Treating (advanced) cancers successfully requires understanding the specifics of cancer biology. Without that knowledge, the targeting of tumors and metastases and minimizing “bystander effects” is not possible. During the last decades, the community of cancer researchers has discovered that tumors are not just a growing mass of cells, but highly differentiated and often behave in many ways like another organ in the body, consisting of complex tissues that interface with the entire host organism. Cancer stem cells are often able to escape during classic tumor therapies that target fast growing cells, ultimately causing cancer relapse. The researchers in our department work toward understanding what makes cancers different from healthy tissue and how to take advantage of this therapeutically. We are the basic research department of KUMC with an emphasis on translating our results into the clinic and the lives of cancer patients.
News and Updates
September Spotlight: Scott Chin, Graduate Student
Scott Chin is a 2nd year graduate student at the University of Kansas Medical Center MD/PhD program in Dr. David Akhavan’s laboratory in the Department of Cancer Biology.
Scott completed his undergraduate at the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics in 2021. As an undergraduate, he developed his basic immunology foundation under the mentorship of Dr. Maureen Su to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms of Natural Killer cell and T cell function at homeostasis and viral infection. Following graduation, he joined Dr. Anusha Kalbasi’s lab as a research associate to study a novel therapy combining radiation and immunotherapy to reprogram the tumor microenvironment in preclinical models and translated this to the clinic for patients with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma in a Phase I clinical trial.
Scott joined the KUMC MD/PhD program in 2023 and is mentored by Dr. David Akhavan, focusing on tuning and enhancing CAR T cell function and survival in the hostile tumor microenvironment through cellular engineering and pharmacological approaches. His research interest centers on the complex signals that dictate an effective, sustained response by the immune system to cancer. Through this, he hopes to develop novel approaches to address challenges in solid tumors from a patient perspective and bring these therapies to the clinic.
Outside of the lab, Scott enjoys listening to videography, traveling, and listening to live music.
Cancer Biology Associate Professor Michael VanSaun, PhD, has been recognized by the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (IGBPS) as the AY 2025–2026 Dr. Mark J. Fisher Instructor of the Year!
This award recognizes Dr. VanSaun’s outstanding dedication to teaching, mentorship, and graduate education. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement!
Congratulations, Dr. VanSaun!
Cancer Biology graduate Dakota Okwuone recently defended his Ph.D. dissertation with honors on March 18, 2026, and received the Karen and Kelly Gregg Award for outstanding graduate student research in cancer.
Mary Needham of KU Endowment presented him with the certificate and a box of Lamar’s Donuts.
Congratulations, Dakota!
New Edited Volume Highlights Breakthroughs in Magnetic Nanomaterials Research
Kansas City, KS — Obdulia Covarrubias-Zambrano and Stefan H. Bossmann announce the publication of the Second Edition of Magnetic Nanomaterials, an authoritative, fully updated volume capturing the rapid advances that have reshaped the field since the first edition.
Over the past decade, magnetic nanomaterials have evolved from foundational concepts to powerful platforms enabling new approaches in synthesis, catalysis, imaging, and precision medicine. This new edition delivers a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art research on magnetic nanoparticles and their expanding applications—including theranostics, drug delivery, MRI sensitivity enhancement, and liquid biopsy technologies, alongside advances in catalysis and biomass conversion.
The book opens with a clear introduction to magnetism at the nanoscale and magnetic nanoparticle design, then progresses through focused chapters dedicated to specific applications. Readers gain insight into how magnetic nanomaterials are being engineered to improve cancer treatment, enable targeted delivery, and unlock new capabilities across chemical and physical sciences.
Written and edited by internationally recognized experts, the volume offers a front-row view of the frontiers of magnetic nanotechnology from scientists who have helped shape this highly collaborative field. With contributions spanning academia and applied research worldwide, the book is designed to serve graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and investigators in nanotechnology, engineering, chemistry, materials science, and related disciplines.
Magnetic Nanomaterials, Second Edition is now available through major academic publishers and booksellers.
For review copies, interviews, or additional information, please contact the editors or the publisher’s press office.
https://books.rsc.org/books/edited-volume/2393/Magnetic-NanomaterialsApplications-in-Catalysis
Sparkle of Love Donation
Nora’s Sparkle of Love donated a generous $35,000 to the University of Kansas Cancer Center to support the collaborative pediatric brain cancer research of Dr. Kalyani Pyaram and Dr. Vivekanand Yadav. These funds will be used to establish a dedicated immune-competent DIPG model unit at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, enabling the development and preclinical testing of novel immunotherapy approaches and innovative combination treatment strategies for pediatric gliomas. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and diffuse midline glioma (DMG) are rare but highly aggressive brain cancers that primarily affect young children. Tragically, the average survival for children diagnosed with DIPG or DMG is less than one year. To help address this urgent need, this work will accelerate translational discoveries aimed at improving outcomes for children affected by these devastating cancers.
To learn more about Nora’s story and see how you can make a difference, visit the Nora Sparkle of Love website: https://norassparkleofloveproject.com
The Cancer Biology department has joined up with KU Endowment to create a campaign to raise funding for student travel. The money raised through this drive will enable Cancer Biology students to attend external conferences, seminars, workshops etc. by covering travel costs (airfare, hotel, meals, materials).
Please consider donating! Get more information on: LaunchKU.
