Recent publications

Collaboration highlights future of precision prostate cancer care  

A new publication highlighting the future of genomics-guided prostate cancer care showcases the collaborative efforts of UMMC School of Medicine student John A. Ligon and UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute members Dr. Shashi Anand, Dr. Seema Singh, Dr. Jawed Siddiqui, Dr. John Clark Henegan and Dr. Ajay Pratap Singh. Published in npj Precision Oncology, the work reflects the importance of integrating student scholarship with collaboration between basic scientists and physician-scientists to advance translational cancer research. 

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and remains a major cause of illness and death. In the United States, it makes up almost 30% of all new cancer cases in men each year.  

After years of decline, prostate cancer rates have started rising again — increasing by about 3% each year from 2014 to 2021, especially in cases diagnosed at a later, more advanced stage. Despite declining mortality in some areas, prostate cancer remains a major global health burden with persistent racial and geographic disparities in who develops the disease and survives it.  

The article examines how advances in genomic profiling are reshaping the understanding and treatment of prostate cancer. The authors highlight emerging insights into oncogenic pathways, androgen receptor signaling, DNA damage repair alterations, and mechanisms of therapy resistance that are driving the development of biomarker-guided precision therapies. 

The publication also underscores the value of collaborative translational research that bridges laboratory discovery with clinical application. By bringing together expertise in cancer biology, genomics, and patient care, the team provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in molecular profiling and precision oncology, while also discussing the challenges that remain in translating genomic discoveries into effective therapies. 

The project further highlights UMMC’s commitment to fostering student engagement in high-impact research and promoting collaborative scientific environments that connect trainees, basic researchers, and clinician-investigators to address critical challenges in cancer care.