German Cancer Research Center

Transcription

1 German Cancer Research Center

2 research for a life without cancer 2

3 3 RESEARCH FOR A LIFE WITHOUT CANCER Cancer is an extremely complex disease. Innumerable features distinguish a cancerous tumor from healthy tissue. Thousands of genomic mutations and aberrant epigenetic labels at the level of the cancer genome promote aggressive tumor growth, and no two tumors are alike. However, not only cancer but also the body s immune system, which combats the tumor cells, differs from one individual to the next. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) are working to decode this complexity step by step, using their findings to benefit patients. They are developing active substances that target carcinogenic cell mutations and are adapting treatments to the individual patient s disease. They are seeking ways of activating the immune system, which is being derailed by the cancer. They are exploring new procedures to gain a picture of the tumor s aggressiveness and are targeting radiation therapy to achieve millimeter precision. And they are studying how each individual can minimize his cancer risk. However, cancer continues to raise countless questions. DKFZ scientists are seeking answers as they engage in basic research at the highest international level. As an interdisciplinary team networked with the best partners, they are constantly studying how their research findings can improve cancer medicine and help patients. At the DKFZ our aim is to see that fewer people fall ill with cancer and that cancer can be cured or at least so effectively treated that patients can live and grow old with their disease while enjoying a good quality of life. the dkfz is a gem in germany s science sector Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to the DKFZ in April 2014

4 DKFZ research programs 4 How do metastases develop? What can we learn from the tumor genome?

5 research programs 5 DKFZ RESEARCH PROGRAMS The DKFZ currently has 53 scientific divisions, 13 clinical cooperation units, 24 junior research groups and three Helmholtz professorships organized in seven research programs. What are the challenges the DKFZ scientists have to face? Which questions do they want to answer with their research? Here are some examples. research program a: Cell Biology and Tumor Biology Are cancer stem cells the source of metastases? Which therapies are effective against cancer stem cells? What role do the blood vessels play in the spread of cancer? Which molecular signals govern the development of cells and tissues? Do wrong signals cause cancer? Which metabolic factors promote carcinogenesis? How do cells dispose of their proteins? How do they repair errors in the genome? The scientists from the DKFZ Research Program Cell Biology and Tumor Biology have worked together since 2007 in a strategic alliance with the Center for Molecular Biology at the University of Heidelberg (ZMBH). Six Core Facilities support the DKFZ researchers with their excellent infrastructure and highly specialized expert knowledge: imaging and cytometry chemical biology genomics and proteomics information technology center for preclinical research library

6 6 DKFZ research programs research program b: Functional and Structural Genomics research program c: Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention Which errors in the genome characterize tumors in adults? Which are the defects in pediatric tumors? How do these errors lead to cancer? Which mutations drive cancer growth and are thus suitable as target structures for new medicines? How do genes influence each other and what is their impact on the pathogenesis of diseases? What is the role of epigenetics in cancer? How can the huge quantities of data generated by genomic analysis be interpreted? Can mathematical models help us to understand the complex processes occurring in cells and organs? What behavior increases the risk of cancer; what life style protects against cancer? In which types of cancer does heredity play a role and which genes are responsible? Which cancer prevention and early detection programs provide the best protection against cancer? What factors affect cancer survival? What is the role played by age, place of residence, education?

7 research programs 7 research program d: Tumor Immunology research program e: Imaging und Radiooncology Why are immune cells tolerant to the body s own structures? What is the role of the immune system in preventing cancer? Why do promising immune therapies not help all patients? How do the various immune cells develop in the bone marrow? How can even tiny tumors be identified with imaging methods such as MRI, CT or PET, either alone or in combination? Can computer-assisted interventions help physicians to treat tumors? How is it possible to target radiotherapy even more precisely to the individual tumor? Can radioactive substances not only detect but also destroy prostate cancer cells?

8 DKFZ research programs 8

9 research programs 9 research program f: Infection, Inflammation, and Cancer research program g: Translational Cancer Research Does chronic inflammation promote the development of cancer? Which types of cancer can be combated with paroviruses? Does red meat or milk contain carcinogenic viruses? Why can an infection with the hepatitis C virus lead to cancer of the liver? Can vaccination against papilloma viruses combat existing early stages of cancer? How are genomic data translated into personalized cancer therapies? Can sport protect against cancer and improve the chances of recovery? How much sport and which type? Is it possible to develop vaccines against brain tumors or hereditary colon cancer? Which substances are effective against malignant brain tumors? Do epigenetic substances help against malignant tumors in children? Research Program G also includes the Translational Oncology and Preventive Oncology departments located at the NCT Heidelberg and financed by the DKFZ as well as the Clinical Cooperation Units operated jointly with the Faculties of Medicine at Heidelberg and Mannheim.

10 10 DKFZ partnerships and alliances PARTNERSHIPS AND ALLIANCES The DKFZ is a member of the Helmholtz Association, the largest science organization in Germany with over 38,000 employees in 18 research centers. In addition, the DKFZ is engaged in numerous national and international partnerships and research alliances and together with its partners promotes projects in science, industry and society. for example: hi-stem The Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, founded jointly with the Dietmar Hopp Foundation as a publicprivate partnership, focuses on cancer stem cell research. for example: dkfz-zmbh alliance The alliance of the DKFZ with the university Center for Molecular Biology Heidelberg strengthens Heidelberg s position worldwide as a leading institution in the molecular life sciences. for example: the chemical biology core facility The DKFZ, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), and the University of Heidelberg jointly operate a service unit that assists researchers in developing small active substance molecules. for example: cancer core europe Europe s six leading cancer centers are stepping up their cooperation in cancer research and cancer medicine across national borders. The six partners are the DKFZ together with the NCT Heidelberg, the Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (France), the Cambridge Cancer Center in the UK, the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, and the Vall d Hebron Institute of Oncology (Spain).

11 partnerships and alliances 11 helmholtz association of german research centers dktk german cancer consortium (Page 14) dkfz-zmbh alliance embl european molecular biology laboratory max planck society inserm institut national de la santé et de la recherche médical heidelberg university hospital dietmar hopp foundation ministry of science, technology and space (most) israel md anderson cancer center houston, texas Bridges to Industry bayer health care roche sap siemens health care apogenix mtm 40 years of cooperation: dkfz-most The israeli ministry of science, technology, and space (MOST) and the DKFZ are celebrating 40 years of cooperation in the field of cancer research in 2016.

12 12 nct heidelberg Does sport improve the chances of recovery from cancer? How are genomic data translated into personalized cancer therapies?

13 national center for tumor diseases 13 NATIONAL CENTER FOR TUMOR DISEASES (NCT) HEIDELBERG Interdisciplinary research, therapy and prevention for the benefit of patients that s the goal of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg. With this approach, the NCT, Germany s first comprehensive cancer center, is setting new standards. Renowned as a center of excellence in oncology, the NCT also enjoys international acclaim. The NCT is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg University Hospital, and German Cancer Aid. Its goal is to link up promising approaches in cancer research with patient care in prevention, in diagnostics and therapy, and in aftercare. The interdisciplinary tumor outpatient clinic constitutes the heart of the NCT. In the outpatient clinic, each patient benefits from an individual therapy plan that is created specifically for him or her by a cross-disciplinary tumor board. Wherever possible, NCT patients gain access to innovative treatments in clinical trials. The NCT cooperates with patient self-help groups and supports their efforts. outpatient clinic of the nct Y

14 14 dktk THE GERMAN CANCER CONSORTIUM Cancer research can only be successful if it reaches the patient, and for this physicians and cancer researchers have to work hand in hand. At the German Cancer Consortium, the DKTK, research institutes and university hospitals at eight different locations cooperate closely with the DKFZ as the core center. The Consortium promotes interdisciplinary cancer research and conducts clinical and epidemiological studies to examine how findings from basic research can be used to further the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and personalized treatment of cancer. The aim is to speed up the transfer of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to clinical practice. Another key focus of the consortium s work is on developing joint research platforms across all sites to speed up the application of personalized cancer treatments. The goal is to provide each patient with a tailor made treatment plan. DKFZ HEIDELBERG (Core Center) PARTNER SITE BERLIN PARTNER SITE DRESDEN PARTNER SITE ESSEN/DÜSSELDORF PARTNER SITE FRANKFURT/MAINZ PARTNER SITE FREIBURG PARTNER SITE MÜNCHEN PARTNER SITE TÜBINGEN

15 german cancer consortium 15

16 DKFZ training and career development 16

17 training and career development 17 TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT The DKFZ attaches the greatest importance to excellent and ongoing training during all phases of the researcher s career. DKFZ scientists organize and supervise the Major Cancer Biology course within the International Master s Program molecular biosciences at the University of Heidelberg. The helmholtz international graduate school for cancer research in Heidelberg is the interdisciplinary and international PhD program for the over 500 doctoral students working at the DKFZ. The curriculum covers the entire range of current cancer research. Doctoral students from the germanisraeli helmholtz research school in cancer biology benefit from the strengths of the two institutions, the DKFZ and the Weizmann Institute. Within the dkfz postdoctoral fellowship program highly talented and motivated young scientists are provided with interdisciplinary training in state-of-the-art cancer research projects. heidelberg school of oncology: The NCT, the DKFZ, and the Heidelberg University Hospital jointly organize a training program for scientists and physicians that spans the fields of clinical and translational research as well as At the DKFZ, 120 apprentices are receiving training in six professions, while students from six different dual-study courses combine on-the-job training with study. The dkfz career service supports students, doctoral students and postdocs in planning their professional future. The Career Service provides career-related workshops and conferences, personal coaching and advising and a career network. interdisciplinary patient life science lab of the dkfz care. This program is offered to students from the 8th grade and upwards and includes independent work on current research issues under the guidance of science mentors, weekend seminars, and holiday academies

18 18 Which therapies are effective against cancer stem cells? What is the best prevention against colon cancer?

19 Does MRI help prevent the need for biopsies? 19

20 20 DKFZ cancer information service daily from 8 am to 8 pm krebsinformationsdienst@dkfz.de

21 cancer information service 21 DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT CANCER? WE RE HERE TO HELP. Information for patients, family members, interested individuals and professional groups: The Cancer Information Service of the German Cancer Research Center has operated since 1986 as a contact point for people with questions on the subject of cancer. We take time for your questions, whether by phone, or in our offices in Heidelberg and Dresden. We provide information that is tailored to the individual situation, help to analyze the situation, and provide support when difficult decisions have to be made. Through the Internet, we supply up-to-date news, background knowledge, and suggested links. We organize discussions on Facebook. Health professionals can turn to the Cancer Information Service for scientificallybased facts and sources that draw on the best available evidence. The Cancer Information Service is a free-ofcharge service of the German Cancer Research Center, financed by public funding. new service! Use knowledge to good effect: A service for health professionals Y Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm kid.med@dkfz.de

22 22 DKFZ timeline TIMELINE 28 Jan 1964 The Government of Baden-Wurttemberg establishes the foundation Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ) in Heidelberg 03 Mar 1964 Karl Heinrich Bauer is appointed as Foundation Representative 31 Oct 1964 Inauguration of the first buildings (INF 502) 25 Sep 1972 Inauguration of the main building (INF 280) after four years of construction time 02 May 1975 The DKFZ becomes a large-scale research institute and a member of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Großforschungseinrichtungen (Syndicate of large-scale research institutes, AGF) 28 Sep 1976 Contract for future 90:10 financing by Federal and State Governments 28 Jun 1977 The DKFZ becomes a member of the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) 09 Mar 1979 Foundation of the Tumorzentrum (Tumor Center) Heidelberg /Mannheim 01 May 1986 Foundation of the Krebsinformationsdienst (Cancer Information Service) KID 04 May 1992 Inauguration of the building of Applied Tumor Virology (ATV) INF Sep 2001 The DKFZ becomes a member of the Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren e.v. (Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers) 10 Dec 2002 Inauguration of the building for Genome Research in the Technology Park (INF 580) 01 Jul 2004 Founding of the Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen (National Center for Tumor Diseases, NCT) Heidelberg 25 Jan 2006 Strategic alliance with Siemens Healthcare 07 Dec 2007 Establishment of the alliance between the DKFZ and the Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie Heidelberg (Center for Molecular Biology in Heidelberg, ZMBH) 17 Dec 2007 Purchase of the building INF 581 in the Technology Park 25 Apr 2008 Signing of the Sister Institution Agreement with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas 03 Sep 2008 Establishment of the Advisory Council 17 Sep 2008 Establishment of HI-STEM together with Dietmar Hopp Stiftung (Dietmar Hopp Foundation) 26 Nov 2008 Research alliance with Bayer Schering Pharma (today: Bayer Healthcare) 10 Dec 2008 Harald zur Hausen receives the Nobel Prize for Medicine 20 Oct 2010 End of the four-year comprehensive restoration of the DKFZ main building 02 Nov 2010 Inauguration of the NCT building 29 Oct 2012 Official launch of the Deutsches Konsortium für translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK, German Cancer Consortium) 16 Nov 2012 Cooperation agreement on personalized medicine between the NCT and Roche 31 Oct th anniversary of the DKFZ 10 Dec 2014 Stefan Hell receives the Nobel Prize for Chemistry

23 timeline 23 How do genes affect each other? How do altered cell signals lead to cancer?

24 24 DKFZ in f igures DKFZ IN FIGURES euros total budget for 2016, including euros for the German Cancer Consortium, of which euros is provided by the state: 90 % by the German Ministry of Education and Research, 10 % by Baden- Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and Art, as well as DKTK supporting states euros project grants and euros DKFZ s own revenues employees (as at 2/2016, including 841 associate staff), of whom are scientists, 628 are PhD students, 107 are trainees. 475 foreign employees = 17,2 % of the total staff from 69 different countries. TECHNOLOGIETRANSFER The Office of Technology Transfer acts as an interface between research and industry, harnessing the innovation potential of DKFZ research for industry. index.html The DKFZ is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers

25 dkfz in f igures 25 The ADVISORY COUNCIL of the German Cancer Research Center brings together leading figures in business, politics, and public life. The members of the Council regard themselves as ambassadors of the German Cancer Research Center. They advise and support the DKFZ by placing their years of experience at its disposal and by using their contacts to build relations and access new resources.

26 26 Private research support Phone: Get in touch with us we d love to work with you. For any questions concerning donations and legacies, please do not hesitate to contact us. Account for donations Sparkasse Heidelberg IBAN: DE BIC: SOLADES1HDB

27 imprint 27 published by Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (German Cancer Research Center) in the Helmholtz Association Press- and Public Relations Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 D Heidelberg Phone Heidelberg 2016 author Sibylle Kohlstädt translator Mitchell Bornstein design and production UNIT Werbeagentur GmbH printed by W&F Druck und Medien GmbH, Leimen picture credits Front page, p. 4, p. 6/7, p. 8, p. 16, p. 20, p.23: Tobias Schwerdt; p. 2, p. 15, p. 26/27: Uwe Anspach; p. 12: Frank Ockert; p. 19: Marco Müller; p. 25: Peter Sauer

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