Center for Computational Oncology
The vision for the Center for Computational Oncology (CCO) is to develop biophysical models of tumor initiation, growth, invasion, and metastasis to establish a sound theoretical framework describing the hallmarks of cancer, and to use this knowledge to discover fundamental cancer biology, and develop tumor forecasting methods to optimize treatment and outcomes for the individual patient.
Website
Directors
Tom Yankeelov
Faculty and Research Staff
George Biros
Staff
Members outside the Oden Institute
Amy Brock, Caroline De Santiago, David Fuentes, Andrea Gardner, Tyler Jost, Shelli Kesler, Hugo Miniere
The center takes a unique approach to tumor model construction through its application of model inputs constrained by experiments and/or metrics tailored to each individual patient. Constructing individualized, patient-centric models offers several key advantages over conventional, population-derived metrics. Models naturally incorporate patient-to-patient heterogeneity – an approach that enables quantitative, testable predictions of tumor progression on each individual tumor and patient, allowing the model to be refined and/or verified.
News in brief
News
April 8, 2026
Celebration of Research: Tom Yankeelov Among UT Faculty Members Honored for Transformative Contributions
Professor Tom Yankeelov received the 2026 President’s Research Impact Award for his research in computational oncology. He was one of two UT Faculty to receive this award.
Five university researchers were recognized at the annual University Research Excellence Awards, which celebrates career-long accomplishments, creative research endeavors.
News
Feb. 27, 2026
After a Decade of Pioneering Digital Twin Research, UT Emerges as a Global Leader in AI for Science
After more than a decade of advances in AI, mathematics and supercomputing, UT is shaping the future of digital twins — bringing together researchers across campus to deploy physics‑informed, AI‑powered models for energy, healthcare, national security and natural hazard mitigation.
News
Dec. 4, 2025
Three New Cancer Projects Receive Funding in Joint Collaboration Between Oden Institute, MD Anderson and TACC
The selected projects apply imaging, computational modeling, and digital twin technologies to improve prediction, treatment planning, and early detection across prostate, head and neck, and liver cancers.