VCU news

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley

Virginia Commonwealth University President Eugene P. Trani said today that Rep. Eric Cantor’s work toward securing $1 million toward the renovation and expansion of the VCU Massey Cancer Center will help add research capacity and recruit new scientists.

Cantor, R-Va., worked with Ohio Rep. David Hobson on the legislation, which is part of the appropriations package for the 2006 fiscal year. The House approved the spending bill Nov.9, and it is expected to pass in the Senate and be signed into law by President Bush.

“Congressman Cantor has been a strong supporter of the university and the VCU Massey Cancer Center,” Trani said. “On behalf of everyone at the university, we thank him for his superb effort.”

Cantor last year secured $2.5 million for Massey as part of similar legislation.

Trani said the funds will enable VCU to continue expanding its research capacity and to recruit new scientists dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. The VCU Massey Cancer Center is in the midst of building a $41.8 million research addition that will more than double the size of the existing center. The new addition will help position Massey to become Virginia’s first Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest designation awarded by the National Cancer Institute.

The VCU Massey Cancer Center is one of 61 NCI-designated research institutions and serves as VCU’s focal point for basic and clinical cancer research, education, prevention and cancer health care delivery.