Biology of Cancer
Improving Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Research Themes > Improving Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment > Biology of Cancer
Discovering the mechanisms by which cancer initiates, progresses, and resists treatment over time
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Research into the biology of cancer involves studying a wide range of processes including cell signaling, metabolism, immune evasion, and interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments and strategies for treating cancer.
Our centres
Research centres that are associated with this area of cancer research include:
Director: Dr. Doug Mahoney
Associate Director of Clinical Research: Dr. Mona Shafey
The Riddell Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy was established through a multi-million dollar gift from the Riddell family to the OWN.CANCER campaign—a partnership between the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the University of Calgary—to support new cancer immunotherapy research and medicine development at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
Director: Dr. Aaron Goodarzi
The Robson DNA Science Centre was made possible by a $10-million gift from Dave Robson through the Dave and Val Robson Fund at the Calgary Foundation. The Robson DNA Science Centre will advance the understanding of DNA stability and repair, translating this knowledge into innovative cancer prevention strategies.
Our programs
Programs that investigate the biology of cancer include:
Program Lead: Dr. May-Lynn Quan
With a vision to improve the experiences and outcomes for individuals with breast cancer, the overall goal of the Breast Cancer Research and Education Program is to provide a comprehensive clinical, research, and education environment that fosters efforts to discover, develop, evaluate, and implement optimal, patient-focused breast cancer care, using cutting edge analytic methods and technology.
Program Lead: Dr. John Kelly
The Calgary Brain Tumour Program is focused on is focused on understanding the molecular drivers and causes of brain tumour initiation, progression, and treatment resistance, identifying novel brain cancer treatment strategies for translation to clinical trials; and developing the next generation of scientists and clinical fellows focused on brain cancer.
Program lead: Dr. Greg Guilcher
The mission of the Childhood Cancer Research Program is to bring paediatric cancer care to the next level by engaging in research aimed at several main areas in the continuum of childhood cancer care: understanding the unique biology of childhood cancer, finding new therapies, decreasing toxicity of current therapies, and improving life with and after childhood cancer.
Program lead: Dr. Mike Monument
The Integrated Sarcoma Research Program (iSARP) is a multidisciplinary, team-based research program focused on cutting-edge research initiatives to improve treatment opportunities and outcomes for sarcoma patients. It seeks to harness advancements in new molecular technologies, immunotherapies, and precision medicine into novel sarcoma discoveries, genomics-informed treatments, and new clinical trials for patients.
More information coming soon
Investigators
Improving Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment — Programs & Centres
