The Andy Fund is
an essential mechanism for fostering research focused on cancer of the brain, especially glioblastoma multiforme, and enabling
investigators to pursue new ideas that may lead to more effective and compassionate care. The Andy Fund makes it possible
for a promising scientist to develop preliminary research data that can subsequently be used to pursue grant opportunities
from external funding organizations such as the National Institutes of Health. By developing and sharing his/her research
through publication and collaborative relationships, the investigator has an impact upon the scientific community at large
and contributes to the process of discovery in cancer research.
The Andy Fund is managed by the Cancer Center Administration. Funding recommendations are made by the Cancer
Research Committee (CRC) and submitted to the Director of Norris Cotton Cancer Center and the Dean of Dartmouth Medical School
for approval. In its deliberations regarding allocation from the Andy Fund for FY2006, the CRC recognized the specific purpose
of The Andy Fund to support research in malignant brain tumors at Norris Cotton Cancer Center and chose to support the innovative
research concepts proposed by Dr. Brent Harris and Dr. Gabriele Popp.
Brent Harris, a neuropathologist and physician-scientist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Norris Cotton Cancer Center.
He and his laboratory and clinical colleagues are conducting research to identify prognostic markers and therapeutic targets
in glioblastoma multiforme. For this purpose, they are creating a tissue microarray using samples from central nervous system
tumors biopsied at DHMC, and will use this microarray to determine the level and methylation status of a specific enzyme that
inhibits the therapeutic action of an important brain cancer drug, Temozolomide. They are investigating the gene expression
patterns of this enzyme at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels. It is hoped that studying the levels and functions of the enzyme
in tissue and blood samples will lead to better tools for predicting therapeutic outcome and assist in treatment planning.
Gabriele Popp is a Hospitalist at DHMC who specializes in hyperbaric medicine. Dr. Popp has proposed a novel
approach to combining hyperbaric oxygenation of tumor tissues with radiation to enhance the response of glioblastoma multiforme
to radiation therapy and thus decrease tumor progression and improve survival. It is important to note that support from The
Andy Fund has played a critical role in fostering a research career for this successful and innovative young clinician.
The Andy Fund is a critical discretionary resource for Norris Cotton Cancer Center. We greatly appreciate the
consideration of the donor in establishing this Fund at Dartmouth, and are committed to applying it to the most compelling
brain cancer research initiatives brought forward by our scientists.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark A. Israel, MD
Director, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics
