Basic science research at MD Anderson, also called discovery science, uncovers the foundational knowledge needed to make advancements in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer.
Illuminating the unknown
The purpose of basic science, sometimes called discovery science, is to increase our understanding of how fundamental biological processes work. The information uncovered provides the foundation for the translational and clinical research that follows.
MD Anderson's basic science research spans many disciplines, including:
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Immunology
- Genetics and genomics
- Biochemistry
- Systems biology
- Physiology
Spotlight on Pre-Cancer Atlas Research
The Pre-Cancer Atlas: Plotting a course to intercept cancer
The route a cancer takes from its earliest stages to advanced disease is a long and winding road. Often, the first mutations or changes that send a normal cell on the path toward cancer occur decades before any diagnosis could be made.
With the hopes of saving more lives, a new MD Anderson initiative aims to discover new avenues for cancer interception by generating a comprehensive biological roadmap of pre-cancer development – a Pre-Cancer Atlas.
“Our vision is to develop this atlas so that we can identify actionable targets for intercepting pre-cancers,” says Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of the Pre-Cancer Atlas project. “We have a very clear translational mandate to implement new trials for cancer interception.”
Read more about the development of the Pre-Cancer Atlas here.
Featured Basic Science Research Labs
Basic Science Research Resources
Our basic science researchers have access to state-of-the-art equipment, NCI-designated programs of research excellence and research centers and programs that promote collaboration.
Featured News Articles
New single-cell study provides novel insights into gastric cancer
A new study led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center provides a deeper understanding of the evolution of the tumor microenvironment during gastric cancer progression. Highlights of the study, published today in Cancer Cell, include a link between multicellular communities and clinical outcomes as well as a potential new therapeutic target.
Study brings new understanding of multiple myeloma evolution
A new study by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center highlights novel insights into the evolution of multiple myeloma from precursor disease, which may help better identify patients likely to progress and develop new interventions. Published today in Cancer Cell, the study integrates paired single-cell RNA sequencing and B cell receptor sequencing from 64 patients with multiple myeloma or precursor disease.
New cell death mechanism could offer novel cancer treatment strategies
A study from researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, published today in Nature Cell Biology, details a previously unexplained type of cell death called disulfidptosis that could open the door for novel cancer therapeutic strategies. As described in the study, disulfidptosis is triggered when cells with high levels of the SLC7A11 protein are subjected to glucose starvation.
Learn More About Basic Science
