The Nourish to Flourish Cancer Research Laboratory is directed by Anna E. Arthur, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition. Her work is funded by the National Institutes of Health (R01 grant) and is part of the KU Cancer Center.

Research Focus Areas

Our lab investigates the complex relationships between diet, nutritional status and cancer prognosis across all cancer types, with a particular focus on head and neck and hematologic cancers. We conduct translational, clinical and community-engaged research that addresses nutritional challenges across the cancer care continuum, from diagnosis through survivorship.

Our work spans the following areas:

• Clinical trials evaluating the feasibility and impact of nutrition and food-is-medicine interventions, such as fish oil-enriched supplementation and medically tailored food support.
• Epidemiologic studies exploring dietary patterns, inflammation and nutrient biomarkers in relation to outcomes such as cancer recurrence, survival and treatment-related symptoms.
• Health equity research targeting food insecurity and nutrition literacy among cancer patients and survivors, with a commitment to developing scalable, patient-centered solutions.

The lab is home to the NOURISH Trial and other studies that integrate behavioral science, cancer biology, epidemiology and oncology nutrition. We collaborate across disciplines and institutions to generate evidence that informs clinical practice, policy and public health strategies.

We also work closely with patient advocates through PIVOT, KU Cancer Center’s Patient and Investigator Voices Organizing Together program, to ensure our research is informed by the lived experiences, priorities and insights of those directly impacted by cancer.

Through mentorship, education and innovation, the Nourish to Flourish Cancer Research Lab empowers the next generation of nutrition scientists and dietitian researchers to lead transformative change in cancer care.

Have questions about our research, current studies, or opportunities to collaborate? We’d love to hear from you — contact us at Nourish2Flourish@kumc.edu.