Cancer Prevention & Control Program
The Cancer Prevention and Control Program (CPCP) engages in preclinical, clinical and translational studies, population level research and clinical trials to develop and test novel approaches to prevent cancer and to improve cancer survivorship. Emphasis is placed on research relevant to our multiethnic and multicultural community so that new knowledge and tools to reduce cancer risk and mortality are disseminated rapidly and effectively to those in greatest need.
Program Aims
Etiologic/Natural History Research
- Emphasis on the identification of determinants or co-factors (environmental and germline/somatic genetics) of cancer risk and progression among the general population and high-risk groups, such as persons with liver disease, pancreatitis, intestinal polyps, endometriosis, family history of cancer and human papillomavirus infection.
Targeted Interventions
- Stressing behavior and lifestyle change in high-risk groups, with a focus on diet and physical activity, to reduce the risk of cancer, cancer progression and treatment-related side effects.
Early Diagnosis of Cancer
- Molecular research to identify and validate promising disease markers
- Harnessing genomics technologies for population screening and an improved understanding of the genetics underlying disease heterogeneity
- Behavioral studies to increase compliance with cancer prevention and cancer screening guidelines, such as human papillomavirus prophylactic vaccine uptake
Cancer Survivorship Research (Emerging)
- Molecular/genetic/epigenomic/proteomic research on biological determinants of survivorship and resistance pathways
- Interventions to enhance quality of life and survivorship among cancer survivors
- Behavioral research on lifestyle interventions that enhance cancer survivorship outcomes
Program’s Overarching Themes
CPCP focuses on three overarching themes:
- Recognized potential for near-term translational impact on clinical practice
- Research relevant to underserved populations in Cedars-Sinai Cancer's catchment area
- Incorporate cutting-edge technologies (from single-cell and liquid biopsy technologies to smartphone applications, wearable devices and virtual reality), as appropriate and in a scientifically rigorous manner, into our research portfolio iPSC/organoid models as inter-programmatic, cross-cutting theme
Notable Advancements in Diverse Populations
The CPCP looks to reduce incidence and mortality in ethnically and racially diverse populations. Some notable advancements within specific populations include:
The rising hepatocellular cancer (HCC) burden in Hispanics has been attributed to the rising obesity pandemic. CPCP investigators have developed multicenter clinical trials in cirrhotics and early-stage HCC patients, and a prospective clinical cohort study of adult patients with liver cirrhosis who are waitlisted for a liver transplant at Cedars-Sinai or UCLA.
Hispanics also have a high burden of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced disease compared to non-Hispanic whites. The molecular and genetic basis for these differences in CRC incidence is being explored through several observational studies as well as the long-standing Colon Cancer Family Registry.
CPCP investigators have shown that African American men are more likely to have prostate cancer and then develop high-grade cancer after surgery. Tumors from African American men are also more likely to have higher expression of adverse molecular markers. There appear to be differences between races in tumor inflammation, genetics and metabolic diseases—all of which are active areas of funded research within the CPCP as well as to understand population level differences in risk factors for prostate cancer development by race.
Los Angeles has a higher proportion of Asian populations than the national average. CPCP has observed high incidence rates of thyroid cancer, a rapid increase in breast cancer incidence rates and relatively high rates of advanced colorectal cancer in Koreans. CPCP is leading the development of a national study of thyroid cancer that will focus on etiology and predictors of aggressive disease, and the program has launched community outreach activities regarding CRC in the Korean community. There is a possibility of establishing an Asian- or Filipino-specific cohort to enable us to conduct more informative studies of these populations.
Another population overrepresented in Los Angeles is Ashkenazi Jews with BRCA mutations. CPCP has a long-standing interest in hereditary ovarian and breast cancers, and the Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program—established before the discovery of BRCA genetic mutations—has served as the basis for several beneficial projects.
Meet the Team
Meet the dedicated, multidisciplinary team of doctors, surgeons, investigators and physician-scientists who work together to advance our understanding of cancer prevention through genetics and epidemiological risk with the goal of using new knowledge to reduce incidence and mortality in diverse populations.
Resources
News & Breakthroughs
Read about our latest medical achievements and scientific discoveries.