Komal Raina

Komal Raina is an Associate Professor and Haarberg Chair in Cancer Research at South Dakota State University's College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions. She holds an adjunct research faculty position at the University of Colorado Denver's School of Pharmacy. Her academic journey includes a B.Pharm from Hamdard University (1995), M.Pharm from Panjab University (1997), and a Ph.D. from Talwar Research Foundation (2004).

Her research focuses on cancer prevention and intervention targeting epithelial cancers (prostate, colon, lung, pancreas), with emphasis on natural compounds like silibinin, grape seed extract, and bitter melon. She has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications and holds patents for anti-LHRH vaccines and cancer intervention strategies. Current work explores dietary interventions (rice bran, probiotics) and nutraceuticals' roles in modulating tumor microenvironments and cancer stem cells.

Professional Affiliations:
- Associate Member, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (2005–present)
- Editorial Board Member, Molecular Carcinogenesis (2019–present)

Research Highlights:
- Pioneered studies on silibinin's efficacy against non-melanoma skin cancers
- Developed stage-specific interventions using inositol hexaphosphate for prostate cancer
- Advanced understanding of rice bran's microbiota-modulating effects in colorectal cancer
- Investigated biomarker-driven therapies for pancreatic and lung cancers

Grants & Collaborations:
- NIH-funded studies on grape seed extract in prostate cancer clinical trials
- Collaborations with Avera Health for translational cancer research