Center for Cancer Research

Advancing prevention, detection, and treatment through cutting-edge basic and translational cancer research, as an affiliate to CWRU

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Groundbreaking Research Dedicated to Saving Lives

As one of Ohio’s cancer research institutes, MetroHealth’s Center for Cancer Research is leading the way through its mission to conduct high-impact, innovative research aimed at promoting cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival of patients.

Founded in 2021, the Center is home to an excellent team of basic and translational researchers whose backgrounds and specialties support breakthrough science across ten research areas. The team translates impactful discoveries into meaningful strategies to fight breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer to name a few.

The team is committed to investing in outstanding researchers and technologies to accelerate progress in cancer research and facilitate excellence in health outcomes.

A Focus on Five Cancer Challenges

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. It is the second most common cause of death (0.6 million per year), second only to heart disease (0.7 million per year). According to the National Cancer Institute, about 40% of men and women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. About two million new cancer cases are expected in the U.S. in 2023, based on the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2023.

Our cancer research focuses on five major challenges in the current cancer research landscape:

Cancer Therapeutics

We develop novel cancer treatments for advanced cancer and metastasis through the identification/characterization of new targets, develop new types of immunotherapies, including CAR T therapy and combinatorial therapies, and determine the genetic/epigenetic mechanisms underlying cancer development and treatment.

Mechanisms of tumor development and metastasis

We research the fundamental mechanisms of how tumors develop and how factors within the tumor cells are responsible for 90% of cancer deaths.

Cancer Diagnostics/Prognostics

We develop technologies to predict disease advancement, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence using the least invasive cancer detection and monitoring methods.

Cancer Prevention

We develop innovative approaches through dietary interventions, supplements, exercise, and changes in lifestyle to prevent cancer occurrence. We also work on innovations in early cancer detection methods to understand development mechanisms.

Cancer Disparity

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

Why Chart Your Research Career at MetroHealth?

MetroHealth offers a unique and diverse culture in a dynamic setting where curiosity, teamwork and high-quality science are valued. The team is at the forefront of numerous types of cancer research.

Research Center Membership

The initial review of individuals as members of the research center is the responsibility of the codirectors of the MetroHealth Center for Cancer Research (MCCR).