Basic Sciences

The goal of the Basic Sciences Division (BSD) is to decipher the basic biology of cancer generation and progression, as well as to discover and glean mechanisms for potential novel treatment strategies. Understanding molecular mechanisms in cancer initiation and progression, genetics of cancer susceptibility, immune responses to the cancer, and the development of biomarkers that allow assessment of cancer progression as well as means for prevention are all under study in the BSD. The department consists of several areas of research: Immunology, Population Genetics, Biomarker Discovery, and Proteomics.

Immunology

The Immunology Program studies the immune response to cancer. By understanding how tumor cells evade immune attack, means are also developed to augment this response and develop immunotherapuetic approaches in cancer treatment.

Biomarker Discovery

Early detection of cancer results in a significantly higher cure rate and long term survivorship. It is imperative that the oncology research community develop simple and inexpensive diagnostic assays to detect specific cancers at the earliest possible time. Learn more

Tumor Biology

The Tumor Biology Program examines basic processes in neoplastic cell transformation, invasion, and metastases. This also includes study of tumor angiogenesis and development of models that allow for better representation of the complexities of human cancer. By understanding tumor progression at a molecular and cellular level, better treatments can be developed.

Proteomics

Most cellular functions are carried out by proteins. The Proteomics Program identifies critical protein targets in cancer cells and elucidates the roles of these proteins in the proliferation, survival, and malignant behavior of cancer cells. The program also compares the molecular differences between normal and cancer cells to identify important cancer targets for the diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.