Cancer

17 results.

November 4, 2025 Fighting to outsmart cancer: A Q&A with graduate student Yanqing Liu

Cancers are notorious for finding ways to resist treatment.

Van Andel Institute’s Yanqing Liu, a Ph.D. student in the lab of Scott Rothbart,…

May 19, 2025 Using viral mimicry to help the immune system see — and fight — cancer

Cancer cells are masters of disguise.

Like villains in bad movies, they evade detection by masquerading as healthy cells, turning off the body’s built-in alarm…

April 21, 2025 Pinpointing weaknesses in cancer’s armor

For scientists like Dr. Scott Rothbart, the same strategies that cancer cells use to survive also are powerful opportunities for developing new treatments.  

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July 28, 2023 Alternative cellular ‘fuels’ boost immunity

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (July 28, 2023) — A metabolic by-product that is more prevalent during fasting may supercharge immune cells as they fight infection and…

May 11, 2023 Targeting uncontrolled inflammation may hold the key to treating therapy-resistant cancers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (May 11, 2023) — Van Andel Institute scientists have pinpointed how a specific gene mutation triggers an inflammatory cascade that may…

May 3, 2023 In case you missed it: VAI’s spring public lectures now available online

What are biobanks and how do they enable groundbreaking research? What does epigenetics mean and how does it impact cancer?

These are just a…

Hand pouring into measuring container in science lab
March 8, 2023 VAI’s free Public Lecture Series returns in March

Looking to learn more about the latest research happening in West Michigan? Each year, Van Andel Institute hosts free Public Lecture Series, which spotlights…

March 29, 2022 How do molecular ‘switches’ impact colorectal cancer? And what could they mean for treatment?

Throughout our lives, we’ve been reminded that eating a nutritious diet is important for our overall good health and helps reduce the risk of many…