The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center Pilot Project Award Program is dedicated to advancing cancer research by providing pilot funding to faculty investigators. The goals of this program are to:

• Increase collaborative interactions to foster innovative research.
• Facilitate novel approaches.
• Encourage the entry of new investigators into cancer research.
• Facilitate the translation of laboratory findings into clinical interventions.
• Generate preliminary data that will lead to peer-reviewed, cancer-relevant extramural funding, conference presentations and publications.

Five Cancer Center members received funding for their pilot projects in the 2025 Fall cycle. Congratulations to all the awardees!

Repurposing AI Models for Dissecting Multi-Omics Biomarkers to Predict Probability of Survival Risk from Publicly Available Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patient Data

Sarmistha Das, PhD Associate Member, Experimental Therapeutics Research Program University of Cincinnati Cancer Center Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Health Informatics & Data Sciences University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is advanced prostate cancer that has spread and no longer responds to standard hormone therapy because cancer cells find ways to grow despite low testosterone levels. Research has shown that both DNA changes and gene expression patterns influence treatment response and survival, but studies that combine these data types are still limited due to a lack of appropriate methods. Researchers like Sarmistha Das, PhD, associate member of the Experimental Therapeutics Research Program at the Cancer Center, are working to change this.

“This project will use publicly available datasets to identify multi-omics biomarkers associated with survival risk in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC),” said Das. “By integrating DNA and RNA data using advanced machine-learning models, we aim to better predict which patients are unlikely to benefit from specific treatments, helping to reduce unnecessary side effects. To support broader use, we will also develop user-friendly software that applies published VAE models to multi-omics data from mCRPC patients available through the cBioPortal database.”

Beyond the development of new analytical methods, the project emphasizes real-world applicability and clinical relevance. By making sophisticated machine-learning tools more accessible, Das seeks to bridge the gap between computational innovation and patient-centered cancer care.

“By improving risk prediction and treatment response modeling, especially in cancers like metastatic prostate cancer, we aim to reduce ineffective treatments and move closer to precision medicine for patients,” she explained. “By leveraging advanced statistical and machine learning techniques, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of cancer at the molecular level. Through this project, we will create user-friendly tools that simplify complex data analysis for both scientists and clinicians.”

With this broader goal in mind, the award serves as both a catalyst for scientific progress and a recognition of the investigator’s interdisciplinary contributions.

“This award is an important recognition of my work at the intersection of biostatistics, bioinformatics and cancer research,” she shared. “It provides critical support to advance my project on integrating multi-omics data using deep learning to improve prediction of treatment response in metastatic prostate cancer. Beyond enabling the generation of preliminary data and development of user-friendly analytical tools, this award strengthens my trajectory as an independent investigator and enhances my ability to contribute to precision medicine. It also allows me to share methodological innovations with the broader research community, increasing the translational impact of my work.”

Building on this momentum, her research continues to focus on integrating advanced computational methods with real-world clinical needs. Supported by collaborative networks and Cancer Center resources, the work emphasizes both scientific rigor and practical application.

“I develop and apply advanced statistical and machine learning methods to integrate multi-omics data, enabling identification of biomarkers and accurate prediction of patient outcomes in cancer. My work also produces user-friendly software and scalable frameworks that make state-of-the-art analyses accessible to the research community,” she said. “My Cancer Center membership has strengthened this research by enabling close collaboration with clinicians and interdisciplinary scientists, offering mentorship and training that deepen my understanding of disease biology, and supporting translational efforts that move multi-omics biomarker discoveries toward clinical application.”

Bridging Mechanistic Insights of Non-Muscle Myosin IIA to Therapeutic Strategies in Breast Cancer

Joan Garrett, PhD Member, Experimental Therapeutics Research Program University of Cincinnati Cancer Center Associate Professor University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates have changed outcomes for women with HER2+ breast cancer. Nevertheless, metastatic breast cancer remains incurable despite treatment advances.

“There is an urgent need to develop targeted therapies in breast cancer,” said Joan Garrett, PhD, member of the Experimental Therapeutics Research Program at the Cancer Center. “This research will provide critical insights into the potential of non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) as a therapeutic target and could influence the design of HER2-positive clinical trials within the next five to ten years, ultimately benefiting patients affected by breast cancer.”

Non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) is a crucial actin-based motor protein, encoded by the MYH9 gene, that generates intracellular force for vital functions like cell shape changes, migration, adhesion and cell division.

“Our findings show that non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) binds to HER3 and may be functionally relevant in HER2-positive breast cancers,” Garrett explained. “Because metastatic HER2-positive disease remains incurable, identifying NMIIA as a therapeutic target could open new avenues for treatment and improve outcomes for many patients.”

HER3 is a membrane protein and crucial for cell growth, differentiation and survival. However, it uniquely lacks strong kinase activity and relies on partnering with other HER family members, like HER2, to transmit signals, often through the PI3K pathway. This signaling contributes to cancer progression and therapy resistance, highlighting HER3 as a promising target for new cancer treatments.

“Clinically, NMIIA is elevated in lymphovascular invasion-positive breast tumors and linked to poorer survival, highlighting its role in aggressive disease,” shared Garrett. “Pharmacologic inhibition with a selective NMII compound limits cancer cell migration, triggers DNA damage, and enhances HER inhibitor efficacy. These studies may lay the groundwork for developing NMIIA-targeted treatments that improve outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer.”

Building on these promising preclinical findings, the support from the Cancer Center helps ensure that this research can continue advancing efficiently.

“Receiving the Cancer Center Fall Pilot Project Award is critical for maintaining momentum in our research, especially in today’s highly competitive funding climate,” she said. “Beyond the award itself, my Cancer Center membership has been invaluable, providing access to multidisciplinary collaborators and essential scientific resources that have strengthened study design. Overall, these connections and tools have accelerated the growth, rigor, and translational impact of my research program.”

Mechanistic Basis of Sex-Dependent Radiation Injury: Microglial Activation and Neuroprotection

Marc Oria, PhD Associate Member, Signaling Networks & Metabolic Pathways Research Program University of Cincinnati Cancer Center Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Brain cancer is the most common solid tumor in children and the second leading cause of cancer-related death, making it a significant childhood cancer concern. About half of pediatric brain tumor cases require radiotherapy. While survival rates have improved, long-term cognitive problems remain a major challenge, especially after traditional photon-based whole-brain irradiation.  

“Radiation therapy is often lifesaving for children with brain tumors, but it can also cause lasting damage to the developing brain,” said Marc Oria, PhD, associate member of the Signaling Networks & Metabolic Pathways Research Program at the Cancer Center. “Many survivors experience problems with memory, attention and learning years after treatment. My research focuses on understanding why this happens at the biological level.”

Radiation-Induced Brain Injury (RIBI) is driven by chronic overactivation of microglia, leading to persistent neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. Oria emphasized that biological sex plays an important role in these outcomes, noting that female survivors face a higher risk of cognitive deficits. Supporting this, preliminary findings show that irradiated neonatal female brain tissue exhibits greater microglial activation and increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes compared to male tissue.

“Proton therapy, including FLASH proton therapy (pFLASH), may reduce off-target damage, but its clinical benefits are not yet fully understood,” he explained. “This project addresses this critical gap by studying sex-specific microglial responses to proton therapies. It aims to characterize how male and female microglia respond to conventional proton therapy (pCONV) and pFLASH and to determine whether pFLASH can reduce sex-dependent neuroinflammation and neuronal vulnerability.”

These studies will provide new insights into sex-specific susceptibility to RIBI and assess pFLASH as a precision radiotherapy strategy. Findings will lay the groundwork for integrating modern radiotherapy with neuroprotection approaches, supporting future NIH/NCI grant applications.

“This award marks an important step in advancing my research as it supports an innovative project focused on understanding sex-based differences in long-term brain injury after radiation therapy and provides a foundation for future NIH and NCI funding,” Oria said. “This award provides essential support to generate high-quality mechanistic data, including transcriptomic, inflammatory and neuronal analyses, that would not be possible without this pilot funding.”

Beyond the pilot funding, Oria noted how the Cancer Center’s collaborative ecosystem played a key role in advancing this research. By bringing together basic scientists and clinicians, the Cancer Center helps translate innovative ideas into studies with meaningful clinical impact.

“My membership with the Cancer Center has played a critical role in advancing my research by providing access to interdisciplinary expertise, shared resources and a collaborative environment that connects basic science, radiation oncology and clinical translation,” he shared. “This support has enhanced the rigor of my work and positioned the project for future extramural funding and meaningful impact.”

3D Ergonomic Compression Garment Development for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Feasibility Study

Kristina Shin, PhD Associate Member, Population Science & Cancer Control Research Program University of Cincinnati Cancer Center Assistant Professor, School of Design University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning

Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) is swelling — usually in the arm, breast or torso — caused by damage to the lymphatic system during breast cancer treatments like surgery or radiation, leading to fluid buildup. It can develop months or years after treatment, causing heaviness, tightness, pain, and mobility issues, impacting quality of life.

“Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) is a long-term condition that affects up to one in four breast cancer survivors,” said Kristina Shin, PhD, associate member of the Population Science & Cancer Control Research Program at the Cancer Center. “The condition is managed primarily through compression garments, but adherence remains low due to discomfort, limited breathability, difficulty with donning and doffing and poor range of motion. These challenges reduce adherence and limit the effectiveness of lymphedema management, highlighting the need for better garment design.”

This study proposes the development and preliminary evaluation of a 3D ergonomic compression garment prototype that integrates woven and knit fabric structures to balance stability, pressure distribution, stretch and breathability. Unlike traditional tubular compression sleeves, Shin’s proposed prototype leverages 3D body scanning and ergonomic garment construction to achieve a more personalized fit.

“BCRL can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life,” Shin said. “Improving survivorship and daily well-being is a critical priority in cancer research, and this project seeks to address that need. My goal is to design a more effective compression garment that promotes consistent use and improves comfort, ultimately enhancing quality of life for breast cancer survivors.”

Rooted in patient needs, the project also reflects Shin’s broader vision for how design can contribute to cancer care. By uniting fashion, function and survivorship research, the work underscores the value of interdisciplinary approaches to improving quality of life for survivors.

“It is my aspiration to help position the University of Cincinnati as a place where fashion design meaningfully contributes to cancer care and innovation, and this award brings me one step closer to that vision,” she said. “Through this award, I have the resources and authorization to explore innovative design solutions and collaborate directly with individuals living with BCRL.”

Realizing this vision requires both creativity and collaboration, both of which Shin has gained through her Cancer Center membership.

“Being a member of the Cancer Center has significantly advanced my research by providing an invaluable network of collaborators and a supportive interdisciplinary community,” she shared. “I am grateful to be part of a group united by the shared goal of improving cancer care and outcomes. The Cancer Center’s networking opportunities have allowed me to connect with clinicians and researchers whose expertise has strengthened the scientific foundation of my work. Additionally, the grant mechanisms offered through the Cancer Center have created critical pathways for initiating and sustaining my research projects. Without this community and its resources, progressing toward my long-term goals would have been far more challenging.”

Clonal Hematopoiesis in Pancreas Homeostasis and Tumorigenesis

Amanda Wasylishen, PhD Member, Signaling Networks & Metabolic Pathways Research Program University of Cincinnati Cancer Center Assistant Professor, Department of Cancer Biology University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly cancer, with only an 8% five-year survival rate. Pre-cancerous pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, which often carry oncogenic mutations, are common and highlight the need to understand the factors that drive progression from PanIN to PDAC.

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is an age-related condition caused by mutations in blood stem cells. CHIP raises the risk of blood cancers and chronic immune disorders, and it is also linked to poorer survival in patients with solid tumors. It is associated with abnormal innate immune signaling and increased inflammation, but its impact on the pancreatic cancer microenvironment and disease progression is unknown.

“This pilot project will directly test how CHIP affects pancreatic tissue and cancer development,” said Amanda Wasylishen, PhD, member of the Signaling Networks & Metabolic Pathways Research Program at the Cancer Center. “Through collaborations with Nina Steele, PhD and Daniel Starczynowski, PhD, this study unites expertise in pancreatic biology and hematologic biology, using advanced mouse models along with detailed histological and molecular analyses.”

By combining complementary expertise and cutting-edge techniques, the team is positioned to generate the foundational data needed to explore the complex interactions between pancreatic cells and the immune system. These initial studies will provide critical insights into how CHIP influences pancreatic cancer development, setting the stage for future research aimed at improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

“These pilot studies lay the groundwork for future research to understand how the pancreatic epithelium interacts with the immune microenvironment in PDAC initiation and progression, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes and quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients,” Wasylishen explained.

Highlighting the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, Wasylishen highlighted how Cancer Center membership has directly supported the development of her research and this project.

“My membership with the Cancer Center has provided a vital platform for networking, sharing new ideas and initiating new collaborations across disciplines,” she shared. “For example, this research project was first proposed and refined during discussions at the monthly Pancreas Cancer Working Group Meeting, a collaborative forum supported by the Cancer Center. These meetings offer researchers the opportunity to receive feedback from colleagues with diverse expertise, identify potential collaborators and strengthen study design.”