Innovation in cancer research highlighted at 15th annual Markey Research Day

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center’s 15th annual Research Day on May 13 brought together researchers, clinicians, staff and students to celebrate the center’s scientific accomplishments and spotlight ongoing cancer research across UK.

The day-long event featured oral presentations, poster sessions and two distinguished guest speakers who addressed key developments in cancer research and community engagement. More than 100 posters were presented, spanning all areas of cancer research — from prevention and control to basic science, clinical care and survivorship.

“For 15 years, Markey Cancer Center Research Day has served as both a celebration of progress and an opportunity for new collaborations,” said B. Mark Evers, M.D., UK Markey Cancer Center director. “The diversity of research presented today — from basic science to clinical investigations to population health — reflects our comprehensive approach to fighting cancer challenges in Kentucky and beyond.”

Addressing cancer survivorship through hope

Laurie McLouth, Ph.D., director of Markey’s Patient-Oriented and Population Science Shared Resource and Cancer Survivorship Research Initiative, presented research on hope as a tool for improving outcomes in cancer patients and caregivers.

Cancer survivorship has become an emerging public health challenge, with a projected 44% increase in the number of cancer survivors by 2030 due to an aging population and improved treatments. McLouth, an assistant professor in the UK College of Medicine’s Department of Behavioral Science, is leading an NIH-funded clinical trial that is testing a hope intervention for patients undergoing treatment for advanced lung cancer. Her team is also expanding this approach to include caregivers, who often face significant burdens alongside patients.

New target shows therapeutic potential

Jin-Ming Yang, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the UK College of Medicine’s Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, presented his research on NAC1, a protein his lab has identified as a promising cancer treatment target.

In his presentation, Yang described how NAC1 functions as a key regulator in multiple cancer types, particularly in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. His work, recently published in Molecular Cancer, shows that inhibiting NAC1 could reduce cancer metastasis and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments.

Distinguished guest lectures

The event featured two prominent keynote speakers. Monica Baskin, Ph.D., deputy director for research at the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, delivered the Gilbert H. Friedell Memorial Lecture on “Leveraging Community-Engagement to End Cancer as We Know It.” Baskin emphasized the importance of disseminating evidence-based interventions to communities most affected by cancer.

Robert H. Vonderheide, M.D., D.Phil., director of the Abramson Cancer Center, presented the Susan B. Lester Memorial Lecture on “Opportunities for Immune Health, Treatment, and Interception in Cancer” — highlighting the potential to incorporate immunology into precision medicine and prevention.

Recognizing excellence in mentorship and research

Markey Research Day also features annual awards, including the Markey Women Strong Distinguished Research Award. The $100,000 prize is split between two researchers whose groundbreaking work addresses the cancer burden among women. This year’s award was given to the College of Medicine’s Jessica Blackburn, Ph.D., and Yasminka A. Jakubek, Ph.D.

The day concluded with an award ceremony. Winners are: 

Faculty mentorship awards

• Mentorship of Trainees: Jean Edward, Ph.D.
• Mentorship of Junior Faculty: Joseph Kim, M.D.
• Trainee Mentorship Award: Courtney Martin

Poster competition awards

Students and Postdoctoral Fellows, Basic Science

• 1st place and overall winner: Dave-Preston Esoe, “Targeting Mesenchymal Cells with Epigenetic Therapy in Lung Cancer and Lung Disease”
• 2nd place (tie):
  • Parvanee Karimpour, “Integrin α6β4 Upregulates IDO1 Expression and Decreases IFNγ-Mediated T Cell Growth in ER-Negative Breast Cancer”
  • Christian Gosser, “Targeting EZH2 to Overcome Osimertinib Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer”
  • Amos Akinyemi, “Targeting ER Stress Sensors to Overcome Enzalutamide Resistance in Prostate Cancer”

Students and Postdoctoral Fellows, Clinical/Population Science

• 1st place: Kahleel Guerrier, “Leveraging Mitochondrial Metabolic and Energetic Differences to Target Radiation and Hypoxic Adaptation”
• 2nd place: Abigayle Feather, “The Role of Hope and Goal Interference in Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life among Advanced Cancer Caregivers”
• 3rd place (tie):
  • Taylor Webb, “A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Hope-Based Intervention to Reduce Depression Symptoms and Improve Quality of Life among Patients Undergoing Treatment for Advanced Stage Lung Cancer: Pathways Study Protocol”
  • Valeria Miranda, “Examining the Influence of Race and Skin Tone on Melanoma Risk Perception: The Role of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors”

Postdocs and Staff, Basic Science

• 1st place: Subin Kim, “DNA-PK Inhibition to Enhance DNA-Damaging Therapies in Neuroendocrine Cancer”
• 2nd place: Yiwei Gu, “Glycosaminoglycan Modification of NRP1 Exon 4-Skipping Variant Drives Colorectal Cancer Metastasis via Endosomal-Exosomal Trafficking”
• 3rd place: Xudong Zhu, “Glycogen Metabolism is Critical for Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Proliferation and Immunosuppressive Activity in Colorectal Cancer”

Postdoctoral Students and Staff, Clinical Science

• 1st place: Enes Atici, “In the Eye of the Beholder: Utilizing Lean Process Improvement of Uveal Melanoma Brachytherapy Service Line to Expand Rural Oncology Equity”
• 2nd place: Jovan Pierre-Charles, “Assessment of Patient Reported Clinical Outcomes of Risk-Adapted Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) Treatment of Peripherally Located Lung Tumors”
• 3rd place: Alexander Graden, “Variants of Unknown Clinical Significance (VUSs) in Pediatric Cancer Patients at the University of Kentucky”