NYMC > Brander Cancer Research Institute

Brander Cancer Research Institute

• Founded: 1990
• Purpose: Scientists study the basic mechanisms involved in control of cell proliferation, DNA repair and cell death as they relate to the differences between normal and cancer cells. They apply their discoveries and insights toward the development of more effective tools for the diagnosis, classification, and monitoring of treatment in individual patients.
• Objectives:
  • Develop tools for more accurate tumor diagnosis and prognosis leading to improved patient care;
  • Train visiting scientists, postgraduate, graduate, and medical students in new drug evaluation, analysis of tumor kinetics and treatment, and cancer diagnosis and monitoring;
  • Create an interdepartmental forum on cancer research.
• Current research: Focuses on development of novel single cell assays to determine the mechanisms by which tumor cells differ from normal cells in how they control their growth; how cells repair damage to their genetic material, DNA; the development of sensitive tools to detect how cells identify and respond to various environmental insults that damage DNA; a method for investigating potential anti-aging molecules that reduce the likelihood of DNA damage; research into the cellular pathways of apoptosis, or cell death, and important cell response; and studies applying these assays in translational research to monitor individual patients' response to chemotherapy.
• Interim Contact: 

Humayun Islam, M.D., Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology
Tel. (914) 594-4150
Fax: (914) 594-4163
Email: Humayun.Islam@wmchealth.org