Description

The overall objective of the Gastrointestinal Cancers Program is to identify new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat colon and pancreatic cancer through increased understanding of the genetics, cell biology, and pathogenesis of the precursor and malignant lesions. The program facilitates translational research through closely linked laboratory, genetic, epidemiological, translational, and clinical investigations. Program members examine the molecular genetics of the development of colon and pancreatic cancer and extend these investigations to cellular and animal models. In addition, program members evaluate molecular targets and pharmacological agents aimed at slowing or reversing the onset of disease. Clinical investigations examine familial risk, inherited susceptibilities, genetic testing, cancer therapeutics and cancer prevention, all of which have strong connections to the basic laboratory projects and other cancer center programs.

The Gastrointestinal Cancers Program currently receives approximately $5,929,655 per year of direct, and $8,270,900 of total research support from the NCI, other NIH institutes, the American Cancer Society and other funding agencies.  Cancer focused articles published in 2007 total 28 including 15 inter-programmatic and 5 intra-programmatic publications.

Randy Burt, MD
Co-leader

Sean Mulvihill, MD
Co-leader

Members