The Catholic University Cancer Research Institute was established in December 1996 under the Institute of Medical Science (first director: Professor Kim Hoon-kyo). Since its founding, the Institute has pursued integrated research that combines basic studies on the prevention and causes of cancer—an intractable disease—with clinical research aimed at developing new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, in line with Catholic values and with the goal of improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Since expanding to a 375-pyeong (approximately 1,240 m²) facility on the 10th floor of the Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital annex in 2012, as of 2025 (11th director: Professor Kim Tae-min), over 50 leading cancer researchers from the Catholic Central Medical Center have come together to conduct integrated cancer research and clinical validation. 

The core objective of the Catholic University Cancer Research Institute is to establish clinically applicable technologies through research on cancer causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. These research activities advance cancer diagnosis and treatment technologies and contribute to personalized treatment for patients. The Institute focuses on creating an advanced research environment using cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, and developing the next-generation clinical validation framework. Additionally, 

it emphasizes discovering and nurturing outstanding cancer researchers to cultivate future leaders in cancer research. To leverage these research results and infrastructure, the Institute promotes joint research and practical application of the latest findings through collaborative networks with domestic and international research institutions and companies. The Catholic University Cancer Research Institute plays a leading role in conquering cancer while proposing new paradigms for cancer treatment, realizing Catholic principles through holistic patient care.