About the Center

The Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology (CMMI) was established in 1983 as a not-for-profit, independent, specialized cancer research center to focus on the development of biological strategies to detect and treat cancer.

The Garden State Cancer Center (GSCC) was established in 1991 as the clinical arm and hub of a network of affiliated hospitals to facilitate the translation of CMMI's research efforts to the treatment of patients. GSCC's mission is to foster research for new technologies in the diagnosis, detection and treatment of cancer, as well as the advancement of biomedical knowledge through an emphasis on molecular and biological approaches.

Traditionally, cancer therapy has encompassed the three major modalities of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, a fourth modality, biological therapy, has been evolving, and includes cancer vaccines, anticancer antibodies, and gene therapy. These are very much the interests and goals of the Garden State Cancer Center. To accomplish its long-term goal as a Biological Therapy Cancer Center, GSCC chose a relevant biological program, anticancer antibodies, as an initial base upon which to build. Currently, the Center is regarded as one of the world's leading centers for cancer detection and treatment using anticancer antibodies. This treatment modality is less toxic than other treatments and results in fewer side effects. Many patients do not respond to traditional treatment and clinical trials offering biological therapies provide another option for some of these patients. All current research at the Center is in agreement with National Cancer Institute priorities for developing new biological treatments for cancer.

Cancer remains one of the most formidable challenges of our generation and of New Jersey residents.