Basic Science Division

Mphoto Core labs 22 Maize Block M Rogel Cancer Center University of Michigan Health

Reducing the burden of cancer through science

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The foundation of basic science excellence at the University of Michigan contributes to the strength of the Rogel Cancer Center and its major contributions to cancer research. With our mission to reduce the burden of cancer, the basic science team focuses on accelerating fundamental lab discoveries of cancer’s biological and molecular structure. The identification of these novel cancer targets are then translated to the design of therapeutics for cancer treatment

Collaboration across Programs

Expert basic scientists work collaboratively across many departments including medicine, engineering and mathematics to understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer. Identifying promising discoveries to improve how we diagnose, treat and prevent cancer, our cancer center’s basic science enterprise is organized into four collaborative programs:
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Signaling & Tumor Microenvironment

The Signaling & Tumor Microenvironment Program has a long history as a leader in translational cancer research.

Learn more about this program
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Cancer Genetics

The mission of the Cancer Genetics Program is to advance knowledge of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that underlie the development and progression of cancer.

Read about the importance of genetic research and cancer
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Hematological Malignancies

The Hematological Malignancies Program seeks to define the role of stem and immune cell populations in the behavior of cancer.

Learn how we provide insights into cell populations
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Developmental Therapeutics

The Developmental Therapeutics Program fosters the advancement of University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center discoveries to translational research.

Read more on how basic science discoveries impact clinical care

Basic Science Contributes to Increased Cancer Survivorship

The number of cancer survivors continues to increase because of advances in cancer research. Through basic laboratory research, we are making significant progress in understanding the biological mechanisms of how a cell changes from a normal cell to cancer. Basic science researchers are making fundamental discoveries and working with colleagues across the cancer center to translate those discoveries into novel interventions to benefit patients.

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Support our Research

Every gift matters as we work to transform the lives of patients and families facing cancer. Consider helping us as we work on making the next significant breakthrough in cancer research and therapy, training the next generation of game-changers in the field, and providing the very best care for our patients.

Explore the ways you can help

Meet our Associate Director
Andrzej Dlugosz

Andrzej A Dlugosz, MD
Poth Professor of Cutaneous Oncology
Associate Chair, Department of Dermatology
Associate Director for Basic Science, Rogel Cancer Center
Professor of Dermatology and Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology
Medical School

News & Stories
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Health Lab

Study explains how colorectal cancer cells maintain high iron levels

How colorectal cancer cells maintain high iron levels, according to Michigan Medicine research.
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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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Health Lab

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.