Translational Research

Translational Chemoprevention Research

A number of investigators in Pathology Department conduct mechanism-based basic and clinical research to delay, inhibit or prevent cancer growth by using dietary (chemo-preventive; "natural agents") agents. As a natural extension from the chemopreventive studies, the research projects also focus on how to use these chemopreventive agents to overcome drug resistance of cancer cells (chemo- or radio-sensitization by natural agents). Specific efforts are made to evaluate the chemopreventive value of 3,3'Diindolylmethane (B-DIM), isoflavones, curcumin, natural proteasome inhibitors, and antioxidant biolipids. These agents are tested in models for breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. Recent advancements of the translational chemoprevention studies suggest that these agents may effectively target cancer stem cell population.

Translational Pathological Studies

Our clinical pathologists are conducting independent and collaborative studies. Using state of the art diagnostic tools, active research projects concern the pathology of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes , infection and immunity, neuropathology, and pediatrics and parinatal diseases. In particular, molecular markers are evaluated in human specimens and experimental models.