Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers

The major aim of our research is the characterization of molecular biomarkers which help to predict therapy response in cancer patients. These markers should allow a more rational use of existing therapies, help to identify new targets in the therapy of malignant diseases or to increase the knowledge for better therapeutic concepts and ultimately improve outcome of cancer patients. To achieve this goal, we analyze tumor tissue and blood of cancer patients for the expression of various proteins or genetic as well as metabolic changes.
 

Prognostic and predictive biomarkers in NSCLC

The International Adjuvant Lung Cancer Trial (IALT) was the largest study ever conducted on adjuvant chemotherapy in lung cancer and showed that cisplatin-based chemotherapy improves survival in patients with completely resected NSCLC.
The IALT study includes a translational research program in order to identify molecular markers that could better define candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy. The overall goal is to characterize molecular markers with prognostic or predictive significance in IALT patients. To achieve this, we will determine the relationship between the expression or mutations of several molecular markers in tumors and survival (disease-free survival, overall survival) of IALT patients. As molecular markers we have selected factors previously shown to be of prognostic or predictive value in NSCLC and/or factors that are involved in response or resistance to anticancer drugs. The results of this research project will contribute to the understanding of the drug resistance in NSCLC and might lead to the development of new treatment strategies. The results might also have a major impact on the clinical management of patients with completely resected NSCLC in the future.
 

Prognostic and predictive biomarkers in breast cancer

The Austrian Breast & Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCSG) is very successful in standardizing and continuously improving treatment of breast- and colorectal cancer in Austria. Sophisticated and courageous clinical trials, the reliance of more than 20.000 participants and maximum efforts of the 100 ABCSG centers made this possible. This story of success meanwhile positioned the ABCSG within Europe’s top-elite academic trials study groups.
In order to improve treatment of women with breast cancer, we studied the clinical relevance of prognostic and predictive biomarkers in breast cancer patients enrolled into ABCSG trials.