Our “product” is the gain of scientific knowledge

Excellence in Research

Our research activities are driven by a clear mission: to identify and close critical gaps in cancer care through innovative, patient-centered clinical research. We conduct and facilitate clinical cancer research at the international level with the goal of improving survival, quality of life, and long-term outcomes for patients. As we are not a pharmaceutical company, our true “product” is the generation of scientific knowledge, which we create together with our academic and industry partners through clinical trials focused on clinically meaningful and patient-relevant endpoints.

PRACTICE-CHANGING RESEARCH WITH GLOBAL IMPACT

Investigator-initiated (non-pharma-sponsored) research

Our investigator-initiated research has led to practice-changing innovations, including the development of the FLOT regimen, which transformed the treatment of gastric and gastroesophageal cancer and became the worldwide standard of care.

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.