Grant Highlights

The University of Kansas Cancer Center thrives thanks to a network of community organizations that champion our mission. Their partnership helps drive research, enhance patient care and expand outreach. Below are just a few highlights that illustrate their impact.

Kansas Masonic Foundation 
A partner since 1974, the Kansas Masonic Foundation has contributed tens of millions of dollars to the cancer center. Transformative gifts include: 

• A $5 million endowment for the Masonic Cancer Alliance, the cancer center’s outreach arm. 
• Support to provide free genetic counseling services. 
• Funding for a full-time financial navigator to assist patients with insurance and billing.
• A pledge toward the new cancer facility. 

Head for the Cure Foundation 
Founded in Kansas City in 2003, Head for the Cure Foundation honors brain cancer patients and survivors through its annual 5K, while supporting brain cancer research and programs at the cancer center and beyond. Notable contributions include: 

• The Dustin J. Eskie-Head for the Cure Professorship in Neuro-Oncology, which enables the recruitment of a renowned physician-scientist.
• A $50,000 grant to David Akhavan, MD, PhD, to explore CAR T cells and nanoparticles for glioblastoma. That seed money led to a $2.8 million grant from the National Cancer Institute. 

Outpacing Melanoma Foundation 
For more than 13 years, the Outpacing Melanoma Foundation has been a steadfast supporter of the cancer center. Proceeds from its annual 5K benefit the Richard A. Klover Melanoma Fund, which fuels a variety of initiatives, including: 

• The Pool Cool program, which trains lifeguards to educate pool-goers on safety. 
• The Melanoma program led by Gary Doolittle, MD, offering comprehensive clinical care and research, including a survivorship clinic and Melanoma Registry.
• The Melanoma High-Risk Clinic, including the purchase of the FotoFinder system for high-resolution imaging. 

OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer Foundation 
Dedicated to transforming the future of ovarian cancer, the OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer Foundation held its 14th annual 5K in 2025, with proceeds supporting vital research. Current funding supports: 

• Graduate fellows conducting research in the lab of Andrew Godwin, PhD, deputy director of the cancer center.
• Research in advanced stage ovarian cancer, which includes support for early detection.

High-Impact Publication Highlights

The cancer center continued its tradition of publishing impactful research and writing in some of the most respected journals in the field. Highlights include:

TNBC-DX Genomic Test in Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treated With Neoadjuvant Taxane-Based Therapy 
Researchers have developed and validated a new genomic test called TNBC-DX to help guide treatment decisions for people with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The test uses tumor size, lymph node status and gene activity to predict how well a patient might respond to chemotherapy and their chances of long-term survival. In multiple studies, TNBC-DX successfully identified patients more likely to achieve a complete response to treatment and those at higher or lower risk of recurrence. This tool could help personalize care for people with TNBC, improving outcomes by tailoring treatment to each individual’s biology. 

Martín M, Stecklein SR, Gluz O, Villacampa G, Monte- Millán M, Nitz U, Cobo S, Christgen M, Brasó-Maristany F, Álvarez EL, Echavarría I, Conte B, Kuemmel S, Bueno- Muiño C, Jerez Y, Kates R, Cebollero M, Kolberg-Liedtke C, Bueno O, García-Saenz JÁ, Moreno F, Grischke EM, Forstbauer H, Braun M, Warm M, Hackmann J, Uleer C, Aktas B, Schumacher C, Wuerstleins R, Graeser M, Zu Eulenburg C, Kreipe HH, Gómez H, Massarrah T, Herrero B, Paré L, Bohn U, López-Tarruella S, Vivancos A, Sanfeliu E, Parker JS, Perou CM, Villagrasa P, Prat A, Sharma P, Harbeck N. TNBC-DX Genomic Test in Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treated With Neoadjuvant Taxane-Based Therapy. Ann Oncol. 2025 Feb;36(2):158-171. doi: 10.1016/j.annonc.2024.10.012. Epub 2024 Oct 16. PMID: 39419289. 

Why We Do Not Recommend That Women With Breast Cancer Receive Adjuvant Treatment With a CDK4/6 Inhibitor 
A critical review raises concerns about using CDK4/6 inhibitors as part of adjuvant therapy for early-stage estrogen receptor– positive breast cancer. Although these drugs have transformed care in metastatic disease, Dr. Khan and the other authors argue that evidence from major adjuvant trials, including PENELOPE-B, PALLAS, monarchE and NATALEE, does not yet support their routine use after surgery. The review highlights issues such as trial design limitations, toxicity, lack of proven overall survival benefit and the possibility that treatment could accelerate resistance to endocrine therapy. The authors urge caution and emphasize the need for stronger, long-term data before incorporating CDK4/6 inhibitors into curative-intent treatment plans. 

Tannock IF, Khan QJ, Fojo T. Why We Do Not Recommend That Women With Breast Cancer Receive Adjuvant Treatment With a CDK4/6 Inhibitor. J Clin Oncol 43, 2456- 2460(2025). DOI:10.1200/JCO-24-02683 

The Formation and Propagation of Human Robertsonian Chromosomes 
A study has uncovered how a rare type of chromosome, called a Robertsonian chromosome, forms and spreads in humans. Found in about 1 in 800 people, these chromosomes are linked to higher cancer risk, infertility and certain genetic disorders. Researchers assembled three complete versions of Robertsonian chromosomes and discovered a shared DNA region that allows two chromosomes to fuse. They also found that these fused chromosomes lose some genetic material but can still be propagated from cell to cell. This research helps explain how these unusual chromosomes develop and persist, offering new insights into human genetics and chromosome evolution. 

de Lima LG, Guarracino A, Koren S, Potapova T, McKinney S, Rhie A, Solar SJ, Seidel C, Fagen B, Walenz BP, Bouffard GG, Brooks SY, Peterson M, Hall K, Crawford J, Young AC, Pickett BD, Garrison E, Phillippy AM, Gerton JL. The Formation and Propagation of Human Robertsonian Chromosomes. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Sep 26:2024.09.24.614821. doi: 10.1101/2024.09.24.614821. Update in: Nature. 2025 Sep 24. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025- 09540-8. PMID: 39386535; PMCID: PMC11463614. 

Rapid and Scalable Personalized ASO Screening in Patient-Derived Organoids 
Researchers have discovered a new way to quickly test personalized therapies for rare genetic diseases using lab-grown mini-organs called organoids. These organoids are made from a patient’s own cells and allow scientists to see how different therapies work for that individual. In this study, the team used a type of treatment called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to adjust how genes behave and reverse disease symptoms. The results showed that this method could help find effective treatments faster, especially for patients who don’t have other options. 

Means JC, Martinez-Bengochea AL, Louiselle DA, Nemechek JM, Perry JM, Farrow EG, Pastinen T, Younger ST. Rapid and Scalable Personalized ASO Screening in Patient-Derived Organoids. Nature. 2025 Feb;638(8049):237-243. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-08462-1. Epub 2025 Jan 22. PMID: 39843740; PMCID: PMC11798851.

Investigator-Initiated Trials

Investigator-initiated clinical trials are led by scientists with firsthand experience in the lab and the clinic. Our experts develop studies to improve the treatment and prevention of cancer.

VIVA: Volatile or IV Anesthesia for Cancer
PI: Luke Selby, MD
There are two broad approaches to delivering general anesthesia: one that uses inhaled gasses with IV medications and one that relies solely on IV medications. Both are safe, used worldwide and recognized as proven standards of care. In this trial of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer, researchers want to understand how these different approaches impact how patients recover from surgery. Patients are randomly assigned to one of the two types of anesthesia. Following surgery, researchers will look at how these approaches impact pain, nausea, how quickly the body heals and the likelihood that the cancer returns.

Phase I Study of Ex Vivo Expanded/Activated Gamma Delta T-Cell Infusion Following Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Post- Transplant Cyclophosphamide
PI: Joseph McGuirk, DO
This study is looking at a type of immune cell called gamma delta T cells. These cells can find and remove unhealthy cells without needing a perfect match like most immune cells do. A “match” means the donor’s bone marrow is very similar to the patient’s, which helps the transplant work well. People with blood cancers often need a bone marrow transplant. The best donor is a matched sibling, but that’s not always possible. Sometimes a family member with a partial match is used, but it can cause a serious problem called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This study will collect and activate gamma delta T cells to fight cancer while lowering the risk of GVHD.

The Impact of Menthol Flavoring on Switching in Adult Menthol Smokers
PI: Nikki Nollen, PhD
This study is for adults who smoke menthol cigarettes and are interested in reducing harm from smoking, even if they’re not ready to quit. Led by Nikki Nollen, PhD, the study looks at whether tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes are just as acceptable as menthol-flavored ones for helping people switch from regular cigarettes. Participants will be randomly assigned to use either menthol or tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes for 12 weeks, with follow-up through week 26. This is a non-inferiority trial, meaning researchers aren’t trying to prove one flavor is better – they’re checking if tobacco flavor works nearly as well. This could support harm reduction while helping limit youth interest in flavored products.

Prospective Evaluation of Germline Mutations Cancer Outcome and Tissue Biomarkers (P.R.O.G.E.C.T.): A Registry for Patients With Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Germline Mutations
PI: Priyanka Sharma, MD
This project is a long-term study that collects health information, cancer outcomes, blood and tumor tissue samples from people with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the rarest types of breast cancers. More than 1,900 people have joined so far, making it one of the largest TNBC registries in the world. The goal is to learn more about TNBC over time and improve care. Under the direction of Priyanka Sharma, MD, an internationally recognized clinical oncologist and researcher, the registry serves as the basis for novel research aimed at improving treatment for TNBC. Several practices changing clinical trials of improved therapies have been established on discoveries yielded by the registry. For example, the registry has helped show effectiveness of less toxic chemotherapy, and how factors such as tumor immune cells and race might impact effectiveness of certain treatments.