Kian Kani, PhD

Cancer has been traditionally classified based on the organ site of origin; breast cancer is different from prostate cancer which is distinct from lung cancer and so on. Over the past several years however, cancer research has introduced reclassification of tumors based on the signaling pathway(s) that causes malignant transformation. As a result, medical oncologists can prescribe drugs that specifically target the aberrant signaling pathway irrespective of the location of the tumor.

Modern cancer therapeutics have therefore become “targeted” rather than “systemic.” This has brought upon a significant paradigm shift in medical treatment decisions and spurred oncology research to identify biomarkers indicative of signaling pathway activation. The Kani research group utilizes state-of-the-art proteomic techniques in order to identify and characterize novel cancer biomarkers. Our work focuses on the androgen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor signaling axes in prostate, lung, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. Our goal is to enhance patient outcome by empowering medical oncologist with tools and knowledge necessary for personalized medicine.

• Ellis Island Honor Society: Medals of Honor, 2023
• University of Chicago: Outstanding Educator, 2022
• European Molecular Biology Organization: Oral Presentation Award, 2009
• Human Proteome Organization: Outstanding Poster Award, 2008
• Department of Biological Chemistry, UCLA: David Sigman Award, 2003
• University of Hartford: Summa Cum Laude, 1996
• University of Hartford: Gengras Academic Scholarship, 1994
• Thomas Cook Rewards and Recognition Award, 1992

• Lenz, Heinz-Josef
• Kim, Anthony
• Nieva, Jorge
• Agus, David
• Zhang, Lin
• Quinn, David