In 2008, the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) held a series of three "think-tank" meetings to explore the possibility of applying knowledge and methods from the physical sciences and allied areas -- mathematics, physics, physical chemistry, and engineering -- to the problem of controlling cancer.  Encouraged by the results of these meetings, NCI decided in late 2008 to proceed with the program, allocating an estimated $100 million to the effort over 5 years, most of which will go towards establishing a network of multidisciplinary Physical Sciences-Oncology Centers (PS-OCs).  This effort will complement existing NCI programs in cancer biology, particulary established approaches involving molecular biology, as well as emerging approaches of systems biology.

Information on this promising new program can be found at NCI's associated home page entitled Physical Sciences-Based Frontiers in Oncology.