Early detection research program at the NCI

Abstract

The Early Detection Branch, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Institute, has created a program called The Early Detection Research Network (EDRN). EDRN's mission is to support translational research leading to early detection of cancer. The objectives are to (i) establish a network of institutions with the facilities, resources, personnel and interest to undertake biomarker research in early cancer detection; (ii) advance the understanding of the molecular basis of tumorigenesis in relation to screening, early detection and risk assessment; (iii) identify potential biomarkers that can be used as outcome measures or as intermediate end-points for cancer screening studies and (iv) respond to late-breaking developments in the field of biomarkers in a timely fashion. This program has the singular purpose of studying biologic, molecular and genetic markers relevant to the early detection of prostate, colorectal, lung, head and neck, bladder and breast cancers.