Integrated Cancer Research Core (ICRC) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
Introduction
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-School of Medicine (UTRGV-SOM) has founded the South Texas Centre of Excellence in Cancer Research to address disproportionate cancer related health issues in the Valley. UTRGV-SOM intends to establish an Integrated Cancer Research Core (ICRC) Facility at the UTRGV campus to provide cutting-edge technologies to support cancer research investigators of the Rio Grande Valley.
Methods
The ICRC will house most recent technologies (Flow Cytometry, CyTOF, Image Stream Flow, Droplet Digital PCR, molecular and microPET/CT imaging) to support flow cytometric analyses in cell suspension and tissues, cell sorting, analysis of tumor immune components, microbiome and probiotics, cancer health disparity, antibody drug conjugates production, antibody nanoparticle therapies, antibody radionuclides research.
Results
This facility will not only enhance chances of research funding but also provide cost-effective access to the modern cancer research facilities for developing basic and clinical translational collaborative research and trained local medical personnel in the Valley. This will also allow us to develop our graduate program around cancer biology and cancer immunology to produce a future generation of cancer researchers from the Valley.
Conclusion
Overall, the establishment of this core facility will create a highly conducive environment in the Valley for cancer prevention research as no such facility exists within a 250-mile radius from the proposed site. Acceleration of cancer research training and education in RGV region.