At the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center basic scientists, physicians and other Keck School of Medicine faculty investigate the complex origins and progression of cancer, develop prevention strategies and search for cures to the more than 100 diseases known as cancer.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has designated the USC/Norris Cancer Center as one of the nation’s 40 comprehensive cancer centers, a select group of institutions providing leadership in cancer treatment, research, prevention and education.

The quality of the science done at the Cancer Center was most recently recognized by the 1999 award of a competitive $29.5 million renewal grant from the NCI to continue and expand the Cancer Center’s research program.

Research

USC/Norris scientists work toward a complete understanding of the most fundamental aspects of cancer. They study the abnormal cell growth of cancer to determine what goes wrong and how the process could be corrected. Their findings, frequently published in scientific journals, contribute much to the understanding of cancer.

Research programs at the USC/Norris are organized by disease – not academic discipline – allowing physicians, epidemiologists, surgeons and cell biologists to work as part of interdisciplinary research groups on a specific 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 side by side at the Cancer Center. Their common ground is the disease, and they interact with each other to bring the best of their pooled knowledge to treat the disease.

Basic Cancer Research

USC/Norris Cancer Center leaders have long been committed to a strong basic science research program. USC/Norris scientists focus on studies of 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.
Clinical Research

At any time, there may be more than 300 clinical trials taking place at USC/Norris. These investigational therapies offer hope to those whose cancer is in late stages or difficult to manage.

Clinical trials most often focus on improving diagnostic tools or treatment options – including evaluating new surgical methods, chemotherapy agents, radiation techniques, hormone treatments and testing personally tailored therapies and novel combinations of these treatment options.

Translational Research

Translational research can be thought of as the continual melding of medical inquiry with medical practice. Its aim is to shorten the time it takes a lab discovery to reach a patients’ bedside as a new therapy or tool.

Examples of promising treatments still under investigation by basic and clinical scientists include immunotherapy, gene therapy and anti-angiogenesis drugs.

In addition, 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 and with cervical cancer, as well as the utility of bio-specific antibodies to target prostate cancer cells.

Cancer Cause and Prevention

The Cancer Cause and Prevention unit is 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 Cancer Center offers the latest tools for fighting cancer.

For more information:
USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital »
USC/Norris & USC Health Sciences Campus Publications »