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
May Spotlight: Kalyani Pyaram
Kalyani Pyaram is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center, with primary appointments in the Department of Cancer Biology and affiliations with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Her research sits at the intersection of immunology, metabolism, and cancer, with a focus on understanding how metabolic pathways shape T cell function and can be leveraged for therapeutic benefit.
Dr. Pyaram was born and raised in India, where her father’s deep admiration for scientists shaped her aspiration to become one. Dr. Pyaram completed her doctoral training in Biotechnology from National Center for Cell Sciences in Pune, India, where she developed a strong interest in immune mechanisms. She went on to pursue postdoctoral training in immunology at the University of Pennsylvania and later at the University of Michigan. Her research was in molecular and cellular immunology focused on immunometabolism, and how cellular metabolic programs shape the development, and immune responses of innate-like T cells. Dr. Pyaram started her independent lab at Kansas State University and in 2023, she joined KUMC to establish her research program.
At KUMC, Dr. Pyaram leads a research program investigating the role of the transcription factor Nrf2 as an immunometabolic regulator of T cell function. Her lab integrates molecular biology, multi-omics approaches, and in vivo disease models to study how Nrf2 controls T cell responses in tumor microenvironments and inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis. A major goal of her work is to translate these findings into novel therapeutic strategies, including targeted drug delivery approaches to selectively modulate the responses of specific immune cells.
Dr. Pyaram is passionate about to mentoring trainees into next generation of scientists and is deeply committed to graduate and medical education. Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and embracing the fun (and occasional chaos) of life with her two kids.
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:
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.
