The mission of the University of Virginia Cancer Center is to uncover the fundamental molecular basis of cancer initiation and progression, move new knowledge into clinical application and research, and provide compassionate contemporary cancer care and education. We are at a historic inflection point in cancer care and research. Advances in understanding the molecular and cellular basis of cancer, the human genome project, and information technology have given us tools to detect, treat, diagnose, and prevent cancer in ways that were only dreamed of a decade ago. We anticipate a time when cancer therapies and preventives are specific, non-toxic, and customized for each person, based on scientific profiling of that individual’s molecular makeup and the molecular makeup of the tumor. At the University of Virginia Cancer Center we draw on deep scientific strengths, a robust patient-centered architecture of care, and a tradition of collaboration and compassion to bring the future of cancer care closer to today.
The University of Virginia has a long tradition of collaboration and teamwork, which has helped us establish a team-based approach to research and care. We bring together almost 200 faculty members from 30 Departments in the School of Medicine, School of Nursing and the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, and of Engineering, who are organized into Six basic/translational research Programs, and one translational/clinical Program. The basic/translational Programs represent key scientific foci important for understanding cancer: 1. Cell Signaling; 2. Endocrinology; 3. Immunology; 4. Migration and Metastasis; 5. Structural Biology; 6. Molecular Genetics. The translational/clinical Program is Developmental Therapeutics, and has strong research activities in Immunotherapy, Molecularly Targeted Therapies, Biomarkers, and Imaging. The research is supported by 14 Shared Resource facilities: Advanced Microscopy, DNA Sciences, Flow Cytometry, Lymphocyte Culture, Mass Spectrometry, Protein Sciences, Small Animal MultiModaity Imaging, Tissue Culture, Gene Targeting & Transgenic, Research Histology, Molecular Assessment & Preclinical Studies, Tissue Procurement, Biostatistics, and the Clinical Trials Office.
As an academic medical center, UVa brings the vital elements of patient care, research and education to bear in the fight against cancer – a fight far from over. In spite of tremendous progress in some forms of cancer, nationwide half of all patients diagnosed this year will die from cancer. This propels us to accelerate our efforts to work with our colleagues throughout the state and nation so that the revolutionary improvements in cancer care that have benefited some, can benefit all people with cancer.
With a rich tradition in academic oncology care and research, UVa is a leading health provider in the region in cancer prevention, screening, and cancer education programs. Our vision is to create a Cancer Center as a model for multi-disciplinary, team-based care and research.
We are committed to work in partnership with referring physicians in the care of their patients with cancer. We commit ourselves to communicating promptly and frequently with our physician partners, to offer novel and unique treatment options and to provide comprehensive support programs that support families and loved ones grappling with a diagnosis of cancer. This site is intended as a resource to help identify cancer team members, services and support programs that may be of interest to you and your patients. If at any time you do not find what you need, or want to speak directly to our Cancer Center leadership, please call (434) 924-9333 or toll free (800) 223-9173.
*Source: National Cancer Institute
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