Oncology Pharmacist Day Spotlight: Doctoral scholar in cancer research advancing cancer detection
Oncology pharmacists bring deep clinical expertise in oncology medications, immunotherapies,
and supportive care, helping optimize outcomes while minimizing side effects and medication-related
risks. Often working behind the scenes, their impact is felt every day in infusion
centers, inpatient units, ambulatory clinics, research settings and community practices.
In honor of Oncology Pharmacist Day, we spoke with Ph.D. student Randy Afrane who was recently selected as a Doctoral Scholar in cancer research, under the mentorship of Dr. Eul Hyun Suh, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences at UNT Health Fort Worth’s College of Pharmacy, to learn more about this opportunity and his goals in oncology pharmacy.
Congratulations on being selected as a doctoral scholar in cancer research. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
Personally, this recognition affirms my journey as a young researcher and professionally, it strengthens my commitment to advancing translational science that improves outcomes for Triple Negative Breast Cancer patients.
How did you first learn about your selection and what was your initial reaction?
After a long lab session in the evening, I was checking my emails when I caught myself smiling with excitement as I read the offer letter. I shared the news with my supervisor, Dr. Suh, the next day.
Can you describe your doctoral research and the cancer-related questions your work seeks to address?
Triple Negative Breast Cancer is one of the most challenging breast cancers to diagnose and treat due to its aggressive nature, rapid progression and lack of targeted therapies. From a clinical pharmacy perspective, these challenges result in limited treatment options and poorer patient outcomes, particularly when the disease is detected at advanced stages. This project addresses a critical gap by developing novel, tumor-targeted MRI probes to enable earlier and more precise detection of TNBC and its metastatic spread. Early identification has the potential to shift clinical decision-making from reactive treatment to proactive intervention.
Why did you choose to pursue cancer research within the field of pharmacy, and how does your background as a pharmacy student inform your approach?
Pharmacists understand how drugs work and help patients achieve remission, but my training made me realize that even the best therapies are limited when cancer is detected too late. While my pharmacy background provided a strong foundation in pharmacotherapy, it also highlighted a critical gap in cancer care, early diagnosis. My research focuses on improving early cancer detection so treatments can be applied at the right time and be more effective for patients.
How will this scholarship support your research and training during your doctoral studies?
This scholarship supports my doctoral research by funding essential supplies, providing a competitive stipend, and enabling professional development through conference presentations and collaborations.
What impact do you hope your research will have on cancer science or patient care in the long term?
I hope my research will advance the early detection of aggressive cancers such as Triple Negative Breast Cancer, enabling earlier intervention, more precise treatment decisions and more effective use of therapies. In the long term, this work aims to improve survival, reduce disease burden and enhance quality of life for patients.
Mentorship plays a critical role in doctoral training. Can you tell us about your mentor and how they have influenced your development as a researcher? How have they or are they helping shape your research direction and career goals?
Dr. Eul Hyun Suh, my doctoral supervisor, has been an exceptional mentor, providing personalized guidance as I transition from clinical pharmacy to pharmaceutical science and molecular imaging research. She has supported me in integrating my clinical perspective with advanced imaging techniques, shaping both my research focus and long-term career goals. Under her mentorship, I have strengthened my skills in experimental design, data analysis, and translational research, preparing me to contribute meaningfully to biomedical science.
What challenges have you encountered in your research so far and how has this scholarship or mentorship helped you navigate them?
Transitioning from clinical pharmacy to molecular imaging research was challenging. This scholarship and Dr. Suh’s mentorship have provided guidance and training, helping me develop key skills in experimental design, data analysis, and problem-solving to advance my research successfully.
How do you balance the demands of pharmacy training with the rigor of doctoral-level cancer research?
I believe balance comes from viewing pharmacy training and doctoral research as a continuum, where each build on the other. Careful time management, prioritization, and efficiency help me stay productive and make progress.
Looking ahead, how does being a doctoral scholar influence your future career aspirations?
Being a doctoral scholar strengthens my research expertise and positions me to advance cancer therapies that address critical public health needs in the United States.
What advice would you give to other pharmacy students or early-career researchers who are interested in pursuing cancer research?
Oncology offers opportunities for everyone. Pharmacy students should engage with the field early, while early-career researchers should share ideas, seek mentorship and collaborate to drive meaningful advances in cancer research.
Is there anything you’d like to share about the importance of investing in young scientists to advance cancer science?
Investing in young scientists is essential because it allows emerging researchers like me to transform curiosity and training into meaningful discoveries. Early support has given me the opportunity to integrate my pharmacy background with molecular imaging and translational research, shaping my ability to contribute to advances in cancer science. Supporting young scientists accelerates innovation, nurtures interdisciplinary approaches, and ultimately brings new hope to patients.