The main efforts of Cancer Research Institute, founded in 1946, are devoted to the following research fields: molecular oncology with emphasis to retroviral vectors, mechanism of oncogene action, tumor cell and tumor growth biology, cellular and molecular immunology, molecular biology and biochemistry, molecular genetics, chemical carcinogenesis, experimental chemotherapy, and cancer epidemiology. The trend of the Institute to combine the basic cancer research with clinically oriented one is now more expressed in the Institute’s activity. The Institute is approved for teaching Ph.D. students in experimental oncology and genetics.

The Insitute represents a research platform that forms together with St. Elizabeth Oncological Institute - cancer hospital a comprehensive cancer center, member of the Organization of the European Cancer Institutes.