Physical Science-Oncology Centers The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded cooperative agreements to 12 leading institutions to build a collaborative network of Physical Science-Oncology Centers (PS-OCs). Learn More
Selected PS-OC publications from 2012 A collection of articles funded by the PS-OC program organized by topic Learn More
Unexpected Dissemination Patterns in Lymphoma Progression Revealed by Serial Imaging within a Murine Lymph Node Intravital microscopy reveals that the efflux of tumor cells in a mouse model of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma occurs in discrete bursts Learn More
Cancer treatment as a game: integrating evolutionary game theory into the optimal control of chemotherapy A novel perspective could help optimize drug scheduling to inhibit the development of resistance in cancer cells Learn More
Evolutionary Approaches to Prolong Progression-Free Survival in Breast Cancer Adaptive therapy strategies that aim to maintain a stable population rather than achieve maximum dose could avoid resistance Learn More
A versatile genome-scale PCR-based pipeline for high-definition DNA FISH A new spin on a classic tool. High-definition Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) is a powerful method with broad applications ranging from the diagnosis of chromosomal aberrations to chromosome architecture studies Learn More
Scanning Angle Interference Microscopy Reveals Cell Dynamics at the Nano-scale A new technique to rapidly resolve nano-scale topographical features and three-dimensional architecture in living cells. Learn More
Could physics provide the key to cancer? Paul Davies and Roger Johnson from the Arizona State University discuss the insights and perspectives that physicists bring to cancer research with the BBC science reporter Tom Feilden. Listen Here
Dr. Franziska Michor on "When does 2 + 2 = LIFE?" Franziska Michor, PI of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute PS-OC discusses how mathematical approaches can help us understand and combat cancer at the TEDMED conference. Watch Here
Cancer in 3-D Denis Wirtz from the Johns Hopkins University PS-OC presents his research on how 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional environments impact cancer and cell migration. Video courtesy of the Northwestern University PS-OC. Watch Here
Fundamental Mechanochemistry of Tumor Progression Jan Liphardt of the University of California, Berkeley PS-OC discusses the research on how cell mechanics and physical forces regulate tissue architecture and cancer progression. Video courtesy of the Northwestern University PS-OC. Watch Here
Measuring a Single Cell's Density Scott Manalis and colleagues at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology PS-OC have designed a microfluidic device to determine the mass and density of single cells. Video Courtesy of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Watch Here
Real-time Intravital Microscopy for Optimization of Nanotherapeutics Delivery to Tumors Dr. Anne van de Ven of The Methodist Hospital and Research Institute PS-OC presents her work on how imaging techniques can be used to help researchers design nanoparticles to optimize the delivery of cancer therapeutics to tumors. Video courtesy of The Methodist Hospital and Research Institute PS-OC. Watch Here
The Fluid Phase of Solid Tumors: How does cancer spread? Dr. Peter Kuhn of The Scripps Research Institute PS-OC presents his research on how cancer cells in the blood can shed light on the spread of cancer during metastasis and potentially be used to provide patients and clinicians with diagnostic and prognostic information. Video courtesy of Arizona State University PS-OC. Watch Here
Dr. Jacob Scott on "Can we stop the imaginectomies?" Dr. Jacob Scott, of the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center PS-OC, discusses how new perspectives and creativity is needed to help researchers find new connections to better understand and treat cancer. Watch Here
PS-OC Network Bioresource Core Facility (PBCF) The PBCF provides the Network with common stocks of an authenticated set of non-malignant and cancerous cell lines, cell culture reagents, and related standard operating protocols. Investigators outside of the Network who agree to actively participate in data sharing and integration efforts can become part of the PS-OC Network and gain access to this resource. Learn More
Funding Opportunites OPSO collates funding opportunities that focus on research that integrates physical sciences with cancer research from the NIH, NSF as well as other funding bodies. Check regularly for new updates. Learn More
OPSO Reports Contributions from outside the field of cancer biology are the cornerstone of the Physical Sciences in Oncology initiative. Learn more about the latest ideas from thought leaders from the fields of cancer biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, modeling, engineering, and nanotechnology. Learn More