Massey Research Report for May 2018

May 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

Improving the Reach and Quality of Cancer Care in Rural Populations (R01 Clinical Trial Required)

Revision Applications to National Cancer Institute's Supported R01 Awards to Include Research on the NCI's Provocative Questions (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

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

Microscopy

The VCU Microscopy Facility provides researchers with the equipment and expertise required to examine subcellular details at high resolution by both light and electron microscopy and to perform quantitative image analysis. Services include live-cell imaging, confocal laser scanning microscopy, spinning disc confocal microscopy, multi-photon laser scanning microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, sample preparation, stereology and image analysis. Staff is available for consultation, instruction, assistance and collaboration.

For further information, contact Scott Henderson, Ph.D., facility director, at (804) 828.0949, or scott.henderson@vcuhealth.org
or visit the Massey website.

Leaders' Update

A message from Steven Grant, associate director for translational research

Massey Cancer Center has a strong history of translating our basic science research into successful investigator-initiated trials (IITs). We are continuing to develop and conduct promising Massey IITs, and I would like to highlight a couple of recent examples.

This message continues with more about exciting Massey IITs for breast cancer and acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome.

Research Highlights

Li identifies genes that could inform novel therapies for cancers caused by the Epstein-Barr virus


	Renfeng Li, Ph.D. Cancer Molecular Genetics member

A team of Massey researchers led by Renfeng Li identified two genes (PIAS1 and IRF8) that are responsible for governing the replication of the Epstein-Barr virus, an infection that drives the growth of several types of cancer. The discovery could lead to the development of novel therapies for

virus-associated diseases including stomach cancer and lymphomas.

Phan leads clinical trial testing a new immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma


	Giao Phan, M.D. Developmental Therapeutics member

Massey is one of 17 global sites participating in a phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an adoptive cell-transfer therapy called LN-144 to treat patients with metastatic melanoma. LN-144 is made of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes that are harvested in a facility and later infused back into the patient to kill tumor cells. Conducted by Giao Phan, this trial represents the first

cell-based immunotherapy performed by Massey.

Center News

Massey physicians named Richmond Magazine's Top Docs 2018

Twenty-nine Massey doctors were recognized as regional "Top Docs" in the April 2018 issue of Richmond Magazine. The selections were the result of a survey that asked Richmond-area physicians who they would recommend in a range of specialties.

Member Showcase

Hayes studies behavioral interventions as a means to reduce cancer risk


	Rashelle B. Hayes, Ph.D. Cancer Prevention and Control member

Rashelle Hayes joined Massey as a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) research program in 2017. She studies how to help patients change unhealthy behaviors that may increase their cancer risk with a specific focus on tobacco treatment and obesity management. Hayes is an associate professor of psychiatry at the VCU School of Medicine and a clinical psychologist at VCU Health.

Researcher Recognition

Fang awarded $1.1M to study the role of fatty acids in the development of breast cancer


	Xianjun Fang, Ph.D. Cancer Cell Signaling member

Massey researcher Xianjun Fang was awarded more than $1.1 million by the U.S. Department of Defense to study how an enzyme contributes to the development of breast cancer. Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is directly controlled by a rate-limiting enzyme called carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1A). Fang's research will examine FAO's role in breast cancer development and explore the therapeutic benefits of inhibiting CPT1A and other FAO blockers in breast cancer models.


Upcoming Events Cancer Research Seminars Wednesday, May 2, 4:00-5:00 PM: Maureen Murphy, Ph.D., of the Wistar Institute, will lead a seminar on the role of p53 in tumor suppression in GRL-131. Monthly Research Meetings Meetings for research programs and scientific groups Run 4 Massey 5k The Third Annual Run 4 Massey 5k at Pocahontas State Park on May 6th supports cancer research at Massey. The event will feature food, refreshments, awards, door prizes and more. For a full listing of events, view the calendar.	Massey in the Media *Boomer Magazine* Santosh Kale, M.D., and Kandace McGuire, M.D., were interviewed about breast reconstruction options. Everyday Health Sarah Temkin, M.D., provided commentary on cervical cancer screening guidelines. Medical Xpress John Quillin, Ph.D., discussed direct-to-consumer genetic testing for breast cancer risk.	Top Cancer News *JAMA Oncology* A study found that loss of muscle tissue occurs in over one-third of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. *Science Translational Medicine* Scientists found that an immunotherapy vaccine can cure multiple types of cancer and prevent spontaneous genetically driven cancers in mice. *The New England Journal of Medicine* A clinical trial indicated that the addition of Keytruda to standard chemotherapy resulted in significantly longer overall survival in non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

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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