Welcome to the NCI Center for Cancer Research
The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is the largest division of the NCI intramural research program and comprises nearly 250 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses outside of Washington, DC.
The CCR is home to an extraordinary group of scientists and clinicians exploring the cutting-edge of cancer and HIV/AIDS research. Our scientists work on a wide spectrum of biological and biomedical problems ranging from visualizing and understanding the structure of individual genes and proteins, developing novel methods for drug discovery, to inventing biomedical devices and technology and creating innovative ways to treat patients in the NIH Clinical Center.
Our scientists enjoy complete intellectual freedom and are expected to creatively and innovatively explore the most important questions in the field of cancer research and treatment. We support projects over a long time horizon allowing our investigators to pursue some of the most difficult, high-risk problems in the field and we are always on the lookout for new challenges and the most pressing problems in modern cancer research.
The success of the CCR is grounded in an exceptionally strong discovery research program which provides the foundation for the seamless translation of insights into basic cellular and molecular processes to clinical applications and patient care. Examples of our success are the development of ground-breaking immunotherapy approaches, HIV/AIDS test and the creation of human papilloma virus vaccine.
The CCR is a unique place of science where we combine diverse expertise with the freedom to thoroughly pursue the most pressing questions in cancer biology and treatment.
At the CCR, we do cancer research like nobody else!
Tom Misteli, PhD
Director
Our Vision
CCR is the world’s leading catalyst for tomorrow’s cancer research and patient treatments.
Our Mission
The mission of CCR is to improve the lives of all cancer patients by solving important, challenging and neglected problems in cancer research and patient care through:
- A world-leading basic, translational and clinical research and patient care program
- An institutional focus on high-risk and long-term projects, unmet needs, and pursuit of unexplored ideas
- Research to eliminate cancer health disparities
- Leadership and coordination of national disease networks and development of technology resources for the cancer community
- Partnerships with academic institutions, commercial entities and patient advocacy groups
- Training of the next generation of a diverse and inclusive biomedical workforce
Our Values
The values of the CCR reflect our dedication to creating an environment that catalyzes creative, innovative and transformational research and patient care through:
- Scientific innovation, creativity, distinctiveness and excellence
- Intellectual freedom to pursue the most important problems in cancer research and treatment
- Seamless integration of basic and clinical research
- Support of individual investigator-driven research and collaborative interdisciplinary team science within and beyond the NIH intramural program
- Highest quality care for our patients with respect, compassion and dedication
- Transparency, diligence, integrity
- Diversity of thought and culture
- Inclusiveness and equity across gender, race, culture and creed
Our Goals
Our goals drive our relentless pursuit to advance cancer research and care through:
- Discovery and dissemination of new knowledge
- In-depth understanding of cancer mechanisms to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures for adults and children afflicted with cancer, including rare tumors, and HIV/AIDS
- Translation of our discoveries into novel therapeutic interventions
- Development and conduct of clinical trials that lead to better outcomes, longer lives and ultimately elimination of suffering from cancer in all populations
- Leading and enabling the international cancer community in research, technology development, translation and patient care
- Training of a skilled inclusive and diverse biomedical workforce who will serve as the next generation’s world leaders in cancer research and care