Cancer Biology Department

Research Focus Areas

Our faculty and students pursue cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines in cancer biology

Biomarker Discovery

Identifying and validating molecular markers for early detection and personalized treatment.

Cancer Genomics

Utilizing next-generation sequencing to identify genetic alterations in various cancer types.

Cancer Immunotherapy

Exploring immune-based approaches to target and eliminate cancer cells.

Experimental Therapeutics

Developing and testing novel therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.

Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer

Investigating the fundamental cellular processes that drive cancer development and progression.

Tumor Microenvironment

Studying the complex ecosystem surrounding tumors and its role in cancer progression.

Student Research Projects

Immunotherapy Resistance Mechanisms in Melanoma

Ongoing

Student: Priya Patel (Ph.D. Program, 2023)

Supervisor: Dr. Lisa Zhang

Identifying factors that contribute to resistance in melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy.

Role of BRCA1 Mutations in Breast Cancer Progression

Ongoing

Student: Sarah Johnson (Ph.D. Program, 2023)

Supervisor: Dr. Emily Chen

Investigating how specific BRCA1 mutations influence tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer models.

Novel Drug Delivery Systems for Pancreatic Cancer

Ongoing

Student: Michael Rodriguez (Master Program, 2022)

Supervisor: Dr. James Wilson

Developing nanoparticle-based delivery systems for targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer.

Epigenetic Modifications in Leukemia

Completed

Student: David Kim (Ph.D. Program, 2021)

Supervisor: Dr. Robert Brown

Characterizing epigenetic changes that drive leukemia development and potential therapeutic targets.

Recent Publications

Latest research publications from our department members and students

Tackling the interplay between the brain and kidneys: CYP2C19 mice as a preclinical tool for studying cognitive impairment in kidney disease?

Stani? D, Petrovi? J, Ili? M, Nedeljkovi? J, Ivanovi? A, Milinkovi? N, Juki? MM, Ferlicot S, Hafez G, Massy Z, Peši? V

Behav Brain Res (March 2026) 502 :116047

DOI: doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2026.116047

View on PubMed

Expanding the chemical and therapeutic landscape of 5H-Indeno[1,2-b]pyridin-5-one derivatives: Novel anticancer activity, EGFR inhibition, and modulation of HIF-VEGF and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways supported by computational insights.

El-Hema HS, El-Shazly HA, Hawata MA, Yousif NM, Hussein MF, Said MA, Aidy EA, Shehata HE, Abdel-Rahman AA

Bioorg Chem (March 2026) 170 :109476

DOI: doi: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2026.109476

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Enhanced antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of combined metformin, tadalafil, and tamsulosin in a rat model of testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Khalaf SS, Sherif AM, Mehanna ET, Elrayess RA, Mesbah NM, Abo-Elmatty DM, Hafez MM

Life Sci (March 2026) 389 :124240

DOI: doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2026.124240

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Updates in surgery for colorectal cancer: incidence and risk factors for acute anastomotic leak-a retrospective study.

Habeeb TAAM, Hussain A, Chiaretti M, Kryvoruchko IA, Kechagias A, Elias AA, Adsam AAM, Gadallah MA, Ahmed SMA, Khyrallh A, Alsayed MH, Awad ETK, Ibrahim EA, Labib MF, Teama SRA, Shaaban MS, Elshafey MH, Seleem A, Radwan A, Abdelkader HRM, Othman AF, Algalaly NM, Mostafa MMS, Abouelseoud MAA, Alsaad MIA, Ali AK, Elbelkasi H, Zaid MAA, Mohamed BA, Ibrahim IM, Metwally AGE, El Azawy M, Khalil A, Abu-Elela ST, El Taher AK, Yassin MA, Lotfy M, Mousa B, Atef B, Elnemr M, Abdelaziz AM, Wasefy T, Mansour MI, Nawar AMH

Updates Surg (February 2026) 78(1) :127-138

DOI: doi: 10.1007/s13304-025-02411-x

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Nourishing longevity: sustainable healthy eating behaviors and successful aging in community-dwelling older adults, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Alhazmi A, Hawash MM, Aziz F, Ali M, El-Sayed MM, Ali H, Khader MA, Hafez SA

J Health Popul Nutr (February 2026)

DOI: doi: 10.1186/s41043-026-01252-7

View on PubMed

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Funding Opportunities

Pilot Project Grant

Funding for innovative, high-risk projects with potential for significant impact in cancer research.

Deadline: August 15, 2023

Eligibility: All faculty members and senior research staff

Amount: $25,000

Apply Now

Young Investigator Award

Seed funding for early-career researchers to establish independent research programs.

Deadline: September 1, 2023

Eligibility: Researchers within 5 years of completing their terminal degree

Amount: $50,000

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Graduate Research Fellowship

Funding support for outstanding graduate students pursuing cancer biology research.

Deadline: October 15, 2023

Eligibility: Currently enrolled Ph.D. or Master students in good academic standing

Amount: $30,000/year

Apply Now