Newswise — Since 1973, the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has emerged as a major regional and national is a leader in cancer research, with nearly 200 members investigating the complex origins and progression of cancer, developing prevention strategies and searching for cures. USC/Norris is designated by the National Cancer Institute as one of the nation's 39 comprehensive cancer centers.
Under the multidisciplinary research model, investigational programs at USC/Norris are organized by disease - not academic discipline - allowing physicians, epidemiologists and biologists to work together to pool and apply their knowledge toward addressing specific components of cancer. For example, clinicians interested in the treatment of breast cancer, epidemiologists and geneticists studying its cause and biochemists investigating hormonal therapies that modulate breast cancer cells in the laboratory all work in concert at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The 191 members are organized into five thematic and five translational research programs, including a "bridge" program in developmental therapeutics. The thematic programs are in the fields of molecular genetics, epigenetics and regulation, tumor microenvironment, cancer epidemiology and cancer control research. The translational programs, which focus USC/Norris' multidisciplinary research efforts, are in developmental therapeutics, genitourinary cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, women's cancers and hematologic and viral-associated malignancies.
Basic Cancer Research - Laboratory and ClinicalUSC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center leaders have long been committed to a strong basic science research program. USC/Norris scientists investigate cell signaling, genetic mutations associated with specific types of cancer, how tumors evade the body's immune system and many other genetic, cellular and physiological questions. In addition to laboratory work, at any time, there may be more than 300 clinical trials taking place at the facility. These investigational therapies offer additional hope to those whose cancer is in late stages or difficult to manage.
Translational ResearchScientists at USC/Norris also conduct translational research. The goal of this research is to shorten the time it takes for a lab discovery to reach a patient's bedside as a new therapy or tool. USC/Norris scientists blending basic and clinical approaches have made huge progress in immunotherapeutic research in cancer, with the development of tumor antibodies as therapeutic tools, and the use of novel cytokines administered via inhalation. Of particular importance has been the study of vaccines for patients with malignant melanoma or cervical cancer, as well as the utility of bio-specific antibodies to target prostate cancer cells.
Cancer Cause and PreventionOne final aspect of the research at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Cancer Cause and Prevention unit, home to the nation's premier group of cancer epidemiologists. In collaboration with geneticists and molecular biologists, these scientists investigate the genetic and environmental origins of cancers and develop new prevention strategies. USC/Norris researchers are also leaders in putting cancer prevention to work. Whether it is a new drug to decrease breast cancer risk or patient education to decrease risk of skin cancer, the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center deploys the latest tools for fighting cancer.
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