Cancer Neuroscience Program

 

A new frontier in cancer care. We are helping cancer patients to survive and thrive.

Uncovering the cancer-nervous system connection

From discovering more effective ways to fight cancer to addressing its neurological and mental health side effects, cancer neuroscience impacts every stage of a patient’s treatment. This paradigm-shifting initiative characterizes how tumors and nerves communicate and how the nervous system drives cancer progression. Through this work, we are pioneering a future in which ending cancer preserves neurological health and quality of life for all patients.

Donors Howard and Susan Elias BOV committee member James and Lois Archer Presentation of work by principal investigators in the Cancer Neuroscience Program on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.
LEARN ABOUT THE CANCER NEUROSCIENCE PROGRAM

Why Cancer Neuroscience Matters

Impacts to the nervous system from cancer and cancer treatment affect millions of patients and survivors — and they can be life-altering. Despite this, these side effects remain under-researched, underdiagnosed and undertreated. The Cancer Neuroscience Program aims to systematically investigate cancer-nervous system interactions as a fundamental aspect of cancer biology.

Strategic Focus Areas

Define the neurobiology of cancer

Uncover how tumors can alter the nervous system and how the nervous system, in turn, influences cancer development, progression and treatment response.

 

Develop new treatment options for neural neoplasms

Find novel treatments and delivery systems for primary and metastatic tumors of the brain, spine and skull base that preserve neurological function.

 

Investigate how cancer and its treatments drive neurotoxicity

Lead research to understand, treat and prevent neurological complications from cancer treatment such as peripheral neuropathy and cognitive impairment.

 

Understand the impact of neurobehavioral health on cancer

Harness mental health, lifestyle and social support to improve patient well-being and treatment outcomes.

Portrait of Professor Jian Hu in lab.

Impact Through Philanthropy That is Only Possible Here

 

The Cancer Neuroscience Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative. Your support will help us establish the facilities, technologies and talent to reshape how we understand the nervous system’s role in cancer. With a fundraising goal of $75 million by 2028, every gift will help us explore and define this new frontier in oncology.

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“Wouldn’t it be amazing if nobody else had to go through what my late husband did?”

The late James Broach became interested in supporting cancer research while undergoing treatment for a brain tumor at MD Anderson. Find out why his widow, Jamie Broach Byrd, is carrying on his legacy.

READ JAMIE'S STORY
Philanthropic Campaign Jamie Broach ByrdBOV MemberBroach Foundation for Brain Cancer ResearchAt her homeon Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

Directed by World Leaders in Oncology and Neuroscience

Frederick Lang, M.D.

Co-Director
Chair, Neurosurgery
Co-Director, Brain Tumor Research Program
Principal Investigator, Brain Cancer SPORE

Meet Dr. Lang

Vinay Puduvalli, M.D.

Co-Director
Chair, Neuro-Oncology
Co-Director, Brain Tumor Research Program

Meet Dr. Puduvalli
Vinay Puduvalli - SignaturePriorityLeader

Jim Ray, Ph.D.

Co-Director
Executive Director, Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium

Jim-Ray-PHD

Jian Hu, Ph.D.

Scientific Director
Professor, Cancer Biology
Executive Member, Brain Tumor Center

Meet Dr. Hu
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Elizabeth Hileman, Ph.D.

Director, Research Planning & Development

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Together, we are Making Cancer History®. Your support of the Cancer Neuroscience Program’s pioneering, interdisciplinary research will help us impact every step of cancer treatment.

GIVE TO THE CANCER NEUROSCIENCE PROGRAM