May 2013
Table of Contents
|
|
Note: New York State Stem Cell Science (NYSTEM) has been recently approved as a NIH peer reviewed funding agency. All grants issued by NYSTEM will be considered "peer reviewed, funded research projects." Learn more about this new funding opportunity.
|
|
Shared Resource Spotlight
Structural Biology Shared Resource
The SBSR core represents a coalescence of resources critical to the determination and utilization of structural information in addressing problems of significance in cancer research.
-The resource offers instrumentation, computer hardware and software, and support personnel for the determination of molecular structures and the utilization of structural information.
-The shared resource encompasses three related components: X-ray Crystallography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and Molecular Modeling.
These facilities are clustered in a dedicated space to facilitate access and consultation with the support team. The SBSR Core also collaborates closely with the Biological Macromolecule Shared Resource, which can undertake the production and purification of proteins required for structural analysis.
Director:
Contact Information:
(804) 828-1023
|
|
 |
|
Leaders' Update
A message from Paul Fawcett, Ph.D., associate director for shared resources
There are a few important updates regarding Massey's shared resource cores that I would like to share.
This message continues with:
|
Research Highlights
|
Biodegradable implant may lessen side effects from prostate cancer treatments
Results from an international phase 1 clinical trial testing a biodegradable inflatable balloon designed to increase space between the prostate and rectum show that it has the potential to significantly reduce rectal injury caused by radiation treatments.
|
New drug enhances radiation treatment for brain cancer in preclinical studies
In preclinical studies, the novel drug KU-60019 helped extend survival and increase the effectiveness of treatment when combined with radiation therapy in mouse models with glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer.
|
Educational videos help patients become familiar with radiation therapy
A pilot study suggests that educational videos shown before a patient's initial consultation with their radiation oncologist can significantly boost a patient's understanding of the planned treatment process.
|
Center News
|
Cancer Research Retreat
The Cancer Research Retreat will be held on June 13 in the McGlothlin Medical Education Center Learning Theatre.
 Massey welcomes new associate director for clinical research
Charles Edward Geyer, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P., has been named associate director for clinical research at Massey and professor in the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care at VCU School of Medicine.
Geyer is internationally recognized for his expertise in the study and treatment of breast cancer. As the associate director, he will collaborate with the cancer center's laboratory and clinical investigators of various scientific programs as well as with its oncology clinicians to fashion a clinical trials menu that reflects both the strengths of Massey's science and the cancer burden of its patients.
|
Member Showcase
Litovchick's research is aimed at understanding mechanisms of the mammalian cell cycle exit and entry into G0/quiescence, a critical component to tumor suppression, stem cell biology and development. Currently, her team is working to determine the role of DYRK1A kinase signaling pathway in the pathogenesis and progression of ovarian cancer.
|
Researcher Recognition
|
Congratulations to the following members who recently received awards from VCU Sponsored Research Programs:
- Beata Holkova, M.D. for "A Phase 1/2 Single-Arm, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Brentuximab Vedotin in Combination with Bendamustine in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma"
 co-leader of the Cancer Molecular Genetics program, was recently awarded the Prostate Cancer Foundation's 2012 A. David Massone PCF Challenge Award. The award will help fund his team's research on developing systemically deliverable "theranostic" (therapeutic and diagnostic combined) nanoparticle constructs that will enable simultaneous molecular-genetic imaging and therapy of primary and metastatic prostate cancer.
|
A portion of 11th Street will close for construction from June 17 to August 30 as VCU Medical Center makes way for the new Children's Pavilion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
Weekly Research Seminars
Monthly Research Meetings
Fundraising Event
For a full listing of events,
|
Massey in the Media
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Richmond Magazine
Press coverage is compiled monthly for your convenience.
|
Top Cancer News
Nature (Also featured in the
Science Translational Medicine
Journal of Clinical Oncology
|
|
|
|
|
Share with us your research, awards and accomplishments!
|
|
Connect with us!
Join Massey's online communities.
|
|
|
|
