K-State's Johnson Cancer Research Center awards nearly $416,000 for cancer research and education

MANHATTAN — Thanks to its supporters, the Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University was able to direct $415,939 to cancer research and education programs and students this past year.

"The clinical treatments that save lives start with basic cancer research, but this initial step is expensive," said Sherry Fleming, director of the Johnson Cancer Research Center and professor of biology. "Unlike clinical providers who charge fees for their work, researchers must constantly seek grant funds and philanthropic support for theirs."

Private donations to the center provide hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for innovative cancer research, laboratory equipment, support of student researchers, and more. Information about all the awards is on the center's website at cancer.k-state.edu/awards/.

In academic year 2020-2021, the center awarded $95,500 in faculty Innovative Research Awards for studies in such areas as safer drug delivery methods, lab-on-a-chip cancer detection technology, and new chemical tools for cancer drug discovery. It also awarded $150,439 in undergraduate and graduate student Cancer Research Awards. Additionally, $50,000 was awarded to establish the multidisciplinary Cancer Research Collaboration of Excellence in Tumor Microenvironment.

The center also facilitated two major directed gifts. The Flossie West Trust provided $100,000 for breast cancer immunotherapy research. Two Linders Family Cancer Expansion Awards totaling $20,000 were awarded to help faculty members expand the cancer focus of their research programs.

"We are grateful for the many friends whose donations fund K-State's most promising cancer research programs and student trainees," Fleming said. "These gifts, large and small, make a big difference, and frequently help obtain sizeable extramural grants."

"K-State has broad strengths in basic research in fields including cell and molecular biology, immunology, virology and nanotechnology that have been foundational for breakthroughs in cancer research by our scientists," said Beth Montelone, K-State senior associate vice president for research.