Recent News & Media
Five MD Anderson researchers honored with 2025 Scientific Achievement Awards
Five scientists from MD Anderson were recognized with Scientific Achievement Awards and honors at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025. These awards highlight significant achievements in translational research and oncology leadership from both early career and internationally renowned scientists and clinicians. The honors included the AACR-Award for Outstanding Achievement in Basic Cancer Research, Han Liang, Ph.D.
Bioinformatics chatbot can analyze large-scale cancer proteomics data
Comprehensive cancer omics initiatives like The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provide a wealth of DNA and RNA data, but little is known about the resulting proteins. Researchers led by?Han Liang, Ph.D., updated a previously created protein atlas?of almost all cancer hallmark pathways and targets, streamlining the analysis process for end users and creating an intuitive bioinformatics chatbot powered by large language models ¨C?DrBioRight 2.0.
Study provides insights into role of noncoding DNA mutations in cancer development
Many parts of noncoding DNA are highly conserved across different species, meaning they show little to no variation, and studies suggest these elements may have functional roles. Researchers led by George Calin, M.D., Ph.D., and Han Liang, Ph.D., characterized mutations in these ultraconserved elements (UCEs) to examine their potential role in cancer development.
Protein expression atlas covers almost all cancer hallmarks
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) provide DNA and RNA data from approximately 11,000 patient samples across 33 cancer types and 1,000 cancer cell lines, but limited protein information is available. In a new study, researchers led by Han Liang, Ph.D., Rehan Akbani, Ph.D., and Jun Li, Ph.D., characterized expression of nearly 500 proteins, using 8,000 TCGA samples and 900 CCLE samples.
The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) announced the induction of Han Liang, Ph.D., professor at MD Anderson, to its College of Fellows. Election to the AIMBE College of Fellows is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to medical and biological engineers, comprised of the top two percent of engineers in these fields.
MD Anderson¡¯s Institute for Data Science in Oncology announces appointment of inaugural IDSO Affiliates
The Institute for Data Science in Oncology (IDSO) announced the appointment of its inaugural cohort of IDSO Affiliates, including Han Liang, Ph.D. These 33 talented scientists, clinicians and staff bring diverse expertise to help IDSO leadership and focus area co-leads advance collaborative data science projects and align the institute¡¯s efforts with MD Anderson¡¯s mission to end cancer.
Celebration of Faculty Excellence honors extraordinary clinicians and researchers
MD Anderson honored more than 100 faculty members at the annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence, a highly anticipated event focused on the achievements of those who have brought great distinction to the institution during the last year. Among the award recipients was Han Liang, Ph.D., who was honored with the R. Lee Clark Prize, one of the institution¡¯s most prestigious endowed faculty awards.
Immune biomarker may be linked with immunotherapy responses in gastric cancer
A specific subtype of gastric cancer ¡ª gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRCC) ¡ª is associated with higher rates of metastasis and recurrence as well as resistance to immunotherapy. One major component affecting immune response is the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which is poorly understood in GSRCC. To characterize the TIME, researchers led by Han Liang, Ph.D., used single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of advanced GSRCC and non-GSRCC tumors.
New role for an established target gene could improve immunotherapy responses
Immune checkpoint inhibitors can result in lasting responses for many patients, but some eventually develop resistance, making combination therapy necessary to improve efficacy. To uncover the underlying mechanisms of treatment resistance and to identify new therapeutic strategies, researchers led by Zhicheng Zhou, Ph.D., Mei-Ju May Chen, Ph.D., Yikai Luo and Han Liang, Ph.D., performed an integrated analysis of several immune-oncology targets in patients with melanoma who received anti-PD-1 treatment.
Researchers develop approach to identify actionable gene fusions in cancer
When chromosomes break or otherwise realign, gene fusions can result. Many gene fusions have been identified and successfully targeted in cancer ¡ª such as RET, BCR-ABL1 and NTRK fusions ¡ª but the functional impact and clinical relevance of most are unknown. Researchers led by Jun Li, Ph.D., and Han Liang, Ph.D., developed a functional genomics approach to systematically identify clinically actionable gene fusions in cancer.
Sequencing study clarifies the early development of gallbladder cancers
Biliary tract intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) are benign tumors of the biliary tract ¡ª the organs responsible for producing and storing bile ¡ª that are thought to contribute to the development of gallbladder cancers. Understanding the connection between BilIN and gallbladder cancer could improve early detection and intervention efforts. Han Liang, Ph.D., and colleagues performed deep sequencing analysis of normal gallbladder tissue, tumor samples and BilIN isolated from the same patients.