Research Efforts

Our investigators work to fill in the "gaps" in current scientific knowledge through molecular epidemiology and behavioral studies.

We focus on resource building to support efforts toward the establishment of multi-center studies of cancer risk and outcomes through the development of standardized data collection instruments and protocols for biospecimen collection.

We aim to promote diversity in research through capacity building efforts that involve training in research skills, grant writing and manuscript preparation workshops for AC3 research investigators and minority training programs for students. We increased awareness of the value of research and promote informed decision making in research participation by providing educational workshops that consist of presentations specifically designed to translate research results to the community.

The AC3 welcomes collaborations between consortium members as well as between AC3 members and non-members. The AC3 research review committee will review and approve all proposals for collaborative projects that will be conducted under the umbrella of the AC3 (i.e. a study that would use information from AC3 research subjects, that would involve specimens, new data collection, or creation of new data in any investigation that is executed through collaboration within the AC3 network and infrastructure). Study proposals may be submitted by AC3 members (as an AC3 study) as well as interested non-members (as an ancillary study).  

Through our community engagement efforts we have developed a successful model for population-based health disparities research studies. We provide the community not only with information about the importance of incorporating cancer prevention practice and screening into their lifestyle but we also provide community members with a better understanding of the importance of cancer disparities research and the value of participating in research studies. This approach over the years has led to an overwhelming acceptance, thus providing us with the ability to successfully recruit study participants of African Ancestry. This model involving community engagement and research recruitment has been successfully adapted for a number of studies.  

Mission Statement 

To decrease prostate cancer disparities in the Philadelphia region through research and intervention.   

Vision 

Serving as a voice for the Black community and spearheaded by a cadre of Black investigators, who are dedicated to the prevention of premature prostate cancer deaths and excess suffering in the Black community, and committed to outreach, advocacy, and awareness that will reduce the burden of prostate cancer in men and their families, further serving as a repository of ideas that provide resources as needed to individuals, families, and groups.     

Serving as a voice for the Black community and spearheaded by a cadre of Black investigators, who are dedicated to the prevention of premature prostate cancer deaths and excess suffering in the Black community, and committed to outreach, advocacy, and awareness that will reduce the burden of prostate cancer in men and their families, further serving as a repository of ideas that provide resources as needed to individuals, families, and groups.   

PI: Althea Baily, PhD, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica

PI: J Robert Beck, MD, Fox Chase Cancer Center, USA

PI: Camille Ragin, PhD, MPH, Fox Chase Cancer Center, USA

PI: Marshall Tulloch-Reid, MD, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica

This project builds on the strengths of the partnership between AC3, Fox Chase Cancer Center and the University of the West Indies to conduct foundational efforts to establish a Regional Center for Research Excellence in Jamaica with a focus on cancer and cardiometabolic research. Guided by a community health and research/laboratory needs assessment, research enhancement, community engagement activities and a pilot project, The plans in Jamaica includes a research program and three shared core facilities. The Methodology/Biostatistics and Biomarker/Biospecimen Cores are already established at UWI and community engagement activities are already ongoing. We are building on the community engagement infrastructure to establish an Outreach Core facility for continued community engagement and research support. The long- term plan is to establish a Regional Center for Cancer and Cardiometabolic Research comprised of Centers of Excellence spread across the Caribbean.  

PI: Kimlin Ashing, PhD, City of Hope Cancer Center, USA

PI: Camille Ragin, PhD, MPH, Fox Chase Cancer Center, USA

PI: Marshall Tulloch-Reid, MD, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica

The LIFE project is an island-wide cohort (follow up) study funded by the National Institutes of Health that will enroll 8000 Jamaicans in order to understand the role of genetics, social, environmental and lifestyle factors in cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The study is in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, The Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR) in collaboration with AC3, Fox Chase Cancer Center and City of Hope Medical Center. 

Infectious Agents and Cancer, Volume 4 Supplement 1, 2009

Cancer Causes and Control, Volume 28, Issue 11, 2017