Chandrika Behura, M.D.

Research Focus

Dr. Behura is a board-certified hematologist-oncologist and physician-scientist. She leads a laboratory-based research program focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive chemotherapy resistance and metastasis, with the goal of developing novel therapies for the treatment of pediatric cancers. Preclinical studies and correlative studies conducted in the Behura lab support the early clinical development of oncology drugs. Her most recent preclinical studies have led to the development of a Phase I/II clinical trial.

Dr. Behura is the national study chair for a  Phase I/II  clinical trial testing the CK2 inhibitor silmitasertib (CX-4945) in children with relapsed solid tumors—including neuroblastoma and Ewing Sarcoma (clinicaltrials.gov NCT06541262). 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. Behura’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.