WVU researcher studies new treatment for pancreatic cancer


One reason pancreatic cancer is so lethal is its resistance to traditional chemotherapy. But surgical oncologist Brian Boone is exploring whether FOLFIRINOX—a new combination of cancer drugs—can improve outcomes in patients whose pancreatic cancer is “borderline resectable,” meaning that a tumor may be too close to a blood vessel to be removed safely.

Research Professor presents at International Conference

Jing Jie Yu, MD, Research Professor in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Biochemistry and member of the WVU Cancer Institute delivered a two-pronged presentation on dicycloplatin (DCP), a novel anticancer drug, at the 2nd International Hematologists Summit in Nice, France, on May 30, 2019. First, Professor Yu presented the follow-up findings of WVU Urologists of the first American cancer patient to receive dicycloplatin chemotherapy. The patient experienced light side effects and is now three years in remission.  Second, she presented the findings of in vitro and in vivo studies conducted at WVU that showed DCP to be less harmful to normal bone marrow and spleen tissue than cisplatin and carboplatin that may explain the tolerable side effects of DCP chemotherapy.  Professor Yu brought these findings to the attention of oncologists at the Hematologists Summit, pointing out that DCP might offer a new strategy in the treatment of blood cancers.  Platinum-based drugs are frontline anticancer drugs and mainly for solid tumors.  The summit was an opportunity for Dr. Yu and her international peers to consider a wider role for a platinum anticancer drug such as DCP.

Danielle Paulk joins Institute Administration staff

Danielle Paulk joins the Cancer Institute as the Manager of Accounting and Finance. Previously, she was with the Administrative Units Shared Service Center at WVU. With over eight years of university experience, she is well versed in state financial regulations and systems. When she’s not at work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids.

Clinical Research Unit adds new staff

The newest additions to the WVUCI Clinical Research Unit.
Left to Right: Myles Forsyth, regulatory associate; Jennifer Halo, regulatory associate; Melinda Spiker, BMT research specialist; Meredith Williams, thoracic research nurse; Deborah Moore, breast and gynecologic research specialist; and Lan Hu, hematologic malignancies research nurse.

Myles Forsyth joins the Clinical Research Unit as our new regulatory associate for all solid tumors trials. His previous experience includes three years as a research assistant through the WVU Department of Orthopedics, developing a system of patient reported outcomes (PROs). Through this program, he achieved a 90% patient completion rate. He is an avid fan of the Mountaineers basketball team.

Jennifer Halo, joins the team as the new regulatory associate for the heme malignancies and BMT teams. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health from Slippery Rock University and worked as a site manager for a CRO in post-market (Stage IV) trials. Additionally, she has four years of experience as a project coordinator through UMPC and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Previously the senior research LPN for the WVUCI biospecimen processing core, Melinda Spiker, LPN, is transitioning into the role of BMT Clinical Research Specialist. She will be taking over all BMT and non-BMT hematologic malignancy projects through the Clinical Research Unit. Melinda earned her LPN license from the Fayette Area Vocational-Technical School in Uniontown in 2011 and has eight years of inpatient clinic experience.

Meredith Williams, RN, BSN, MPH, will be the new thoracic research nurse coordinator with the CRU. Meredith earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing through West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2008 and a Masters of Public Health in 2015 from WVU. Previously a diabetes educator and specialty care nurse, she has over ten years of inpatient and outpatient experience, including seven years working with the Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant Units at WVU Medicine.

Deborah Moore, MS, is the CRU’s new breast and gynecologic research specialist. She earned her Master of Science in biological sciences with emphasis on microbiology from Marshall University in 2016 and has extensive background in research. Debbie is passionate about clinical research and oncology and looks forward to becoming more involved in the clinical trials process. She currently lives in Morgantown and has three Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Lan Hu, RN, BSN, MPH, joins the WVUCI Clinical Research Unit as the new research nurse coordinator for hematologic malignancies. With over 7 years of research experience and nearly a decade of nursing experience, she is an incredible asset to our team. Lan earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2009 and a Masters of Public Health in 2014 from West Virginia University.