A Tradition of Excellence: Groundbreaking Research Past and Present

A History of Innovation

For more than 50 years, the University of Chicago has been a leader in cancer research. Its scientists and clinicians have consistently expanded the boundaries of knowledge and transformed cancer care and prevention. The University of Chicago is hallowed ground in the history of cancer research.

In fact, seminal discoveries made at the University have supported the development and introduction of the majority of cancer treatments we use today. As the examples below demonstrate, we can trace many of the roots of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, gene therapy and bone marrow transplantation to the University of Chicago.

In 1943, Leon Jacobson, MD, (above, left) used a specific chemical, nitrogen mustard, to treat patients with leukemia and lymphoma. This was the first successful cancer treatment using chemotherapy.

In the late 1940’s Dr. Jacobson discovered the basis of bone marrow transplantation. After using radiation to kill the bone marrow and spleen of a mouse, he found he could save the mouse by transplanting healthy spleen tissue from another mouse. The transplanted spleen cells repopulated the marrow and restored the production of blood cells. Today, our pediatric and adult bone marrow transplant programs treat approximately 100 patients a year for leukemia, lymphoma, various solid tumors, and genetic diseases.

In 1966, Charles Huggins, MD, (above, right) received the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine for his fundamental work in hormonal therapy for prostate cancer. His research offered scientists a new perspective on the behavior of all hormone-responsive cancers.

Dr. Huggins later demonstrated that cancer cells did not emerge spontaneously but required the stimulus of chemical signals to grow and multiply. He proved that suppressing the signaling process could stop widespread metastasis.

Janet Rowley, MD, made many breakthroughs vital to understanding the relationships between genetics and cancer, and opened the door to effective therapies for leukemias and lymphomas.

In 1973, Dr. Rowley identified a chromosomal translocation (a genetic anomaly) in patients suffering from chronic myelogenous leukemia. Her insight proved central to our understanding of the relationships between genetics and malignancy, and initiated a flurry of discoveries concerning other types of leukemias and lymphomas. Dr. Rowley won the 1998 Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research (informally known as the "American Nobel"). She is also a recipient of the National Medal of Science.

Dr. Elwood Jensen, PhD, won the 2004 Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research. According to the award citation, Dr. Jensen's discoveries "revolutionized the fields of endocrinology and metabolism." During his 35-year career at the University, Dr. Jensen developed tests to predict whether patients with breast cancer would benefit from hormonal therapy.