Our “product” is the gain of scientific knowledge

Excellence in Research

Our research activities have a clear objective: to conduct and facilitate excellent clinical cancer research at the international level in order to improve the treatment and quality of life of cancer patients. As we are not a pharmaceutical company, our real “product” is the gain of scientific knowledge, which we achieve through clinical trials with our partners that focus on patient-relevant endpoints such as survival and quality of life.

Our trials have gained worldwide recognition for their significant impact on the field of cancer care

Investigator-initiated (non-pharma-sponsored) research

Sponsored by our institution and conducted on an international scale, our investigator-initiated trials result from collaborative efforts between our internal experts and external partners, including esteemed physicians and oncologists from various university hospitals.

We aim to accelerate the translation of research findings into tangible benefits for patients

Translational Research and BioDataBank

We recognize the vital role of translational research in our study designs. By integrating translational elements and artificial intelligence (AI), we are committed to advancing the understanding of cancer pathogenesis and development.

To support researchers in gaining valuable insights, we systematically collect specimens such as tissue, blood, and stool whenever possible. These biospecimens, together with associated clinical trial data, are curated in the IKF BioDataBank, a comprehensive resource that already contains more than 22,000 tissue samples. This unique combination provides an invaluable foundation for studying cancer at the molecular level.

To guarantee responsible use, access to the BioDataBank is governed by a stringent ethical and governance framework.

Real-World Evidence and Non-Interventional Research

One focus of our research lies in real-world studies across diverse healthcare settings. These studies provide valuable insights into the practical application of treatments, their effectiveness in routine care, and patient outcomes in real-world scenarios.

Our collaborative real-world studies and non-interventional trials are characterized by high scientific impact and enjoy strong acceptance within the oncology community.

By conducting research in real-life settings, we aim to bridge the gap between controlled clinical environments and the complexities of everyday practice — generating evidence that truly informs and improves patient care.