UAMS Researcher Receives $3.14M For Cancer Studies

Dr. Fenghuang “Frank” Zhan.

Dr. Fenghuang “Frank” Zhan, Myeloma Center research director at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, has received two grants totaling almost $3.14 million to study the molecular genetics and drug resistance of multiple myeloma.

Myeloma is the second-most common blood-related cancer.

One grant is $1.4 million from the U.S. Department of Defense; the other is $1.74 million and comes from the National Institutes of Health.

“Once the biology of myeloma stem cells is better understood, more novel therapeutic targets can be created and tested, with the ultimate goal being to develop a novel therapy and prevent myeloma relapses,” Zhan said in a news release. He also holds the Morrison Family Endowed Chair in Myeloma Research.

With the DOD grant that runs through 2023, Zhan and his team will study the biology of specific myeloma cancer cells that can survive chemotherapy. He hopes to find a potential cure aimed at eradicating these cells, which often cause relapses.

The NIH-funded study that runs through 2025 will look at two genes, with the goal being to uncover how they work and how they possibly drive myeloma. Patients with these genes are difficult to cure and are at high risk for relapse.

Zahn and his team will test theories in both projects, at the molecular level and using a couple of different methods.