The Centre for Applied Molecular Technology (CTMA), which works together with the Cancer Centre at Saint-Luc Clinics, is interested in the gene pool of cancerous cells. Cancer is in effect linked to deterioration which occurs within some of the genes which are present even within the cells of our body.

Techniques known as molecular biology or molecular genetics allow specific deterioration of these genes or molecules (proteins, ARN), which are produced by these genes, to be studied and identified.

Genetics and molecular biology contribute to a better understanding of the innermost mechanisms of how our cells work.

The Centre for Applied Molecular Technology carries out translational research activity: this is aimed at implementing practical applications from findings of fundamental research work carried out in the laboratory, which is useful for patient care.

Several examples illustrate the added value of translational research, in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, work at the Centre for Applied Molecular Technology has lead to the clinical implementation of a test to detect cancerous cells in the prostate in urine. This test is an important aid in diagnosing prostate cancer and identifying indolent or aggressive modes of presentation. The Centre for Applied Molecular Technology is the only university centre in Belgium to do this, and has become a point of reference in this sector on a European level.

In cancer of the colon, we are witnessing the emergence of new medication which is very efficient - tyrosine kinase inhibitors which target and block cellular proteins (Ki-ras) whose deregulated activity is directly involved in the development of cancer. In cancer of the colon, these medications sometimes only work in non-mutated forms of these deregulated proteins. Innovative techniques developed by the Centre for Applied Molecular Technology mean that the presence, or absence, of mutation in these proteins can be detected at speed in patients’ tumourous samples, so the patients who will benefit from the effects of these medications can be selected quickly.

Thanks to the Centre for Applied Molecular Technology, findings by researchers have an immediate impact on the quality of care given to patients.

Several state of the art tools are improving research of genetic anomalies which are involved in the appearance of cancers in leaps and bounds. Therefore, molecular microarrays with high and low density techniques are leading to simultaneous study of several hundred to several thousand constituent molecules of the gene pool. They are based on the use of probes of different configurations which are capable of recognising their own equivalent target within the gene pool and thus determine if the targets present the researched genetic anomaly or not.

The Centre for Applied Molecular Technology endeavours to improve and simplify techniques which are at times highly complex, so that they can be of use in optimising the clinical diagnostic and therapeutic approach of cancers.

Molecular microarrays are part of major progress in the research of genetic anomalies which are involved in the appearance of numerous cancers.

Finally, molecular biology brings about more efficient use of anti-cancerous medication. Indeed, the way in which medications are metabolised in the body is also influenced by genes. Certain medications can have a toxic effect or may, on the contrary, have no effect amongst patients who have a genetic predisposition.

Based on techniques from molecular biology, pharmacogenetics allow subjects who are at risk to be identified quickly and efficiently, thus anticipating the occurrence of undesirable effects, or identifying patients who will be good or bad respondents. These new applications thus permit medications to be selected on an individual basis, according to their efficiency and their toxicity (in this case adapting the dosages or choosing an alternative which is less toxic).

Born of joint progress in genetics and molecular biology, pharmacogenetics lead to a use of anti-cancerous treatments which is more effective and more reliable.

The evolution of technologies is indispensable in opening up medicine to other disciplines such as bio-informatics and bio-statistics, biochemistry, or even engineering. The Centre for Applied Molecular Technology is working in close collaboration with the Cancer Centre and within a consortium which brings together multidisciplinary partnerships. This new approach is evidence of an evolution that cannot be ignored with regard to the complexity of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cancer, and the matter of controlling this illness ever more effectively.