Giga - Annual report 2015

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The GIGA-Cancer unit gathers 7 teams conducting basic and translational research with the aim to unravel molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in cancer initiation, progression and metastatic
dissemination. Some GIGA-Cancer researchers are conducting genomic studies on breast cancers and studying circulating nucleic acids in patient plasma. They are investigating intrinsic features of
primary, metastatic and circulating tumor cells. A special emphasis is also given on virus-induced cancers (human papillomavirus or HPV and bovine leukemia virus) and how these carcinogenic viruses
escape the host immune response. Other unit members are investigating the specific roles of host cells including inflammatory cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and blood or lymphatic endothelial
cells, for cancer progression. By deciphering the biology and intra-heterogeneity of different cancer types, they aim at defining new predictive, prognostic and diagnostic tools. Their ultimate goal is to
develop antibody-based targeted therapies focused on accessible proteins, to design personalized treatment and to overcome tumor resistance or the metabolic adaptation of tumors during cancer
development and treatment. GIGA-Cancer researchers are also extending their studies to other disorders associated with abnormal tissue remodeling and angiogenesis such as ocular diseases, lung
inflammatory disorders, preeclampsia, endometriosis and embryonic implantation.
Head
Agnès Noël
+32 4 366 25 68
GIGA-Cancer