Press Releases

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March 11, 2010

VAI Researchers Develop Tool to Help Study Prostate Cancer

Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) researchers have developed a new method to better study the cells that line and protect the prostate in relation to the development of cancer. Using the model, they found that normal cells and cancer cells depend on different factors to survive, which could aid in discovering how to target cancer cells without affecting normal cells when developing treatments.

February 17, 2010

VARI Findings May Help Patients with Deadly Kidney Cancer

Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) researchers have found a way to reverse resistance to sunitinib, a treatment that is currently the first line of defense against clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a deadly form of kidney cancer. Most patients who show a positive response to sunitinib develop a resistance to the drug after one year of treatment.

February 03, 2010

Van Andel Institute Announces Two New Hires

Van Andel Institute (VAI) announces the hiring of two new staff members: Jim Mason, Ph.D., has joined VAI as senior scientific investigator heading the Laboratory of Orthopaedic Cell and Tissue Mechanics and John Bender, Pharm.D., was recently named Clinical Operations Director. Dr. Mason’s position is a joint appointment between VAI and Spectrum Health, which is helping to fund the Translational Orthopaedic Research Program to foster long-term solutions for patients in the area of orthopaedics.