Geneesmiddelenonderzoek in de oncologie; vorderingen in het genoomtijdperk

Abstract

New possibilities for genetic diagnostics are rapidly assuming a place in oncological clinical practice. Due to specific genetic aberrations, solid tumours characterised by their histological origin can now be further classified into subgroups. The further sub-classification of tumours has led to the development of therapies that target these genetic changes. Clinical research into these drugs in genetically characterised patient groups should be carried out more efficiently than is currently the case in oncological drug studies. In both primary tumours and metastases, the heterogeneity of the tumour genome and the changes within this make the identification of important genetic aberrations more difficult. In the Netherlands a network of hospitals and institutions is being set up - the Center for Personalized Cancer Treatment - to facilitate genome studies of tumours and clinical oncology studies and aimed at making the development of drugs more efficient.