Recent publications

Research identifies rare kidney cancer subtype  

Research by UMMC pathology resident Dr. Muna Talafha, medical student John Ligon and Dr. Varsha Manucha, professor of pathology, published in the International Journal of Surgical Pathology, supports the concept of an emerging renal cell carcinoma that may benefit from targeted therapeutic strategies. 

Genomic testing of a right kidney tumor that extended into the liver showed mutations in both BRCA2, which helps repair broken DNA, and NF2, which regulates several cell-growth pathways.  

Although rare, tumors with genetic alterations such as these may represent a distinct molecular subtype of RCC with potential treatment implications. Because BRCA2‑mutated cancers in other organs often respond to PARP inhibitors, similar targeted therapies may be worth exploring in select RCC patients. 

Review of biomaterials transforming ovarian cancer care published 

A multidisciplinary team at the University of Mississippi Medical Center has published a comprehensive review highlighting how emerging biomaterials are reshaping the landscape of ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment. The article, Recent Advances in the Applications of Biomaterials in Ovarian Cancer, was authored by graduate assistant A.M.U.B. Mahfuz, Dr. Amol V. Janorkar, Dr. Rodney P. Rocconi and Dr. Yuanyuan Duan and published in the journal Biomimetics, earning Editor’s Choice honors. 

Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest gynecologic malignancy, with most patients diagnosed at advanced stages due to vague early symptoms and the lack of effective screening tools. Traditional therapies such as cytoreductive surgery and platinum‑based chemotherapy can initially be effective, but recurrence and chemoresistance are common. These challenges underscore the urgent need for new strategies that improve early detection and deliver more precise, less toxic treatments.  

The UMMC team’s review highlights how biomaterials are emerging as powerful tools across the ovarian cancer continuum. The authors emphasize that materials engineered to mimic natural biological systems show particular promise, offering improved functionality and more physiologically relevant behavior.  

While biomaterials have been widely studied in oncology, the authors note a critical gap: few reviews have focused specifically on their applications in ovarian cancer. This publication fills that void by providing the first comprehensive overview of current advances, ongoing challenges and future opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.