Abstract
The eight peer reviewed publications and 11 posters/abstracts of presentations which form the basis of this PhD, investigate the implementation of novel diagnostic tools and the application of these findings to identify possible therapeutic targets for management of varying stages of disease progression in common urologic cancers. The publications are drawn predominantly from basic urologic cancer research.Chapter One introduces the concept of translational medicine in urologic cancer research. Although clinical application is an integral part of urologic practice, medicine remains a scientific discipline and research forms an essential component thereof. The genomic profiling of multiple urologic cancers has allowed a more in depth appreciation into the intricacies of the disease. Investigating the genomic landscapes of urologic cancers has helped to identify driver gene alterations and their clinical implication on affected patients. Better understanding of disease development and progression may guide clinical decision-making, particularly in view of recent biomarker discoveries and targeted drug development for a more precision based approach to the oncological management of these patients.
Chapter Two presents the implementation of translational tools in the uro-oncologic setting. Practical and financial challenges of routine collection and utilisation of research results in clinical practice remains a distant goal. Nonetheless the studies presented in this chapter explore the use of the basic research and the applicability of the results obtained.
Chapter Three summarizes the discussion on the treatment-based application of translational medicine in urologic cancers. The aim to strive for a more comprehensive understanding of the urologic diseases we manage will guide precision treatment approaches to address the oncological needs of individual patients.
| Date of Award | Jun 2020 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | John Simon Young (Supervisor) |