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James P. Allison Institute™

 

Revolutionizing immunotherapy to end cancer, MD Anderson is shaping the future of cancer treatment by advancing immune-based therapies and scientific discovery.


Inspired by a Nobel laureate's vision

Named for Nobel Prize recipient James P. Allison, Ph.D., and co-led with Padmanee Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., the Allison Institute™ was created to expedite breakthroughs in immunotherapy. At MD Anderson, the nation’s No. 1 hospital for cancer care, the Allison Institute unites leading experts across disciplines to harness the immune system’s power to fight cancer.

 

By advancing discovery, driving clinical translation and training the next generation of leaders, the Allison Institute aims to bring lifesaving therapies to more patients faster.

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Advancing Cancer Immunotherapy Here

Groundbreaking research meets unwavering determination. Our scientists are redefining what's possible in cancer treatment—pushing discovery from the lab to the clinic to bring hope to patients worldwide. Every breakthrough is fueled by the belief that together, we can turn today's ideas into tomorrow's cures.


Strategic Focus Areas

Enhance diagnosis and treatment precision through imaging and pathology insights 

By integrating vast imaging and pathology data, the institute will enable faster, more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans—ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time.

 

Discover new therapies by understanding cancer at the cellular level 

The institute unites MD Anderson’s unmatched basic science and bioinformatics teams with global experts in machine learning to decode cancer at its most fundamental level, accelerating the discovery of new drug targets. Single-cell analytics help researchers to uncover how cancer begins and evolves, leading to earlier detection and the development of highly targeted therapies that improve survival and reduce side effects.

 

Accelerate personalized medicine with AI-driven drug discovery 

By combining clinical, research and imaging capabilities with scientific collaborations—including aerospace and physics domains—the institute will drive personalized, adaptive treatment strategies and uncover novel therapies.

 

Improve public health through data-informed cancer intervention models 

By modeling cancer’s impact across communities, the institute guides smarter population health strategies—helping to reduce disparities, to improve access and to extend the benefits of care beyond the clinic. From local to global scales, these models will guide policy, improve public health, and expand MD Anderson’s reach in Texas and beyond.

 

Develop automated approaches to increase access, safety and quality in cancer care 

Data science innovations can solve operational challenges—from cybersecurity to patient scheduling. The institute will develop automated systems and collaborate with industry to enhance the safety, quality, and convenience of care for every patient.

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How Immunotherapy Expands Possibilities

Immunotherapy has saved countless lives, but many patients have malignancies that do not respond. The Allison Institute is working to change that by exploring why certain cancers resist treatment and uncovering the optimal agents or combinations for specific patients and cancer types.


Impact Through Philanthropy that is Only Possible Here

 

Philanthropy is vital to realizing the Allison Institute’s vision. Your generosity fuels innovation, funds pioneering research and improves the outlook for patients worldwide. Together, we can transform immunotherapy from a promising field into a viable option for more patients and more cancer types.

“MD Anderson saved my life, and I owe them a debt of gratitude for the extra years I’ve been given.”

When Scott's doctor gave him 12 months to live, he picked up the phone and called MD Anderson. Today, he has no detectable cancer. Scott's looking forward to giving back to the organization that has been with him each step of his treatment.

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Guided by World Leaders in Oncology and Immunology

Together, we are Making Cancer History®. Your generosity will fuel the next wave of immunotherapy breakthroughs–bringing promise to patients everywhere.