Cancer Biology

The Cancer Biology research program investigates the fundamental drivers of cancer morbidity and mortality, with a focus on metastasis, genomic instability and treatment resistance. Members apply cutting-edge molecular, cellular and translational approaches to understand how tumors arise, spread and evade therapy. Members focus on three discipline-based themes: 

1. Cancer metastasis and tumor microenvironment interactions
2. DNA damage, repair and regulatory networks in cancer development and therapy response
3. Stem cell programs, signaling pathways and mechanisms of treatment resistance

The research program demonstrates remarkable breadth in cancer research, with investigators studying a wide range of cancers that reflect the needs and priorities of the communities served by The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Program members are also committed to training the next generation of cancer researchers, fostering a collaborative environment that spans all cancer center research programs. Through innovative studies, investigators have advanced our understanding of how the immune and stromal microenvironment influences metastatic progression, how genomic instability drives tumor evolution and how cancer stem cell programs contribute to treatment resistance. By translating these discoveries into novel therapeutic strategies and potential new treatments, the Cancer Biology research program is driving scientific innovation and improving outcomes for patients with cancer.

The Cancer Biology research program is led by Tomoo Iwakuma, MD, PhD, Linheng Li, PhD and Bret Freudenthal, PhD.

Ryan Barnes, PhD, is the Cancer Biology Research Program Liaison. He helps identify community projects, training programs and career development initiatives for members while also serving as a link between Cancer Biology and cancer center leadership, sharing updates and communicating the research program’s needs and priorities.