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
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.
Feature
Oct. 16, 2025
New Technology, Data Drive Advancements in Breast Cancer Care
UT Austin researchers, in partnership with MD Anderson and Dell Medical School, are advancing breast cancer care through predictive modeling, protein-based therapies, 3D reconstruction tools, and large-scale data resources. These innovations aim to make treatments more precise, accessible, and patient-centered.