Dr. Yi Li (MS’18), now an assistant professor of bioengineering, said the funding is “transformative” as he builds his lab and accelerates research into cancers powered by fusion genes. His efforts extend work initiated during his postdoctoral years in the lab of Dr. Leonidas Bleris at UT Dallas.

SFT develops when the NAB2 and STAT6 genes fuse, producing aberrant signaling that triggers cancer-cell growth. Although the underlying cause of the fusion remains unknown, the fusion itself offers a direct molecular handle. Current clinical management typically relies on surgery to remove tumors and/or radiation, because no drug is specifically tailored to SFT.

Li’s team previously collaborated with Dr. Heather Hayenga, an associate professor of bioengineering at UT Dallas, whose leadership helped establish local SFT research. Hayenga died on April 5, and the CPRIT-funded projects are intended to continue that scientific legacy while expanding toward new therapeutic strategies.

In recent years, the research community—supported by UT Dallas efforts—has used gene-editing tools to create experimental models that clarify how the NAB2–STAT6 fusion sustains disease. Those models have also supported an interdisciplinary pipeline for therapy development.

CPRIT support includes two major awards for Li. In May, he received a $249,000 high impact/high risk grant (RP260816) aimed at developing a potential immunotherapy for SFT. Last fall, he obtained an $899,216 individual investigator award (RP260461) to pursue a fusion-silencing approach using antisense oligonucleotides.

Antisense oligonucleotides are short strands of synthetic genetic material designed to block the activity of cancer-driving gene fusions. In laboratory-grown tumor cells and in animal models, the team has shown that these strategies can reduce fusion-gene activity and weaken oncogenic signaling.

A practical challenge is delivery: dense tumor tissue can limit how therapeutic molecules penetrate the tumor interior. Li is collaborating with Dr. Jeremiah Gassensmith in chemistry and biochemistry to design an effective delivery route through outer tissue barriers.

Overall, the work could generate a framework not only for SFT but also for other fusion-driven cancers that share similar vulnerabilities in gene-fusion signaling.

Subject of Research: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) driven by NAB2–STAT6 gene fusions
Article Title: (Not provided in the provided content)
News Publication Date: (Not provided in the provided content)
Web References: https://www.cprit.texas.gov/grants-funded/grants/rp260816 ; https://www.cprit.texas.gov/grants-funded/grants/rp260461
References: (No full reference list provided beyond the grant links)
Image Credits: The University of Texas at Dallas

Keywords: solitary fibrous tumor, SFT, NAB2–STAT6, gene fusion, antisense oligonucleotides, immunotherapy, cancer immunology, translational research, targeted therapy, drug delivery

Central to this new wave of research is the enhancement of the Flow Cytometry Shared Resource core facility, spearheaded by Michael T. Berton, PhD. This facility has been a backbone for cancer researchers across South Texas, providing state-of-the-art spectral flow cytometry capabilities for single-cell analysis and purification. The new grant will facilitate upgrades that enable imaging flow cytometry, a technique that transcends traditional fluorescence-based sorting by integrating physical and spatial attributes through high-resolution, real-time imaging. This technological leap allows detailed examination of cell morphology and biomarker distribution at a single-cell level, which can reveal novel cancer cell phenotypes and behaviors vital for understanding tumor heterogeneity and treatment resistance.

Ewing sarcoma, a rare but aggressive pediatric cancer, remains notoriously difficult to treat due to the elusive nature of its key oncogenic driver protein, EWS::FLI1, which lacks a stable conformation suitable for conventional drug binding. David Libich, PhD, is leading groundbreaking research to overcome this challenge by decoding the protein-protein interactions of EWS::FLI1 at atomic-resolution using advanced imaging techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Coupling these structural biology insights with sophisticated artificial intelligence modeling, the project aims to design synthetic proteins that can specifically latch onto the EWS::FLI1 fusion oncoprotein. These engineered molecules act as precision inhibitors, either blocking the protein’s oncogenic activity or marking it for degradation. If successful, this approach could revolutionize targeted therapy for Ewing sarcoma by offering a molecularly precise, less toxic alternative to conventional chemotherapeutics.

In parallel, Arkajyoti Roy, PhD, focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence to democratize access to high-quality radiation therapy, a cornerstone cancer treatment modality. Radiation therapy requires meticulous delineation of tumor boundaries and adjacent critical organs on CT imaging to maximize tumor dose while sparing healthy tissue. This segmentation step is labor-intensive and suffers from variability, particularly in under-resourced rural and underserved clinics. Roy’s project aims to build AI models trained on diverse clinical datasets that not only predict anatomical contours but also quantify the uncertainty of these predictions. Incorporating uncertainty-aware AI into radiation planning algorithms promises treatment plans with built-in safety margins, ensuring effective and equitable care even in settings lacking specialized expertise. This innovation could significantly reduce disparities in cancer treatment quality and outcomes across geographical and socioeconomic boundaries.

Addressing the rising incidence of obesity-linked endometrial cancer, Maria Gonzalez Porras, PhD, investigates novel nanoparticle-based therapies targeting tumor microenvironmental crosstalk. Obesity exacerbates endometrial carcinogenesis by promoting migration of adipose-derived cells to the uterus, exacerbating tumor growth via secreted proliferative proteins and enhanced crosstalk mediated by specific surface proteins on both fat and cancer cells. Employing engineered nanoparticles loaded with genetic payloads, this therapeutic approach selectively silences these pathogenic mediators in situ within tumor-supporting cells. By delivering genetic instructions to deactivate tumor-promoting proteins, the nanomedicine aims to disrupt the obesity-fueled tumor microenvironment while limiting systemic exposure and adverse effects. This precision therapy has the potential to preserve fertility and reduce side effects compared to conventional invasive therapies, offering a promising new horizon for personalized medicine in this vulnerable patient population.

These multifaceted research initiatives epitomize the collaborative spirit essential to transforming cancer care. Patrick Sung, DPhil, director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, emphasizes that groundbreaking cancer research thrives at the nexus of curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and compassionate dedication. The institute itself stands as a beacon, devoted exclusively to pediatric cancer research and innovation. Its unique focus on genomic instability, RNA biology, and novel drug development drives efforts to convert compelling laboratory findings into tangible cures for children facing cancer.

The CPRIT funding thus catalyzes a comprehensive approach, merging cutting-edge molecular technologies, AI-driven clinical tools, and nanomedicine to address heterogeneous cancer challenges. The enhanced Flow Cytometry Shared Resource facility empowers researchers with unprecedented cellular phenotyping capabilities, laying groundwork for the discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Structural elucidation of the elusive EWS::FLI1 fusion protein opens avenues for rational drug design that might redefine targeted therapy for sarcomas. Artificial intelligence models promise to standardize and optimize radiation oncology workflows, improving outcomes particularly in underserved populations. Nanoparticle vehicles for precise gene silencing herald a new generation of safer, fertility-conscious cancer therapeutics.

Ultimately, this constellation of efforts by UTSA, UT Health San Antonio, and affiliated researchers propels the frontiers of cancer biology and treatment innovation. By integrating multidisciplinary expertise spanning molecular biology, computational sciences, engineering, and clinical oncology, these programs illuminate pathways to more effective, equitable, and personalized cancer care. The investments from CPRIT not only fuel vital scientific discovery but also exemplify a purposeful commitment to improving the health and lives of cancer patients across South Texas and beyond, forging links between pioneering research and real-world impact.

As the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio—one of the four National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Centers in Texas—continues to expand its research footprint, its partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center enhances access to the nation’s most advanced cancer therapies locally. This symbiotic relationship accelerates knowledge exchange and clinical innovation, strengthening cancer prevention and treatment paradigms. Similarly, the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute’s unparalleled dedication to childhood cancers ensures that emerging pediatric therapies are developed with rigor and compassion.

The technological advancements in flow cytometry, atomic-level structural biology, AI-powered radiation oncology, and nanoparticle therapeutic delivery underscore a paradigm shift in precision oncology. Such multidisciplinary convergence enhances our ability to decrypt cancer biology intricacies and translates this understanding into actionable clinical strategies. With continued investment and visionary leadership, these scientific endeavors promise to reshape cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy, ultimately heralding a future where cancer morbidity and mortality are substantially diminished.

For the scientific community and public alike, UT Health San Antonio’s recent awardees exemplify how leveraging advanced technologies and cross-sector collaboration can generate impactful cancer research that fuels hope and innovation. These developments spotlight the critical role academic health centers play in transforming research breakthroughs from the bench to bedside, delivering tangible benefits to patients throughout South Texas and beyond. As the frontier of cancer research advances, these programs will serve as a model of translating cutting-edge science into life-saving interventions with lasting societal benefits.

Subject of Research: Cancer research including flow cytometry technology advancement, targeting Ewing sarcoma protein interactions, AI-driven radiation therapy, and nanoparticle-based therapies for obesity-linked endometrial cancer.

Article Title: UT Health San Antonio Advances Cancer Research with $2.7 Million CPRIT Grant Boosting Flow Cytometry, AI, and Targeted Therapies

News Publication Date: June 2, 2026

Web References:

• https://www.uthscsa.edu/
• https://cprit.texas.gov/
• https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/
• https://uthscsa.edu/medicine/
• https://gccri.uthscsa.edu/
• https://wp.uthscsa.edu/flow-cytometry/
• https://business.utsa.edu/
• https://klesse.utsa.edu/
• https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/gccri

Keywords

Cancer research, Flow cytometry, Ewing sarcoma, Artificial intelligence, Radiation therapy, Nanoparticles, Endometrial cancer, Obesity, Pediatric cancer, Structural biology, Precision oncology, Molecular therapeutics

The infusion of capital from CPRIT represents a vital investment in the infrastructure necessary to propel forward the translational research imperative to oncological innovation. As articulated by Albert Koong, M.D., Ph.D., the chief scientific officer at MD Anderson, these resources are instrumental in attracting and nurturing top-tier scientists and clinicians. Such investments fortify the institution’s capacity to translate molecular and cellular discoveries into tangible clinical interventions that significantly impact cancer treatment paradigms both within Texas and across the broader national landscape.

Since its establishment, CPRIT has been a cornerstone of cancer research funding in Texas, distributing over $4 billion in grants to a diverse array of academic institutions, nonprofits, and private sector entities. MD Anderson alone has received in excess of $745 million, roughly 18% of CPRIT’s overall disbursements. This substantial contribution underscores the institution’s leadership in oncology research and highlights the symbiotic relationship between state-backed initiatives and academic prowess that drives innovation.

Critical to the grant allocation is the support of the Adolescent and Young Adult Longitudinal Survivor Study (AYA LASSO), a pioneering statewide platform dedicated to the systematic assessment and enhancement of long-term health outcomes among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Spearheaded by Michael Roth, M.D., and Michelle Hildebrandt, Ph.D., this initiative aims to dissect the multifaceted challenges faced by this demographic, addressing not just oncologic remission but also comprehensive survivorship care that incorporates psychosocial and physiological dimensions.

Parallel to patient-centered studies, the funding also backs the “Future of Cancer Research” program, a forward-looking initiative for the recruitment and training of basic and translational scientists. Coordinated by Khandan Keyomarsi, Ph.D., this program embodies a commitment to expanding the pipeline of researchers equipped with cutting-edge expertise in experimental radiation oncology and related disciplines, ensuring a continuous infusion of innovative approaches to dismantle cancer’s complexities from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic delivery.

Among the notable funded projects is I-PROTECT (Intratumoral Prevention and Risk Outcomes in Targeted Early Cancer Treatment with Immunotherapy), an avant-garde endeavor led by Moran Amit, M.D., Ph.D. This initiative explores the delicate interplay of immunotherapeutic strategies at the tumor microenvironment level, aiming to enhance early intervention efficacy. By focusing on intratumoral dynamics, I-PROTECT seeks to unearth predictive biomarkers and mechanistic insights vital to refining patient-specific treatments and minimizing systemic toxicities.

Research into the epigenetic and intergenerational ramifications of paternal obesity on lung immune dysregulation and tumorigenesis is another groundbreaking effort awarded support. Under the guidance of Andrea Viale, M.D., this study harnesses genomic medicine techniques to interrogate how metabolic states in progenitors modulate cancer susceptibility and immune competence in offspring, potentially revealing novel prevention paradigms and intervention points rooted in lifestyle and inherited epigenetic factors.

Further technological innovation is embodied in the development of a CRISPR-guided, cancer cell-specific killing system led by Lawrence Kwong, Ph.D. This approach capitalizes on the revolutionary gene-editing capabilities of CRISPR-Cas9 to precisely target malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue, representing a quantum leap in the specificity and safety profile of prospective cancer therapies. The molecular precision engineered through this method could herald a new era of personalized medicine with dramatically decreased off-target effects.

In a parallel synthetic biology venture, the creation of TROP2-selective cyclic peptide drug conjugates by Niki Zacharias Millward, Ph.D., aims to exploit surface receptor targeting for enhanced drug delivery. TROP2 expression is often upregulated in various epithelial cancers, and this strategy endeavors to couple therapeutic agents to cyclic peptides designed for high-affinity binding to TROP2, thereby increasing drug accumulation within tumors and improving therapeutic indices.

The comprehensive funding package also includes an $8 million allocation to attract three CPRIT Scholars, notably featuring Adam Grippin, M.D., Ph.D., who transitions from residency in Radiation Oncology to faculty status within MD Anderson. This recruitment underscores the program’s dedication to fostering emerging leaders who will drive forward the next generation of oncology research and clinical innovation.

Together, these components of CPRIT’s enhanced investment in MD Anderson reflect a strategic and multifaceted approach to conquering cancer on several fronts—ranging from deep molecular insights and advanced therapeutic development to robust clinical training programs and dedicated survivorship platforms. This coordinated model portends significant advancements in oncology, with the potential to ripple beyond the state of Texas, serving as a blueprint for integrated cancer research and care worldwide.

At a time when cancer remains among the leading causes of mortality globally, initiatives such as these symbolize hope and tangible progress. They reiterate the critical role of sustained funding and visionary scientific ambition in bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical realities, carving pathways toward improved patient outcomes and ultimately, cancer eradication.

The endeavor solidifies MD Anderson’s role as an epicenter of cancer research excellence, reinforcing the imperative that investments in science and medicine must continue unabated. Such strategic funding not only accelerates discovery but enhances the economic and health landscapes, providing broad societal benefits through innovation-driven job creation and the development of cutting-edge therapeutic technologies.

In summary, the latest funding by CPRIT to UT MD Anderson Cancer Center acknowledges and amplifies the institution’s ongoing commitment to transformative oncology research. By integrating multidisciplinary expertise and fostering new talent, the grant illuminates a future where the complexity of cancer is met with equally sophisticated scientific solutions, bringing hope to patients and the medical community alike.

Subject of Research: Cancer research focusing on adolescent and young adult survivorship, immunotherapy, genomic medicine, CRISPR technology, drug targeting, and training future oncologists and researchers.

Article Title: UT MD Anderson Cancer Center Receives Over $19 Million in CPRIT Funding to Propel Cancer Research and Survivorship Initiatives

News Publication Date: May 20, 2026

Web References:
– https://www.mdanderson.org/
– https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/albert_koong.html
– https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/michael_roth.html
– https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/michelle_hildebrandt.html
– https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/khandan_keyomarsi.html
– https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/moran_amit.html
– https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/andrea_viale.html
– https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/lawrence_kwong.html
– https://faculty.mdanderson.org/profiles/nikim.zacharias_millward.html

Keywords: Cancer research, adolescent and young adult survivorship, immunotherapy, CRISPR, genomic medicine, translational oncology, targeted therapy, MD Anderson, CPRIT funding, cancer immunology, peptide drug conjugates, faculty recruitment.