Research

From chemotherapy to hormone therapies to immunotherapy, cancer treatments have come a long way in recent decades. Faculty in the Division of Hematology/Oncology are not only taking care of cancer patients every day, but are also dedicated to finding better options for patients through research, both in the lab and in the clinic with clinical trials

Our specialists work with researchers studying many aspects of cancer. Hematology/Oncology faculty are involved with all three Wilmot Cancer Institute research programs: Cancer Prevention & Control; Cancer Microenvironment; and Genetics, Epigenetics and Metabolism. Working together with researchers from other fields can bring about creative solutions to some of today’s biggest challenges in cancer.

Here are some examples of recent trials and projects:

• Studies to better understand “polypharmacy,” which is the concurrent use of multiple medications; it can lead to harmful drug interactions, which is especially important for cancer patients about to undergo therapy
• Work that improves oncologist-patient communication, especially for older adults with cancer 
• Basic science and clinical research behind an innovative treatment idea for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
• Geriatric oncology projects that focus on personalizing cancer care for patients older than 70, with help from geriatric assessments