The potential impact of nanotechnology is well recognized, and significant advances in the medical field are expected to be realized first. It is possible that nanotechnology will be the fundamental driver of advances in oncology and cancer research leading to near-term benefits for patients, yet formidable challenges must be met. Researchers at Northwestern University's Nanomaterials for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapeutics Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (NU-CCNE) seek to meet these challenges.

Led by the Principal Investigator, Chad A. Mirkin, the NU-CCNE represents the development of a strongly integrated partnership between the NU Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center (RHLCCC) and the NU International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN). In addition, individual researchers from the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Yonsei University, South Korea are actively participating in this effort.

Building upon significant advances in cancer research and in nanotechnology – particularly in the detection arena – obtained at NU, and operating within the framework of a single university, permits the NU-CCNE to optimize the intensive level of integration and collaboration required to create an accelerated pathway—from conception to clinical trial—for development of nanomaterials and nanodevices to overcome cancer.

The NU-CCNE encompasses highly skilled investigative teams and an extensive array of shared resources in the fields of cancer research and nanotechnology. An extraordinary combination of scientific capabilities, partnerships, and institutional commitment provides a unique opportunity for cross-institutional research, education, and technology transfer.