Knight Cancer Institute

The Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health and Sciences University has earned an international reputation for innovative research, including early detection and cancer interception.

About the centre

The Knight Cancer Institute believes that scientific progress is built on creative ideas, advanced technology, tireless dedication, and teamwork.

The Knight Cancer Institute has been a member of the International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED) since our launch in 2019. It brings strengths in early detection, cancer interception, genomics and biofabrication. Its contributions to the ACED research themes include analysis of precursor lesions for pancreatic and ovarian cancers, investigating the role of obesity in pancreatic cancer progression, and community engagement in early cancer detection research.

Learn more about the Knight Cancer Institute

Brian Druker headshot.

ACED extends our impact in early detection by bringing together an international network of researchers to pursue new directions beyond anything achievable by a single institution.

- Brian Druker, Knight Cancer Institute Chief Executive Officer

Core expertise and resources

  • precision early detection strategy and large-scale population studies, such as the Healthy Oregon Project

  • advanced bioengineering platforms, including 3D bioprinting, organoids and tissue chips for early tumour modelling

  • AI, computational biology and multi-omics data tools to model tumour initiation and predict progression

  • state‑of‑the‑art imaging technologies to study early tumour evolution and pre‑malignant states

  • strong biomarker discovery pipelines and early detection clinical trials across cancers

  • extensive training ecosystem, including PhD programmes, postdoctoral fellowships and interdisciplinary mentorship

Key contacts

Laura Heiser.

Laura Heiser

Knight Cancer Institute ACED Centre Director

Nima Nabavizadeh headshot square.

Nima Nabavizadeh

Knight Cancer Institute ACED Centre Deputy Director

James McGann.

James McGann

Knight Cancer Institute ACED Centre Interim Programme Manager

Other member centres