Cancer cannot occur without multiple genetic changes. Among these changes are the addition of viral gene expression to the cell, as well as mutations to cellular genes, either sporadic or induced by environmental mutagens. These changes ultimately lead to an overall genetic instability that contributes to the formation and progression of the tumor.
Normal cells have a complex series of molecular signals that allow communication between cells as well as transmittal of signals to the cell nucleus. These signals are critical for regulating cell growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis and immune avoidance of the tumor.
Tumor cells often involve changes that should make them appear 'foreign' to the body's immune system. Thus, these tumors must develop strategies to either suppress or evade the patient's immune system. There is tremendous therapeutic potential in working to strengthen the patient's immune response to the...
Almost 70% of all cancers can be prevented. Yet, as a field of science significant data gaps exist. Combined with an aging population and record success in survivorship, population-based cancer research is pivotal to our Nation's health and wellbeing. Cancer Prevention and Control research has an important cascading effect on the entire continuum of care.
The clinical research program selects emerging therapies and strategies to offer to our patients as experimental alternatives to routine care. We test new drugs and new strategies developed by our LCRC faculty and by collaborating colleagues throughout the world. We are members of six federally funded cooperative research groups.....
