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Be the match that could save a life
Join the drive to increase the national registry of potential bone marrow donors.
A simple cheek swab is all that is needed to determine if your marrow could save a life. You will be contacted only if you're a match for someone in need. Learn how you can help: view video.
Step up on Oct. 18:
The National Marrow Donor Program Be The Match drive takes place on Tuesday, October 18, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the Kontos Medical Sciences Building plaza on the MCV campus, located at 1217 E. Marshall Street in Richmond.
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| Volume 4, Issue 9 |
September 2011 |
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CELEBRATING NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH | |
This October marks the 25th year that the nation has dedicated the month to raising awareness of breast cancer. In those last two and a half decades, not only has breast cancer awareness and education increased, but there have been significant advances made in prevention, diagnosis and treatment. VCU Massey Cancer Center has been a major contributor in this effort -- leading the nation in breast cancer research and care. One of many examples of Massey's contributions is its innovative clinical research, of which more than two dozen trials for breast cancer are currently open.
What is it like to be on a clinical trial? Breast cancer survivor Karen Avery shares her experience. View video.
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| Trial shows benefit to adding Avastin to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients |
Amid the controversy surrounding the Food and Drug Administration's ruling that Avastin should no longer be used to treat metastatic breast cancer, a new multinational Phase III clinical trial shows that Avastin significantly increased tumor response to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients when given before surgery. Massey's Harry Bear, M.D., Ph.D., was protocol chair for the study. While the findings are encouraging, Bear cautioned that "we need more definitive biological predictors of response in order to more accurately identify the patients who will benefit most from Avastin." Read more. Search for a clinical trial.
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| Breakthrough discoveries find ways to predict and guard against breast cancer relapse |
Laboratory research at Massey led by Masoud Manjili, D.V.M., Ph.D., has resulted in the discovery of a new biomarker related to the body's immune system that can predict a breast cancer patient's risk of cancer recurrence. This breakthrough may lead to new genetic testing that further personalizes breast cancer care, as well as to clinical trials that test new ways to prevent the likelihood of relapse. Read more.
In another research study lead by Manjili, he and his team effectively reprogrammed immune cells to overcome a key cancer defense mechanism and develop long-lasting memory to reject breast cancer cells and guard against tumor relapse. Read more.
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| Key function of mutation in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer gene discovered | |
Massey researchers led by Kristoffer Valerie, Ph.D., have shown that certain breast cancer susceptibility 1 (BRCA1) gene mutations result in excessive, uncontrolled DNA repair. Challenging the prior assumption that mutations in BRCA1 only contribute to breast cancer through a reduction in function, this study has implications for the diagnosis, treatment and development of new therapies for breast and ovarian cancer. Read more.
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| Preventing "preventable deaths" | |
Massey researcher May Kennedy, Ph.D., is using an approach which embeds health messages in entertainment formats in order to change attitudes about breast and colon cancer screening. Screening and early detection can save lives, so Kennedy is testing several types of radio formats to find the one that most effectively increases awareness of screening recommendations and prompts cancer screening action.
In the following video, Dr. Kennedy discusses her study, Project REEL, with WTVR CBS 6 anchor Stephanie Rochon. View video.
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| Upcoming events | |
There are many wonderful events in October; visit our event directory to see them all. Here are a few highlights:
Various dates: Pink Ribbons of Hope events
Tee up or raise your racquet for breast cancer research. Make a difference while playing golf, tennis, bridge or even Mah Jongg at this series of fun events held at different venues around Richmond.
Oct. 6: Music for Massey with The Waybacks and special guest Jim Lauderdale
Presented by Dominion Virginia Power, this outdoor concert is the perfect way to say good-bye to summer while supporting Massey.
Oct. 12: How to reduce your chance of getting cancer - a talk at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Join Dr. Mary Helen Hackney as she discusses reducing your risk of cancer and the importance of early detection.
Oct. 15: The Highlands-Massey Classic 5k Run & Walk
All walkers and runners are invited to join in this fun way to raise money for cancer research.
Oct. 20: Saks Key to the Cure
Come dressed for a sophisticated evening of fashion, food and drink in support of a very worthy cause.
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Momentum is published by VCU Massey Cancer Center.
David Raine, Jr. Communications Coordinator dlraine@vcu.edu 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. |
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