Blossom Damania Archives - UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

May 20, 2026

Healthy Waukesha: New Therapy Shows Promise for Lymphoma Patients

The new study, led by researchers in the lab of Blossom Damania, PhD, has identified a new therapeutic target for difficult-to-treat cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Human lymphoma tumor cells in the pleural fluid stained with a Defquick stain and magnified to 400x. Source: NCI Visuals.

New UNC study finds that a chemical derived from ashwagandha disrupts viral and cancer processes that make B-cell lymphomas difficult to treat with standard chemotherapy.

Collage of presenters and attendees at the 2025 UNC Lineberger Scientific Symposium.

The 48th annual scientific symposium featured lively talks on cancer discovery and application, marked the kickoff of UNC Lineberger’s 50th anniversary as an NCI-designated cancer center, and celebrated Shelley Earp, MD, for his leadership at UNC and nationally.

Dirk Dittmer, PhD, and colleagues have developed a model of Kaposi sarcoma that will be key to the development of new drugs to treat the disease.

What started as a shared passion for science grew into love for UNC Lineberger virologists Blossom Damania, PhD, and Dirk Dittmer, PhD, whose bond is continually strengthened through their commitment to research.

Blossom Damania, PhD, is co-director of the UNC Lineberger Global Oncology Program and the UNC Lineberger Virology Program.

A study led by researchers in the lab of Blossom Damania, PhD, shows how Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and Epstein-Barr virus evade innate immune detection to spread undeterred.

Headshots of Blossom Damania and Dirk Dittmer

Blossom Damania, PhD, and Dirk Dittmer, PhD, are being recognized individually for their expertise in cancer virology and global oncology, and their service to the university and state.

UNC Lineberger building in Chapel Hill, NC

Expertscape rated 12 UNC Lineberger faculty members as top-rated experts in their fields for its 2021 rankings.

Tag: Blossom Damania

Healthy Waukesha: New Therapy Shows Promise for Lymphoma Patients

UNC study reveals promising new therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

UNC research shows natural compound could benefit lymphoma patients

Scientific symposium celebrates UNC Lineberger’s 50th anniversary

Kaposi sarcoma discovery could facilitate drug development

Viral love

Scientists pinpoint protein that helps cancer-causing viruses evade immune response

CNN Health: Researchers speed efforts for vaccine against virus linked with mono, MS

Damania and Dittmer honored with Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award

Expertscape recognizes UNC Lineberger faculty as top-rated experts in their fields