The physicians and basic scientists at the Lurie Cancer Center study the causes and behavior of cancer to develop more effective approaches to prevention and treatment. The Cancer Center's research programs are organized around members' strengths and foster interdisciplinary coordination and collaboration. Each member is in one of the Cancer Center's established research programs, depending on his/her research interests.

With significant research in basic, clinical, prevention and control, behavioral and population-based investigations in addition to interactive research that bridges these scientific areas, the Lurie Cancer Center upholds its National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation as a comprehensive cancer center. The Lurie Cancer Center's research activities also include conducting early phase, innovative clinical trials and participating in the NCI's cooperative group system by providing leadership and patient accrual to clinical trials. In addition, the Lurie Cancer Center funds shared facilities and resources that provide services, equipment and expertise to Lurie Cancer Center members and other researchers in the Northwestern University community.