July 09, 2025
Sufi Thomas, PhD, professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, has been named associate director for Basic Science at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. She succeeds Shrikant Anant, PhD, professor of Cancer Biology, who has served in this role since 2010.
In this leadership role, Dr. Thomas will guide the strategic direction of basic science at KU Cancer Center, with a focus on strengthening the Cancer Biology program. She will work to foster high-impact basic and translational research, increase collaboration across scientific programs and promote research that leads to meaningful clinical applications. Her efforts will also include supporting faculty in securing National Cancer Institute (NCI) and program-level grant funding, and deepening engagement with the broader research and patient community.
“My goal is to establish an exceptional cancer biology program with high innovation and clinical impact,” Dr. Thomas said. “We will achieve this by encouraging impactful basic and translational research, increasing collaboration across programs and driving discoveries that can be translated into clinical care. I’m excited to help shape a future where our science leads directly to better outcomes for patients.”
Dr. Thomas provides a wealth of experience in cancer biology, with a focus on metastasis and the tumor microenvironment in head and neck cancers. Her research investigates how non-malignant cells interact with tumors to promote cancer growth and resistance to therapy. Dr. Thomas’ lab has made significant contributions to understanding tumor-fibroblast communication, metabolic symbiosis and secretory autophagy, all of which are critical to developing better cancer therapies.
“Dr. Thomas is a strong leader whose deep understanding of cancer biology will help bridge the gap between lab discoveries and patient care. Her leadership will strengthen the pipeline of innovation across our cancer center,” said Roy Jensen, MD, vice chancellor and director of the cancer center.