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Top five things you should know about clinical trials
 

1. Clinical trials are how doctors and researchers find better ways to prevent, detect or treat cancer.
 

2. There are many different kinds of clinical trials, including trials for people who have cancer, people at high risk for cancer and people being screened for cancer.
 

3. Cancer patients on clinical trials are always treated for their cancer, either with a new treatment or a new combination of existing treatments, or with the current standard of care.
 

4. There are many regulations and laws in place, as well as monitoring boards, to ensure patient safety and ethical treatment in clinical trials.
 

5. A patient enrolled in a clinical trial can leave the trial at any time. Likewise, researchers can discontinue a trial if risks are proving to be too great.
 

Learn more about Massey's clinical research and how it is impacting progress in the fight against cancer by visiting www.masseytrials.com.

 

Volume 4, Issue 7
August 2011

Welcoming a new medical oncology leader

 

Steven Grossman, M.D., Ph.D., has joined Massey as Dianne Nunnally Hoppes Endowed Chair in Cancer Research of the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care. He will play a key role in defining the strategic vision and future of educational programs, research and clinical service lines related to oncology. [Read more]    

Pioneering a new field of cancer research

Shirley M. Taylor, Ph.D., and colleagues have found novel mechanisms in mitochondria, pioneering the formation of a whole new field of research within epigenetics. This research area is ripe with possibilities for developing future gene therapies to treat cancer. 
Developing a new therapy for blood cancers

Beata Holkova, M.D., and Steven Grant, M.D., successfully completed a Phase I clinical trial evaluating a new combination of drugs in patients with certain blood cancers. While the purpose of Phase I trials is not to test for therapeutic benefits, 44 percent of the trial's patients responded to the therapy. The rationale for this trial was developed in Grant's laboratory by Yun Dai, M.D., Ph.D. Holkova and Grant discussed the trial in an interview with WCVE National Public Radio. Listen to the NPR broadcast. [Read more
Communicating openly with your doctor could save your life

 

Laura Siminoff, Ph.D., and a team of researchers identified several factors that contribute to delays in diagnosing colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. "The study highlights the importance of communication between doctors and patients," says Siminoff. She discusses her research in a video: View video

[Read more

Killing brain cancer

Kristoffer Valerie, Ph.D., and his research team are developing a new, "synthetically lethal" strategy for defeating the most common and deadly form of brain cancer. "Our proposed treatment focuses on blocking the tumor cells' ability to repair DNA damage and continue multiplying," says Valerie. [Read more]
  

 Upcoming events

 

For a listing of all Massey-related events, visit our event directory.

 

Sept. 3 and 10: Massey Alliance at the 17th Street Farmers' Market Learn to reduce cancer risk through nutrition, fitness and healthy living. 

 

Sept. 8: Race for Research featuring NASCAR Sprint Cup driver J.J. Yeley. Indulge your fantasy and race against a NASCAR driver for a good cause - cancer research at Massey.

 
Sept. 13: Stonehenge Breast Cancer Golf Tournament
Play golf while fund-raising for breast cancer research at Massey.

Sept. 13: Free prostate health seminar
Join Mitchell Anscher, M.D., and Vernon Orton, M.D., as they discuss recent developments in the treatment of prostate cancer.


Sept. 15: Blue Equinox: A Harvest Celebration
Enjoy a night of wine, music and jewels in support of Massey.


Sept. 21: Highlands-Massey Classic Auction
Shop for a selection of vacation homes, art, jewelry and other items in silent and live auctions to raise money for Massey.


Sept. 22: Highlands-Massey Classic Golf Tournament
Enjoy a great day of golf to benefit breast and head and neck cancer research at Massey.


Sept. 24: Massey on the River: Presented by East End Resource

Recovery

Join in the fun of classic yacht rock, a dinner buffet with beverages and a great evening under the stars - all to support Massey. 

 

__________________________________

Momentum is published by VCU Massey Cancer Center.

David Raine, Jr.
Communications Coordinator
804-628-1829

If you have questions about cancer, cancer treatments or survivorship, please ASK MASSEY.

To learn more about VCU Massey Cancer Center, please visit our Web site at www.massey.vcu.edu.