The Center for Experimental Therapeutics unites scientists and clinicians specializing in a wide range of fields, including cancer biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular pharmacology, medical oncology, immunology, pediatrics, surgery, and imaging. Some of our laboratory researchers study tumor biology to better understand the pathways that permit malignant cell growth and identify targets to stop cell proliferation. Others pursue research in chemistry to optimally design and synthesize molecules that detect or destroy tumors. Still others are exploring the immune system’s inherent capacity to defend against tumors, with the goal of developing immune-based therapies.  

A number of research projects have matured to the stage of early-phase clinical trials. These discoveries hold promise for a large number of cancers, both common and rare, and represent the full spectrum of therapeutic modalities including biologics, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, radiopharmaceuticals, cellular therapies, nanotechnology, and gene therapy.  

To ensure that the most promising ideas are funded, grant applications are subjected to a competitive peer-review process modeled on that of the National Institutes of Health. The Center for Experimental Therapeutics welcomes research projects for drug discovery in any type of cancer and particularly favors collaborative research projects in which multiple investigators with different expertise focus on a specific type of cancer or treatment modality.