Surgical Oncology Clinical and Basic Science Research

The Division of Surgical Oncology performs clinical and basic science research. We have four strategies to improve cancer care through this research.

• Basic science research: We have several labs working on therapies to help patients’ immune systems fight cancer and target specific cancer survival pathways. Our scientists are finding new therapeutic targets that can cripple cancer cells. Early detection strategies are also an important focus.
• Clinical trials: Currently, only 8% of patients with cancer nationally are enrolled in a clinical trial. We have trials available for nearly every patient with cancer. These trials offer the latest advances to our patients.
• Clinical database: Research focused on clinical outcomes will enable our team to improve short and long-term results for patients undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. We have databases for all of our cancer disease teams for this purpose.
• Tissue banking: By studying patient samples, including tumors and blood, we hope to discover new, more sensitive biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer and related tumors.