CRU 5002: Deciphering Genome Dynamics for Subtype-specific Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a major challenge in cancer medicine. The aggressive tumor biology and remarkable resistance to conventional anti-tumor treatments are reflected in a 5-year PDAC survival rate of not more than 10%. Despite significant scientific and clinical efforts the dismal prognosis of PDAC has remained unchanged for almost 30 years, and PDAC has been predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer related death within this decade.

Our Clinical Research Unit 5002 (CRU 5002) explores the mechanistic underpinnings of genome dynamics in PDAC progression and exploits genome dynamics with regard to their therapeutic implications, either as direct targets or as vulnerabilities installed by genome dynamic alteration. We believe that our findings can provide unique and novel avenues to refine PDAC treatment strategies, thus improving the outcome of PDAC patients.