The Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention Program effort focuses on reducing cancer risk in high-risk individuals through chemoprevention and dietary interventions, aiming to lower cancer incidence, mortality, and morbidity in Ohio and beyond. Our expertise covers genetic screening standards, counseling, and dietary guidelines that influence cancer risk through public policy both nationally and globally.
About Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention members
Program members published hundreds of cancer-relevant manuscripts during the current review cycle. These manuscripts included ranged from intra-programmatic, inter-programmatic and multi-institutional.
Over the last five years, members have accrued and enrolled thousands of participants to both interventional and non-interventional trials (which include the OSUCCC – James ORIEN Total Cancer Care protocol). MCC members used all 12 OSUCCC – James shared resources to enhance cancer research efforts.
Co-Leader: Steven Clinton, MD, PhD
Co-Leader: Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, PhD
Co-Leader: Richard Fishel, PhD
Aims of the Molecular Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention program
The Specific Aims of the MCC Program are to:
- Aim 1: Carcinogenesis - Characterize the genetic, molecular and cellular changes induced by germline, chemical, physical, hormonal or microbial mediators that contribute to neoplastic transformation and multistage carcinogenesis.
- Aim 2: Chemoprevention - Develop and characterize novel cancer chemopreventive agents, and define their efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action using biochemical, cellular and preclinical models that drive early-phase human studies.
- Aim 3: Diet, Nutrition and Metabolism - Identify dietary patterns, nutritional components and lifestyle variables that either enhance or inhibit the carcinogenesis cascade across the continuum of cancer progression.
Future directions
The MCC program is fully integrated with the inter-programmatic themes of the OSUCCC – James, and future plans focus on:
- Metabolic signatures in carcinogenesis and prevention.
- The microbiome and immunology interface with Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) initiatives.
- Collaborative research efforts with the Center for Cancer Engineering (CCE).
- Enhancing the emerging Center for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship (CCPS).