Research | Rogel Cancer Center

Drs. Max Wicha and Sunitha Nagrath work together in a lab Maize Block M Rogel Cancer Center University of Michigan Health

Collaboration Leads to Scientific Breakthroughs

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World-class scientists and clinicians at the U-M Health Rogel Cancer Center are committed to research and discovery, an essential component of our designation as a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center. We know that the way to eliminate cancer is through innovative advancements and partnership between scientists and clinicians. The highly targeted research efforts at the cancer center move from innovative investigations in the laboratory to the translational integration of these discoveries to patients through a wide range of programs

Focus on Collaboration and Teamwork

Basic Sciences

Expert basic scientists work collaboratively across many departments including medicine, engineering and mathematics to understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer.

Cancer Control and Population Sciences

For cancer control and population sciences, our investigative teams are pioneering research into the more unique risks of cancer — based on genetic and environmental factors of similar population groups in heterogeneous health care environments.

Translational & Clinical Research

Practicing clinicians work collaboratively with researchers across the cancer center to build a strong portfolio of clinical trials for our patients. We want to improve cancer care and create new and better treatments.

Clinical Research

Clinical research teams are the focal point for clinical trials.

Become a research member

Work With Us
Privileges of research members include priority access to Center‐funded Shared Resources and other facilities at favorable rates, clinical research support for protocol development and management, and members‐only funding opportunities. Other opportunities may include participation in shared‐interest affinity groups, leadership roles, and support in cancer career development.

NOTE: Available to University of Michigan faculty only
Open and complete the application.

Specialized Programs of Research Excellence

SPORES

Teamwork is the basis of our collaborative approach at the U-M Rogel Cancer Center. With the full support of university leadership, we encourage collaboration across all research spectrums, including medical, engineering and pharmacy – to advance cancer care through innovation:

  • Through our focus on team science and research excellence, we aim to be a national leader in prevention, early diagnosis and optimal treatment for those at risk of and affected by cancer.
  • The close proximity of the university’s highly rated and high quality research teams in Ann Arbor allows researchers to meet together and approach the scientific process collaboratively, sharing results and feedback quickly and easily.
  • We offer a broad brush of research and are open to exploration across all departments. We never anticipate where the next discovery will be made as we strive to define which discoveries have the greatest potential to effectively prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Outstanding Research-Driven Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Lab tech holds up a biomarker slide

Our clinical research teams are the focal point for clinical trials that provide cutting edge treatment for patients at the Rogel Cancer Center. These teams of practicing clinicians work collaboratively with researchers across the cancer center to build a strong portfolio of clinical trials for our patients. We want to improve cancer care and create new and better treatments.  Learn about our expertise of comprehensive clinical research teams. 

 

SPORE Awards
Arul Chinnaiyan, MD, PhD collaborates with fellow researcher

 

Our cancer center leads three Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grants by the National Cancer Institute. 

SPORE Grants
Lab member using a microscope to view a slide

Prostate SPORE

The Michigan Prostate SPORE is a collaborative, multidisciplinary research program uniting the University of Michigan and Karmanos Cancer Institute to advance translational prostate cancer research through innovative projects, infrastructure, training, and partnerships.

Learn more about the Michigan Prostate SPORE.
Image of a CT scan of an abdomen/pelvis

Leiomyosarcoma SPORE

The Leiomyosarcoma SPORE, led by the Rogel Cancer Center and an international team, advances research on this rare cancer through large-scale genomic studies, biomarker development, and genetic risk analysis, supported by global collaborations, specialized cores, and programs to foster innovation and career development.

Learn more about the LMS SPORE.
Lab member using a head-mounted magnifier or microscope with a blue light

Radiosensitization SPORE

The Radiosensitization SPORE focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy across pancreas, brain, and breast cancers by investigating drugs that sensitize tumors to radiation, through collaborative, multi-disciplinary projects targeting immune response, tumor metabolism, and DNA damage repair.

Learn more about the Radiosensitization SPORE.

News & Stories
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Health Lab

Stopping Ewing sarcoma relapses where they start

Research on stopping Ewing sarcoma relapses through Michigan Medicine.
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Study sheds light on how early pancreas lesions become cancerous

Why many precursor lesions never develop into pancreatic cancer, according to findings from Michigan Medicine.
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Health Lab

New mouse model for liposarcoma can help uncover new therapies

There has been little progress in understanding and treating liposarcoma due to its rarity and lack of research resources. In a new study, University of Michigan researchers have developed a novel mouse model that mirrors the disease in humans.
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Health Lab

Expanding brain tumor research  

Maria Castro, Ph.D, of Michigan Medicine, received a prestigious $4.5M NIH grant that will help advance the understanding about deadly tumors and provide a path for developing new treatments.
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Health Lab

Additional testing can improve kidney cancer diagnosis

Michigan Medicine findings suggest further investigation of FISH-negative tests for renal cell carcinoma could lead to more accurate diagnosis.
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Health Lab

Researchers find a targeted approach to shut down prostate cancer growth

Study shows a novel compound that degrades key proteins found in prostate cancer cells blocks oncogenic androgen receptor signaling.