University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Research at the CU Cancer Center

Basic research at the CU Cancer Center is led by a strong group of senior investigators with international reputations and extensive federal grant support. Our basic scientists strive to better understand the fundamental cell activity that leads to cancer. They work closely with our clinical researchers to translate laboratory findings into drugs, therapies and techniques that can be applied to people. Our clinical researchers then enroll patients in clinical trials to test these new treatments in cancer research studies. The result of this collaboration is a host of promising new techniques to diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.

The CU Cancer Center offers cancer research facilities that are unparalleled in the Rocky Mountain region. Our 11 Shared Resources provide equipment and expertise to all members that would otherwise be too expensive for cancer investigators to develop in their individual labs.

Find the right Shared Resource to help with your research

At the CU Cancer Center our four research programs are comprised of senior investigators in basic science, clinical translational research and cancer prevention and control who collaborate to develop promising techniques to diagnose, treat and prevent cancer.

Learn more about our Research Programs

The CU Cancer Center was established in 1988. Our 400+ members are renowned scientists and clinicians from across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region who are interested in collaborating with others to understand the basic mechanisms of cancer, discover and create new tests, treatments and therapies, design and participate in clinical trials and pursue solutions for preventing and controlling cancer in our community and across the world.

Find out more about our Membership Program

Latest Research from the CU Cancer Center

‘Worldwide Collaboration’ Helps Answer Questions About Lung Cancer Therapy
4/10/2025
An international study led by a CU Cancer Center member examined treating lung cancer with a combination of a targeted therapy along with chemotherapy....Read More
Shared Resources Provide State-of-the-Art Equipment to CU Cancer Center Researchers
4/9/2025
Shared Resources had success securing NIH grants specifically designed to support the purchase of state-of-the-art instruments to enhance research....Read More
What to Know About Head and Neck Cancer
4/8/2025
April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. We spoke with Alice Weaver about how head and neck cancers are treated, and the best ways to avoid them....Read More
Telehealth Program Targets Severe Sleeplessness Among Colorado Cancer Patients
4/3/2025
A project now underway takes aim at one of the most often-reported symptoms among cancer patients and survivors: Sleeplessness....Read More
Research Study Offers Cancer-Targeted Exercise Program to Survivors in Rural Communities
3/27/2025
Ryan Marker, PhD, PT, developed a virtual exercise program for cancer survivors in rural communities, with a focus on reducing cancer-related fatigue....Read More
CU Cancer Center Researchers Identify the ‘Switch’ That Allows Intestinal Cells to Regenerate After Injury
3/24/2025
Peter Dempsey and Justin Brumbaugh published research on how H3K36 methylation regulates plasticity and regeneration in intestinal cells....Read More