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As VCU Massey Cancer Center enters a new funding cycle for its Cancer Center Support Grant provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), along with a new designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, it is announcing two new transitions in key clinical research leadership positions at the cancer center, effective June 1 .

Andrew Poklepovic, M.D., has been appointed as Massey’s new associate director for clinical research. In this position, Poklepovic will oversee the cancer center’s clinical research enterprise and identify strategies for growth across all oncology-related disciplines that are consistent with Massey’s mission and in alignment with its strategic plan. Poklepovic is a medical oncologist and also a member of the Developmental Therapeutics research program at Massey.

This role was previously held by Harry Bear, M.D., Ph.D., since 2019. A surgical oncologist and member of the Developmental Therapeutics research program, Bear will remain highly engaged in the clinical research program he has helped build over his nearly 40 years at VCU.

“It’s been gratifying to be directly involved in the growth of Massey’s clinical research efforts over the last four years and see firsthand how we’re at the forefront of medical discoveries in oncology, helping to position us for comprehensive designation from the NCI,” Bear said. “The clinical trials enterprise is poised for continued growth and success as the cancer center enters a new chapter in its longstanding legacy.”

Taking over Poklepovic’s former position as the medical director of the Clinical Trials Office (CTO) at Massey is Leslie Randall, M.D. In this new role, she will be responsible for maximizing the cancer center’s clinical research capacity by ensuring the services offered through the CTO meet the needs of Massey investigators and are delivered with the highest quality. Randall is also the director of gynecologic oncology at Massey and holds the Dianne Harris Wright Professorship for OB-Gyn Oncology Research.

“Drs. Poklepovic and Randall are exemplary candidates to fulfill these roles moving forward, and I’m confident they will further elevate our scientific achievements through clinical trials activation and enrollment,” said Robert A. Winn, M.D., director and Lipman Chair in Oncology at Massey, as well as senior associate dean for cancer innovation at the VCU School of Medicine. “We are beyond grateful to Dr. Bear for his unwavering commitment and leadership over the years to advance and enhance our clinical research endeavors.”

Paula M. Fracasso, M.D., Ph.D., Massey deputy director and senior vice president of the Cancer Service Line at VCU Health, added: “Clinical trials allow us to discover tomorrow’s therapies today. Having a strong clinical research program positions Massey among the top tier of NCI-designated cancer centers in the country and, importantly, provides our patients with cutting-edge cancer treatment.”

Written by: Blake Belden