Massey Research Report for February 2018

February 2018

Table of Contents

Leaders' Update

Research Highlights

Center News

Researcher Recognition

Upcoming Events

Massey in the Media

Top Cancer News

Funding Opportunities

Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Grant Program (R01 Clinical Trial Required)

National Cancer Institute's Investigator-Initiated Early Phase Clinical Trials for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (R01 Clinical Trials Required)

Early-life Factors and Cancer Development Later in Life (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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)

Shared Resource Spotlight

Cancer Mouse Models Core

The Cancer Mouse Models Core provides expertise and services that facilitate preclinical mouse models to support the development of novel cancer therapeutics and precision medicine. The shared resource also offers support with several different types of mouse models of cancer: syngeneic models, genetically engineered mice and xenograft models. The CMMC has exclusive use of the following equipment: an IVIS Spectrum Preclinical In Vivo Imaging System, RapID tagging system, anesthesia equipment, StudyLog, Vectra 3.0 Automated Quantitative Pathology Imaging System and a Leica BOND RX automated H&E staining system.

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.

Leaders' Update

A message from Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Lin

Dear colleagues,

I have only been a part of Massey a short time, but I am excited by the progress and potential I see all around me. Joining on the heels of the most successful Cancer Center Support Grant renewal in Massey's history, I am honored to be part of this talented and dedicated group working toward Comprehensive designation at the next CCSG renewal.

This message continues with more about:

-the potential impact achieving comprehensive designation will have on our region

-the unique opportunity for cancer research in our catchment area
-the need for more effective data management

Research Highlights

Fields seeks to perfect calculations for comparing radiation therapy doses for cervical cancer treatment


	Emma Fields, M.D. Developmental Therapeutics member

A team of Massey researchers led by Emma Fields has found that one of the standard formulas for comparing cervical cancer radiation therapy treatments (D90) may be misleading, and the use of an alternative mathematical formula (gBEUD) could be used to more effectively predict and potentially improve outcomes for patients. A study, published in Brachytherapy , reviewed the outcomes of former Massey patients and determined that using gBEUD might help better predict survival and could potentially replace D90.

Center News

Certificate of Public Need for new MRI technology at Massey

Massey is working to become one of the first cancer centers in the nation to incorporate MRI technology into our radiation therapy treatment and planning equipment. This will help us to provide the most advanced, effective care for our patients and give our researchers a platform for important clinical research. We need your help to make this vision a reality. Visit the link below to show your support for a new MRI-equipped linear accelerator, an MRI simulator and a PET/CT simulator at Massey.

Researcher Recognition

Fisher appointed to prestigious editorial board and recognized as a national academic inventor


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

Massey researcher Paul Fisher has been elected as a member of the National Academy of Inventors, a nonprofit organization that enhances the visibility of academic technology and innovation as a means to benefit society. He will be inducted in April in Washington D.C. Fisher also recently accepted an invitation to join the new editorial board of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) and JNCI Cancer Spectrum.


Upcoming Events Inaugural Obesity and Cancer Summit Stephen Hursting, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will deliver the keynote lecture at the Obesity and Cancer Summit on Thursday, March 15. Abstract submissions are due February 26. Monthly Research Meetings Meetings for research programs and scientific groups Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k Massey is the official charitable partner of the Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k on Saturday, April 14. Consider accepting the Massey Challenge and joining us as we run to raise money for cancer research. For a full listing of events, view the calendar.	Massey in the Media Richmond Times-Dispatch Andrew Barnes, Ph.D., provided expert commentary on tobacco advertisements targeted to the youth. *Urban Views Weekly* Sarah Temkin, M.D., was interviewed about racial disparities among women with cervical cancer. WTVR CBS 6 Jaime Bohl, M.D., appeared on Virginia This Morning to discuss colorectal cancer prevention and screening.	Top Cancer News *Science* A study found that a blood test could detect one of eight cancers with about 70 percent accuracy. *Science Translational Medicine* A study found that a combination immunotherapy cured multiple types of cancer and can prevent spontaneous genetically driven cancers in animals. *The Lancet* A study found that 5-year net survival for most cancers remains among the highest in the world in the USA and Canada, in Australia and New Zealand and in Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

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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