![]() These tension arcs connect seemingly contrasting concepts that can be considered either the beginning or the end of the continuum: from first principles to complex cases, from laboratory science to implementation, and from the individual patient to public health. Within this continuum, three ‘tension arcs’ can be discerned, on which our key research activities can be located. It also provides us with a paradigm for the organization of our oncological research: not in isolated academic groups but in interdisciplinary centers where ‘lab’ and ‘clinic’ collaborate intensively. This broad but interconnected range of research topics reflects the unique position of the Erasmus MC, connecting all clinical specialisms and research approaches on one campus. Our research agenda addresses the whole cancer control continuum, and includes topics such as the characterization and understanding of cancer cells at a molecular level, new, often noninvasive, diagnostics and treatment strategies, the identification of risk factors, optimizing patient stratification, and includes rare and common cancers for all ages. Finally, a research agenda helps to make visible what we do and why we do it – for science and for society. Articulating a research agenda improves the focus and quality of cancer related research. ![]() Why a research agenda?Ī research agenda identifies priorities and outlines a framework for future research activities. To provide the best care for each patient we need to understand what is going on: in the cells – what happens before cancer sets on? in the tumor – what drives its growth and spread? in the patient – when and how can we treat most optimally? in our healthcare system - how can we improve its efficiency and quality? Our commitment to improve the lives of patients is driven by our curiosity to understand cancer in all its aspects and our shared responsibility to provide both optimal and affordable care. Some tumors respond very well to specific treatments, while other tumors – even of the same type – do not respond at all. It affects many older patients, but can occur at very young age as well. It can manifest itself in almost all parts of the body. Cancer is not one specific disease, but an extremely heterogeneous collection of conditions. Research has a pivotal role in our mission. Close collaboration with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and Erasmus University Rotterdam fuels medical-technological innovations and their implementation even further. These oncology-focused ‘living labs’ optimize cross talk and synergy to develop, validate and implement new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies swiftly. The integration of clinical care, teaching and research on one tight-knit campus – one of our unique selling points – in the heart of Rotterdam stimulates this process by creating a melting pot of care, education, and science. The Cancer Institute facilitates cross-fertilization between researchers working on cancer-related topics and physicians who participate in often multidisciplinary cancer teams. The Erasmus MC Cancer Institute unites scientists and health professionals from 15 departments within the University Medical Center Rotterdam, all involved in cancer care, education and research. Our goal is that less people develop cancer, and to improve the lives of those who do, providing personalized treatment where possible and alleviating symptoms when cure is beyond reach. ![]() We, at the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, have committed our careers to combat cancer on a regional, national, and international level by providing excellent care, groundbreaking research, and optimal screening and prevention. This comes not only with tremendous personal impact, but with enormous societal costs as well, in the form of lost healthy life years and growing healthcare costs. Whereas cancer often still is an acute and life-threatening disease, it becomes a chronic disease for some patients. As the population grows older, more and more patients will be diagnosed with cancer each year. Cancer affects all of us – even if we do not get diagnosed with the disease we will inevitably see a family member, friend or someone else close to us suffer. ![]()
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