Cancer research efforts are currently being conducted at the CRI on a number of topics. The scientists and physician investigators at the CRI bring together expertise in the following areas:
Identification of biomarkers that can provide early detection of malignant lesions, and that can provide more accurately diagnosis or prognosis such that the most appropriate treatment options can be delivered on an individual basis.
- Discovery and design of novel cancer drugs that can inhibit the proliferation and progression of malignant tumors. Investigations are also underway to elucidate the mechanisms of tumor drug resistance, so that alternative therapeutic cocktails can be optimized.
- A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms that make tumor cells resistant to normal bodily feedback control are being achieved through manipulation of cell signaling pathways. These pathways are essential for healthy and diseased cells to interact with the tissue environment. Interfering with signaling using small molecule drugs or therapeutic antibodies can arrest tumor development and prevent tumor spread.
- Projects searching for genetic causes or associations are underway. Identification of novel genetic abnormalities can aid patient risk assessment, highlight molecular mechanisms vulnerable to drug interference, and aid personalized treatment decisions.
As the CRI continues to build and expand, knowledge gained will be utilized for the improvement of cancer patient assessment, management and treatment.