The Cancer Stem Cell Biology and Therapy CoEE is interfacing with other research CoEEs that address cancer and regenerative medicine, leveraging the intellectual talent of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.

The MUSC Hollings Cancer Center’s Bone Marrow Transplant program will enhance research efforts as well. The Cancer Stem Cell Biology and Therapy CoEE is based at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Carolina. Research conducted at the Center seeks to improve cancer outcomes by developing new therapeutic options for killing cancer stem cells, including stem cell replacement. The research focus of this Center is two-fold: first, identify ways to use stem cells found in bone marrow or adult organs as treatment targets for cancer therapy; second, develop and market the bioengineering aspects of stem cell collection and utilization for more functional, adaptable clinical applications. Dr. Li’s endowed chair is at MUSC. A second endowed chair will be recruited to join him.

The Center will position South Carolina as a leader in this new trans-disciplinary field, which merges bioengineering and biomedicine. It will provide the resources to recruit outstanding individuals to explore the function and inhibition of cancer stem cells, and in so doing, may lead to exciting new stem cell-based cancer therapies that will improve survival rates of cancer patients across the globe and create new economic opportunities for South Carolina.