Cutting-edge technologies, like next-generation-sequencing (NGS), combined with the development of targeted therapies are now revolutionizing clinical practice, bringing new complexity to the field of oncology. The CAS in Personalized Molecular Oncology aims at providing a comprehensive and integrative view of the field, by covering all the aspects involved along the pipeline: (i) tumor biology and genetics, (ii) molecular pathology, (iii) clinical bioinformatics, and (iv) clinical oncology.
First of its kind in Switzerland, it focuses on the methodologies used to generate, analyze and interpret patients’ molecular profiles, also touching upon the associated technical, regulatory and ethical challenges. As an important outcome, it aims at establishing a common language between the wide range of professionals involved in the personalized oncology process, from biologists, bioinformaticians, pathologists to clinicians, enabling an efficient and better informed use of e.g. genomic data for both routine clinical practice and clinical research. Moreover, it should empower professionals to develop a vision for their own institution, by critically evaluating the potential benefits and limitations of current and future developments in personalized oncology.
The CAS is organized jointly by the University Hospital of Basel, the University Hospital of Lausanne, and the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.