Department of Oncological Sciences

The mission of the Department of Oncological Sciences is to reduce the burden of human cancer through outstanding research programs that encompass cancer biology, and cancer prevention and control. The goals of this research are to translate advances into improved intervention with this disease. The Department is organized into two divisions; Cancer Biology and Cancer Prevention and Control.

Cancer Biology Division

This research program includes primary and joint faculty engaged in investigations aimed at molecular understandings of the cellular processes and signaling pathways involved in the initiation and progression of human cancers as well as insights into molecular targets for innovative therapeutics.

Research themes within the Cancer Biology Program include:

• Receptor and cytoplasmic regulatory pathways including: tyrosine kinase receptors, G proteins, Wnt ligands; and the cytokines; interleukin, interferon and TGF beta.
• Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes with implications for cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, growth arrest and senescence.
• Cell adhesion including catenins and cadherins, as well as altered signaling in metastasis.
• Regulation of protein stability is a theme, which include studies centered around the role of bTRCP and its components in the regulation of b-catenin, IkB stability, and Hlf1 the regulation and functional significance of protein Sumoylation.
• Structural and macromolecular interactions in signaling pathways utilizing x-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance technology

Cancer Prevention and Control Division

The research program includes primary and joint faculty engaged in investigations to increase understanding of the role of psychological, social and biobehavioral factors in the prevention of cancer and in the control of aversive sequelae of cancer and its treatment. The program's efforts focus on three distinct areas: research, education and outreach. Research currently includes the investigation of factors affecting: participation in cancer screening and genetic testing, life style modification to reduce cancer risk, biobehaviors factors in adjustment to cancer and its treatment, and long term adjustment among cancer survivors and their families. The education effort includes two postdoctoral training programs; one directed towards psychosocial issues in breast cancer and another directed towards issues in cancer prevention and control. The effort in cancer outreach focuses on increasing cancer knowledge and awareness and participation in cancer research among medically underserved minority groups.

Contact Information

The Department of Oncological Sciences is chaired by Stuart A. Aaronson, M.D. Our administrative offices are located on the 15th floor of the Icahn Medical Institute (East Building), supporting both the Divisions of Cancer Biology and Cancer Prevention and Control.

Department of Oncological Sciences
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Icahn Medical Institute, Room 15-70
One Gustave L. Levy Place - Box 1130
New York, New York 10029

Tel: (212) 659-5400
Fax: (212) 987-2240

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