Behind the breakthrough: Transdisciplinary cancer research teams continue to make breakthroughs in numerous labs

Posted on October 23, 2025
Behind the breakthrough: Transdisciplinary cancer research teams continue to make breakthroughs in numerous labs

Every major advance in cancer care begins with a question, and at the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM), our scientists are fearless in asking them. Across our labs, researchers are challenging the limits of what is known about cancer: how it begins, how it spreads and most importantly, how it can be stopped.  

 

From decoding the earliest steps of cancer formation to discovering new treatments and improving survivorship, our transdisciplinary teams are leading innovations that are reshaping the future of cancer care. Our pioneers of science aren’t waiting for change – they’re creating it. 

 

PREVENTING CANCER BEFORE IT BEGINS 

 

The Dean Lab, led byDouglas Dean, professor in the Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, is actively investigating how—and why—cells turn cancerousDean is studying the earliest steps of cancer formation bylooking at how healthy cells lose their normal control and start to multiply uncontrollably. In particular, he is examining how cancer-initiating cells form and how the immune system’s T-cells get into tumors. Dean’s work is illuminating the very first steps of cancer development – knowledge that could lead to preventing cancer before it even starts  

 

DETECTING THE DEADLIEST CANCERS SOONER 

 

Early detection saves lives, andPrakash Radhakrishnan, professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, is the head of a lab that is doing exactly that. His lab is developing ways to use the unusual sugar patterns found on pancreatic cancer cells to create a new, early detection test for one of the deadliest types of cancer: pancreatic cancer. By studying the unique traits of pancreatic cancer cells to find their vulnerabilities, Radhakrishnan is also aiming to create new methods to target them, giving patients more treatment options beyond chemotherapy.  

 

TRAINING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO FIGHT BACK 

 

In the Yan lab, Jun Yan, endowed chair in translational research, is focused on training your own body’s immune system to be a better cancer fighter. His work looks for new ways to make the body’s natural defenses smarter and stronger. His lab has even developed promising natural compounds for cancer, which give the immune system a “kick,” training it to recognize and attack cancer, even in places where the body’s defenses are typically weak.  

 

TARGETING THE TOUGHEST-TO-TREAT CANCERS 

 

As novel as this research is, cancer is still a powerful disease that often requires treatment. Denada Dibra, assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology, is focusing on finding new ways to treat those tough-to-beat cancers, especially triple-negative breast cancer. Her work looks at the problem through the lens of immunotherapy and she has found that by removing the protective shield that keeps cancer cells from dying naturally, doctors could potentially use drugs to force tumors to self-destruct.  

 

PROTECTING SURVIVORS FOR LIFE BEYOND TREATMENT 

 

Leah Siskind, professor in the Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, noticed a separate critical issue in cancer care. Long-term side effects of cancer treatments, specifically chemotherapy-induced kidney damage, are plaguing cancer survivors. Her research aims to improve the overall quality of life and long-term health for cancer survivors by developing new treatments that are less damaging to healthy organs, especially the kidneys.  

 

We are proud to be at the forefront of transformative cancer research, where each of our labs is tackling a different piece of the cancer care puzzle,” said Christopher States,  vicedean of research. “From prevention to detection, to novel treatments and improved survivorship, our transdisciplinary approach ensures that we are not only advancing scientific knowledge but also delivering hope for a future where cancer is no longer a leading cause of death.” 

 

Across every lab, one truth drives our work: progress in cancer research begins with courage – the courage to question, to test, to fail and to try again. Our scientists are not just studying cancer; they are rewriting the story of what’s possible.