The main goal of the research program of the UMC Utrecht Cancer Center is to further strengthen the relationship between patient care and scientific research by heavily investing in translational research. This program is headed by medical oncologist Professor Emile Voest and pathologist Professor Paul van Diest.

Voest: “Aim is to boost the translational research, which translates basic scientific findings to new therapies or diagnostics.” Like the care professionals, the researchers have tightened their crossing border contacts. Researchers are working on different levels on cancer:

• molecular biology
• animal models and
• patients.

Patient care and research are closely and bilateral related: the results of research and trials are implemented in care, and patients are involved in research.

Mouse clinic

The UMC Utrecht Cancer Center has recently boosted translational research by initiating the mouse cancer clinic to seek new anti-cancer treatment strategies using several mouse models for:

• breast cancer
• liver cancer
• kidney cancer and
• colon cancer.

Currently, possibilities to initiate an in vivo imaging facility are being explored. The UMC Utrecht Cancer Center also facilitates the development of molecular technologies and tissue arrays for the genotyping of human tumors, as well as the connection to the hospital human Biobank and the implementation of the mouse Biobank.

DNA sequencer

Recently, UMC Utrecht purchased a new DNA sequencer (Genome Sequencer FLX). With this purchase, the UMC Utrecht Cancer Center has taken the first step towards an individualized approach to cancer treatment. Analyzing the DNA of individual tumors of patients makes it possible to gear the treatment to these characteristics.
UMC Utrecht has a close working relationship with the Hubrecht Institute. The Hubrecht Institute has acquired a Solid System, another kind of advanced DNA sequencer. The combination of these two sequencers means that UMC Utrecht is on the cutting edge in Europe.

7.0 Tesla MRI scanner

The cancer research program includes several MRI-guided (functional) imaging trials in breast and liver cancer; and the use of new microspheres (Yttrium and Holmium) and fluorescent dyes as diagnostic tools.
Since 2007 UMC Utrecht has a 7.0 Tesla MRI scanner. The presence of this exceptionally powerful scanner enables molecular imaging and new technologies are being developed for using the scanner to contribute to better diagnostic tools.

New treatment tools

The department of Radiotherapy is well known for its innovative research program. The main research line is image-based radiotherapy with a focus on intensity modulated radiotherapy technology for three dimensional steering of dose distribution.
UMC Utrecht Cancer Center develops new treatment tools in close collaboration with the department of Radiology:

• MRI-guided brachytherapy of prostate cancer using a robotic single needle implant device.
• MRI-guided high intensity focused ultrasound treatment of breast cancer.
• Construction of an integrated accelerator-MRI system which enables real-time MR-imaging during radiotherapy.

More information

Research on cancer is one of the priorities of UMC Utrecht. UMC Utrecht Cancer Center wants to make visible what’s we do in the field of cancer. You’ll find more information on the following links.