The DNA Damage and Cellular Defense (DDCD) Program is a highly interactive group of 23 members of the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, representing 7 Departments and Sections.

The overall scientific goal within the DDCD Program is to understand the mechanisms and processes whereby cells sustain – or alternatively, mitigate by prevention or repair – damage to DNA or other critical macromolecular structures.

The Program encourages translational strategies that employ either novel chemotherapeutics or chemopreventive agents.

Research focus in the DDCD program can be represented within 2 thematic aims: 

1. Determine mechanisms of damage to DNA and other macromolecules by chemical agents or radiation, and how this damage results in detrimental carcinogenic effects or beneficial anticancer effects (in chemo– and radiation therapy)
2. Identify cellular defense mechanisms that function in prevention of carcinogenesis and modulation of tumor sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy