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Indian-origin researcher wins top award for cancer study
Her research has been published, backed by a federal grant application, and selected for presentation at a national physicians’ conference.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 10, Apr 2026
- 17:48 EDT
- 20
Niritta Patel / KCU
An Indian-origin researcher from Kansas City University (KCU) won first place in Basic Science Research at the American College of Physicians Oklahoma Chapter Meeting, with her work on cancer therapy gaining national attention.
Niritta Patel, a 2023 alumna of the university’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, conducted the study on head and neck cancer therapy. Her research has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Radiation Research and featured on its cover page.
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The study examines how cancer cells respond to radiation therapy, focusing on a gene known as G0S2 and its role in regulating lipid metabolism and cell cycle activity.
It finds that alterations in this pathway can influence how resistant or sensitive head and neck cancer cells are to radiation treatment, pointing to potential new targets for improving therapy outcomes.
Patel observed that modifying lipid metabolism could push cancer cells into a more active state, making them more vulnerable to radiation and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies, including combination therapies.
The work is part of a pending National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant application from the lab of Ehab Sarsour, associate professor of cellular and molecular biology and biochemistry at the university.
Patel has also been selected to present her research at the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Meeting, scheduled for April 16-18, a national forum that brings together physicians and researchers.
“Dr. Patel's accomplishments reflect the enduring legacy KCU has in advancing the next generation of medical research,” Sarsour said. “Her national recognition and published work demonstrate how KCU graduates continue to push scientific discovery forward, strengthening the University's impact on the future of medicine.”
Patel completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Kansas City University between 2019 and 2023. She previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Science from Georgetown University.
Her early clinical training included physician shadowing across multiple healthcare institutions in Florida, including Tampa General Hospital and Florida Medical Clinic, where she observed procedures in neurosurgery, internal medicine, and dermatology.
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