Ellis Fischel Cancer Center research programs encompass a range of topics and disciplines.
Investigators from across the University of Missouri System participate in basic, translational, and clinical research, with strategic emphases in the following areas.
Theranostics
The Molecular Imaging and Theranostics Center is developing targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy agents, either alone or in combination with immune-based therapies, to treat melanoma and other types of cancer. A strong partnership with the MU Research Reactor gives Ellis Fischel Cancer Center a national reputation in radiation-targeted cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. The goal is to kill cancer cells with less damage to the body — improving the patient’s quality of life.
- Leader: Carolyn Anderson, PhD
Immunology/immunotherapy
These areas of study aim to leverage the mechanisms involved in activating the immune system to fight cancer. Recent discoveries by University of Missouri researchers have shown the immune system can be trained to offer long-term protection against various cancer types. The discovery of new immune pathways that can be used with theranostic immunotargeting and cancer immunoprevention could serve a unique long-term niche for Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and its affiliate partners to build a competitive program in cancer immunotherapy.
- Leaders: Carolyn Anderson, PhD, and Jeffrey Bryan, DVM, PhD
Comparative oncology and translational research
Comparative oncology is the study of naturally developing cancers in animals as models for human disease, and translational research is the process by which the results from basic research are used to develop new ways to diagnose and treat disease. Research in this area is focused on translational oncology models for the development of targeted imaging and therapy and understanding of epigenetic contributions to cancer development, progression, and therapy.
- Leader: Jeffrey Bryan, DVM, PhD
