Cancer is the manifestation of abnormalities within cells that result in uncontrolled proliferation and modifications of their environment that promote invasion and metastasis.
Cancer research is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the mechanisms of transformation of normal cells to cancer cells and factors leading to disease progression, with the goal of developing more sensitive methods for detection and effective treatments. Researchers investigate genetic and environmental components of the disease process that may lead to personalized treatments through targeted therapies.
PCOM researchers study genetic predispositions, molecular pathways and environmental factors that result in abnormal growth and metastasis of glioblastoma, multiple myeloma and prostate cancer cells. Our work has led to the identification of molecules that may be specifically targeted for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and drug modifications that enhance absorption and effectiveness.
PCOM School of Pharmacy faculty member Eric Wang, PhD, received $10,000 from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) to support his cancer research with multiple myeloma. It is estimated that 20 percent of human death related to blood and bone marrow cancers are consequences of multiple myeloma, a plasma cell cancer. The disease remains incurable due to drug resistance.
PCOM South Georgia biomedical sciences student Teighlor Livingston, MS, is investigating drug delivery for lung cancer patients through inhalation—targeting cancer sites directly and reducing negative side effects of the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel.
Shahrzad Zamani (DO '25) received the Barbara Campbell Carrington American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Scholar-in-Training Award, an honor rarely awarded to current medical school students.
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.
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