Chandrika Behura, M.D.

Research Focus

Dr. Chandrika Behura is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist whose work centers on improving outcomes for children with high-risk cancers. Her key focus lies in deciphering how the tumor suppressor Ikaros and the oncogenic enzyme Casein Kinase II (CK2) contribute to leukemogenesis and drug resistance, and leveraging CK2 inhibitors to restore Ikaros function and overcome treatment resistance.

Her landmark study published in Blood (2015), using patient-derived xenograft models, demonstrated promising anti-leukemia activity with specific CK2 inhibitors.

Dr. Behura is also spearheading a Phase I clinical trial testing the CK2 inhibitor silmitasertib (CX-4945) in children with relapsed solid tumors—including neuroblastoma. This trial is powered by Four Diamonds in collaboration with Penn State and the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium.

Most Recent Publications

• Zhang, L., Muscat, J. E., Chinchilli, V. M., & Behura, C. G. (2024). Trends in Cancer Incidence and Mortality in US Adolescents and Young Adults, 2016–2021. Cancers, 16(18), Article 3153. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16183153
• Bogush, D., Schramm, J., Ding, Y., He, B., Singh, C., Sharma, A., Tukaramrao, D. B., Iyer, S., Desai, D., Nalesnik, G., Hengst, J., Bhalodia, R., Gowda, C., & Dovat, S. (2023). Signaling pathways and regulation of gene expression in hematopoietic cells. Advances in Biological Regulation, 88, Article 100942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbior.2022.100942
• Wills, C., Mercer, K., Malysz, J., Galvis, L. R., & Gowda, C. (2022). Chronic Generalized Lymphadenopathy in a Child—Progressive Transformation of Germinal Centers (PTGC). Children, 9(2), Article 214. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9020214
• Dovat, S., Gowda, C., Mailman, R. B., Parent, L. J., & Huang, X. (2022). Clinician-Scientist Faculty Mentoring Program (FAME) – A New Inclusive Training Model at Penn State Increases Scholarly Productivity and Extramural Grant Funding. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 13, 1039-1050. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S365953

Impact Statement

Dr. McGregor’s dual role as a clinical leader and investigator strengthens the bridge between innovative research and compassionate, cutting-edge care for children with cancer. With support from Four Diamonds, she ensures access to experimental treatments while advancing the science and quality of care for future pediatric oncology patients.