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.
What's new with TEC?
April 2026 — Rian and Florencia traveled to Santiago, Chile to share information and news about TEC with the Simposio Latinoamericano de Gastroenterología Oncológica (SLAGO)
April 2026 — TEC was fortunate enough to have a visit from Dr. Cosimo Commisso, and many great discussions were had
March 2026 — We are so grateful to Dr. Alejo Effeyan for his presentation at the most recent TEC-WIP meeting!
March 2026 — TEC is pleased to begin our Clinical Research-in-Progress (CRIP) meetings to continue to take our exciting research from bench to bedside
December 2025 — Our preliminary advisory board meeting was held, and we are so grateful to all of our board members, both internal and external, for their immense support and great feedback!
November 2025 — Dr. Lee-Wei Yang visited as our first international TEC-WIP presenter
October 2025 — After receiving many submissions and voting, our TEC logo contest has concluded, and we have a winner!
October 2025 — We have officially launched our Work-in-Progress (WIP) Meetings! Come join us for great presentations, and even better discussions!
Snapshots of TEC
Proyecto Ecosistema updates were provided at SLAGO 2026
Food for thought! TEC was visited by Dr. Lee-Wei Yang, who presented at TEC-WIP
Dr. Cosimo Commisso visited TEC: Great company, and even greater discussions!
Contact Information
Scientific Director
Florencia McAllister, M.D.
Email: FMcAllister@MDAnderson.org
Mailing/Shipping Address
UT MD Anderson
Department of Genetics
1515 Holcombe Blvd. Unit 1010
Houston, TX 77030
USA
Physical Address
UT MD Anderson
Department of Genetics
6767 Bertner Ave.
Houston, Texas
77030