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As one of just two NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Virginia, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is at the forefront of the nation’s cancer research efforts. Researchers at Massey conduct laboratory-based basic, population, and clinical and translational-focused research to advance improved approaches to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Continue reading to learn more about publications from Massey researchers in November and December 2023.

PUBLISHED RESEARCH

Study reveals genetic chain reaction that drives the spread of prostate cancer

Massey research members: Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D., FNAI, Nitai Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D., Asit Paul, M.D., Ph.D., Devanand Sarkar, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., Xiang-Yang Wang, Ph.D., and Jolene Windle, Ph.D. Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Publication date: Nov. 3, 2023

New research from scientists at Massey and the VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine determined that a particular gene — MDA-9/Syntenin-1/SDCBP — is the ringleader behind a molecular domino effect driving prostate cancer growth and metastasis. The findings could hold significant clinical implications for the treatment of prostate cancer and other forms of disease. The study aimed to understand the role of the MDA-9 gene in prostate cancer and how this gene communicates with surrounding cells and tissue in the tumor microenvironment to cause the tumor to migrate into the bones.

VCU collaborators: Swadesh K. Das, Ph.D., Santanu Maji, Ph.D., Praveen Bhoopathi, Ph.D., Luni Emdad, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., Rajan Gogna, Ph.D., Bryce Hatfield, M.D., Amit Kumar, Ph.D., Esha Madan, Ph.D., Padmanabhan Mannangatti, Ph.D., Anjan K. Pradhan, Ph.D., Mark Subler, Ph.D., D. Joshua Cohen, M.D., and Michael Levit

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Clinical trial findings point to new first-line treatment option for cervical cancer

Massey research member: Leslie Randall, M.D.
Journal: The Lancet
Publication date: Dec. 1, 2023

An international, phase 3 clinical trial of more than 400 patients aimed to evaluate the addition of an immune checkpoint inhibitor to the standard of care for metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer. Following the results of the clinical trial, the study authors suggest that adding atezolizumab to the standard bevacizumab plus platinum regimen for metastatic, persistent or recurrent cervical cancer significantly improves progression-free and overall survival and should be considered as a new first-line treatment option.

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Scientists study effects of collagen fibers on cancer cell migration

Massey research member: Sarah Rothschild, Ph.D., and Paul Fisher, M.P.H., Ph.D., FNAI
Journal: PLOS Genetics
Publication date: Dec. 20, 2023

Leader cells direct collective cellular migration through cues in their microenvironment to determine migration direction. A new study investigated the effect of collagen fibers on leader cell mechanics and offers new insights into two fundamental components of cancer development: invasion and metastasis.

VCU collaborators: Jessanne Lichtenberg, M.S., Swadesh Das, Ph.D., Christopher Lemmon, Ph.D., Corinne Leonard, Ella Ramamurthy, Trey Redman and Anna Young

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Groundbreaking discovery unveils promising anticancer drug targeting KRAS protein

Massey research members: Said Sebti, Ph.D., and Jose Trevino, M.D.
Journal: Cancer Research Communications
Publication date: Dec. 28, 2023

Through a highly collaborative research effort, a team of scientists has successfully developed a groundbreaking targeted therapy that hones in on the KRAS protein that drives some of the deadliest human cancers, including pancreatic, lung and colon tumors. Their findings suggest that a novel inhibitor drug could be used to target KRAS G12D, a subset of the notorious cancer-driving KRAS gene.

VCU collaborators: Aslamuzzaman Kazi, Ph.D., Alok Ranjan, Karthikeyan Subramanian, Vignesh Vudatha, M.D., and Rui Wang, Ph.D.

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PUBLISHED COMMENTARIES

Health disparities across the cancer care continuum and implications for microsimulation modeling

Massey research member: Robert A. Winn, M.D.
Journal: JNCI Monographs
Publication date: Nov. 8, 2023

Health disparities are rooted in historical injustices, including systemic racism, which, in turn, create inequities in risk exposures and access to and quality of health services. In this journal, researchers collaborated on population simulation models to evaluate how interventions across the cancer care continuum contribute to mortality disparities between Black people and the overall U.S. population. The commentary suggests that eliminating disparities between Black and white people in both incidence and mortality for colorectal cancer using sustained, coordinated efforts across the cancer care continuum is a strong catalyst for future progress in reducing cancer disparities.

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Some water in the data desert: The Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network’s capacity to guide mitigation of cancer health disparities

Massey research members: Robert A. Winn, M.D., and Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.
Journal: JNCI Monographs
Publication date: Nov. 8, 2023

Despite significant progress in cancer research and treatment, a persistent knowledge gap exists in understanding and addressing cancer care disparities, particularly among populations that are marginalized. The consequences of data divides and data deserts are far-reaching, impeding equitable access to precision medicine and perpetuating health disparities. This commentary highlights the role of the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network — which employs population simulation modeling to quantify cancer care disparities, particularly among the U.S. Black population — and emphasizes the importance of collecting quality data from various sources to improve model accuracy.

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Written by: Blake Belden