convergence - The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive ...

Divergence and Convergence
Cancer is not a disease.
It is scores of divergent diseases sharing a common origin: mutations in genes that enable aberrant cell growth.
Normal genes trigger the processes that signal superfluous or damaged cells to self-destruct and make way for new
healthy ones. Abnormal genes disrupt this critical aspect of the natural lifecycle of cells creating cancerous cells.
These aberrant cells do not die even when they can no longer perform vital functions as effectively as their healthy
counterparts and, in some cases, they acquire functions that their normal versions do not have. Furthermore, they
multiply rapidly, displacing normal cells and invading healthy tissue. Too often, the result is organ failure and
death.
Wrapped in Mystery
Nothing about this transition is simple. It involves countless chromosomes, genes, proteins, cells, and
processes and innumerable, cellular, genetic, and chemical interactions performed at the molecular level.
It is a process characterized by divergence and wrapped in mystery.
Successfully unraveling the mystery of this complex, divergent group of diseases and helping cancer
patients survive their disease requires a diversity of expertise, technologies, and perspectives. Researching
abnormal cell growth demands the integration of resources, disciplines, and sciences and the collaboration
of experts throughout the University and across the globe. The tradition of the individual researcher
working long, isolated hours at the laboratory bench is passing. The hours are still long, but they are no
longer lonely. Seeking better cancer cures and enhancing patient care call for the participation of medical
professionals, patients, and the community of donors.
Cooperation and Collaboration
The need for a diversity of perspectives and expertise is why the UCCRC’s pioneering researchers
emphasize multidisciplinary approaches and value cooperation and collaboration. Our modus operandi
is to focus on building bridges, literal and figurative, that connect laboratories to clinics, strengthen the
bonds between the University and communities, and bring departments, institutes, organizations, and
facilities together.
Over the years, the UCCRC has welcomed biologists, surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, pathologists,
biochemists, radiation oncologists, epidemiologists, statisticians, physicists, chemists, psychiatrists,
sociologists and geneticists intent on bringing new expertise and knowledge to enhance our understanding
of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Today, we are expanding our reach to encompass an even
broader range of knowledge, information, and skills and ensure better care and quality of life for cancer
patients.
convergence | | UCCRC Annual Report 2004-2005