| Cancer Research America |
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Cancer Research America-NFCR (CFC #11267), supported by donors through Combined Federal Campaign and the ICA State Employee Campaign, is helping NFCR make amazing breakthroughs that are leading to "a cancer-free America". CFC #11267 About Cancer Research America - NFCR Cancer Research America (CRA) is the name of the Combined Federal Campaign and the ICA State Employee Campaign programs of the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR), which is committed to providing critically important research funding for leading scientists throughout the United States. The support provided by CRA has led and will continue to lead to crucially important breakthroughs in understanding cancer---breakthroughs that may lead to a cure. The generous contributions of participants in the Combined Federal Campaign and ICA State Employee Campaign empower NFCR to fight for the goal we all share: a cancer-free America. In honor of the many CFC employees in the Washington D.C. metro area who are giving this season, here are some highlights of our research happening right now in your neighborhood: Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D . Dr. Fisher and his team have engineered a virus, called the "Cancer Terminator Virus" (CTV) that specifically infects and destroys tumor cells. CTV is smart and kills only tumor cells, not the healthy cells. Recently, his team published their results that ultrasound-assisted delivery of CTV in models of treatment-resistant prostate cancer eradicated the tumors. With increased funding, Dr. Fisher can test CTV in clinical trials to treat patients whose prostate cancer is resistant to the standard therapy. CTV may also be useful in treating other aggressive and refractory cancers. Esther H. Chang, Ph.D. Women whose breast cancer contains low levels of growth-promoting molecule, HER-2, may have an effective treatment thanks to Dr. Chang. In preclinical experiments, her tiny "nanoparticle" drug delivery tool - one thousandth the size of a printed period - transports a payload of an anti-HER-2 agent into low level HER-2 tumors, causing tumor shrinkage and sensitization to chemotherapy. This innovative cancer therapy combined with chemotherapy may provide many more women with an effective anti-HER2 treatment for their cancer. Curt Civin, M.D. Dr. Civin and his team have pinpointed two microRNAs that suppress the development of leukemia. MICRORNAs are a mysterious group of tiny cellular molecules-different from other RNA molecules and do not participate in protein production in the cell. Research has recently shown that microRNAs play an important role as regulatory molecules that can control complex processes such as normal human development and cancer. Dr. Civin's team is deciphering how these two microRNAs work to suppress the growth of leukemia - and this may lead to development of novel anti-leukemia therapies.
How to Give Cancer Research America affects people in every state of our great nation. To give, simply include Cancer Research America - NFCR in your pledge form, #11267.
Choosing a Charity To help you decide how to best spend your hard-earned dollars, here are the Top 5 Tips for Choosing a CFC Charity: 1) Make sure it is a cause that you believe in! Something you are passionate about is going to be more rewarding to you as an individual, and charities (like us!) love to receive gifts from supporters who advocate for the cause. 2) Charities that have a clear, tangible impact on the world are often good choices. Make sure you know the results your dollars will bring! 3) Do you care more about national, international, or local causes? Some charities have an impact on all 3. 4) Consider which charities have a lasting impact. Organizations that will benefit not only you, but also your children, and their children, and their children ...
5) Finally, remember that you have the option to give to one charity, or to several. The impact of your gift can go a long way.
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