The multidisciplinary Cancer Center integrates some of the most vital cancer research and treatment activities available today. In addition to a nine-bed transplant unit, the center includes labs that specialize in the analysis of marrow stem cells, the cryopreservation and processing of marrow and the determination of the presence of malignant cells in marrow using molecular genetic techniques.
Multidisciplinary clinics are available for breast, lung and prostate cancer.
The gene therapy program represents a major research effort that is an integral part of the marrow transplantation program. New approaches are being developed using cellular immune therapy and biologic modification for the treatment of cancer. Special features include total body irradiation used for some transplant patients, three-dimensional conformal treatment planning, prostate seed implants and intraoperative radiation therapy. The Cancer Center has an intrinsic basic research component, focused on hematopoiesis, bone marrow stem cells and experimental transplantation. Work includes studies on transplant regulation, integrins, cell cycle phenotype and gene expression.