Massey Research Report for June 2018

June 2018

Table of Contents

Leaders' Update

Research Highlights

Center News

Member Showcase

Researcher Recognition

Upcoming Events

Massey in the Media

Top Cancer News

Funding Opportunities

Comprehensive Partnerships to Advance Cancer Health Equity (Collaborative U54 Clinical Trial Optional)

Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award in Tobacco Regulatory Research (K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award in Tobacco Regulatory Research (K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)

Pilot Research Grant Program

View a full list of current funding opportunities.

Open

Recruitments

Highlighted positions related to cancer for which VCU is currently hiring. View the full list.

Associate Director, Basic Research (F51620)

Program Co-Leader, Cancer Molecular Genetics (F36090)

Surgical Oncology Division Chair (F59750)

Shared Resource Spotlight

Tissue & Data Acquisition & Analysis Core

The Tissue & Data Acquisition & Analysis Core provides support for biomedical research by maintaining and providing a bank of high-quality human tissue samples using best practice collection methodologies, maintaining appropriate patient protections and integrating relevant clinical data. Services include quality-controlled human residual tumor and hematopoietic samples; customized human tissue collection, handling and informed consent services; and processing of tissue and hematopoietic samples for specialized studies. The TDAAC supports investigator-initiated IRB-approved translational research projects and clinical trials. Samples and data can be provided under an anonymous honest broker system or for specific IRB-approved protocols.

For more information, contact resource manager Pamela Jill Grizzard at 628.3615 or pamela.grizzard@vcuhealth.org, or visit the Massey website.

Leaders' Update

A message from Director Gordon Ginder

I am pleased to share that Massey's scientific External Advisory Board (EAB) recently gave an overall positive evaluation of our cancer center. The board met onsite in March to conduct a review of the cancer center. Massey's leaders were heartened by the EAB review, and the board's recommendations were deliberated and discussed at our senior leadership retreat in May.

Research Highlights

Massey IIT will test experimental immunotherapy in breast cancer patients before chemotherapy and surgery


	Harry Bear, M.D., Ph.D. Developmental Therapeutics member

A phase 2 clinical trial developed at Massey and based on laboratory research led by Harry Bear is testing the benefits of adding an experimental immunotherapy combination (decitabine and pembrolizumab) prior to standard chemotherapy and surgery for HER2-negative breast cancer patients. The trial is assessing whether decitabine may increase the amount of tumor antigen targeted by a patient's immune response and decrease immune suppression by other white blood cells.

New study points to a potential "Achilles heel" in brain cancer


	Paul Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D. Cancer Molecular Genetics member

Massey scientists led by Paul Fisher identified how a mechanism that protects glioma stem cells can potentially be exploited to develop new and more effective treatments for glioblastoma multiforme. They found that protective autophagy is regulated by the gene MDA-9/Syntenin, and demonstrated an increase in survival following MDA-9/Syntenin inhibition in mouse models of human stem cells.

Center News

Virginia cancer experts assemble for annual Massey conference

Oncologists and clinical cancer researchers from across the state recently gathered for Massey's seventh annual Cancer Symposium and Clinical Research Affiliation Network. Speakers at the symposium included Steven Grossman, Worta McCaskill-Stevens, Thomas George, Jr., Sarah Gordon and Khalid Matin. Presenters at the retreat on Saturday included Harry Bear, Victor Yazbeck and Charles Geyer, Jr.

Member Showcase

Rohan studies novel interventions to improve psychosocial and health outcomes for pediatric cancer patients


	Jennifer M. Rohan, Ph.D. Cancer Prevention and Control member

Jennifer Rohan joined Massey as a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control research program in 2017. She is interested in the development and evaluation of innovative technologies for objectively measuring medication adherence, self-management, psychosocial variables and health outcomes of pediatric patients diagnosed with hematological cancers and conditions. Rohan is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the VCU School of Medicine.

Researcher Recognition

Nasim named new vice president for inclusive excellence at VCU


	Aashir Nasim, Ph.D. Cancer Prevention and Control member

Aashir Nasim has been named the vice president for inclusive excellence at VCU. He is a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control research program at Massey, and his research has focused on topics involving tobacco and other drug behaviors, sexual risk behaviors and culture, identity and behavior.


Upcoming Events HMG/VIMM Faculty Seminar Series Wednesday, June 27: Devanand Sarkar, Ph.D., will lead a seminar titled 'ER Localization Confers Oncogenic Functions to AEG-1' in GRL-131 at 12 PM. Monthly Research Meetings Meetings for research programs and scientific groups Music For Massey Join us July 18 at Maymont for this year's Music for Massey benefiting Connor's Heroes Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at Massey. This year's concert features the Punch Brothers and Madison Cunningham. Click here for sponsorship opportunities or "Friend of Massey" tickets. For a full listing of events, view the calendar.	Massey in the Media CNN Alex Krist, M.P.H., M.D., was interviewed about new prostate cancer screening guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. *Richmond Times-Dispatch* Priti Shah, M.D., was featured in the final installment of a series following a breast cancer patient through her treatment at Massey. WTVR CBS 6 John Quillin, Ph.D., M.P.H., provided expert commentary on at-home genetic testing for breast cancer risk.	Top Cancer News *CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians* The American Cancer Society recommended that adults at average risk for colon and rectal cancers should begin screening at age 45. FDA The FDA expanded approval of rucaparib for treatment of recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. *Science Translational Medicine* Researchers developed a liquid biopsy that could potentially be effective in detecting ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Share with us your research, awards and accomplishments!

Submit your news to Blake Belden at beldenba@vcu.edu or (804) 628-4578.

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