Center for Cancer and Immunology Research
Main Center Contacts
About the Center
In October 2017, the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research (CCIR) had a time of transition with the appointment of a new Center Director, Catherine M. Bollard, MD, MBChB, and extensive restructuring of the leadership and management infrastructure which consisted of the creation of an Executive Committee with eight members representing all the key components of research as well as center and business administration.
Since that time the Center has made major research advances preclinically and clinically with key advances in the understanding of key signaling pathways involved with brain tumor development, as well as major advances in translational research with several key first-in-human studies opened utilizing novel cell therapies for the treatment of cancer, as well as life threatening viral infections.
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Mission
Our mission is to drive groundbreaking basic and clinical research to benefit children with cancer, infection, blood and immune-related disorders.
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Vision
Our vision is that personalized cures for cancer, immune disorders and blood diseases are available for every child.
New Frontiers in Cancer Immunotherapy
The Center for Cancer and Immunology Research explores new methods of cancer immunotherapy by reprogramming a patient's own immune cells so they learn to recognize and destroy only cancer cells.
Research Areas
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Behavioral Research
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Blood Disorders
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Cancer Biology and Experimental Cancer Therapy
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Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy Program
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Clinical Oncology
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Food Allergy Program
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Immunology Immunodeficiency
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Micro and Nanotechnology for Cancer Biology and Therapeutics
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Neuro-Oncology Research
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Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
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Rheumatology
Principal Investigators
Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD
- Senior Vice President and Chief Research Officer
- Dr. Robert J. and Florence T. Bosworth Distinguished Professor of Cancer and Transplantation Biology Research
Conrad Russell Y. Cruz, MD, PhD
- Principal Investigator, Program for Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapies (CETI)
Patrick J. Hanley, PhD
- Chief and Director, Cellular Therapy Program
- Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Michael Keller, MD
- Director, Translational Research Laboratory - CETI
- Director, Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders
Brian R. Rood, MD
- Director, Clinical Neuro-Oncology
- Medical Director, Brain Tumor Institute
Highlights from the Center
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Clinical Trials
Our experts play an active role in innovative and prestigious clinical trials to advance the science of pediatric cancer care. We offer your child access to novel cancer clinical trials, some of which are only available at Children’s National.
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Core Facilities
Children's National Research Institute investigators have access to state-of-the-art centralized areas of technology and expertise. Learn more about our core facilities.
Related News
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REI Week 2025 empowers the future in pediatric research and innovation
April 22, 2025 -
Research, Education & Innovation Week 2025
March 31, 2025 -
Q&A with Dr. Rokita: Building bioinformatics infrastructure at the Brain Tumor Institute
February 26, 2025