Bridging Basic Science and Clinical Research
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Cancer is a complex disease with multiple steps in its pathogenesis and variability depending on the tissue of origin. Our understanding of cancer has reached new heights with the discovery of fundamental aspects of cell and molecular biology combined with advances in our understanding of the process of tumorigenesis. Discoveries in the identification of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, pathways of DNA damage and repair, cell cycle regulation, growth regulatory factors and cytokines, and the development of anti-angiogenic therapies have provided exciting new insights into the basic biology of cancers and new ways to fight cancer. Technological advancements in genomics, proteomics, and tissue arrays have refined 
cancer diagnosis, leading to the development of successful cancer chemotherapies and immunotherapies based on the knowledge of specific molecular targets. The Cancer Biology graduate track offers an exciting and stimulating academic environment in which to pursue interdisciplinary cancer research utilizing cutting edge technologies in order to make profound basic science discoveries that will lead to the next generation of sensitive diagnostics and specific therapeutics.
The primary objective of the Cancer Biology graduate track is to provide students with a strong educational experience combined with modern research training that will enable them to make significant contributions to the understanding of this complex disease. The University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, its core facilities, researchers and physicians provide a state of the art environment for conducting both basic and clinical cancer research.
Unique features
Course of Study: All students complete a core course on Mechanisms in Biomedical Sciences upon entering the program, followed by two specialty courses, Advanced Cancer Biology and Current Topics in Cancer Biology, in addition to electives tailored to individual interests. These courses are designed to provide a broad understanding of the molecular, genetic, cell biological and pathobiological aspects of cancer, in addition to a grasp of the current state of clinical cancer diagnosis and treatment. Built into the program are mechanisms to ensure that our graduates are effective communicators, good public speakers and writers. Students complete three research rotations with Cancer Biology faculty selected by the student. By the beginning of the second year, students will have chosen their research advisors and begun work on their dissertation projects. It is our philosophy that the Ph.D. training must be intellectually stimulating, congenial, and geared toward a successful career in modern biomedical research.
Cancer Biology Faculty: The Cancer Biology faculty comprise over 60 faculty members with expertise in many critical areas of modern cancer and cell biology. The faculty consists of both clinical and basic research investigators focusing on the rapid transfer of knowledge from the laboratory to the clinic. They are internationally recognized leaders of their fields, and provide excellence and dedication in graduate training. The opportunity to investigate the molecular basis of cancer using state-of-the-art methodologies in an interactive, multidisciplinary environment and in conjunction with clinical research is a distinctive asset of the program.
Research Focus Areas
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Leukemia and lymphoma
- Radiation induced cancers
- Cytokine and growth factor biology
- Hormonal control of tumor growth
- Molecular and structural biology
- Mechanisms of signal transduction
- Immune regulation
- DNA replication, damage and repair
- Carcinogenesis
- Tumor suppressor genes
- Genome instability and genetic mutations
- Cancer genetics
- Apoptotic cell death
- Tumor invasion and metastasis
- Proteases and tumor biology
- Cytoskeleton and cell motility
- Inflammation
- Viral and cellular oncogenes
- Angiogenesis and blood vessel formation
- Genome instabilities
- Cancer drug resistance
- Cancer stem cells
- Tumor immunology and immunotherapy
- Diagnostic and prognostic markers
- Experimental therapeutics
Application:
Students should apply through our multidisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine. On-line application may be found at http://graduate.umaryland.edu/admissions/admissions.html
Inquire Online for Additional Information HERE.
Financial Support:
Students will receive competitive stipends with admission. Financial support is ensured for the duration of time required to complete the Ph.D., which typically takes 4 to 6 years.
To view our faculty (can filter by research track) CLICK HERE
Contact:
Professor Toni M. Antalis
Professor of Physiology
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Cancer Biology Track Leader
Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine
Phone: 410-706-8222
Email: tantalis@som.umaryland.edu
Sharron Graves, Program Coordinator
University of Maryland, Baltimore
655 West Baltimore Street, Bressler Research Building, Room 1-005, Baltimore 21201
Phone: 410-706-6044
Fax: 410-706-6040
Email: sgraves@som.umaryland.edu