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Home > Special Features > Fox 11: Cancer Biology GIDP
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Training PhDs in Cancer Biology research at the University of Arizona |
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G. Tim Bowden, Ph.D., Professor, Cell Biology and Anatomy; Chair, Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program; Deputy Director and Chief Scientific Officer, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona
Bob Lee, Fox 11 host
Ben Bitler, Graduate Student, UA Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program. |
Cancer biology is the comparative study of normal versus cancerous cells and tissue. The discipline includes the study of normal and tumor cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry, cancer causation and biological rationale for cancer prevention and treatment. The education of scientists in cancer biology is needed because even though cancer biology incorporates many diverse disciplines, relevant contributions from these disciplines can be made only if the scientists involved have had specific education in the biology of cancer. There have been great advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis for normal and altered cell growth and differentiation. This information can be used to address relevant questions related to cancer causation, prevention and treatment. Our Cancer Biology Training Program (NIH/NCI CA09213-31) emphasizes the integration of course work, seminars and laboratory based research training in the disciplines of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology and toxicology as well as cancer biology to ensure that the trainees have both the basic science background and specific exposure to modern cancer biology research to enable them to pursue significant careers in cancer research. Our training program continues to emphasize translational research. The training program for pre-and post-doctoral students includes a Clinical Cancer Biology Experience course which exposes them to the practice of pathology and surgical, medical and radiation oncology. Our trainees also have the opportunity to work with mentors whose research emphasizes the translation of basic science findings in cancer biology into the clinic. This translational research emphasizes cancer detection and prognosis, chemoprevention of cancer and cancer treatment.
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