Cancer Center of Excellence
The focus of the UMass Memorial Cancer Center of Excellence (UMMCC) is translational oncology research. The underlying principle of the center is to combine an understanding of the biology of cancer with innovative and effective measures for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
The center views cancer care as a continuum, which requires the mandatory awareness, diagnosis, follow-up and treatment. Cancer center programs are based upon the premise that the molecular underpinnings of every tumor are distinct, even though some genetic signatures may be seen in common with tumors regardless of their embryonic origins. Therefore, programs are built on the uniqueness of each disease site.
The measure of excellence of the UMMCC resides in the ability to design, support, develop and implement homegrown, investigator-initiated innovative clinical trials in all aspects of oncology prevention/epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. To achieve this objective the center is developing and fostering a culture of integration and cooperation between basic, clinical and investigational sciences relevant to oncology. UMMCC is being organized along specific programs, designed to achieve excellence in basic and clinical research. Current programs include:
- Women’s Cancer/Breast Cancer
- Hematologic Malignancies
- Gastrointestinal Cancers,
- Genitourinary Cancers
- Cancer Risks Behavior an
- Developmental Therapeutics
Additional programs in Neuro-Oncology and Lung Cancer are under development and slated for additional faculty recruitment and programmatic expansion.
Dr. Altieri discovered “survivin” a molecule, which plays a central role in protecting cancer cells from programmed cell death. More recently his laboratory discovered “shepherdin” which antagonizes survivin and results in death of the cancer cell. Shepherdin has entered the preclinical pathway through the NCI RAID Program and is expected to have material for a phase 1 trial in the coming year.
Dr. Gary Stein has a research program focused on regulation of cell cycle and tissue specific genes controlling proliferation in cancer cells. Dr. Stein is leading a group of investigators performing translational research on prostate cancer.
Dr. Alan Rosmarin has an established research program focused on hematologic malignancies with a special interest in acute leukemia.