Cancer Research
Why Research Matters
We know that most cancers happen because of aging, lifestyle choices, and exposure to harmful environmental factors like chemicals or UV rays from the sun. Sometimes changes that lead to cancer are inherited from our parents in our DNA, and sometimes they happen by chance. Cancer research is the study of how and why these changes happen and how to find the changes sooner, treat them more effectively, or hopefully stop them in the first place.
Cancer research is much more than looking at cells under a microscope—although that is part of the process. It involves scientists and doctors from many different areas of study. It also depends on people with and without cancer who are willing to give samples or be part of research studies that help find new and better ways to treat the disease.
Advancing Patient Care
Our scientists study the biology of cancer, explore the promise of immunotherapy, and find new ways to treat people using personalized medicine. We have made significant discoveries about genes linked to cancer risk, finding more inherited cancer genes than any other cancer center. Our experts train the next generation of cancer researchers to make a difference in cancer care.
Clinical trials are at the forefront of our patient care. We offer access to cutting-edge therapies and effective treatments, empowering our patients with new possibilities and providing hope.
“Huntsman Cancer Institute is not just a hospital, it's a Comprehensive Cancer Center. That means very close integration and synergy between research and clinical care. We bring not only the newest treatments from the bench to the bedside, we also bring creative solutions to health care problems of today.”
Neli Ulrich, MS, PhD
Executive Director, Comprehensive Cancer Center
Discovery Innovations Newsletter
The Discovery Innovations newsletter showcases the latest advances in cancer treatment, research, and prevention. These achievements demonstrate progress made in ending cancer as we know it.
Types of Cancer Research
Basic Research
Basic research happens in the laboratory. These scientists seek to understand how nature works, such as how healthy cells function and grow and how diseased cells such as cancer develop and spread.
Clinical Research
Clinical research tests drugs, medical devices, and medical procedures in the clinic or hospital. People volunteer to be part of these studies, called clinical trials, which help improve treatments and patient care.
Population Research
Population research looks at the causes of cancer based on health, environment, and lifestyle choices. These scientists also study cancer trends in different populations, as well as how cancer screening and care reach people based on their income, where they live, or other factors.
Translational Research
Translational research is the term for taking what we know from basic research and clinical research and turning it into new treatments in everyday care. Translational research can also mean using results from clinical and population research to test new ideas in the laboratory. The Society of Huntsman Translational Scholars recognizes excellence in this area.
Learn much more about .
Our Research Programs
Cancer Center Research Programs
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) provides funding for four research programs, each focused on a specialized aspect of basic, translational, and clinical cancer research performed by the members of our Cancer Center. These programs promote scientific excellence through coordinated, broad-based transdisciplinary research.
Disease Centers
Huntsman Cancer Institute has 10 disease centers that serve as collaborative hubs where clinicians, basic scientists, and population scientists work together to translate science discoveries to the clinic. The disease centers enhance coordination and collaboration across research disciplines. Huntsman Cancer Foundation provides financial support for disease center research projects, which are awarded each year through a competitive, peer-reviewed process.
Shared Resources
The Shared Resources Programs are funded by a combination of the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), institutional funds, other University of Utah funding sources, and charge-back for services.
- *
- **
*Initiative
**Developing shared resource
High Risk Cancer Research Clinics & Studies
The High Risk Cancer Research Clinics provide information for investigations into the genetics and inheritance of cancer. They provide education, and in some cases cancer screening services, for individuals and families with an increased risk of developing cancer. Through these clinics, eligible participants may enroll in cancer research studies. Physicians, genetic counselors, research coordinators, and other support personnel provide a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.