Cancer Biology Research

Cancer Biology: Understanding the basis of cancer to deliver precision clinical care

Pursuing the basic mechanisms that propel cancer

As the basic science discovery engine of the Knight Cancer Institute (KCI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), the Cancer Biology (CB) program aligns with the KCI’s strategic plan. Collectively, we advance mechanistic knowledge of cancer through cutting-edge basic science research to propel early detection, precision oncology and patient-centered care. We investigate the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms driving cancer to revolutionize cancer prevention, detection, interception, treatment, and survival. Leaders Teresa Zimmers, Ph.D. (cachexia and tumor ecosystem), Luiz Bertassoni, Ph.D. (engineered cancer models), and Anupriya Agarwal, Ph.D. (tumor microenvironment, hematologic malignancies) guide CB members into partnerships to elevate their scientific innovations and facilitate connections for translating their basic science discoveries across the cancer continuum. Strategic investment strengthens our interdisciplinary capabilities, particularly in advanced model systems, pancreatic cancer, and tumor immunology. Together, our research has identified key cancer drivers, mapped tumor microenvironment dynamics, and revealed systemic responses. These advances have identified novel paradigms in cancer progression, improved cancer detection, uncovered new therapeutic targets, and enhanced immunotherapy outcomes. 

Our research spans three Aims aligned with KCI strategic priorities:

AIM 1. To decipher cell intrinsic mechanisms driving oncogenesis and treatment response. Investigators study cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive progression from precancerous states to tumor initiation and metastasis, including regulation of cell cycle checkpoints, DNA damage and repair, and cellular biomarkers, as well as genetic, epigenetic, and extracellular alterations. We leverage these findings to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic interventions. 

AIM 2. To investigate local tumor microenvironment mechanisms that impact tumor development, evolution, and cell state. Research focuses on immediate tumor-adjacent interactions, including upstream regulatory mechanisms (e.g., receptor-ligand interactions) and downstream consequences (e.g., transcriptional regulation and phenotypic behavior). This research differentiates benign from malignant disease, defines cancer types and sub-types, and apprises the risk of metastasis and recurrence.

AIM 3. To probe the systemic cancer ecosystem driving disease progression across organ systems. Members study organism-wide effects among tumor and distant tissues, including immune system responses, metastatic spread, and disseminated cell biology, and whole-body phenomena such as cachexia. We uncover relationships among tumor and host physiology in the context of inflammatory circuits, and how hormones, metabolism, and the microbiome shape immune health and metabolism in the macroenvironment.

Program Leaders

Program Members