VCU Massey Cancer Center Researchers Awarded Nearly $4 Million in Stimulus Funding from the National Institutes of Health
Andrea Butler
Public Relations Manager
Massey Cancer Center
(804) 628-2111
albutler@vcu.edu
12/15/2009
Twelve faculty researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center received nearly $4 million in federal stimulus funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 13 research projects. The grants range in size from $99,993 to $591,990 for a wide variety of projects ranging from clinical trials for leukemia to pre-clinical studies on a gene therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Funding is from the American Recovery and Revitalization Act, federal legislation designed to stimulate the economy.
“We can attest that the stimulus funding we've received is doing exactly what it was designed to -- help us advance our research mission and create and retain jobs that stimulate the economy, “ said Gordon D. Ginder, M.D., director of VCU Massey Cancer Center. “The funding has a ripple effect beyond our laboratories,” he added. “For example, it supports biomedical supply companies, transportation businesses that deliver these supplies to our labs, and even the vendors on campus who sell lunch to our staff.”
The 175 research members of VCU Massey Cancer Center hold faculty appointments in 28 academic departments at VCU, and are selected as members of the cancer center based on their accomplishments in cancer research. When combined with the members’ research teams, about 500 people are focused on cancer research at Massey.
The spectrum of their work includes gaining insight on how to prevent and control cancer and analyzing the economic impact of cancer; developing new therapeutic treatments for cancer, and improving treatment methods to enhance the quality of life for those with cancer.
The 12 recipients and their projects are:
Cathy J. Bradley, Ph.D.
Health Insurance, Labor Supply and Health
Xiangning Chen, Ph.D.
Variants in Nicotine Receptors and Pharmacogentics
Xianjun Fang, Ph.D.
Lysophophatidic Acid in Oncogenesis
Panos Peter Fatouros, Ph.D.
Metallofullerene Nanoplatform for Imaging and Treatment
Paul Fisher, Ph.D., M.Ph.
Cancer Gene Management by Novel Gene Therapy and Dietary Agents
David Gewirtz, Ph.D.
Development of Vascular Disrupting Agents
Gordon D. Ginder, M.D.
Globin Gene Expression During Erythroid Differentiation
Steven Grant, M.D.
(1) Proteasome/HDAC Inhibition in Leukemia/MDS; Phase I Trial and Correlative Studies (See separate news release on this highly selective “GO” grant)
(2) Phase I Trial of Bortezomib and Romidespin in CLL and Small Cell Lymphoma
Hisashi Harada, Ph.D.
Apoptosis Induced by Glucocorticoids and MEK1/2 Inhibitors in Leukemia
Kristopher Valerie, Ph.D.
Radiation-Induced ATM and ERK Signaling in DSB Repair
John G. Tew, Ph.D.
Follicular Antigen Binding Dendritic Cells
Lawrence B. Schwartz, M.D., Ph.D.
Cellular and Inflammatory Pathways in Asthma and Allergic Diseases: From IGE to Cells
(Note: This study has implications for cancer research.)
- About the VCU Massey Cancer Center
VCU Massey Cancer Center is one of only 66 National Cancer Institute-designated institutions in the country that leads and shapes America’s cancer research efforts. Working with all kinds of cancers, the Center conducts basic, translational and clinical cancer research, provides state-of-the-art treatments and clinical trials, and promotes cancer prevention and education. Since 1974, Massey has served as an internationally recognized center of excellence. It offers a wide range of clinical trials throughout Virginia, oftentimes the most trials in the state, and serves patients in Richmond and in four satellite locations. Its 1,000 researchers, clinicians and staff members are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by developing and delivering effective means to prevent, control and ultimately to cure cancer. Visit Massey online at www.massey.vcu.edu or call 877-4-MASSEY for more information.
