m⁴ Forschungsprojekte

F. Beuschlein¹, U. Haus², K. Grassmann², C. Auernhammer¹, G. Stalla^3
1Klinikum der Universität München (LMU), ²Novartis Pharma GmbH, ³Max-Planck-Institut für Psychiatrie

Neuroendocrine Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract (GEP-NET) and of the pituitary represent a heterogeneous group of tumors. The resulting diversity of patient cohorts, thus, poses a particular challenge for clinical trials. To overcome this limitation within the proposed project we aim at the establishment of a Network of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Tumors which will allow assessment of therapeutic targets ranging from pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo testing as well as clinical phase I-IV trials. As common molecular pathways dysregulated in the course of tumorigenesis of this tumor entity allow therapeutic targeting by a number of pipeline compounds from the Novartis Oncology Group a strategic alliance between the involved academic centers and Novartis has been established. The proposed platform will concentrate leading centers in the field and provide a unique opportunity to further strengthen the international competitive position and visibility for this rare group of diseases.

The  Neuroendocrine Tumor Center (NeoExNETM) comprises a Clinical Study Platform, a Preclinical Study Platform and Central facilities which are situated at the University Clinic Munich (Campus Großhadern and Innenstadt) and in the Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry. This structure is complemented on all levels with the specific expertise of the Novartis Oncology Group. Project decisions within NeoExNETM are taken by a Network Governing Board which consists of one member from each participating institute and a Novartis representative and will meet on a regular basis. Overall, NeoExNETM as a structure will allow recruitment of a sufficient number of patients with heterogeneous disorders of the neuroendocrine system whilst applying standardized diagnostic criteria and procedures for the collection of biological material and employing an array of technological approaches in the participating laboratories.