LINES OF INVESTIGATION

THE IMPORTANCE of ongoing investigation

Our Molecular Oncology Laboratory runs innovative translational cancer research programs with the goal of generating a new framework of cancer therapy based on personalized diagnostic models, and incorporating this strategy into daily clinical practice.

Our aim is to elucidate the role genes play in cancer development and use this knowledge to improve patient care by identifying novel theranostic biomarkers. We focus on validation of new gene signatures predictive of response to adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment.

R+D Diagnostics

Our innovative R+D Diagnostics program focuses on the development of novel molecular diagnostic tools specifically designed to detect biomarkers in clinical use. Using standard techniques, we focus on development of new assays to detect validated biomarkers such as EGFR, ALK, ROS, BRCA1, BRAF and others.

We are leaders in the field of non-invasive diagnostic tests using alternative biosources such as cerebrospinal fluid or serum, plasma and platelets from blood samples. In certain types of cancer such as lung cancer, insufficient tumor tissue obtained by traditional biopsy can mean it is not possible to perform vital diagnostic tests. Our blood tests not only overcome this difficulty, but also permit real time monitoring of the disease and early detection of resistance. Our assays have the required sensitivity and specificity for immediate incorporation into clinical practice.

As an example of our capabilities in this field, we have developed highly sensitive and specific techniques with clinical applications for the detection of genetic alterations in blood of lung cancer patients.