Cancer

Basic Cancer Research

Cancer Research conducted by the faculty extends from studies of:

• Chemoprevention
• Cancer genetics
• Cancer invasion and metastasis
• Growth factor signaling
• Tumor microenvironment
• Inflammation

The main goal is to enhance our knowledge towards the understanding of cancer pathogenesis with the ultimate purpose of developing new approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Cancer research is pursued by utilizing a variety of state-of-the-art approaches including molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, animal models of cancer and clinical pathology. This is supported by imaging, genomic, proteomic and animal technologies and in vitro and in vivo models of cancer progression. Types of cancer investigated by the faculty includes prostate, breast, colon and pancreatic cancer. In addition, the faculty is actively involved in translational cancer research with clinicians associated with the Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Detroit Medical Center.

Cancer research conducted by the faculty of the Pathology Department covers various areas of cancer research: from the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumor initiation and growth to the development of metastatic disease. Specific focus includes cancer chemoprevention, growth factor signaling, cancer stem cells, proteases and proteases inhibitors, bone metastasis, and inflammation. Training in cancer research is supported by cutting edge technologies and innovative approaches in a highly interactive environment that promotes scholarly work and research excellence.