Cancer is a complicated disease that afflicts millions of Americans each year. Fortunately, researchers and oncologists like those at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) work daily to combat cancer of all types. But where do they start? Discoveries regarding cancer prevention, detection and treatment begin with basic science research–test tubes and early animal studies, says Michael A. Caligiuri, MD, director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of The James. Following basic research is clinical research, which involves developing drugs to be utilized on a clinical trial. The next step, however, is what makes the new home of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute so special. “Translational research brings those very early test tube discoveries right to the patient,” Caligiuri says. “Researchers work between the laboratory and the clinical team to bring new discoveries to patients as quickly as possible.” Translational research will be conducted on each inpatient floor of the new James, bringing patients “the latest and the greatest” in cancer treatment, Caligiuri says. “Cancer is not routine,” he adds. “Imagine a patient on our lung cancer unit whose DNA we’ve analyzed. Our physicians can go to our scientists and say, ‘This is the mutation on this particular lung cancer. What do we have that’s coming along that we could try on this patient?’ Assuming it has ethical approval, it goes right into the patient.” Some 300 cancer researchers at the OSUCCC – James work tirelessly to make discoveries that translate to innovative patient care. Read more about sub-specialization in the new James and subscribe to the OSUCCC – James blog for future updates.