Cancer Research Initiatives

Cancer Research Initiatives

Pathologist Peter Pytel, MD, and neuro-oncologist Deric Park, MD

Our cancer specialists, including surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, are some of the world's leading experts in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment. They are committed to unlocking the mysteries of this disease and are behind some of the most important advances in cancer therapy and research.

Find a Cancer Clinical Trial
Cancer Research Programs

Big Data

We continue to lead national efforts in using cancer bioinformatics and cloud computing to get an in-depth view of cancer genomics, epigenetics, proteomics and gene expression.

Cancer Disparities

Research has shown that some racial and ethnic sub-groups are more prone to certain diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Our community outreach and engagement programs are essential to addressing these disparities.

Epigenetics

Our researchers are developing technologies and chemistry methods to detect different epigenetic marks to understand how they impact gene and cellular function.

Cancer Imaging

Our researchers are pioneering new imaging techniques that are helping specialists diagnose cancer in its early, less harmful stages.

Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapies are revolutionizing the way we treat cancer. These promising and potent drugs aim to harness the body’s immune system, directing it to attack tumors. From basic science to clinical trials, Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers are conducting innovative studies to optimize the use of current immunotherapies.

Metastasis

The deadliest aspect of cancer is metastasis — a process by which tumor cells break away from their neighbors and travel to distant organs. Our researchers are invested in unraveling the molecular and genetic basis of this process, a key to developing successful treatments that will prevent cancer from spreading.

Pharmacogenomics

A person’s precise genetic makeup can significantly impact the way they respond to drugs, such as chemotherapy. Our scientists are uncovering differences in the DNA sequence that differ among individuals and confer sensitivity or resistance to various chemotherapeutic agents, in terms of antitumor activity and the adverse effects they cause (called toxicities).

Precision Medicine

Precision medicine — which uses information about a person’s genes, proteins, and environment to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease — continues to be a primary focus of the Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Cancer Risk and Prevention

The best way to fight cancer is to prevent it from developing. Our specialists are developing new prevention strategies based on leading-edge research and are applying these strategies to high-risk individuals.

Cancer Survivorship

The cancer survivor population continues to grow. We provide support services and long-term care plans and research centered on survivorship for both adult and pediatric cancer survivors.

Cancer Articles

Cristian Carpio is a long-time participant in UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Summer research programs: Creating life-changing experiences for high school and undergraduate students
Researchers have long suspected that interleukin-12 could be a powerful cancer treatment, but it caused dangerous side effects. Now, Pritzker Molecular Engineering researchers have developed a version of the molecule that activates when it reaches a tumor, whereupon it eradicates cancer cells.
‘Masked’ cancer drug sneaks through body to deliver anti-tumor treatment with fewer side effects
Pictured (left to right): Nan Chen, MD; Xiaoyang Wu, PhD; Scott Oakes, MD; Ray Moellering, PhD; Marsha Rosner, PhD; Margarite Matossian, MD, PhD; Rita Nanda, MD.
Ullman Family Team Science Award to support novel breast cancer research
A 3D illustration of multiple myeloma, a type of cancer.
Study shows promising results for triple-drug therapy for post-transplant management of multiple myeloma
Father watching as doctor places bandage on teen
Protecting teens and preteens from HPV-related cancers: What parents need to know about the vaccine, risk and more
A medical professional discusses options with a patient who is wearing a head scarf.
UChicago Medicine receives American Cancer Society grant for oncology patient navigation program
Laura Furmanek
Encouraging new drug helps Northwest Indiana woman with relapsed ovarian cancer
A woman sitting on an exam table consults with a doctor.
Black women more likely to die from breast cancer: What factors are influencing this disparity and how can they be addressed?
Cancer in the blood outbreak and treatment for malignant cells in a human body caused by carcinogens and genetics with a cancerous cell as an immunotherapy and leukemia or lymphoma symbol and medical therapy as a 3D render.
ASH meeting brings blood cancer experts together in person for the first time since the pandemic