July 2018
Table of Contents
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Shared Resource Spotlight
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Cancer Mouse Models Core
The Cancer Mouse Models Core now offers patient derived xenograft (PDX) models for cancer researchers. The CMMC provides expertise and services that facilitate preclinical mouse models to support the development of novel cancer therapeutics and precision medicine. The resource core also offers support with several other types of mouse models of cancer including syngeneic models, genetically engineered mice and xenograft models.
For more information, contact resource director Jennifer Koblinski, Ph.D., at 827-0738 or lab manager Bin Hu, Ph.D., at 628-5040 or visit the Massey website.
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Leaders' Update
A message from Charles Clevenger, associate director for basic research
Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to share some exciting developments in precision medicine occurring at Massey Cancer Center. Massey is conducting two pilot studies with a precision medicine company that has developed the world's largest library of clinical and molecular data. Also, the Molecular Pathology Research Services Laboratory and Cancer Mouse Models Core have both expanded their precision oncology-related capabilities.
This message continues with more information about Massey's progress in precision medicine.
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Research Highlights
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Novel combination developed as potential therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma
A new study led by Anthony Faber found that a novel epigenetic drug known as a H3K27me demethylase inhibitor can be used in combination with an existing drug called venetoclax to more effectively kill high-risk neuroblastoma cells. His team of researchers will continue to collaborate to transition this combination therapy into clinical trials for neuroblastoma.
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Experimental drug combined with radiation selectively kills brain tumors in pre-clinical studies
Massey scientists led by Kristoffer Valerie demonstrated that an experimental drug known as AZ32 selectively sensitizes brain tumors to radiation and significantly extends the survival of mouse models with human glioblastoma multiforme. The study paved the way for a phase 1 clinical trial testing a similar but more effective experimental
drug, AZ1390,
in combination
with radiation therapy for the
treatment of brain cancer.
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Thousands of women with breast cancer may be spared chemotherapy
Seventy percent of women with the most common type of breast cancer can safely skip chemotherapy, according to the results of a 12-year landmark clinical research study co-authored by Charles Geyer. Data from the Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (TAILORx) shows that chemotherapy does not increase disease-free survival rates for women with early-stage breast cancer and an intermediate risk of recurrence score determined by the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score assay.
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Center News
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Massey celebrates groundbreaking of new pavilion for outpatient cancer care
Massey celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, 16-story outpatient oncology pavilion at the corner of North 10th and East Leigh streets. The 603,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility will feature medical, surgical and radiation oncology clinics with shared spaces to support Massey's multidisciplinary teams in delivering well-coordinated, seamless care. It will include double the number of infusion chairs currently in the Dalton Oncology Clinic, and the projected completion date is summer 2020.
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Massey becomes first in Virginia to offer FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy
Massey is now an official treatment center for Yescarta by Kite Pharma for adult patients with recurrent or refractory B-cell lymphoma, making it the first in Virginia to offer an FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy. Several patients have already undergone consultation for treatment, and Massey in partnership with Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU will soon be offering another FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy, KYMRIAH by Novartis, for children and young adults with recurrent or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Member Showcase
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Hundley studies the effect of cancer treatment on cardiovascular health
Cardio-oncologist William Gregory Hundley, who was recently appointed the inaugural director of the Pauley Heart Center at VCU Health, has joined Massey as a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control research program and will serve on Massey's Senior Advisory Committee. He studies the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy on cardiovascular health as a means to reduce heart failure and more effectively personalize treatment options for cancer patients.
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Researcher Recognition
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Massey researchers receive $1M from VFHY to study youth tobacco use and inform state policy
Massey researchers Bernard Fuemmeler, Andrew Barnes, J. Randy Koch and Caroline Cobb received three grants totaling more than $1 million from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth to study the factors that increase the risk of youth tobacco use as a means to inform more effective prevention strategies and policies.
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Upcoming Events
Cancer Research Seminars
August 1, 2018: Ronny Drapkin, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, will lead a seminar titled 'Targeting the Unexpected Origins of Ovarian Cancer' from 4-5 PM in GRL-131.
Monthly Research Meetings
Massey on the River
For a full listing of events,
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Massey in the Media
WTVR CBS 6
Medical News Today
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Top Cancer News
JAMA
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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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