SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LYMPHOMA SCIENTISTS - Proceedings from the 2018 Lymphoma Research Foundation Biden Cancer Community Summit
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SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LYMPHOMA SCIENTISTS Proceedings from the 2018 Lymphoma Research Foundation Biden Cancer Community Summit
Dear Colleague:
On September 21, 2018, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden hosted a Heeding the call of the Biden Cancer engaged in robust discussion as they
Initiative and its founders, Vice Presi- considered the challenges that impede
national Biden Cancer Summit to focus on every facet of cancer research, from dent Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, the greater investment in training programs
Lymphoma Research Foundation hosted as well as opportunities to diversify
prevention through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
a Cancer Community Summit in New and expand such programming, so
York City this fall to discuss the future they are able to keep pace with the
of cancer research. We were honored to evolving scientific landscape. The
This included an event in Washington, D.C., where the program highlighted and serve as the Co-Chairs of this meeting. Summit proceedings and specific
The Cancer Community Summit recommendations derived from the
discussed stories of heartache and triumph from the patient and caregiver
program represented more than 400 roundtable discussion are documented
communities, the latest and most promising cancer research and technology meetings which took place across the within this monograph.
United States on September 21, 2018. We are grateful to the program Andrew D. Zelenetz , MD
developments, transformative community-driven initiatives, and public and private The only requirement for participation participants for their expert testimony
was to focus on an element of scientific and willingness to take part in the
sector partnerships. But a conversation on the national stage is not enough.
discovery that the convening body Summit, as well as the Biden Cancer
felt was critical to the future of cancer Initiative for supporting the event.
research. In exploring possible themes Motivated by our shared mission to
The Biden Cancer Initiative aims to make this Summit relevant to the concerns for the Foundation’s summit, we eradicate lymphoma and serve those
determined that discussing the chal- touched by this disease, we look forward
of patients, families, and communities. It should resonate with scientists and lenges faced by the next generation to pursuing the Summit recommenda-
entrepreneurs and health care providers. The aim is to make a difference in all of scientists and clinicians was most tions with the lymphoma and greater
important to our field. cancer communities.
communities—our community. That is why the Lymphoma Research Foundation The Lymphoma Research Foundation
Summit convened an expert group of Sincerely,
answered the call to host a Biden Cancer Community Summit. lymphoma researchers, including both Meghan E. Gutierrez
Foundation Scientific Advisory Board
Members and grantees. The meeting
explored how best to advance early
career investigator programs which Andrew D. Zelenetz, MD, PhD Memorial
train laboratory and clinical research- Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
ers, foster collaboration and advance Chair-Elect, Scientific Advisory Board
medical breakthroughs. Lymphoma Research Foundation
The Summit consisted of a roundta-
ble discussion divided into two sessions:
“Understanding the Experience and
Value of Early Career Scientists,” and
“Closing the Gap and Supporting the Meghan E. Gutierrez
Next Generation of Lymphoma Clini- Chief Executive Officer
cians and Researchers.” The panel Lymphoma Research Foundation
2 1
UNDERSTANDING THE EXPERIENCE AND
VALUE OF EARLY CAREER SCIENTISTS
Biomedical research holds the promise for Cancer Research. Today, the average
of discovering new treatments and age for receiving this level of indepen-
someday curing many life-threatening dent funding is age 45 or older. The
diseases, including cancers like percent of grant applications that the
lymphoma. Such research includes NIH funds dropped by nearly half over
basic research, which helps scientists the past decade, from 20.1 percent in
better understand these diseases, as 2007 to 11.7 percent in 2017.1
well as clinical research, which seeks This gap in funding affects the field
to develop new, more effective thera- far beyond individual early career
pies. The National Institutes of Health investigators. These grants often fund
(NIH) funds the majority of early stage mentoring programs and opportunities
and translational research in the to learn from experienced expert cancer
United States while pharmaceutical and researchers; without this support, there “Encouraging and
biotechnology companies typically fund is little opportunity for young investiga- supporting the
the late stage research that develops tors to coordinate research with other
next generation of
new treatments, and then seek the laboratories and scientists. As a result,
treatments’ approval by the U.S. Food early career scientists may be unable to
researchers is where
and Drug Administration. In addition find a platform to study rare diseases LRF takes the lead.
to serving as the hub of the nation’s like lymphoma. It also can impact the The time I spent
scientific discovery, the NIH is also quality of their work: clinical research with my mentor
responsible for supporting scientists mentoring programs support a mastery
in the early stages of their career, of the scientific method, help solidify
has been invaluable.
thereby ensuring that the next genera- disease-specific project goals, and More so than any
tion of investigators are well trained guide the direction of a scientist’s grant I received.”
and able to pursue a career in the field research for the rest of their career. —Jonathon Cohen, MD
of cancer research. In addition, “high risk – high reward” LRF Clinical Research Grantee
Unfortunately, only a fraction of the science, the hallmark of translational
grants submitted to the NIH receive research, is almost never funded by
funding, and obtaining a research grant corporations and is most often pursued
from the NIH is more challenging than by early career scientists and proves
ever. Only 2 percent of researchers ages difficult – if not impossible – to pursue
35 or younger currently receive inde- mid-career or later. A lack of funding for
pendent research grants from the early career scientists risks losing this
NIH, compared with 21 percent in 1980, vital sector of research contributions.
according to the American Association
1. F
awcett, Nichole. Tight Federal Funding a Challenge and Opportunity for Cancer Research (March 30, 2018).
Retrieved from https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/industry-dx/tight-federal-funding-a-challenge-and-opportuni-
ty-for-cancer-research
2 Lymphoma Research Foundation 3
CLOSING THE GAP AND SUPPORTING THE
NEXT GENERATION OF LYMPHOMA CLINICIANS
AND RESEARCHERS
Post-graduate medical students pursue a career in clinical research, multiple areas to fully address an issue.
typically match with a residency there is significant, independent This requires a new culture of collabo-
program in their area of interest for evidence of the impact of such awards ration across various disciplines.
two to four years. After this training is outside of the direct grant monies, With many researchers possessing
completed, those looking to work in including the fact that institutions and niche knowledge, it becomes even more
specialized fields like lymphoma enter departments value a record of prior important to convene those people who
into a fellowship that can last from one funding, as well as the fact that such might not otherwise have an opportunity
to three years. It is imperative that early
career researchers, in fellowships or With many researchers possessing niche knowledge, it becomes
the first few years of a faculty position, all the more important to convene those people who might
have the opportunity to foster their otherwise not have the opportunity to discuss their ideas among
professional development as indepen- one another on a larger scale.
dent researchers in lymphoma and
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to grants provide independent endorse- to discuss their ideas among one
ensure continued research in the field. ment, support, and mentorship to another on a larger scale. Supporting
Initial funding allows a researcher the the grantee. early career investigators can help
invaluable experience of acting as the While it is acknowledged across broaden collaboration by encouraging
lead, or principal, investigator on a industries that collaboration is a key this type of work at a pivotal time in a
project, and provides crucial mentoring ingredient of success, all too often researcher’s career, establishing it as
and protected time for their own scientific research is conducted in a staple of how they conduct research
research. This funding also enables a vacuum. Specifically in regards to moving forward. Additionally, the pairing
early career researchers to focus on a research, there has been positive of an early career researcher with an
specific disease state, such as lympho- correlation shown between the number established mentor is conducive to this
ma, establishing their expertise and of authors on a publication and the culture of collaboration. Consortia and
commitment to studying this disease, impact of the study. The average workshops that convene scientific
thereby supporting a new generation of number of authors per cited article by experts from around the world, includ-
clinicians and scientists who will pursue MEDLINE and PubMed has increased ing these early career investigators,
research in this area for the remainder from 1.5 in 1950 to 5.5 per publication to share research findings and work
of their careers. in 2015.2 Where previously researchers together are a key mechanism in
“Understanding the path to success as a young Early career awards and grants with an expertise in an area may have realizing the goal of advancing the most
targeting scientists who are launching been able to write a focused study promising lymphoma and CLL research.
researcher can be challenging. You need a mentor their careers are an integral component independently, now researchers are
of this training. For those who will increasingly looking for expertise in
to see how you can really make a difference.”
— Anita Kumar, MD
LRF Clinical Research Grantee
2. N
umber of Authors per MEDLINE®/PubMed® Citation (June 8, 2018) Retrieved from
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/authors1.html
Lymphoma Research Foundation 5
HOW LRF FUNDS RESEARCH
LYMPHOMA CLINICAL RESEARCH MENTORING PROGRAM
The Lymphoma Clinical Research Mentoring Program (LCRMP) is an education and mentoring program for fellows and
junior faculty with a focus in clinical lymphoma and CLL research. The goals of the LCRMP include:
n Provide mentoring and education n Assist in the development of a n Provide continuing training, career
to hematology/oncology fellows specific clinical trial in patients with development advice, and mentorship
and junior faculty. The program lymphoma and/or CLL and to set the among trainees and experts in the
emphasizes training in clinical foundation for grant development field and foster future participation
research methods and design, to support the trial. Study design and collaboration within the LRF
statistical analysis, pathology, and implementation is discussed through follow-up programming
incorporating and interpreting in a small group setting consisting and activities.
correlative studies into clinical of experts in the field, statisticians,
trials, and grant submission and and other trainees in the program,
funding. The program also aims where information, ideas, guidance,
to foster mentorship and research support and connections are shared,
collaboration among experts and and where mentoring relationships
trainees in the field. can be developed.
20%
379 $60.2 million of the current
LRF Scientific Advisory Board
Total number of Total research funds
received an early career grant
grants awarded awarded to date
from LRF at the beginning
of their careers.
LYMPHOMA FELLOWSHIP CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARD
n The LRF Postdoctoral Fellowship n The LRF Clinical Investigator
More than
“Through their paradigm of funding young
Grant is designed to support
investigators at the level of advanced
fellow or postdoctoral researcher in
Career Development Award (CDA)
Program is designed to support
physician investigators at the level
750
grantee papers have
investigators and their unique ability to laboratory or clinic-based research. of advanced fellow or junior faculty
collectively been cited over
member who will contribute to the
36,000
n This research must be clearly
convene the best researchers in the field relevant to the treatment, diagnosis,
development of new lymphoma
therapies and diagnostic tools.
around a single focus, LRF has the capacity or prevention of lymphoma.
Areas of research may include, n The goal of the program is to times in other academic
to reengineer science.” but are not limited to, etiology, prepare physician investigators publications, a better
immunology, genetics, therapies, to design and administer clinical
— Ari Melnick, MD measure of their impact
and transplantation. research studies in lymphoma and
LRF Scientific Advisory Board Member on the research
assume primary responsibilities for
n LRF Fellows must spend 80 percent
clinical research with the potential community than number
of their time in research during the
award period.
to have significant impact on of publications alone.
patients.
Lymphoma Research Foundation 7
SUMMIT OUTCOMES
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The 2018 Lymphoma Research Founda- specialized research. In the absence of programs’ tremendous impact thus far.
tion Summit explored numerous themes these programs, many scientists would Cementing collaboration and learning
relevant to the crisis facing early career be unable to establish themselves as from peers and mentors as foundational
scientists. Mentoring and grant pro- lymphoma specialists and it is unlikely practices early in an investigator’s
grams that exist to support the next that an opportunity would ever again career, and modeling for them the
generation of lymphoma scientists present itself to recruit them to the field. fulfillment that a career in specialized
require adequate and consistent levels In clinical research too, early career research can bring, can have an expo-
of funding to ensure the brightest minds grant programs are critical to not only nential impact. Early career grants
in oncology research are drawn to the identifying promising clinical scientists, prepare investigators to bring their
field. In addition, collaborative program-
ming that integrates early career Summit attendees concurred that programs like those supported
scientists with the professional lympho- by the Lymphoma Research Foundation are necessary to recruit
ma community are critical. talented investigators early on to pursue a career in lymphoma
Summit attendees concurred that research and patient care.
programs like those supported by the
Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) but also to pursuing the high risk-high approaches to the broader scientific
are necessary to recruit talented reward research that is often the community while diving into specialized
investigators early on to pursue a career hallmark of the studies supported by subjects with a deeply-seeded commit-
in lymphoma research and patient care. such grants. Additionally, the influence ment to advancing knowledge of
Mentoring in particular was highlighted of a mentor is hard to overstate. The particular diseases.
as fundamental to tracking early careers panelists all agreed that finding some- While the approach is successful,
for success; Dr. Jonathon Cohen, LRF one who can act in that role can not only the barrier of funding such programs
Scholar and CDA grant recipient, credits enhance someone’s early career but prohibits the extent of impact that the
a mentorship in his first year of fellow- also provide lifelong value through panel would hope to see from these
ship for changing the entire course of continued collaboration and support. grants. Additional public support through
his career by assisting in research and The programs that provide this require philanthropic contributions to early
helping him to recognize how exciting significant resources for the grant, career grant programs was identified
a career in research can be. Programs related studies, and the mentoring as a key component to expanding their
“It is a direct benefit to patients to have like the Foundation’s Lymphoma Clinical
Research Mentoring Program and
required for each grantee.
Summit participants arrived at a
already impressive impact.
At current funding levels, only a small
enthusiastic, intelligent people drawn to a field Postdoctoral Fellowship Program not consensus that the specific approach number of the highest quality applicants
only provide this one-on-one support to of the LRF’s early career grants, an can receive grants, meaning that several
where they can make progress. Having that early career investigators, but they also approach that frames potential in terms individuals with the potential to make
provide a full network of proven experts of future careers with endless possible significant impact in the field of dis-
intellectual capital focused on a combination and potential research leaders for contributions to the field, rather than ease-specific research may be falling
of rare diseases makes all the difference.” collaborative learning, disease-specific focusing on potential findings of single away from the field due to insufficient
knowledge, and professional support for projects, is what has ensured the support and direction. LRF Scientific
— Sonali Smith, MD
LRF Scientific Advisory Board Member
Lymphoma Research Foundation 9
Advisory Board (SAB) member Dr. Sonali as a way to maintain a talent pipeline in LRF Scholar Dr. Shalin Kothari, involved
Smith noted that given proper funding, the field. Early exposure to the field can the creation of a central repository of
the SAB would award 50-60% of the foster interest at crucial junctures of information about available early career
grants submitted for consideration. professional discernment for young grant mechanisms, allowing individuals
At current funding levels, the SAB can people, even in high school. Dr. Lorena associated with smaller institutions to “Pediatric oncology—all of oncology, really—
fund only 30%, meaning they are forced Fontan, LRF Postdoctoral Fellowship more easily gain knowledge of potential
to turn away high quality research with grant recipient, has worked with several funding sources. is a field built entirely on a foundation of clinical
feasible aims. She worried that these bright high school students in the lab in
the last several years. “Their experience
Ensuring that sufficient mentors are
available to support young investigators
and translational research with decades of
investigators leave the field due to a
lack of available alternatives, to the in the lab certainly influenced their with both time and energy once they clinical trials informing everything we do today.
have entered the field also arose as a
Addressing career retention for mid- and late-career potential roadblock. Dr. Justine Kahn, It is this commitment to research that allows
researchers, through further funding mechanisms or other LRF Scholar and recipient of an LRF
innovative means of support, would ensure more mentors Adolescent/Young Adult Lymphoma
me to look at parents and tell them that we
are available to support young investigators as they navigate Correlative Grant, explained, “For a know how to treat their child’s lymphoma. For
the path into a research career. junior investigator at the beginning
of his or her research career, there is me personally, this means everything—it feels
detriment of the entire research decisions when planning their college nothing more critical than having strong
community. Increasing funding would career and hopefully will inspire them mentorship. We rely heavily on our
impossible to be a part of this field without
help to ensure that all the brightest to become great researchers,” said Dr. mentors not only to introduce us to the actively taking part in moving it forward.”
minds can continue to pursue careers Fontan. It was noted that currently, clinical practice and science, but also to
in research. physicians are often the individuals most help us navigate the world of academic — Justine Kahn, MD
Looking to past examples of philan- interfacing with the public regarding medicine. A good mentor devotes LRF Clinical Research Grantee
thropic impact on the world of cancer lymphoma treatment, as in programs countless hours to teaching, advising,
research, Dr. Ari Melnick, also a like LRF’s “Ask the Doctor About guiding, and encouraging a mentee.
member of the SAB, described at the Lymphoma.” Dr. Andrew Evens, SAB Ensuring that our mentors have
summit how a single donor influenced member and chair of the LCRMP, protected time and adequate support—
the trajectory of mantle cell lymphoma suggested placing researchers in similar both to conduct their own research, is the small size of the cohort gathered opportunities for patients to access challenges and continue to provide
(MCL) research by providing adequate public-facing roles, allowing them to not and to help us build ours—is an un- at existing program events. To maintain novel therapeutics. innovative programs that foster suc-
funding. “It reengineered the science only provide a wealth of knowledge to der-appreciated but absolutely critical this advantage while increasing the Increased overall funding for expan- cessful careers in cancer and
world to think about MCL because there the public at large, but also to inspire part of advancing lymphoma research.” number of individuals funded, Gutierrez sion of the early career investigator lymphoma-specific research. As we
were resources to study it,” Melnick support of the often behind-the-scenes Given additional funding for existing suggested introducing multiple cohorts program is paramount to providing saw in this one-morning summit that
stated. He asserted that when equipped work that makes treatments and patient program models, panelists considered to the programming rather than better outcomes for those dealing produced invaluable insight into the
with the right resources, LRF has the care possible. how the grants could best maximize expanding the size of the single cohorts with a lymphoma diagnosis. In addition, field and feasible ideas for addressing
capacity to similarly reengineer science, Further, efforts could be developed impact. Summit moderator Dr. Andrew that now exist. broadening funding to include mid- issues faced by young investigators,
lending a sense of optimism to the to better support those already consid- Zelenetz, chair-elect of the SAB, noted When grant programs are expanded, career investigators, focusing on collaboration and an opportunity for
panel and summit attendees of the ering a career in research. Access to the use of telecommunications for LRF Scholar and CDA grant recipient creating a more public-facing role discussion and ideas is vital for advanc-
potential for private investment in grant information about grant opportunities mentoring in similar programs, and Dr. Anita Kumar recommended that they for researchers, facilitating access to ing in any field. LRF will continue to
programs to truly address the issues and programs specifically aimed at suggested that adopting a similar include a focus on engaging patients in grant opportunities, and increasing seek ways to expand existing programs
faced by young investigators. early career investigators can help approach would allow LRF to expand the design of trials to ensure treatments engagement of the public in the and incorporate the recommendations
Additionally, further program growth ensure that the maximum number of mentorships across the country. can be conducted for patients through- design of clinical trials are all areas of our esteemed panelists so that,
within a similar framework of increasing promising professionals reach the entry Meghan Gutierrez, Chief Executive out the communities in which they live. of potential focus. together, we can improve the lives
interaction between potential research- point of grant applications for such Officer of LRF, observed that part of Trials for treatments that are limited to The Lymphoma Research Foundation of individuals facing lymphoma and
ers and leading experts was suggested programs. One suggestion, offered by what makes mentorships so powerful a select few centers result in missed is excited to grapple with these other diseases.
10 Lymphoma Research Foundation Lymphoma Research Foundation 11
2018 LYMPHOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
BIDEN CANCER COMMUNITY SUMMIT
PARTICIPANTS
Andrew D. Zelenetz, MD, PhD Justine M. Kahn, MD The Lymphoma Research Foundation’s mission is to
Moderator Columbia University Medical Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center LRF Scholar and Adolescent/Young Adult Lymphoma eradicate lymphoma and serve those touched by this disease.
Chair-Elect, LRF Scientific Advisory Board Correlative Grant Recipient
Jonathon B. Cohen, MD, MS Shalin Kothari, MD
Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
LRF Scholar and CDA Grant Recipient LRF Scholar
Andrew M. Evens, DO Anita Kumar, MD
Rutgers Cancer Institute Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Member, LRF Scientific Advisory Board LRF Scholar and CDA Grant Recipient
Chair, LRF Lymphoma Clinical Research Mentoring Program
Ari M. Melnick, MD
Lorena Fontan, PhD Weill Cornell Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine Member, LRF Scientific Advisory Board
LRF Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant Recipient
Sonali M. Smith, MD
Meghan Gutierrez The University of Chicago
Chief Executive Officer Member, LRF Scientific Advisory Board
Lymphoma Research Foundation Past Chair, LRF Lymphoma Clinical
Research Mentoring Program
12 Lymphoma Research FoundationNational Headquarters Wall Street Plaza 88 Pine Street, Suite 2400 New York, NY 10005 LRF Helpline (800) 500-9976 Helpline@lymphoma.org lymphoma.org Summit Webpage bidencancer.org/summit/ Support LRF Research lymphoma.org/support
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