Discoveries in Cancer Research

 Blossom Akagbosu, Verrazzano Class of 2021, completed major in Biology Health Science 

Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world and it can be very difficult to treat. This disease typically involves cells that divide in an uncontrolled and relentless manner, possibly leading to the formation of disruptive tumors in the body.

A few years ago, I took an interest in cancer research when I joined Dr. Probal Banerjee’s lab at the College of Staten Island. Since then, I have been studying various therapeutic formulations for different types of cancers. Essentially, our lab focuses on a turmeric derived compound called curcmin, and we employ different methods to improve the effectiveness of this compound.  It’s been a privilege to have this opportunity which has allowed me to contribute to the ongoing research efforts against cancer, especially as an undergraduate student.

 Because of my research background and the unlikeliness of conducting physical research in the lab (due to COVID-19), I decided to make my capstone project an online investigation of survival strategies for cancer. Specifically, I wanted to focus on glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer) and pancreatic cancer because they account for some of the lowest survival rates in cancer. Part of what I found out was that there are key factors that contribute to poor outcomes for patients and that over the years, with the increase in information and technology, research has been evolving to address those peculiar issues or factors. Though this is good news, it could take more years to see some of these new projects translated into the clinic - where they can actually have a direct impact on patients. 

While preparing my capstone project, I had the opportunity to intern at the New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute (NYSCF). It was an incredible experience that helped me understand the potential of stem cells in research and cancer treatment. I was able to observe technology in the works, and I watched in awe how robots were used in the NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array to produce induced pluripotent stem cells. This is the only place in the world that does that.  

All in all, I have learned that the era we live in is powerful because of the technology available to us. As a result, studying complex diseases has become easier over the years and it is likely that this trend will continue. It is truly an exciting time to do science – except for the COVID-19 part!