Mary Catherine Calisto Systems Biology Initiative

Systems biology: the next frontier

In 2010, the National Brain Tumor Society launched the $5 million Mary Catherine Calisto Systems Biology Initiative. We believe this marks a critical turning point for brain tumor research. Systems biology holds promise to usher in a new era in which effective treatments for brain tumors are developed as quickly as possible.

Historically, scientists have tried to understand brain tumors by studying one or two parts of the tumor that had gone awry, such as a particular gene, protein, or series of biochemical reactions that appeared to drive cancer growth. While this research has greatly expanded our knowledge of brain tumors, it has had limited success in helping bring new therapies to patients because of some of the challenges brain tumors present (including the diversity, adaptability, complexity and location of the tumors).
 
Given these challenges, a systems biology approach to brain tumor research is essential. Systems biology recognizes that brain tumors are complex, dynamic systems. The various parts of the system work together to keep the tumor going. To come up with effective treatments, scientists must study the entire system – not just one or two parts.

>> Make a donation to the Mary Catherine Calisto Systems Biology Initiative IMPACT Campaign.

 
The $5 million Mary Catherine Calisto Systems Biology Initiative mandates that grantees form a team of scientists that includes experts outside of their own specialties. Each grant will be reviewed by the National Brain Tumor Society’s Scientific Advisory Council, made up of 27 top experts in brain tumor research. The reviewers will score the applications based on their scientific merit and then present their findings to the NBTS Board of Directors.

Ten grants of $100,000 will be given for the first stage of planning, which is focused on developing a feasibility or
planning study in the first year. The deliverable is a top-quality collaborative plan and timeline.

Upon review of the phase one results, three grantees will move on to phase two. Each will receive $1.5 million over three years ($500,000 per year) to execute the research plan, leading to a clinical trial.

The promise of our Systems Biology Initiative:

• Promote development of more effective therapies and new treatment options for people with brain tumors
• Lead the brain tumor research community to shift from a traditional approach to systems biology
• Encourage other funding agencies to invest in systems biology research
• Bring together experts from a wide variety of disciplines to come up with innovative approaches to treatment
• Use cutting-edge technology to develop models of brain tumor systems that will help scientists predict which treatments are best suited to each unique type of brain tumor
• Increase the speed and efficacy of getting research to brain tumor clinical trials

Systems biology requires collaboration among scientists from different disciplines. Here’s an example of different areas of expertise that might be used for brain tumor research:

>> Make a donation to the Mary Catherine Calisto Systems Biology Initiative IMPACT Campaign.