USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
An NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Research at USC Norris
As one of the first eight Comprehensive Cancer Centers to receive the NCI comprehensive designation in 1973, the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCC) is an international leader in cancer research, education, and patient-centered oncology care. Our vision is to reduce the burden of cancer for all people. A central priority for USC Norris is to serve the unique cancer-related needs of our multicultural catchment area, Los Angeles County (LAC). By catalyzing highly collaborative programs of laboratory, clinical, and population-based research, USC Norris drives scientific discoveries and facilitates the translation of these discoveries into clinical practice. Our cancer research training and education programs are part of the fabric of these efforts, creating a diverse pipeline for the next generation of exceptional cancer scientists and clinicians. The USC Norris Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) is the vehicle by which we understand, engage, and serve the needs of the underserved communities on our catchment area.
Research Programs:
Our 188 members are organized into five transdisciplinary research programs, including Tumor Immunology & Microenvironment, Epigenetic Regulation in Cancer, Translational and Clinical Sciences, Cancer Epidemiology, and Cancer Control Research. These programs interface with disease-oriented clinical programs such as women’s cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, genitourinary cancers, thoracic cancers, head and neck cancers, skin cancers, and others. Team science is where major breakthroughs emerge at USC Norris. Our scientists and clinicians apply their knowledge to address important cancer problems and ultimately to change the paradigm of cancer prevention and cancer care.
Tumor Immunology & Microenvironment (TIME) Program
The overarching mission of the TIME Program is to discover basic mechanisms that control the interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, leading to the identification of molecules or pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic interventions.
Epigenetic Regulation in Cancer (ERC) Program
The overarching mission of the ERC Program is to discover basic mechanisms of genomic and epigenomic regulation involved in growth and behavior of normal and cancer cells, and translating basic findings into cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment in collaboration with other USC Norris programs.
Translational and Clinical Sciences (TACS) Program
The overarching mission of the TACS Program is to discover and develop innovative treatments and biomarkers to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
Cancer Epidemiology (CE) Program
The overarching mission of the CE Program is to investigate the determinants of cancer risk and progression through epidemiological studies strongly grounded in the relevant biology.
Cancer Control Research (CCR) Program
The overarching mission of the CCR Program is to reduce and eliminate cancer health disparities among the populations represented in the USC Norris catchment area, with implications for other populations globally.