The Tumor Microenvironment Program is a newly created program within the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center that has emerged from the previous program in cell biology.
The program essentially makes basic discoveries on the mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment affects tumor progression. It also identifies novel therapeutic approaches targeted toward the microenvironment and toward tumor cells and tests such therapies in preclinical models of cancer. Through collaborations with clinical programs in the USC/Norris, validated approaches are then tested in the clinic.
The program has two major scientific foci: understanding the fundamental mechanisms of tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis; and investigating the mechanisms by which immune competent cells contribute to tumor regression.
During the last five years, the program has made significant scientific contributions to our understanding of angiogenesis (role of pericytes, ceramide-mediated apoptosis in endothelial cells and angiogenesis in photodynamic therapy), bone metastasis in neuroblastoma (role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and IL-6 in neuroblastoma bone metastasis), and on the contribution of antigen-presenting cells and iNKT cells in cancer regression.
The program consists of 25 investigators from nine departments at the Keck School of Medicine of USC – representing both the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles – and the USC School of Dentistry. Through existing interactions and additional new recruitments promoted by the USC/Norris, this program is expected to play a pivotal role in translating basic discoveries on the contribution of non-malignant cells to tumor progression and on the contribution of immune cells to tumor regression into new therapies during the next several years.