Cancer Research
Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth in the bones, organs, or other tissues.
Cells normally divide, grow, and die in an orderly manner. When they grow or divide too quickly, they may form a mass called a tumor, often felt as a lump.
Cancer can also affect cells in other ways. Cancer cells can spread from the site of origin to other organs and tissues throughout the body.
UPMC pathologists study the mechanisms of the origin, maintenance, and spread of cancer. Our research extends to every organ system of the body.
Our Experts in Cancer Research
- Sanja Dacic, MD: Dr. Dacic's research focuses on characterizing the molecular events of lung cancer and identifying tumor markers that may be used clinically for diagnosis and prognostication of lung carcinoma. Learn more about Dr. Dacic’s research and publications.
- Marie DeFrances, MD: Dr. DeFrances' research group studies how signaling through the PI3K pathway alters liver cancer development. Learn more about Dr. DeFrances’ research and publications.
- Eric Lagasse, MD: Dr. Lagasse and his colleagues direct their research efforts towards understanding stem cell biology, particularly with regard to cancer growth and metastasis. Learn more about Dr. Lagasse’s research and publications.
- Jianhua Luo, MD: Dr. Luo's lab studies tumors by analyzing changes in gene expression and chromosomal content. Learn more about Dr. Luo’s research and publications.
- George Michalopoulos, MD: Dr. Michalopoulos is the Chairman of the Department of Pathology at UPMC. He and his research group profile liver and other tumors for changes in gene expression and chromosomal content in order to learn how they develop, grow, and metastasize. Learn more about Dr. Michalopoulos’ research and publications.
- Yuri Nikiforov, MD: Dr. Nikiforov's research group investigates the genetic mechanisms of thyroid cancer. Learn more about Dr. Nikiforov’s research and publications.
- Sarangarajan Ranganathan, MD: Dr. Ranganathan's main area of interest is the pathologic and clinical aspects of pediatric soft tissue and visceral tumors, including hepatoblastomas, myofibroblastic lesions, Ewing's sarcoma, and germ cell tumors. Learn more about Dr. Ranganathan’s research and publications.
- Uma Rao, MD: Dr. Rao's research focuses on characterizing the pathologic features of bone tumors and melanoma. Learn more about Dr. Rao’s research and publications.
- Michael Shurin, MD: Dr. Shurin's research studies mechanisms of interaction between cancer and the immune system. Learn more about Dr. Shurin’s research and publications.
- Jian Yu, PhD: Dr. Yu's laboratory explores the mechanisms of regulated cell death (apoptosis) in head and neck cancer. Learn more about Dr. Yu’s research and publications.
- Theresa Whiteside, PhD: Dr. Whiteside's laboratory studies the interaction of the immune system and cancer. Learn more about Dr. Whiteside’s research and publications.
- Reza Zarnegar, PhD: Dr. Zarnegar's laboratory is involved in determining the mechanisms of liver, colon, and breast cancer development. Learn more about Dr. Zarnegar’s research and publications.
Get Involved
Learn how you can help us help others by supporting our pathology research.