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The Brooklyn College Cancer Center conducts research to understand the causes and mechanisms of cancer and to develop potential cancer treatments.
Our researchers in the area of cancer biology and biochemistry work on different topics with the ultimate goals of understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms, which may induce cancer and its progression, and identifying potential biological targets for cancer therapy.
Our research includes studies at cellular and molecular level (genes, proteins, DNA structures, RNA) to elucidate their roles in human cancers. Our researchers use some compounds developed at Brooklyn College as potential probes and biomarkers to identify biological targets, and develop improved cancer treatments.
Related studies on the effects of bacteria and fungus on cancer cells are paving the way to better understand effects on the immune responses to cancer. In addition to experimental research (biological and biochemical assays), BCCC-CURE researchers are deploying sophisticated molecular theories, efficient algorithms, and powerful computers to characterize fundamental chemical and biological mechanisms.
Our research in the area of drug development and delivery is focused on the rational synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of novel molecules (small organic molecules, metal-based drugs, and peptides) with potential as cancer chemo- and targeted-therapeutics and as theranostics (combining diagnosis and therapy).
Our research includes the use of nanotechnology (nanocarriers based on nanoparticles, polymers, peptides, aptamers, and antibodies) to improve the delivery and selectivity of traditional and novel chemotherapeutics with the goal of minimizing toxicity to healthy organs and undesired clinical side effects.
Another topic of interest is the development of photodynamic therapies. In the search for new therapies and delivery methods, we embrace multiple technologies, even engineering. Researchers work on developing fiber optic-guided drug delivery methods. The study and understanding of the efficacy and mode of action of the new therapeutics is crucial for their implementation and thus researchers work closely with cancer biologists and pharmacologists.
We aim to collaborate with oncologists to translate these findings into treatments to be used in the clinic.
Our researchers work on the development and use of computational tools to manage data and classifiers useful for medical diagnoses in an efficient and cost-effective way. Researchers from the psychology department are investigating the effects of social interactions and the visual arts in the lives and well-being of cancer patients.
Another topic of interest is the study of comorbid emotional and physical health conditions (with one being cancer). The ultimate goal of this research is to enhance early identification of medical patients who are at increased risk for comorbid problems and worsen disease adjustment; elucidating the dynamic interplay between psychological and disease processes; developing empirically validated, multidisciplinary treatments targeting both illness-specific and general psychiatric symptoms; and elucidate factors that promote resilience and post traumatic growth.
We aim to expand this research area in the future to include epidemiology and cancer prevention studies.
The Brooklyn College Cancer Center’s Molecular Modeling Laboratory for Cancer Therapeutics is a shared resource for researchers and graduate and undergraduate students to learn about and apply computational modeling tools to their cancer research projects in an interdisciplinary environment.
Bioinformatics and structure-based computer modeling tools have contributed to the discovery of many cancer drugs on the market, and new waves of advanced computational models are revolutionizing computer-aided drug discovery programs in academia and industry. Modern drug-discovery modeling software tools often require specialized expertise and dedicated high-performance computer hardware resources not often available in medicinal chemistry laboratories. The laboratory fills this need by providing a space as well as physical and intellectual resources to deploy advanced computer modeling research techniques to find new cancer therapies.
The Cancer Center helps connect Brooklyn College students and faculty to grants that expand cancer-related research.
2900 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY 11210 E: bccc-cure@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.5000
