U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center Highlights

The U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center is a world leader in the intensive investigation of cancer stem cells, the small number of cells within a tumor that are capable of fueling the tumors growth. Organized teams of U-M scientists are studying cancer stem cells in breast, colon, lung, prostate, head and neck, leukemia, melanoma, myeloma, pancreatic and endocrine cancers. We believe new treatments designed to target and destroy cancer stem cells could revolutionize cancer treatment. Our goal is to translate our novel research findings to develop new stem cell-based therapies for cancer patients. Learn more in our introduction to stem cell research, "Cancer's Stem Cell Revolution".

Treating the Disesase,
Caring for the Patient

Just as the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center pursues a multidisciplinary approach to treat cancer, we use the same approach to support patients during treatment. That means a patient's health-care team includes not only the finest doctors and nurses, but dedicated specialists who provide the full spectrum of supportive services, including psychology, social work, nutrition, finance and complementary therapies like art therapy. The innovative Symptom Management and Supportive Care Program further emphasizes this commitment to provide care that enhances patients' quality of life. This support is fully integrated into the patient's treatment plan because we know that cancer affects not only the organs of the body, but the whole person and the whole family. Learn more by visiting our Symptom Management & Supportive Care Program web page.

The U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center's Ravitz Foundation Phase I/Translational Research Center is helping to speed promising therapies from the laboratory to the clinic -- where all patients may eventually benefit. The program's portfolio of early stage clinical trials offers patients new therapies that are not available in the community. Several of the Phase I trials have shown such promise that they are progressing to Phase II trials. For more information, please see our Translational Research web page.

Reaching Out to the Community
To the Community

The U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center is taking the fight against cancer out into the streets. Our Community Outreach program is committed to educating the general public about cancer and its prevention through special events and partnerships with local organizations. The Cancer Centers Minority Outreach Program works to build relationships with communities of color by offering events tailored to various cultural populations, as well as by serving as a liaison for cancer prevention research studies. To request a member of our Speakers Bureau for an event, call 734-998-7074 or visit the Community Outreach web section.

Ask about joining a clinical trial

Researchers at the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center are working hard every day to find new, more effective drugs and therapies to fight cancer. But they cannot do it alone. To succeed, researchers need more patients to participate in clinical trials to develop these new potential cancer treatments. All new cancer treatments began as clinical trials. Ask your doctor if you qualify for a clinical trial, read our Introduction to Clinical Trials tutorial or call our Cancer AnswerLine™ toll free at 800-865-1125 to learn more.