Center for Cancer Research

About Us

The Center for Cancer Research at MetroHealth Medical Center was founded in 2021 and is led by two pioneering cancer researchers: Bingcheng Wang, PhD, Director, Division of Cancer Biology and Director of Basic Sciences, MetroHealth Research Institute and William Tse, MD, Director of Clinical Sciences in Cancer Research, and the Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at MetroHealth Medical Center. 

The Center has assembled a team of basic and translational cancer researchers who have brought cutting-edge cancer research to The MetroHealth System.  The Center provides a collaborative and interactive environment for research and training for faculty, postdoctoral researchers and graduate/undergraduate students. 

The Center houses state-of-the-art research facilities, and in conjunction with the MetroHealth Cancer Care Center, conducts clinical studies/trials.  Aside from its focus on research and training, the Center promotes professional development of young scientists and junior faculty through career mentoring.

All the Cancer Center faculty are members of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Furthermore, the Center is actively collaborating with the Population Health Research Institute to investigate biological and socioeconomic basis for racial disparity of cancer. The center is also interested in participation in community-based education and outreach opportunities including working with Lincoln West School of Science and Health. 

Mission

Cancer is the second most common cause of death (0.6 million per year) in the US, right next to heart disease (0.7 million per year). 

• Deaths from cancer have not significantly changed over the past 50 years, while deaths from heart disease have steadily declined. 
• It is expected that cancer will soon become the leading cause of death in the US.  About 40% of men and women in the US will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes (National Cancer Institute). 
• About 2 million new cancer cases are expected in the US in 2023 (American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2023). 

The mission of our cancer center is to conduct high-impact, innovative research aiming to promote cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival of patients. To this end, the center focuses on five overarching challenges in the current cancer research landscape affecting patient care and outcome. 

Mechanisms of tumor development and metastasis

We seek to understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying how tumors are initiated and how factors within the tumor cells and their host environment may promote the metastasis that is responsible for 90% of cancer deaths.

Cancer Therapeutics

We seek to develop novel cancer treatments of advanced cancer and metastasis through identification/characterization of new targets.  We also seek to develop new types of immunotherapies, including CART therapy, and combinatorial therapies.  We determine the genetic/epigenetic mechanisms underlying cancer development and treatment response using clinical samples and archives.

Cancer Diagnostics/Prognostics

We seek to develop technologies to predict advanced disease development, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence. We also seek to develop the least invasive methods for cancer detection and monitoring. 

Cancer Prevention

We seek to develop innovative approaches through dietary interventions, supplements, exercise, and changes in metabolism and life-style to prevent cancer occurrence.  We also seek to establish early cancer detection methods and to understand the mechanisms of early cancer development.

Cancer Disparity

We seek to understand genetic/epigenetic mechanisms behind cancer susceptibility and therapy refractoriness of patients in underserved or under recognized populations. We also seek to develop systems to promote the accessibility to care and treatments of these patients.   

Contact Us

Center for Cancer Research MetroHealth Medical Center
2500 MetroHealth Drive Rammelkamp Center for Education and Research, 3rd Floor
Cleveland, OH 44109
[email protected]  |  216-778-7902