Des Moines University’s Groundbreaking Research Shows Potential Cancer Therapy Breakthrough

Researchers from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences have made groundbreaking discoveries toward cervical cancer treatment using COVID-19 vaccine spike proteins. Spearheaded by Yujiang Fang, M.D., Ph.D., an Academic Pathologist and Associate Professor in the Microbiology and Immunology Department at DMU, and recent graduate, Conner Willson, D.O.’24, these findings reveal early promise in increasing survival rates among what is the leading cause worldwide of oncological death in women.

The research team, which included members from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, discovered through in vitro studies that the spike protein in the SARS-CoV-2 virus reduces the growth and spread of cervical cancer cells and promotes cell death. Their findings were published in Anticancer Research.

“These findings are extremely important because they provide new avenues for cancer treatment,” Fang says. “The spike protein’s ability to promote cell death while inhibiting cell proliferation could be used across other types of cancer. The COVID-19 vaccine may protect individuals against more than just the virus.”

Fang is a pathologist and urologist who has focused his research on cancer pathology, cancer immunotherapy and cancer radiation therapy. He has performed numerous surgeries for genitourinary cancer and authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles. In addition to his research at DMU, Fang works with researchers in other states, as well as internationally with researchers in China.

DMU Leadership and Support

During his first month of classes at DMU, Willson reached out to Fang about potentially taking him on for research. Since that first month, Willson has worked with Fang throughout his entire DMU career.

“I applied to 10 schools, and DMU was only my second interview, but I canceled the rest of my interviews once I received my acceptance to DMU,” Willson says. “I chose DMU for its placement as the highest achieving D.O. school in the nation when it comes to entry statistics and student success.”

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Willson has begun a four-year anesthesiology residency program at Loma Linda University in California. Working on this research was a highlight of his education.

The next step for Fang’s research includes animal studies and, eventually, a clinical trial. Both steps will allow further validation of the safety and efficacy of the spike protein as a possible cancer therapy. Fang and students in his lab continue to expand their research by conducting in vitro studies on the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on bladder, lung, brain and colon cancers.

“We study cancer and the different types of cancer because there isn’t just one type of cancer affecting people,” Fang says. “The discoveries made in research like this have no limitations. We are working to find treatments for patients worldwide.”

While Fang continues to seek grants that would make further research and studies possible, he is grateful for the support of DMU leaders, especially Andrew Brittingham, Ph.D., Department Chair and Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, and Pravin Mishra, Ph.D., M.B.A., Executive Director of Research.

“Dr. Fang’s work exemplifies our commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes worldwide,” Mishra says. “Further studies based on these findings could revolutionize cancer therapies, making this an exciting and impactful moment for both our institution and the broader scientific community.”

“Small universities can do big things,” Fang says. “With the support of the department and chairs, and our confidence in collaborations, we can make important discoveries that will help the world.”

To learn more about DMU’s research efforts, visit dmu.edu/research.

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