The NCCR Molecular Oncology
Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases worldwide with more than 10 million new cases reported every year. The treatment of cancer still remains difficult today. Tumors in an advanced stage are often not curable. The search for the underlying causes and for effective treatments is ongoing.
In general, cancer is caused by defective body cells that divide excessively and uncontrolled. The origin of the cells determinates the specific cancer type (lung, breast, brain, liver, blood, etc.). It is known today that cancer cells are defective in basic biological processes controlling cell division and specification. In advanced disease stages they acquire extra capacities to stimulate the development of blood vessels and to invade other tissues and organs. In addition, they often evade the immune system, which – in principle – can eliminate cancer cells.
The National Center of Competence in Research in Molecular Oncology focuses on different aspects of the basic biology of tumor cells and the response of normal cells to cancer. The scientists investigate the causes of cancer development and aim to use this knowledge for establishing better cancer therapies. The program’s specific objectives are to improve the translation of results in basic cancer research into a better clinical treatment, through a closer interaction between basic researchers and clinical scientists in Switzerland.