Business strategy
The CGC's business strategy is based on optimal utilization, expansion and integration of fundamental and applied research activities of the participants. We believe that in this way we can contribute to the development of improved diagnostic methods as well as better treatment methods and products for cancer patients.
Two critical resources are accessible to the team that make the program internationally highly competitive and innovative:
The tumor samples available to the CGC are utilized to obtain and validate genomic profiles of human tumors associated with prognosis, therapy resistance or other relevant clinical endpoints such as the site of relapse. Thereto various genomic approaches are used, including micro(RNA)array analysis, proteomics and chromosome conformation capture on chips. Furthermore, SNP analysis allows identification of (inherited) predisposing factors and might lead to the uncovering of interactions with specific environmental/life-style factors putting individuals with a particular genetic profile at risk. The well-defined tumor bank with patient follow up records forms a unique resource that will be exploited to the most.
Model systems ranging from cultured mammalian cells to model organisms such as the nematode C. elegans and genetically modified mice are used to define and validate new potential targets for therapeutic intervention as well as high throughput genomic technologies and in silico approaches. Validated targets are subsequently developed in collaboration with existing or new biotech companies and tested at clinical sites including the cancer clinics directly associated with the CGC.