some allele numbers are duplicated in the sample set. When archival vials were initially opened and plated, some polymorphism in colony shape and size was observed. These individual colonies were selected and re-isolated after which they were given individual laboratory identification numbers. Additionally, some cultures gave rise to new colony types after plating on specific media. These subcultures were also given unique numbers while maintaining the original allelic identification number.

^b. Strain 1602 is the reference strain X3000, a gift from Cheryl Nickerson.

^c. N/A Date of isolation was not found in notebook.

A. Determination of the Role of Estrogen in Colon Cancer Development Using Estrogen Receptors in Knock Out Mice

Dr. Ruth S. MacDonald, CRC award recipient and Dr.Ju-Yu an Guo, Postdoctoral Fellow
There is increasing evidence that estrogens and phytoestrogens (from plants) affect colon cancer risk. Some evidence suggests that these compounds protect against colon cancer while other evidence suggests they promote colon cancer. This research project will use a mouse model of colon cancer to determine if estrogen or other estrogen-like compounds alter the tumors in the mice. The response to conjugated estrogens, similar to those used in hormone replacement therapy for women, will also be tested.
Bottom Line: Specific plant foods may have a significant role in prevention of cancer.

B. Characterization of the Gene that Controls Cancer Cells in Spreading from the Site of the Original Tumor

Dr. William Folk, CRC award recipient and Dr. Kimberly A. Lieber, Postdoctoral Fellow
Skin cancer often results from overexposure to ultraviolet light causing DNA damage in skin cells. Fortunately, cells of all organisms have the means to repair damaged DNA. However, little is known about how cells sense this damaged DNA in order to start repairs. The identification of these protective mechanisms will allow many possibilities for developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for this type of cancer.
Bottom Line: The identification of these protective mechanisms will allow development of new diagnostic protocols, as well as novel therapeutic drugs.

C. Deciphering Signals of Breast Cancer

Dr. Tim H.-M. Huang, CRC award recipient and Dr. Huidong Shi, Postdoctoral Fellow
Cancer is a complex disease resulting from multiple genetic mutations. There is a lesser-known type of mutation that has been observed in breast cancer. Sophisticated robotic technology had been adapted to look at DNA to find this specific type of mutation with a high degree of accuracy and sensitivity. This type of technology will lead to more accurate diagnosis of cancer from biopsy and other tissue sources as an alternative to traditional pathology.
Bottom Line: This study will pave the way for molecular diagnosis and classification of tumors, and thus better diagnosis and treatment.

D. Does Exposure to Environmental Estrogens Increase Risk for Prostate Carcinogenesis?

Dr. Frederick S. vom Saal, CRC award recipient and Dr. Catherine Richter, Postdoctoral Fellow
Exposure during fetal life to estrogen related compounds has been shown to result in prostate cancer in animal studies and has been related to vaginal cancer in women. For the purposes of this study, mouse fetuses will be exposed to estrogen like chemicals that leach out of plastic bottles and food containers and the effects of this exposure will be monitored in the mice. This study will be the first to examine the possibility that fetal exposure to estrogenic chemicals results in prostate cancer development.
Bottom Line: This study will identify whether certain chemicals alter estrogen in fetal life and lead to prostrate cancer in adults.

E. Novel Ways to Inhibit the Growth of Cancer Cells

Dr. Gary Weisman, CRC award recipient and Dr. Patricia Theiss, Postdoctoral Fellow
A major emphasis in the development of new cancer treatments is to devise new ways to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This project will study a family of proteins known as nucleotide receptors. Some members of this family work to promote the death of cancer cells. One member of this family of proteins accelerates the growth of blood vessels that aid in tumor expansion by providing blood supply to the growing tumor. Thus, this family of proteins offers promising new targets for cancer therapy.
Bottom Line: This strategy of blocking blood vessel growth increases the probability of destroying tumor development.

Prostate cancer occurs in a latent or clinical form in 30-40% of men by age 40-50, increasing substantially in men over 50 years of age. Current use of drugs and radiation has been partially effective only when the cancer is diagnosed early. Thus, research is needed into novel approaches to cure this devastating disease. The Cancer Research Center’s (CRC) novel approach utilizes a therapeutic strain of Salmonella typhimurium (CRC2631) to selectively target and destroy prostate tumor cells. Our first step was to demonstrate that CRC2631 was an attenuated strain with no harmful effects. Through painstaking genetic manipulation we have developed a Salmonella strain that is attenuated (non-toxic) and fails to show any adverse reaction when as many as 200 million (2×108) live bacteria are injected into a battery of mice. We now seek “seed money” to take the next step: to demonstrate that our therapeutic candidate Salmonella CRC2631 will reduce the size of prostate tumors and extend life expectancy. CRC is ready to embark on the testing of our therapeutic strain in mice genetically predisposed to prostate cancer (TRAMP mice). These mice typically die of prostate cancer at one year of age; the normal life expectancy of a laboratory mouse is two years. Although other investigators are also pursuing the use of Salmonella for therapy, our research has shown that our genetically modified strain is devoid of toxicity and has different affinities for tumor cells. Our next experiments are designed to answer the following questions: How much CRC2631 is required to successfully invade, inhibit and destroy primary and secondary prostate tumors in the TRAMP mouse model without ill effects to the mouse? Secondly, what Salmonella administration protocol is most effective at eliminating tumors and/or increasing the lifespan of TRAMP mice? We are optimistic that this animal model research will ultimately lead to an effective therapeutic treatment with Salmonella that will selectively target and eliminate prostate cancer. Upon completion of tests with the TRAMP mice, we will use the data from these animal model tests to apply for funds from cancer agencies to utilize this novel anti-cancer therapy in higher animals and eventually clinical trials in humans.

A. Prostate Cancer

Dr. Susan Deutscher, CRC award recipient and Dr. Linda Landon, Postdoctoral Fellow
Prostate cancer cells have a specific molecule on their surface known as the Thomsen-Freidenreich antigen. This may serve as a target for killing of the cancerous cells without harming the surrounding normal cells. The molecule also serves as a marker for prostate cancer cells and can be used as the basis of diagnostic tests. Bottom Line: Linking radioactive isotopes with drugs should lead to earlier diagnosis as well as destruction of tumor cells.

B. Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Tim Hoffman, CRC award recipient, Dr. Charles J. Smith, Postdoctoral Fellow and Dr. Hermogenes Jimenez, Postdoctoral Fellow While pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S., there are still limitations in the effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Cancerous pancreatic cells have a distinctive marker on their cell surface that serves as the basis for detection and treatment of cancer. Drugs, including radioactive molecules, can be targeted to cancerous cells.
Bottom Line: This selective targeting approach should lessen the toxic effects of drugs that are in current use.

C. Malignant Melanomas

Dr. Thomas Quinn, CRC award recipient and Dr. Vladislav Glinskii, Postdoctoral Fellow
Melanoma is one of the most common cancers. While prompt diagnosis and removal of skin lesions offer the best outcome, some tumors go undetected and spread to other organs. This research focuses on targeting the cancerous cells for both detection and treatment without killing normal cells.
Bottom Line: Linking radioactive isotopes with drugs should lead to earlier diagnosis as well as destruction of tumor cells.

D. Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancers

Dr. Kattesh Katti, CRC award recipient and Dr. Kanchan Kothari, Postdoctoral Fellow
There is a need for more specific tests for the diagnosis of cancers. Most cancerous cells have some type of identifiable molecule on their surface that is related to their cancerous state. Radioactive compounds can be targeted to these markers. These molecules could be called “magic bullets” due to their ability to distinguish between cancer and normal cells.
Bottom Line: This targeted therapy linking radioactive isotopes with drugs should lead to earlier diagnosis as well as destruction of tumor cells.

Dr. Heide Schatten, CRC award recipient, Dr. Allison Wiedermeier, Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Geoffery Gobert, Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dr. Quing-Yuan Sun, Postdoctoral Fellow
Cancer is a result of unregulated cell growth. One drug that inhibits this growth is Taxol. There are some unpleasant side effects associated with the use of Taxol, so the goal of this project is to understand the mechanism of cell division more thoroughly in order to develop alternatives to drugs like Taxol. A mouse model for prostate cancer has been developed to help with this problem and the findings may be applicable to other types of cancer as well.
Bottom Line: This should lead to new and more effective drugs.

B. Cancer: A Balance Between DNA Damage and Repair

Professor Stephen Alexander, CRC award recipient and Dr. Christopher Foote, Postdoctoral Fellow
Cancers result from DNA damage. Fortunately, cells of all organisms have the means to repair damaged DNA. However, little is known about how cells sense this damaged DNA in order to start repairs. The identification of these protective mechanisms will allow many possibilities for developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for this type of cancer.
Bottom Line: By knowing how DNA damage is repaired, superior drugs can be developed.

C. Genes for Synthesis of Anti-Oxidant Enzymes that Repair Cancer Cells

Professor Abraham Eisenstark, Associate Professor Miriam Golomb, Associate Professor Michael Calcutt, and Dr. Kelly Edwards, Postdoctoral Fellow
Oxidants are like molecular bullets that can damage DNA and begin the process of tumor formation. Normal cells are capable of producing anti-oxidants that can both destroy oxidants and repair damaged DNA. Certain foods that contain anti-oxidants such as vitamins C and E and selenium are important for countering the damaging effects of oxidants. This research project focuses on the intricate mechanisms that control this process within the cell. Vitamin preparations emphasize the anti-oxidant vitamins and sunscreens now contain anti-oxidant compounds.
Bottom Line: Basic knowledge of the damaging effects of oxidants and the role of anti-oxidants should lead to the reduction of cancer incidents.

D. Finding Key Proteins that Regulate Tumor Growth and Tumor Death

Dr. Mark Hannink, CRC award recipient and Dr. Donna Zhang, Postdoctoral Fellow
Within cells, a complex system governs the balance between life and death through a series of proteins that interact in very specific ways. A greater understanding of the function of key proteins will lead to a better understanding of what happens to initiate the unregulated cell division that is associated with most cancer.
Bottom Line: This research will lead to a better understanding of how regulation of specific proteins can interfere with the development of cancer cells.

E. Role of Estrogens in Breast Cancer Control

Professor Dennis Lubahn, CRC award recipient, Dr. Brian Morin, Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dr. Ed Curran, Postdoctoral Fellow
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death. It has been known for some time that certain types of breast cancer require estrogens to grow. Some treatments have been based on this observation and use an estrogen blocker. This may result in tumors that become estrogen resistant. Identification of all the receptors involved in the estrogen response is fundamental to developing a means to overcome this obstacle to treatment. A mouse model of this interaction has given valuable insights to the problem of estrogen resistant tumors.
Bottom Line: This targeted therapy would be effective in the fight to control breast cancer and other estrogen responsive tumors.

Dr. Kent Gates, CRC award recipient and Dr. Donna Zhang, Postdoctoral Fellow
We are seeking to understand the chemical and biological mechanisms by which synthetic and naturally occurring compounds (such as those found in foods like broccoli and cauliflower) can prevent cancer in humans.
Bottom Line: An understanding of how these “anti-carcinogenic” compounds prevent cancer will ultimately allow us to rationally design cancer-preventive diets and dietary supplements.

B. Ultrasonic Detection and Characterization of Endocrine Responsive Cancers

Dr. Steven P. Neal, CRC award recipient and Dr. Thad Wilson, Postdoctoral Fellow
In collaboration with Dr. Boote from the Radiology Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dr. Neal has used the Cancer Research Center Fellowship to support the investigation of ultrasonic scattering processes in cancerous and benign prostate tissue. The long-term goals of the research include improving the effectiveness of ultrasound guided needle biopsies of the prostate and ultrasound based screening for prostate cancer.
Bottom Line: This innovative technique will lead to improved diagnostics, as well as to reduce anxiety of the patient.

C. Development of Effective Immunological Diagnostic Peptides

Professor George Smith, CRC award recipient and Dr. Leslie Matthews, Postdoctoral Fellow
This research project takes a new approach to understanding the body’s response to cancer. The principal assumption is that some type of “marker” or sign is generated by the immune system in response to disease, even in diseases that are not infectious or inherited. If this assumption is true then these markers must exist for cancer. These signature substances can then serve as the basis for highly sensitive diagnostic tests that may detect changes in the body before clinical signs appear. These markers may also serve as anti-cancer vaccine components. Bottom Line: The use of small peptides as antigen-antibody components, in place of large, natural, immunological components, should lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.