February 2017
Table of Contents
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Shared Resource Spotlight
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Biological Macromolecule Core Laboratory Closure
The VCU Biological Macromolecule Laboratory will cease operations on April 30 due to the loss of support previously enjoyed through the Cancer Center Support Grant for this resource, along with changing usage patterns, evolving scientific priorities and the ongoing commercialization and commoditization of services. The core staff's priority between now and April 30 will be to complete to the best of their ability any projects that have already been initiated. If there are unfinished projects at the time of closure, all work product and research notes will be turned over to the contracting primary investigator. No new business will be accepted within the core after February 28, except incidental services that can with a high degree of certainty be competed within the remaining timeframe.
If you have any questions specifically regarding projects you have already contracted or work that you were hoping to initiate, please contact Lisa Shock, Ph.D., Core Laboratory Interim Director, or Kimberly Stratton, Core Laboratory Manager.
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Leaders' Update
A message from Mary Ann Hager, associate director for clinical services
Massey's clinical services are continuing to expand, with new physicians, clinics, treatments and programs.
This message continues with more on Massey's:
- New physicians
- New Pancreas & Biliary Neoplasm Program
- New colorectal surgery and screening clinic
- HIPEC
- Expansion of collaborations with VCU Health CMH
- Growth of the Integrative Health Program
- Addition of Survivorship Care Plans
- Medical-Legal Partnership
- Extension of social work services
- Re-accreditation of the Palliative Care Program
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Research Highlights
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Pilot study suggests genetic testing could better identify breast cancer patients who would benefit from preoperative hormone therapy
Preliminary findings from a pilot study led by Harry Bear suggest that it may be possible to use Oncotype DX, a 21-gene recurrence scoring system, to identify more breast cancer patients who would benefit from neoadjuvant hormone therapy as an alternative to chemotherapy. Presented by Bear at the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the findings indicated that patients with an intermediate Oncotype DX score who received preoperative hormone therapy were able to successfully undergo breast conservation surgery at the same rate as patients who received chemotherapy.
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Center News
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Massey joins NCI cancer centers in endorsing updated HPV vaccine recommendations
Massey again united with each of the 68 other National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in issuing a joint statement in support of recently revised HPV vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccines can prevent the majority of cervical, anal, oropharyngeal and other genital cancers, but vaccination rates remain low across the U.S. The new guidelines recommend that children aged 11 to 12 should receive two doses of the HPV vaccine at least six months apart. Adolescents and young adults older than 15 should continue to complete the three-dose series.
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Member Showcase
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Da Rocha working to develop novel nanotherapeutics for lung cancer
Sandro da Rocha joined Massey as a member of the Developmental Therapeutics research program in 2016. He hopes to eventually develop novel drugs that can be used as a primary or adjuvant therapy for multiple forms of lung cancer. In addition, da Rocha is the director of pharmaceutical engineering and an associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics at the VCU School of Pharmacy.
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Researcher Recognition
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Fuemmeler appointed as the Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., Chair in Cancer Research
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Cancer Prevention and Control member |
Massey researcher and associate director for cancer prevention and control, Bernard Fuemmeler, Ph.D., M.P.H., was appointed as the Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., Chair in Cancer Research in January. He was awarded the chair in recognition of his exemplary contributions to teaching, research and public service. The appointment highlights Fuemmeler's commitment to improving public health, and his continued achievements are an integral part of VCU's and Massey's vision to make a difference as a major research university.
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Upcoming Events
Cancer Research Seminars
Monthly Research Meetings
Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k
For a full listing of events,
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Massey in the Media
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Top Cancer News
Cancer
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Share with us your research, awards and accomplishments!
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Connect with us!
Join Massey's online communities.
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