Linking laboratory and clinical research: the development of molecularly targeted therapeutics inside the national cancer institute center for cancer research

Clin Adv Hematol Oncol. 2003 May;1(5):302-6.

Abstract

Understanding the molecular basis of the pathways regulating the cancer cell promises to revolutionize clinical practice. The results of genomic- an proteomic-based studies at the National Cancer Center Institute Center for Cancer Research (NCI CCR) include the indentation of a molecular biomarker for ovarian cancer based on serum proteomic patterns that permits early detection and a new method for the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of subclasses of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on molecular criteria. The biological informativeness of molecularly based diagnostic categories confers the additional clinical advantage of identifying molecular pathways that can be selectively targeted for treatment. Molecular profiling of clear cell renal carcinoma, eg, has revealed that it responds to antiangiogenic agents. Moreover, targeted immunomodulatory interventions are proving effective against many cancers. The discovery and development of molecularly based means for detecting, diagnosis, and treating cancer are central priorities of the NCI CCR, which provides an interactive environment encouraging multidisciplinary collaborations, especially among basic and clinical investigators. Its infrastructure supports the iterative flow of information from the bench to the bedside and from the bedside to the bench, expediting the delivery of molecularly based therapeutics to cancer patients.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Genomics / methods
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
  • National Institutes of Health (U.S.)*
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Research*
  • United States

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents