MASSEY Cancer Center 2021-2025 Research Strategic Plan
Contents From the Director
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Deploying a Community-to-Bench Model
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Strategic Planning Process
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Mission, Vision, & Values
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SWOT Analysis
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Identification of Strategic Priorities
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Strategic Pillar Goals
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Objectives & Strategies
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Becky Massey Patient Advocate, Advisory Board (Philanthropic) “Massey’s deliberate focus on the health of the community is at the heart of its mission, allowing the Center to be the conscious advocate for all patients and survivors. This focus, combined with its ongoing research success, continues to bring hope and healing to countless people suffering from cancer now and in the future.”
From the Director 2021 marked the 50th anniversary for the establishment of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which represented an unprecedented declaration of “war on cancer” by President Nixon. Although cancer still ranks as the second leading cause of death for Americans, and the first in the state of Virginia, there has been significant progress in cancer prevention and treatment. There are now more than 17 million cancer survivors in the US. However, improvements in prevention, treatment, and survivorship have not been shared equitably. I was attracted to the VCU Massey Cancer Center for many reasons – its 45+ year history as an NCI-designated cancer center; its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and its significant emphasis on including racial/ethnic minorities in clinical research. As I began my tenure as Director in December 2019, my first year could not have been predicted. COVID-19 unleashed significant havoc for Americans, crippling our health care systems and economy, which only further magnified the extent of health care disparities in this country. My career focus has been to explore and understand the intersections between the molecular underpinnings of cancer and the social and environmental determinants so that we can drive tailored approaches to prevention and treatment that will yield improved and equitable outcomes. The success of this approach is highly dependent on engaging our communities in bidirectional conversations. We must incorporate these voices into our research and in turn develop effective communication channels to disseminate our findings to the community. It is with great pleasure that I now share with you our strategic plan that will not only renew our scientific commitment to ultimately ending the war on cancer but becoming national exemplars in securing equitable outcomes for all.
Robert A. Winn, M.D.
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Deploying a Community-to-Bench Model
BE
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IDE DS
Closing cancer inequity gaps across all racial/ethnic and geographic communities requires more consistent integration of community input into existing frameworks across Center-wide research, education, and care activities. This is easier said than done. Many basic scientists and clinical investigators admit being stumped about bridging the gap between research and the community. Communities face a similar dilemma, constantly questioning effective ways to engage academia for inclusive dialogue; this can lead to critical disconnections between scientific efforts and pressing community needs.
BEN
NCI-designated cancer centers like Massey have a longstanding tradition of conducting research contributing to ground-breaking discoveries and translating them into innovative approaches to prevent and treat cancer. However, barriers to health care access, distrust of medical institutions, systemic racism, social structure inequities, and many other social determinants of health often prevent the benefits of these discoveries from translating equitably to all.
CO
M M U NIT
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By employing a “Community-to-Bench” model, Massey strives to go beyond the inherently unidirectional “bench-to-bedside” model that only benefits those fortunate enough to reach the bedside. In doing so, Massey increasingly acknowledges the community as an equal expert and strategic research partner. It is imperative to initiate conversations between the community and Massey scientists to better refine scientific questions that drive the prioritization, development, execution, and dissemination of cancer research, education, care, and policy initiatives.
Understanding Massey’s Catchment Area For nearly fifty years, Massey has relentlessly committed to eliminating the burden of cancer by reaching some of the most vulnerable Virginia residents, notably within its primary catchment area: 66 localities (47 counties and 19 independent cities) comprising parts of central, southern, and eastern Virginia. This area is home to approximately four million racially, ethnically, geographically, and socioeconomically diverse individuals and the more than 3,100 new patients who come annually to Massey. As the major cancer provider for this region, Massey has embedded cancer education, prevention, and treatment programs into the communities, extending clinical trial access in the 1990s via the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (MU-NCORP) and establishing rural and urban resource centers in the early to mid-2000s.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Virginia. More than 15,000 individuals across the state will die from the disease this year alone. 4
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2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
In terms of incidence and mortality rates, the top catchment area cancers include lung, breast, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancers (colorectal, liver, pancreatic), similar to national rates. Yet specific communities experience a much larger cancer burden. For instance, Martinsville reports the highest cancer mortality in the state, 66% higher than in the US. Petersburg, a minoritymajority city, has a 30% higher cancer incidence than the rest of Virginia. Charles City County is home to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, one of seven federally recognized tribes in the state and is where the highest proportion (7%) of Native Americans in the state reside. On average, residents live five years less than other Virginians and the county ranks among the lowest in the state for health outcomes. Contributing factors include high percentages of minorities who are disenfranchised from health care, have higher smoking and obesity rates, receive far less cancer screenings, report food insecurities, and live in substandard housing where crime and unemployment rates soar. Importantly, Massey’s catchment area is the historic home of America’s first cash crop – tobacco, and Virginia remains one of the top states for US tobacco production. Despite notable progress curbing smoking throughout the state, excess mortality for smoking-related cancers drives the cancer burden, especially in rural, southern localities. Massey is well-positioned to embrace the challenge and obligation to address these substantial social determinants of health, disparities, and resulting cancer burden. VCU/Massey Locations
Richmond, South Hill, Tappahannock
Massey Catchment Area Massey Community Resource Centers MU-NCORP Sites
MU-NCORP Sub-Affiliates
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Strategic Planning Process During his first year as Center Director, Dr. Winn prioritized the Center’s 2021-2025 research strategic plan, launching a comprehensive 16-week planning process in August of 2020 that would guide Massey’s scientific direction and focus, with an emphasis on improving talent, processes, and technology. Initial planning sessions engaged over 100 stakeholders to garner broad, diverse perspectives across the VCU enterprise and Massey catchment area. Participants included community champions, faculty, staff, students, trainees, and senior leaders from Massey, VCU, and VCU Health. Participants assessed current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and realigned the Center’s mission and vision with the “Community-to-Bench” framework and VCU’s strategic plan, Quest 2025. Focus groups were identified to develop goals and corresponding objectives, strategies, milestones, metrics of success, and resources. Each of Massey’s strategies have also been mapped to the six guiding principles outlined in the ONE VCU Master Plan. In late 2020, Massey leadership shared an initial draft with its External Scientific Advisory Board and incorporated their comments. A final draft was then shared with the Center’s other advisory entities for additional review and approval. Once finalized, Massey initiated tracking mechanisms and visualizations to ensure progress towards key metrics.
Michael Rao, Ph.D. President, VCU & VCU Health System “Since its inception, Massey Cancer Center has helped shape VCU into one of the nation’s premier research universities. With its commitment to healing through science and expanding access to cancer care for all, regardless of their demographic or socioeconomic status, Massey is showing the nation how we can bring equity to health.”
Arthur L. Kellermann, M.D., M.P.H Sr. Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, VCU Health System “When research, education, and patient care are fully aligned, it transforms medicine and saves lives. Massey directly applies the latest research and discoveries enabling the most comprehensive and effective treatments to all who turn to us for care.”
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2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
Mission, Vision, & Values
MIS
N SIO
To reduce the state cancer burden for all Virginians by addressing the confluence between biological, social, and policy drivers through high-impact, cutting-edge research;°person-centered care across the continuum, from prevention through survivorship; community integration; and training the next generation of community-centric researchers and health care professionals
VIS I
ON
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S UE
To be a premier community-focused cancer center leading the nation in cancer health equity research and ensuring optimal health outcomes for all
Excellence: We pursue the highest goals and accept the responsibilities required to achieve our best possible performance. Teamwork: We leverage, challenge, and rely on each other to reach our goals together. Innovation: We encourage creative approaches and unique ideas to promote discovery and shared learning. Integrity: We commit to honesty, truthfulness, and authenticity in our relationships and endeavors. Compassion & Respect: We relate to others in a caring manner and strive to prevent and relieve human suffering; we nurture free and open discourse, listen to new ideas, and value diverse perspectives and talents. Diversity & Inclusion: We promote diversity and convey a sense of belonging, respect, and value for all persons.
2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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45+ year NCI-designated cancer center with research strengths in lipidomics, tobacco policy research, and rational development of new therapeutic approaches
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A nationally recognized Center Director who is a thought leader in the importance of community engagement in addressing cancer outcomes and health disparities
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Increasingly strong institutional, state, and philanthropic commitment to Massey
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VCU is a safety net health system for the underserved citizens in Virginia with an established track record in reaching rural communities
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VCU is a national leader within NCI’s Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network and the Minority/Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program
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VCU has a diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students, forming a strong biomedical pathway for early learners
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2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
W
kness a e
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rengths t S
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Inconsistent breadth and depth across cancerfocused basic, clinical, and population sciences
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Limited bioinformatics, biostatistics, and genomics/single cell sequencing capabilities
• Underdeveloped cancer-focused, technological support for structural biology, high throughput drug screening, pre-clinical imaging, proteomics/mass spectrometry, cryogenic electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and immuno-oncology •
Weak coordination of cancer-focused public health sciences across VCU's Health Sciences colleges/departments
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Insufficient institutional commitment to address obstacles between VCU Health and VCU in valuing and promoting a culture supportive of clinical research
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Few cancer-specific, professional education and training programs and opportunities
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Lack of diversity among Massey leadership, faculty membership, post-doctoral trainees, and Massey clinical and research staff
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State and national economic impact from COVID-19 and civil unrest
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Obtaining national recognition as a leader in community-engaged research and addressing cancer health disparities through research and expanded community-based screening and education programming
As expectations rise for NCI-designated cancer centers, an increased depth and breadth of science across the continuum is needed to exceed Cancer Center Support Grant requirements
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Working together with regional minorityserving higher education institutions to promote research collaborations and cancer-focused academic education and training opportunities
Increased regional clinical competition limiting VCU’s patient volume, which impacts revenue in support of research as well as the requisite patient base to recruit high volumes of patients into trials
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Aggressive competition by peer cancer centers for key faculty recruits (e.g., Phase I trialists, immuno-oncologists, population sciences)
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Clinical space is limited
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Lack of regionally-based, diverse skilled workforce to support essential shared resources/cores
Furthering the development of a cancer research emphasis across all of VCU's health science colleges and schools as well as seeking transdisciplinary collaborations with VCU’s colleges/schools of engineering, humanities and sciences, and life sciences
Formalizing the identification, monitoring, and evaluation of the Massey Molecules to Medicine initiative to expand the capabilities in translating Massey’s cancer discoveries into clinical trials Establishing a cancer service line under the Massey Director in alignment with clinical and research priorities
2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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Identification of Strategic Priorities In the next five years, Massey’s overarching focus for research, education, and community outreach and engagement will be to reduce cancer health disparities and improve survivorship for all. Priorities will be placed on the development of innovative approaches to the prevention, detection, and treatment of specific cancers — lung, breast, prostate, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Additional emphasis will be placed on addressing significant behavioral factors driving the cancer burden within the catchment area such as tobacco use and obesity control. In addition, Massey strives to meet the required expectations for NCI’s comprehensive status. This designation is bestowed upon the highest echelon of NCI-designated cancer centers that demonstrate leading transdisciplinary research and scientific impact across the cancer continuum.
LUNG In 2022, 5,900 Virginians will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Only 8%°of those at high risk for lung cancer will be screened.
IORITY CANCE R P H RS HIG G HEALTH E N I S QU EA R ITY C IN
BREAST Despite breast cancer being Virginia’s leading cancer diagnosis, only 73% of women 45 and older have an up-to-date mammogram.
PROSTATE The leading cancer diagnosis for men is prostate cancer. Black/African American men are more than twice as likely to die from this disease.
GI CANCERS Southeastern Virginia is a hot spot for colorectal cancer with 9% higher death rates than the US. Pancreatic and liver cancers also drive the state’s cancer burden.
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2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
Rudene Mercer Haynes Chair, Cancer Community Connection Coalition “Massey’s commitment to the community is unparalleled. The engagement of populations disproportionately affected by cancer has allowed Massey to continuously build institutional trust in communities that extend well beyond the boundaries of Richmond. This trust enables the Center to not only seek, but to rely on community feedback to inform Massey research, education, and outreach priorities.”
TOBACCO Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of cancer and cancer deaths and is linked to 40% of all cancers.
Obesity is linked with a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer.
OR
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OBESITY
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AVIORS BEH SK G CANCER D RI I S PA SIN R EA IT CR
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SURVIVORSHIP The number of American cancer survivors will increase by nearly a third to almost 18 million in 2022.
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Michael Gracik, Jr., C.P.A. Chair, Advisory Board (Philanthropic) “Richmond is fortunate to be home to a national cancer research leader such as Massey for the past 45+ years. I have seen firsthand the Center’s impact, and I truly believe through the power of philanthropy, transformative leadership, and cutting-edge research that Massey can lead the fight against cancer as a regional treasure for decades to come.”
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Strategic Pillar Goals Pillar Goal 1: Community Outreach & Engagement Infuse community engagement through all Massey endeavors including prioritizing and promoting cancer education and screening, facilitating catchment area-relevant research, and promoting diversity in clinical trials to ultimately eliminate cancer health disparities
Pillar Goal 2: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Promote a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion across all Massey constituents – students, staff, faculty members, and Center leadership
Pillar Goal 3: Training & Education Attract diverse individuals, from high school students to early-stage health care and research professionals, to pursue contemporary oncology-focused education and training opportunities
Pillar Goal 4: Clinical Trials Strengthen clinical research capabilities and infrastructure and provide access to cutting-edge clinical trials to patients throughout Massey’s catchment area
Pillar Goal 5: Basic Research Build scientific depth to unravel the mechanistic underpinnings of tumorigenesis and dissect key interactions between tumors and their microenvironment with the ultimate goal to discover novel cancer-causing pathways and identify molecular targets and biomarkers for translational studies
Pillar Goal 6: Translational & Clinical Research Leverage Massey basic science discoveries as well as the translational capabilities of its physician scientists to discover, develop, and evaluate novel, Massey-conceived small molecules and biologics through precision medicine-driven clinical trials
Pillar Goal 7: Cancer Prevention & Control Generate high-impact research across the cancer control continuum focused on reducing cancer incidence and mortality and improving cancer outcomes in the catchment area with an emphasis on eliminating cancer health disparities among vulnerable populations 2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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Community Outreach & Engagement
Infuse community engagement through all Massey endeavors including prioritizing and promoting cancer education and screening, facilitating catchment area-relevant research, and promoting diversity in clinical trials to ultimately eliminate cancer health disparities
OBJECTIVES • Continuously monitor and communicate the cancer burden within Massey’s catchment area •
Expand Massey’s screening and education outreach footprint within the catchment area with a focus on lung, breast, prostate, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers; survivorship; tobacco use; obesity control; and disparities
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Enhance and promote the development of catchment area-focused research in partnership with the communities Massey serves
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Work with civic and government leaders to develop proactive policies and initiatives to reduce cancer risk among Virginia’s most vulnerable population
PRIORITY STRATEGIES
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Integrate state cancer registry and other publicly available data to identify and monitor mortality and incidence rates, cancer inequities, social determinants of health, and cancer risks at the community level in Massey’s catchment area; provide easy access to these data along with tools to visually map data as well as more advanced services for catchment area data analyses
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Conduct community-specific needs assessments to identify cancer research gaps and priorities for communities, clinical providers, researchers, and policy makers and disseminate findings
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Expand high impact outreach and engagement efforts with a focus on the Hampton Roads region and Virginia localities not currently covered by an NCI-designated cancer center, in addition to other vulnerable communities (e.g., LGBQT, Hispanic/Latine, Native American)
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Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan with community guidance to promote bidirectional dissemination of cancer community priorities and research outcomes
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Develop a training program for clinicians and researchers to better engage with community audiences regarding cancer-related education and research
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Collaborate with communities and the VCU Health System and other safety net providers to develop and implement Massey-sponsored initiatives to address gaps in education and cancer screening care in targeted geographic areas within Massey’s catchment area
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Develop a formal Massey Champion program where community members are provided training and opportunities to engage in the development and evaluation of research, education, and outreach
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2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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In collaboration with Massey’s Clinical Trials Office, develop a clinical trial lay navigation service to increase accruals for underrepresented minorities and vulnerable populations
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Appoint and train two Faculty Champions from within each research program to serve on an internal steering committee, which also includes the Massey Champions to promote bidirectional conversations about research priorities and input into new Massey research initiatives
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In collaboration with the community, identify and drive state-level and local-level initiatives that demonstrate Massey’s impact on cancer-relevant public policy
MILESTONES & GOAL METRICS •
Enhance Massey’s research portfolio, across all programs, to address catchment area needs Goal Metric: Ensure at least 50% of Massey’s research portfolio is comprised of funding relevant to the needs of Massey’s catchment area by 2025
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Expand public-facing cancer education and screening outreach throughout the catchment area Goal Metrics: Increase Massey’s annual educational reach by 10% and increase screenings by 10% for targeted cancers in “hot spot” specific locations within the catchment area
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Increase community participation in Massey’s research, outreach, and education efforts Goal Metric: Identify or retain 20 Massey Champions in Year 1 and sustain 10% annual growth
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Increase state-wide impact on cancer prevention and control Goal Metric: Solidify one state and one local public policy change within the next five years
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Increase clinical trial participation, notably among underrepresented minorities and vulnerable populations Goal Metric: Achieve proportional representation for all racial/ethnic populations on all research studies, matching catchment area cancer statistics by 2025
Stephen Adkins Chief, Chickahominy Indian Tribe “Massey’s commitment to health equity is not an adjective; it’s a verb. We are excited and hopeful about this partnership and what it will bring, not just to our Tribal citizens, but to the broader Charles City County community.”
Jean Nelson CEO, Northern Neck - Middlesex Clinic and Community Seed to Harvest Grant Recipient "Massey's partnership with and support of Northern Neck - Middlesex Free Health Clinic has enabled the clinic to promote cancer prevention by providing oral cancer screening services for residents in our rural, medically underserved community. Massey has ensured we have a voice in developing future outreach priorities and community initiatives to improve cancer health outcomes across the Northern Neck Region and Middlesex County." 2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Promote a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion across all Massey constituents – students, staff, faculty members, and Center leadership
OBJECTIVES •
Recruit staff and faculty underrepresented in Massey’s clinical and research workforce
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Build opportunities with other minority-serving higher educationinstitutions to promote Massey’s workforce development goals
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Advance staff and faculty career and leadership development opportunities for individuals underrepresented at Massey
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Promote policies, procedures, and engagement opportunities that enable and support a diverse and inclusive workplace
PRIORITY STRATEGIES •
Establish an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and a DEI Guidance Committee within Massey to promote and monitor the transformation in diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of the Center
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Increase the hiring and participation of women and individuals from populations nationally underrepresented in the biomedical research workforce across Massey, including staff, students/trainees, faculty members, leaders, and appointments to advisory boards/committees
• Review current hiring policies and practices within Massey and identify new strategies for attracting, recruiting, and retaining underrepresented minorities • Refocus the Harrison Scholars Program to foster the development of underrepresented minority, early-stage investigators in cancer research • Launch a women in oncology initiative which includes a monthly forum for women within Massey to discuss issues faced by women in the academic-medical setting •
Identify a cohort of diverse emerging faculty leaders and offer participation in a 12-month Massey leadership development program that would prepare them for future leadership roles within an NCI-designated cancer center
• Establish relationships with regional minority-serving community colleges to develop a joint-credentialing program for cancer registrars
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Develop a Massey-sponsored science writing summer internship for underrepresented minorities who have completed a master’s or doctoral level degree in a science-related field
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2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
• Develop a Massey-sponsored clinical trials summer internship for underrepresented minority undergraduates MILESTONES & GOAL METRICS •
Increase the racial/ethnic and gender diversity across Massey-supported students, staff, faculty, and leadership such that it reflects the communities it serves Goal Metrics: Establish baseline metrics for the current levels of diversity within Massey in 2021; improve racial/ethnic and gender diversity percentages annually through intentional hiring
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Enhance leadership opportunities and promote retention of URM and female faculty Goal Metrics: Develop a Faculty Leadership Program and identify and accept six individuals into the program in 2023 and six individuals in 2024; Launch a Women In Oncology Initiative by 2023
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Develop and launch at least one new initiative with a minority-serving higher education institution annually to expand pathways for a more diverse biomedical workforce Goal Metrics: Establish a science writing summer internship in 2022; clinical trials internship in 2022, cancer registrars program by 2024
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Training & Education
Attract diverse individuals, from high school students to early-stage health care and research professionals, to pursue contemporary oncology-focused education and training opportunities
OBJECTIVES •
Establish an Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination at Massey to: 1) Develop and coordinate Massey-led, cancer-focused research education, training, and mentoring programs that are tailored to each level of learner from high school student to early professional; 2) Coordinate Center-wide career enrichment activities; and 3) Track student and trainee scholarly and career outcomes
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Promote recruitment strategies to attract grant eligible and underrepresented minority applicants for Massey-led, NIH-funded programs for predoctoral, postdoctoral, and junior investigator positions
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Provide training opportunities in best practices for mentoring for Massey members
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Expansion of educational opportunities for diverse, multi-level audiences (e.g., URM youths, University of Puerto Rico, Continuing Medical Education for FQHCs)
PRIORITY STRATEGIES •
Appoint a full-time administrative coordinator to support the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination
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Develop a cancer biology-focused NCI T32 training program
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Develop new cancer-focused education/training programs that attracts and provides opportunities for underrepresented minority students in biomedical sciences
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Develop an NCI Paul Calabresi K12 Fellowship Program and leverage the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program to further develop a cohort of clinical investigators
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Develop partnerships with Virginia-based Historically Black Colleges and Universities to promote cancer disparities research and career development for underrepresented minority students and faculty researchers
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Adopt a nationally recognized diversity- and equity-focused mentoring program
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Establish a data system to track activities and career outcomes of Massey-supported and affiliated students and trainees
MILESTONES & GOAL METRICS •
Expand Massey's portfolio of extramurally funded education and training grants Goal Metrics: Increase NCI-funded education and training extramural funding by $0.5M by 2022 and $1.5M by 2025
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Increase participation of students/trainees across the Massey-sponsored training and education pathway and Center-wide research activities, such as scientific retreats, program meetings, and seminars Goal Metric: Reach increased participation by 10% among students and trainees annually
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Increase the number of diverse students and trainees participating in Massey-led efforts Goal Metric: Increase overall pool of diverse students and trainees by 5% annually
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Grow the Massey mentoring pool and ensure all Massey mentors have received appropriate training to promote a culturally sensitive training environment Goal Metrics: Support two Massey faculty in the completion of culturally sensitive facilitator training; meet a 50% completion rate of senior Massey faculty participation in culturally sensitive training by 2023
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Increase the number of annual individual career development award submissions and institutional training program submissions Goal Metrics: Achieve a 20% increase in individual submissions annually and at least one institutional training program submission annually
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Clinical Trials
Strengthen clinical research capabilities and infrastructure and provide access to cutting-edge clinical trials to patients throughout Massey’s catchment area
OBJECTIVES •
Invest in additional physician and staff resources as well as technology to enable overall growth in clinical research
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Establish a cooperative clinical environment throughout the VCU Health System that embraces Massey’s mission to provide clinical research opportunities to all patients
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Expand the capabilities of Massey’s NCI Community Oncology Research Program (MU-NCORP) affiliation network to promote greater participation in clinical trials
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Promote an environment that will foster diversity, equity, and inclusion both in the clinical research workforce and in the inclusion of underrepresented minorities in clinical research
PRIORITY STRATEGIES
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Recruit diverse oncology physicians (both racial/ethnic and in priority disease areas across disciplines) with track records or explicit interest in conducting clinical research and provide Massey-funded support for research effort
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Enhance clinical trials infrastructure to expand services for Phase I trials, as well as investigator-initiated trials (IITs) including multi-site coordination
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Incorporate clinical research productivity expectations for all clinicians within the Massey cancer service line scorecard/faculty compensation plan
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Orient and develop training opportunities for early career clinicians to become active clinical trialists (e.g., Clinical Trials Boot Camp)
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Formalize a cancer-focused clinical research staff training and career development program within the Clinical Trials Office (CTO)
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Identify and implement new information technology tools that will facilitate the efficient conduct of clinical research (e.g., electronic regulatory management system, trial matching software solution, trial metrics dashboards)
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Create a clinical trials awareness campaign targeting internal and external audiences
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Hire a CTO staff coordinator focused on increasing accrual from MU-NCORP affiliate sites and referrals to Massey for clinical trial participation
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Seek applicants for the CTO who reflect the community Massey serves
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2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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Implement cultural and contextual competence training for all CTO and clinical staff
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Partner with local higher education institutions to develop training internships for individuals interested in seeking careers in clinical research
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Partner with the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement to deploy a clinical trials navigator to work with the CTO to mitigate social determinants of health challenges preventing patients from participating in research
MILESTONES & GOAL METRICS •
Increase intervention treatment accrual across all major disease sites and care modalities Goal Metric: Achieve an average of 20 treatment accruals per month with appropriate representation of the major disease areas and care modalities by 2022 (240 accruals/year) and 32 per month by 2025
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Expand the productivity of Massey-affiliated trial network sites Goal Metrics: Activate clinical research at Massey local Veterans Affairs Hospital by 2022 and three additional sites by 2025; achieve 10% growth in accrual annually across affiliate sites
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Enhance diversity among CTO staff and trial participants Goal Metrics: Reach 35% underrepresented minorities among CTO staff across all position categories by 2021; 10% increase annually of clinical research accruals in underrepresented racial/ethnic minority patients
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Shift in the portfolio to increase the number of early phase and IITs in clinical trials linked to Massey-driven science Goal Metrics: Calibrate Massey’s clinical trial portfolio to comprise one third investigator-initiated, one third industry-sponsored, and one third National Clinical Trial Network-sponsored trials; launch at least two new Massey investigator-led interventional trials per year
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Basic Research
Build scientific depth to unravel the mechanistic underpinnings of tumorigenesis and dissect key interactions between tumors and their microenvironment with the ultimate goal to discover novel cancer-causing pathways and identify molecular targets and biomarkers for translational studies
OBJECTIVES •
Expand the intellectual capital within Massey’s basic science efforts to uncover the complex fundamental mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis
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Nurture transdisciplinary and team-science basic research among Massey’s investigators leading to the discovery of novel mechanisms of tumorigenesis
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Through the Molecules to Medicine (M2M) initiative, discover novel cancer-causing pathways and, in collaboration with Massey translational investigators, design and develop small molecule-based drugs to thwart these pathways
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Discover novel mechanisms of tumor immunology and, in collaboration with Massey translational investigators, develop immunotherapeutic approaches based on these mechanisms
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Partner with community and industry stakeholders to inform the design, funding, implementation, and translation of basic science research
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Invest in technology and shared resources essential to basic research
PRIORITY STRATEGIES
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Appoint a co-leader for the Cancer Biology Research Program with complementary expertise
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Recruit 6-7 basic science investigators with expertise in cancer cell signaling, lipid and other cancer-related metabolism, tumor immunology, cancer disparities (e.g., prostate cancer), obesity/diabetes and bioinformatics
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Submit 1-2 NCI Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) and 1-2 NCI integrated, multi-project research applications (e.g., P01) working collaboratively across Massey’s three research programs with priority on catchment area disease priorities and cancer disparities as well as the following scientific areas: cachexia, metabolism/inflammation, and exosomes
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Increase the investment in intramural multi-PI and multi-project translational and transdisciplinary pilot projects with an emphasis on community-engaged research
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Establish a chemical biology-focused interactive group to foster collaboration between members of the Cancer Biology Research Program and chemistry and structural biologists in the Developmental Therapeutics Research Program (e.g., M2M-focused interactive group)
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2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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Establish a tumor immune-biology/immunotherapy-focused interactive group to foster collaboration between Cancer Biology Research Program tumor immunologists and Developmental Therapeutics Research Program immuno-therapists
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Create videos showing the impact of basic research and how it drives future approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; utilize these videos to promote community engagement and philanthropic investment
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Initiate workshop on intellectual property protection, disclosures of invention, licensing and industry-sponsored research, partnerships/alliances with industries, spinning off startups
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Leverage bioinformatics and mathematical modeling expertise to enhance genetic/epigenetic data explorations to develop precision-based strategies
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Evaluate additional resources (e.g., technology and shared resource services) needed to support early drug development and biologics development
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Form a task force to assess the capacity for animal space to accommodate the growing needs for Massey laboratory scientists
MILESTONES & GOAL METRICS •
Expand cancer biology expertise through recruitment of 6-7 faculty Goal Metric: Secure 1-2 new recruits annually aligned with strategic priorities
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Increase NCI funding within Massey’s Cancer Biology Research Program Goal Metric: Secure $1M in new direct NCI research project funding by 2022 and $3M by 2025
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Grow translational, transdisciplinary, and community-engaged research Goal Metrics: Develop, submit, and secure at least one NCI P01 or other larger multi-project initiative by 2025; reach annual 35% target for collaborative publications by 2025 and a 10% increase in multi-PI programmatic projects annually by 2025
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Increase high-impact publications within the Cancer Biology Research Program Goal Metric: Increase top-tier programmatic publications by 10% annually
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Enhance discoveries among Massey basic science faculty Goal Metrics: -
Unravel 1-2 pathways per year that contribute to tumorigenesis and 1-2 mechanisms per year that help understand how tumors interact with their microenvironment
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Develop 1-2 chemical probes per year that target cancer-causing signaling pathways and/or immunologic-based strategies per year
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File 1-2 provisional patent applications per year and license one invention every two years
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Partner once every two years with industries on platforms to enhance scientific discovery
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Spin off one company from faculty entrepreneurs every three years
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Invest up to $1M annually in new technology and services development to support the growth in basic sciences 2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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Clinical & Translational Research
Leverage Massey basic science discoveries as well as the translational capabilities of its physician scientists to discover, develop, and evaluate novel, Massey-conceived small molecules and biologics through precision medicine-driven clinical trials
OBJECTIVES •
Expand Massey’s breadth and depth of translational capabilities through diverse faculty and leader recruitment
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Nurture translational, transdisciplinary, and team-science research culture among Massey investigators leading to precision medicine-driven clinical trials
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Prioritize the development of projects immediately relevant to the cancer burden in the catchment area and those addressing cancer disparities
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In collaboration with the basic science pillar, design and develop novel biologics and small molecule-based drugs for therapeutic targets discovered by Massey investigators
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Invest in technology and shared resources essential to translational research
PRIORITY STRATEGIES •
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Recruit physician scientists to fulfill the following faculty and/or leadership roles: - Developmental Therapeutics Program Co-Leader - Associate Director for Clinical Research - Director of Phase I Trial Initiative Director - Chief of Hematology/Oncology - 4-6 clinical investigators (lung, GI, GU, sarcoma) - Leader of Cancer Service Line
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Recruit 3-4 pre-clinical scientists with expertise in immuno-oncology, organic and synthetic chemistry, and structural biology
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Submit 1-2 NCI Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) and 1-2 NCI integrated, multi-project research applications (e.g., P01), working collaboratively across Massey’s three research programs with priority on catchment area disease priorities and cancer disparities
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Increase the investment in intramural multi-PI and multi-project translational and transdisciplinary pilot projects with an emphasis on community-engaged research
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Through the M2M initiative, establish an immune-focused working group to foster collaboration among Developmental Therapeutics and Cancer Biology Research Program members
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Expand Massey’s capabilities to support the development of investigational new drug (IND) applications to initiate early phase clinical trials through hiring a project manager and contracting out IND-guided advanced pre-clinical studies through commercial contract research operations and/or the NCI Experimental Therapeutics Program
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Evaluate additional resources (e.g., technology and shared resource services) needed to support early drug development and biologics development
MILESTONES & GOAL METRICS •
Expand clinical and translational expertise through recruitment of 6-7 faculty Goal Metric: Secure 1-2 new recruits annually aligned with strategic priorities
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Increase NCI funding within the Developmental Therapeutics Research Program Goal Metric: Secure $1M in new direct NCI research project funding by 2022 and $3M by 2025
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Grow translational, transdisciplinary, and community-engaged research Goal Metrics: Develop, submit, and secure at least one NCI P01 or other larger multi-project initiative by 2025; reach annual 35% target for collaborative publications by 2025 and a 10% increase in multi-PI programmatic projects annually by 2025
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Increase Massey held pre-clinical IND applications Goal Metric: Generate 2-3 anticancer drugs and/or biologics reaching IND application approval by the FDA by 2025
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Increase the number of early phase clinical trials emanating from Massey-based discoveries Goal Metric: Launch at least 1 clinical trial annually based on molecules or biologics developed through the M2M initiative
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Enhance discoveries among Massey clinical and translational science faculty Goal Metric: Invest up to $1M annually in new technology and services development to support the growth in clinical and translational sciences
2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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Cancer Prevention & Control
Generate high-impact research across the cancer control continuum focused on reducing cancer incidence and mortality and improving cancer outcomes in the catchment area with an emphasis on eliminating cancer health disparities among vulnerable populations
OBJECTIVES •
Expand Massey’s breadth and depth in cancer prevention and control capabilities through diverse faculty and leader recruitment
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Nurture translational, transdisciplinary, and a team-science research culture among Massey’s Cancer Prevention and Control investigators
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Prioritize the development of research immediately relevant to the cancer burden in the catchment area including factors leading to disparities such as geography, race/ethnicity, socioeconomics, sexual/gender identification, and their intersections
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Partner with community and clinical stakeholders to inform the design, implementation, and dissemination of the delivery of cancer prevention and control research
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Invest in research shared resources essential to cancer prevention and control research
PRIORITY STRATEGIES •
Recruit nationally recognized leaders for the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program
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Recruit a nationally recognized leader in survivorship research to launch a Massey Survivorship Research initiative
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Recruit 5-6 cancer-focused scientists with demonstrable peer-reviewed research funding whose lived experience represents the population Massey wishes to serve in its catchment area; priority scientific expertise includes areas such as health behavior interventions, cancer disparities, cancer outcomes research, screening research, and community-based intervention
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Establish inter-programmatic working groups with the COE’s Catchment Area Data Alignment service that will lead to large, team science submissions to promote translational, precision population health strategies with a scientific focus in the following areas: 1) Identifying risk factor clusters 2) Using targeted surveillance methods and community-based approaches (e.g.,“street surveys”) to better understand barriers to cancer risk reduction behaviors 3) Developing community-driven approaches to bring awareness to structural barriers, improve screening/early-detection practices, and improve cancer risk lifestyle changes
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2021-2025 Massey Strategic Plan
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Expand pilot research funding to promote collaborative cancer health disparities research between Cancer Prevention and Control and other Massey research programs with an emphasis on community-engaged research
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Evaluate additional resources (e.g., technology and shared resource services) needed to support cancer prevention and control research
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Expand Massey’s CTO to support cancer prevention and control-related research
MILESTONES & GOAL METRICS •
Expand cancer prevention and control expertise through recruitment of 6-7 faculty Goal Metric: Secure 1-2 new recruits annually aligned with strategic priorities
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Increase NCI funding within the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program Goal Metric: Secure $1M in new direct NCI research project funding by 2022 and $3M by 2025
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Grow translational, transdisciplinary, and community-engaged research Goal Metrics: Develop, submit, and secure at least one NCI P01 or other larger multi-project initiative by 2025; reach annual 30% target for collaborative publications by 2025 and a 10% increase in multi-PI programmatic projects annually by 2025
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Expand the portfolio of interventional Cancer Prevention and Control Program research Goal Metrics: Launch 1-2 Massey-driven cancer prevention and control interventional non-treatment studies annually and increase annual enrollment to cancer prevention and control studies by 10%
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Enhance discoveries among Massey population science-based faculty Goal Metric: Invest up to $1M annually in new technology and services development to support the growth in cancer prevention and control research
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VCU Massey Cancer Center 401 College Street, Box 980037 Richmond, Virginia 23298-0037 (804) 828-0450 | masseycancercenter.org