Latest News
Research, Center News & Funding
January-March 2025: Published research at Massey
Apr 16, 2025
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. Scientists at Massey conduct cutting-edge, 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 January, February and March 2025.
PUBLISHED RESEARCH
Physical activity intervention could improve quality of life for lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy
Massey research members: W. Greg Hundley, M.D., Alexander Lucas, Ph.D., and Victor Yazbeck, M.D.
Journal: Pilot and Feasibility Studies
Publication date: Jan. 14, 2025
Anthrocycline-based chemotherapy, a common treatment option for lymphoma, is often associated with heart failure, physical decline and reduced quality of life in many patients. Physical activity has emerged as a noninvasive approach to effectively reduce these treatment-related side effects. Findings from a pilot study suggested that a six-month tailored physical activity intervention is feasible and could be beneficial for improving exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy.
VCU collaborators: R. Lee Franco, Ph.D., Alexandra Marshall, M.S., and Jeremy Via
Combination treatment could benefit acute myeloid leukemia patients
Massey research members: Keri Maher, D.O., Steven Grant, M.D., and Dipankar Bandyopadhyay, Ph.D.
Journal: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
Publication date: Jan. 17, 2025
Relapsed and/or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) continue to lead to poor outcomes, with limited treatment options despite advancements in combination and targeted therapies. Through a phase 1 clinical study, researchers investigated the efficacy and safety of a new combination treatment strategy in AML and high-risk MDS. Their findings suggest that AML patients with an extremely poor prognosis could respond to the combination of two targeted drugs that don't have any clinical effect when administered individually.
VCU collaborator: Xiaoyan Deng, M.S.
P-cadherin-dependent adhesions are required for single lumen formation and HGF-mediated cell protrusions during epithelial morphogenesis
Massey research member: Priscilla Hwang, Ph.D.
Journal: iScience
Publication date: Jan. 20, 2025
During epithelial morphogenesis, in vivo, epithelial cells form cysts enclosing a single, hollow lumen and extend protrusions as a precursor for tubulogenesis. Dysregulated cyst formation or cell protrusion capabilities can lead to diseases such as cancer. In this study, researchers investigated how CDH3 affects lumen development and cellular protrusions in response to HGF-induced tubulogenesis. They found that lumen formation, cell protrusions and tubule formation, all essential components of epithelial morphogenesis, are regulated by CDH3 in connection with Rho signaling pathways in MDCK cysts.
VCU collaborators: Sydnie Tran, Christopher Lemmon, Ph.D., Corinne Leonard, Jessanne Lichtenberg, Amanda Pearson, Hazel Sterling and Jessica Williamson
Oral medication is effective alternative to opioids for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
Massey research member: M. Imad Damaj, Ph.D.
Journal: Molecular Pharmaceutics
Publication date: Jan. 29, 2025
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious side effect of many cancer treatments, with limited effective preventive or therapeutic interventions. Recent study findings underscore the potential of a drug known as A190 as a nonopioid therapeutic candidate, utilizing a novel microemulsion formulation for the management of CIPN pain and chronic inflammatory pain.
VCU collaborators: Rudra Pangeni, Ph.D., Sara Herz, Surendra Poudel and Qingguo Xu, D.Phil.
School salad bars raise fruit intake among kids
Massey research member: Melanie Bean, Ph.D.
Journal: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Publication date: Feb. 5, 2025
There is a need to better understand factors that can improve children’s fruit and vegetable intake, given the well-established links between low intake and chronic illness, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Researchers tested whether salad bars increased elementary school students’ fruit and vegetable intake in one Virginia school district. They found that school salad bars boost how much fruit kids eat but don’t drive up vegetable intake.
VCU collaborators: Sarah Farthing, Suzanne Mazzeo, Ph.D., and Ashley Mendoza
Prostate cancer patients should be screened for cardiovascular risk at the time of diagnosis
Massey research members: Alexander Lucas, Ph.D., Bassam Dahman, Ph.D., W. Greg Hundley, M.D., Bhaumik Patel, M.D., Asit Paul, M.D., Ph.D., and Vanessa Sheppard, Ph.D.
Journal: Cardio-Oncology
Publication date: Feb. 6, 2025
Androgen deprivation therapy is the primary treatment option for men diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer; however, this therapy often leads to major adverse heart conditions. A new study found that prostate cancer patients within the VA health care system with cardiometabolic disease at the time of diagnosis are at a significant risk for a major heart complication following their treatment, highlighting the importance of screening prostate cancer patients for cardiovascular risk at the time of diagnosis.
VCU collaborators: Dustin Bastaich, Michael Chang, M.D., and Samina Hirani, M.B.B.S.
Researchers review disparities among bladder cancer patients
Massey research member: Asit Paul, M.D., Ph.D.
Journal: World Journal of Urology
Publication date: Feb. 12, 2025
Limited data are available on the impact of socioeconomic disparities on the survival of patients with a type of bladder cancer known as non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma. Findings from a large-scale review found that patients who were older, Black or had a household income less than $40,000 were associated with worse survival.
VCU collaborators: Bohdan Baralo, M.D., Peter Daniels, Cody McIntire and John Melson, M.D.
Massey researchers develop new tool for testing therapies in advanced bone cancer
Massey research members: Sandro da Rocha, Ph.D., and Paula Bos, Ph.D.
Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutics
Publication date: Feb. 20, 2025
Osteosarcoma is the most common form of bone cancer, where the most frequent contributor to mortality is the spread of the disease to the lungs. There are no curative treatments for patients once this cancer has advanced to the lungs. New research suggests an entirely new preclinical model that can serve as a tool for testing new therapies in advanced osteosarcoma that has moved into the lungs.
VCU collaborators: Fatemah Sunbul, M.S., Ph.D., Raneem Aldaqqa, Ph.D., Sulaiman Alhudaithi, Ph.D., Rashed Almuqbil, Ph.D., Matthew Fernandez, Ph.D., Victoria Garcia, Matthew Halquist, Ph.D., Valentina Robila, M.D., Ph.D., and Hanming Zhang, Ph.D.
Scientists reveal new biological axis that drives cancer growth
Massey research members: Ronald Gartenhaus, M.D., and Jolene Windle, Ph.D.
Journal: Neoplasia
Publication date: Feb. 22, 2025
RNA modifications, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), have emerged as critical cellular regulators that shape immune responses and tumor progression. A recent study revealed a previously unknown regulatory axis that holds significant implications for B-cell function, immune regulation and cancer-driving genetic pathways. The findings suggest that targeting this axis offers a promising avenue for developing new treatment strategies in cancer and immune-related disorders where m6A dysregulation plays a central role.
VCU collaborators: Bandish Kapadia, Forum Kayastha and Anirban Roychowdhury
Clinical trial finds combination treatment makes breast tumors more sensitive to chemotherapy
Massey research members: Harry Bear, M.D., Ph.D., Dipankar Bandyopadhyay, Ph.D., Mary Helen Hackney, M.D., and Andrew Poklepovic, M.D.
Journal: Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer
Publication date: Feb. 27, 2025
Higher levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) — immune cells that kill cancer cells — in breast tumors are associated with an increased chance of a complete response to chemotherapy. Through a phase 2 clinical trial, Massey clinician-scientists determined that treatment in the pre-neoadjuvant setting with decitabine and pembrolizumab could sensitize breast cancers to standard chemotherapy by recruiting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to the tumor tissue.
VCU collaborators: Giovanni Archer, Xiaoyan Deng, M.S., Amelia Grover, M.D., Lindsey Gwaltney, Amber Hendrix, Michael Idowu, M.D., M.P.H., Taylor Jenkins, M.D., Maciej Kmieciak, Ph.D., Raphael Louie, M.D., Kandace McGuire, M.D., Masey Ross, M.D., Hetal Vachhani, M.D., and Monique Williams, M.P.H.
Massey researchers study neighborhood factors in cancer control behaviors
Massey research members: Bernard Fuemmeler, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Carrie Miller, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Journal: JNCI Cancer Spectrum
Publication date: Feb. 28, 2025
Massey researchers recommend targeting specific neighborhood factors for different cancer control behaviors rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. A group of researchers found study participants experiencing a neighborhood disadvantage were associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in cancer control behavior. Factors that were investigated include alcohol binge drinking, smoking, colonoscopy screening, Papanicolaou testing and PSA testing. Their findings underscore the need for targeted, tailored, neighborhood-level interventions addressing specific cancer control behaviors.
VCU collaborator: Joseph Boyle, Ph.D.
Statistical frameworks can enhance patient-reported outcomes in cancer clinical trials
Massey research members: Nolan Wages, Ph.D., Richard Brown, Ph.D., Andrew Poklepovic, M.D., and Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D.
Journal: Current Oncology
Publication date: March 19, 2025
Integrating patient-reported outcomes into early-phase dose-finding trials is pivotal for advancing patient-centered oncology research. New study findings suggest that future research efforts should prioritize the development and implementation of statistical methods and innovative frameworks to address the complexities of incorporating patient-reported outcomes into dose-finding studies, thereby improving the development of cancer therapies. These advancements hold significant promise for achieving more informed and patient-focused outcomes in early-phase clinical trials.
VCU collaborator: Li Liu
AEG-1 is a key driver of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Massey research members: M. Imad Damaj, Ph.D., Devanand Sarkar, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., and Jolene Windle, Ph.D.
Journal: Brain, Behavior and Immunity
Publication date: March 22, 2025
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy treatment with no FDA-approved treatment option. Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is a multifunctional protein that modulates white blood cells involved in immune response and regulates inflammation. These findings are the first to demonstrate the biological role of AEG-1, particularly in myeloid cells, in the development and maintenance of CIPN.
VCU collaborators: Bryan McKiver, Ph.D., John Bigbee, Ph.D., Tayla Bryan, M.H.S., Sara Herz, Jared Mann, Shivani Patel and Justin Poklis
Examining racial differences associated with cardiac arrhythmias in breast cancer survivors
Massey research members: Arnethea Sutton, Ph.D., Wendy Bottinor, M.D., Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D., and Katherine Y. Tossas, Ph.D., M.S.
Journal: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
Publication date: March 27, 2025
Racial disparities exist regarding cardiovascular toxicities following breast cancer treatment; however, studies on racial differences in cardiac arrhythmias after treatment are lacking. This study examined associations between demographic and clinical factors and arrhythmia diagnosis among Black and white breast cancer survivors. The study found that survivors with chronic conditions like hypertension and obesity may require enhanced cardiac surveillance. Further investigation into hypertension management in Black breast cancer survivors may shed light on its impact on cardiovascular toxicities in this population.
VCU collaborator: Jian He, M.S., and Jinlei Zhao, Ph.D.
PUBLISHED REVIEWS
The functions of papillomavirus E2 proteins
Massey research member: Iain Morgan, Ph.D.
Journal: Virology
Publication date: Jan. 17, 2025
All papillomaviruses encode an E2 protein and it is essential for the viral life cycle. This review describes a variety of functions and the mechanisms and interacting partners related to the E2 protein, and it also elucidates a potential role for E2 in mediating therapeutic outcomes in HPV-related cancers.
Massey researchers delve into AI's potential in public health
Massey research members: Sunny Jung Kim, Ph.D., M.S., Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D., and Emmanuel Taylor, Dr.PH.
Journal: Translational Behavioral Medicine
Publication date: March 1, 2025
Massey researchers are examining how artificial intelligence can enhance public health. A group of researchers performed a systematic review of recent studies that assessed the impact of AI-powered interactive technologies in cancer prevention and control, as well as substance use. Their findings showed that AI-mediated communications have promise in enhancing health behaviors, but the researchers outlined the need for further exploration regarding privacy risks, biases, safety concerns, chatbot features and helping individuals from all communities.
VCU collaborator: Viktor Clark, Ph.D.
MDA-9/Syntenin as a therapeutic cancer metastasis target
Massey research members: Swadesh Das, Ph.D., and Paul B. Fisher, M.Ph., Ph.D.
Journal: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
Publication date: March 9, 2025
Metastasis is a primary cause of patient morbidity and death from solid cancers, and current therapies are largely ineffective once cancer has spread. This report highlights the importance of MDA-9/Syntenin in cancer progression, and first-in-class inhibitory molecules look promising, with some moving toward clinical evaluation.
Written by: Blake Belden
Related News
Research
Massey researcher named fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of ScienceApr 7, 2025
Get access to new, innovative care
Treatments in clinical trials may be more effective or have fewer side effects than the treatments that are currently available. With more than 200 studies for multiple types of cancers and cancer prevention, Massey supports a wide array of clinical trials.
Find a provider
Massey supports hundreds of top cancer specialists serving the needs of our patients. Massey’s medical team provides a wealth of expertise in cancer diagnosis, treatment, prevention and symptom management.