The tumor ecosystem is the view of the tumor not as isolated cancer cells, but rather as part of a dynamic co-evolving environment further influenced by host factors that affect tumor evolution as well as responses to therapies.
The Tumor Ecosystem Center (TEC) is a community focused on deep understanding tumor ecosystems from functional perspective to ultimately discover new targets within the tumor-host ecosystem for cancer interception or therapy. TEC strives to develop rational approaches for precise interception and therapy, ensuring transformative impacts on both the institution and the community.
At TEC, basic and clinical scientists collaboratively work to identify targetable factors in the tumor-host interplay to understand and intervene.
TEC includes three phases:
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Discovery
We study the effects of host factors in tumors. Projects use integrative mouse models (humanized, FMT, germ-free), organoids, single-cell microbial analysis and metabolomics.
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Data Science
We provide bioinformatics and data analytics guidance and data sharing resources and support new pipelines' development.
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Phase 0
We prioritize projects with clinical promise, which can be leveraged into a transitional phase of early clinical intervention.
Contact Information
Scientific Director
Florencia McAllister, M.D.
Email: FMcAllister@MDAnderson.org
Mailing/Shipping Address
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Genetics
1515 Holcombe Blvd. Unit 1010
Houston, TX 77030
USA
Physical Address
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Genetics
6767 Bertner Ave.
Houston, TX 77030
USA