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: Vincent Lam, Graduate Student, Cancer Biology
Vincent was born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area and completed his undergraduate education at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. In 2023, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering with an emphasis on Cell & Tissue Engineering and a minor in Chemistry. His formative experiences in a dermatology clinic and biomedical research inspired him to pursue a career as a physician-scientist, dedicated to translating laboratory findings into meaningful clinical advancements.
His undergraduate research in the Dr. Brendan Harley Lab at UIUC focused on the development of a granular hydrogel platform for hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cell expansion. He further broadened his expertise in regenerative science through a summer undergraduate research fellowship in Dr. Quinn Peterson’s laboratory at Mayo Clinic, where he studied mitochondrial heteroplasmy and endocrine signaling in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived pancreatic islet cells.
These experiences sparked his interest in cell signaling and disease modeling, ultimately leading him to enroll in the MD-PhD program at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 2023. He joined the Department of Cancer Biology in 2025, with his PhD training supervised by Dr. Michael VanSaun. His current research investigates how mutations in TGF-beta signaling pathways influence pancreatic cancer phenotype, metastasis, and drug response. Through this work, Vincent has expanded his technical expertise in molecular biology, organoid systems, and mouse models of cancer.
Outside of his studies, he enjoys biking, fishing, playing basketball, and 3D modeling to design interactive digital experiences. He also loves traveling to add to his food photography collection.
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.
