December 2016
Table of Contents
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Shared Resource Spotlight
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Transgenic/Knockout Mouse Core
Located on the eighth floor of the Molecular Medicine Research Building, the Transgenic/Knockout Mouse facility offers services to Massey researchers related to transgenic mouse production, embryo cryopreservation, breeding colony management, tail DNA genotyping and much more. The laboratory is equipped with an expansive selection of advanced technology including an Olympus IX-71 inverted injection scope with stage cooler, two Eppendorf TransferMan 4r micromanipulators, an Eppendorf Femtojet 4i microinjector, an Olympus DP-72 Digital Camera, a Vibroplane air table, a Bio-Cool III controlled rate freezer, two VWR CryoPro LN2 holding tanks, among others.
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Leaders' Update
A message from Vanessa Sheppard, associate director for disparities research
I am thrilled and honored to join Massey Cancer Center and to serve as its first associate director for disparities research.
This message continues with more about:
-The new role of associate director for disparities research at Massey
-Massey's current contributions in disparities research and plans for advancing this work
-Opportunities for researchers to collaborate in activities aimed at alleviating cancer disparities
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Research Highlights
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New combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy combats breast cancer cell recurrence
In pre-clinical experiments, Massey researchers have reported promising results toward the eradication of breast cancer recurrence through a combination of Adriamycin, a standard chemotherapeutic agent, and a form of immunotherapy. Led by Masoud Manjili, the study, published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, demonstrated that a chemo-immunotherapeutic protocol overcame tumor-induced suppression, heightened tumor cells' vulnerability to immunotherapy and extended survival in animal models of metastatic breast cancer.
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Tumor cell target discovered that can be inhibited to develop novel immunotherapy
Research conducted by Joseph Landry and a team of Massey scientists found that the chromatin-remodeling complex known as nucleosome remodeling factor (NURF) regulates gene expression in tumors. Published in Cancer Research, Landry's team used mouse models with strong immune systems to determine that tumor growth slowed, and sometimes completely retreated, when cancer cells were depleted of NURF, and that T-cells more actively killed NURF-depleted tumor cells.
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Center News
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New Pancreas Program to improve pancreatic cancer treatment outcomes
Massey's new Pancreas Program at Stony Point allows patients to see a variety of specialists on the same day at one location. This multidisciplinary and patient-centered approached, led by program director Dr. Brian Kaplan, is designed to improve pancreatic cancer treatment outcomes while
reducing
wait times and anxiety.
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Member Showcase
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Sheppard is an expert in reducing inequities in cancer outcomes
Vanessa Sheppard was named as Massey's associate director for disparities research and will also serve as co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) research program. In these roles, she will lead Massey's efforts to advance high-priority disparities and minority health research across its various research programs and themes. Sheppard is chair of and professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Policy at the VCU School of Medicine.
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Researcher Recognition
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Two Massey genetic counselors appointed to state advisory board
Governor Terry McAuliffe recently announced the appointment of Heather Creswick and John Quillin, both genetic counselors at Massey's Familial Cancer Clinic, to Virginia's Advisory Board on Genetic Counseling (AB). The AB develops regulations that will guide the implementation of genetic counseling licensure legislation and aid with legal processes of licensed genetic counselors. Quillin is a member of Massey's Cancer Prevention and Control research program and Creswick is an instructor in the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics at the VCU School of Medicine.
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Upcoming Events
Cancer Research Seminars
There are no seminars scheduled for January at this time.
Monthly Research Meetings
Massey Challenge
For a full listing of events,
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Massey in the Media
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Top Cancer News
American Cancer Society
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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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