Chandrika Behura, M.D.Associate Professor, Department Of Pediatrics
500 University Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
Clinical Fellowship, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pennsylvania State University (2010–2013)
Residency, Pediatrics, Monmouth Medical Center (2007–2010)
M.D., Bangalore Medical College, 2005
Distinguished Educator Award, Pennsylvania State University (2024)
Outstanding Early-Stage Investigator Award, Penn State College of Medicine (2018)
Young Investigator Award, American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (2017)
Dean’s List for Extraordinary Patient Satisfaction, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (2017)
“Four Diamonds not only helps children fighting cancer today—they’re also funding research that will benefit children diagnosed years from now right here at Penn State.”
— Dr. Chandrika Behura
Dr. Chandrika Behura is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist whose research focuses on developing targeted therapies for high-risk childhood cancers, including leukemia and neuroblastoma.
Her laboratory studies the tumor suppressor protein Ikaros and the oncogenic enzyme Casein Kinase II (CK2), investigating how they contribute to leukemogenesis and drug resistance. Dr. Behura’s most notable discovery—published in Blood—demonstrated that CK2 inhibitors can restore Ikaros function and significantly improve treatment outcomes in preclinical models of high-risk leukemia.
Dr. Behura is currently leading a Phase I clinical trial using the CK2 inhibitor silmitasertib (CX-4945) for children with relapsed solid tumors, including neuroblastoma. This trial is supported by Four Diamonds, in partnership with Penn State College of Medicine and the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium.
Through translational research and clinical leadership, Dr. Behura is advancing the development of innovative, less toxic therapies for children facing the most aggressive forms of cancer.
Hyundai Hope on Wheels Research Grant
“Targeted Therapy Research in Pediatric Oncology”
$400,000 • Awarded August 2024
St. Baldrick’s Foundation Scholar Award
“Targeting Casein Kinase II (CK2) Oncogenic Signaling in High-Risk Leukemia”
$110,000/year • 2017–2020
KL2 CTSI Scholar Award, Penn State University
“Targeting CK2 Oncogenic Signaling in Pediatric Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)”
$25,000/year • 2018–2020
John Wawrynovic Leukemia Research Scholar Endowment
“Role of Ikaros and CK2 in Childhood Leukemia”
$20,000 • 2014–Present
