Damon Runyon scientists are working in the most promising areas of cancer research today. These include:

The genetic underpinnings of cancer—Each of the 25,000 genes in a single cell is turned on when its product is needed and turned off when its specific job is not required. Cancer cells often find ways to specifically turn on the genes that will encourage tumor growth (oncogenes) and turn off genes that suppress it (tumor suppressors). Research focuses on understanding the precise controls of many genes that affect tumor formation and growth as a first step in devising ways to reverse specific cancer-promoting functions.

Early detection—The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chance of slowing or halting its progression. In each type of cancer, the levels of certain genes and proteins are altered; these are referred to as biomarkers. Scientists are developing tests to detect cancer in the doctor’s office, such as blood, saliva, or urine tests that measure biomarkers. Advanced imaging techniques are also being invented so that cancer can be found at its earliest stages.

Cell division—Normal cells divide to produce more copies of themselves when required. There are many mechanisms in place to make sure that cells do not divide at inappropriate times or rates, but these process go awry in cancer, resulting in tumors. Research focuses on how these control mechanisms are disrupted in cancer cells.

Cell death—The body has several ways of activating cell death when defects are identified (cell suicide or apoptosis) or when the cell has reached a certain age (senescence). Cancer cells often disable or circumvent these processes so that they can continue to grow unchecked. Research focuses on understanding these processes and developing ways to reactivate them to kill cancer cells.

Cell motility and migration—Tumor metastasis, or spreading to other parts of the body, is the hallmark of the most lethal forms of cancer. Research focuses on how cells move during normal and cancerous conditions, which can provide information about how cancer cells migrate away from the original tumor site to spread to other tissues.

Cancer Stem Cells—Recent studies have shown that all cancer cells may not be alike. It appears that there are “cancer stem cells” that cause tumors to grow and are resistant to conventional treatment. Research focuses on identifying these stem cells and developing ways to specially target them, thus preventing recurrence after treatment.

DNA replication and repair—A normal cell has many mechanisms for ensuring that its genetic material (DNA) is intact and free of mistakes before the cell is replicated. The processes that control how accurately DNA is copied and how well DNA damage is detected and repaired are critical to the health and integrity of the cell. Defects in any of these processes can result in cancer-causing errors in the DNA (mutations). Research focuses on the details of how these processes work and how defects can be corrected as a strategy for cancer prevention.

Immunology—The immune system is designed to protect the body from infection and disease. Research focuses on understanding how the body fights disease, why it is not able to respond effectively to cancer, and how it can be directed to attack tumor cells more robustly.

Development—The very intricate processes whereby embryos develop into complete organisms is controlled by many genes that are activated and deactivated in a tightly orchestrated way. These genes can be reactivated in adults, causing cancer. Research focuses on understanding these developmental genes both in embryos and cancer.

Novel techniques—The vast genetic information now available to scientists allows more sophisticated experimentation than ever before. Techniques such as RNA interference can be used to turn off specific genes. Toxins can be engineered to target and destroy cancer cells. Fluorescence can be introduced into cancer cells so that they can be visualized, detected and monitored. Research focuses on using a variety of novel techniques to manipulate cells and their genes to battle cancer.