Each year, the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) invests in innovative, health-driven research and initiatives that support biomedical and population health, enhance community well-being, and foster health education and workforce development—all for the benefit of people across Wisconsin.
The MCW Cancer Center congratulates the 2025 AHW funding recipients, including Cancer Center investigators and partners. Your hard work is helping people in our communities get the cancer prevention resources and advanced treatments they need.
Read highlights from some of the funded projects below, and view the complete list of award recipients.
- Developing a Cost-effective Approach to Anti-cancer Drug Discovery
Cancer occurs when the normal process of cell division breaks down, leading to uncontrolled cell growth—a problem called cell cycle dysregulation. Cancer Center member Ranjan Dash, PhD, in collaboration with co-investigator Scott Terhune, PhD, is leading a study to build a computer model that simulates how human cells grow and divide. Their goal is to develop a framework that enables other researchers to test cancer treatments more efficiently and cost-effectively. Read about cell cycle dysregulation.
- A Synergistic Therapy to Treat Breast Cancer
Principal investigator Sayantan Sinha, and co-investigator Amit Joshi, PhD, are working on a study focused on developing a new treatment for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)—a rare and aggressive breast cancer subtype. IBC disproportionately affects Black women, younger women, and individuals with the BRCA1/2 mutations, and often leads to poorer outcomes. This study explores the potential of au-phagic nanozymes as an innovative approach designed to be more cost-effective, easier to administer, and adaptable to other cancer types. The goal is to reduce barriers to care and address persistent health disparities. Learn about au-phagic nanozymes.
- Investigating the Pharmacogenomic Factors Driving Immunotherapy Toxicity and Resistance
Immunotherapy has significantly improved survival and quality of life for patients diagnosed with cancer. However, challenges such as treatment-related toxicity and resistance remain—especially for some populations. Cancer Center member Callisia Clarke, MD, MS, FACS, FSSO, in collaboration with Folefac Aminkeng, MD, is leading a study to identify the pharmacogenomic factors that contribute to these challenges. Their work focuses on uncovering the genetic and mechanistic basis of immunotherapy related toxicity and resistance, with the goal of advancing more personalized and equitable cancer care. This is imperative for planning new cancer treatment combinations and improving clinical outcomes. Understand the role of pharmacogenomic factors.
- Enhancing Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Breast Cancer
Breast cancer rates are rising in Wisconsin, with more than 1,100 women diagnosed annually with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)—a typically non-invasive form of the disease. Priyanga Jayakrishnan, PhD, in collaboration with Cancer Center member Nikki Lytle, PhD, is leading a study to explore a potential driver of breast cancer initiation. Their research, conducted at the Lytle Lab, focuses on the role of Jun transcription factors in the maintenance of unstable mammary epithelial cells, which may play a key role in breast cancer development. Learn about potential drivers of breast cancer.
- Establishing a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for aGVHD Pathogenesis
Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a serious complication that can occur after stem cell transplantation, occurring when donor immune cells attack the recipient’s healthy tissues. While standard treatment begins with steroids followed by the drug ruxolitinib, not all patients respond effectively. Researchers Denggang Fu, PhD, along with Cancer Center member Xue-Zhong Yu, MD, MS, is investigating the role of a molecule called IL-39 in the development of aGVHD. Their work could lead to earlier detection and more targeted treatments. Learn about targeted treatments and aGVHD.