University Times

The Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (PCI) has entered into a master agreement with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), making PCI one of only seven cancer centers nationwide now eligible for government funding of cancer chemoprevention trials. These studies look at possible ways to prevent cancer development by using various agents and vitamin-like compounds.

These types of studies are growing in importance as the incidence of cancer continues to increase. Cancer is expected to become the leading cause of death in the U.S. by the year 2000. The American Cancer Society estimates that by the end of 1995 there will be more than 1.25 million reported cases of cancer, resulting in more than 500,000 deaths in the U.S.

Current chemoprevention research includes clinical trials to prevent breast and prostate cancers and the recurrence of lung cancer. Studies will expand to include individuals at high risk for developing cancer, such as those with pre-cancerous moles and oral lesions.