Research
Research is carried out by various units of the INCA complex under the leadership of the Research Department. Studies are focused on experimental, translational, clinical and epidemiologic aspects of Oncology.

Consistant with the institutional goals, the Research Department fosters healthy scientific exchange with several similar institutions and research centers in Brazil and abroad. Scientists are strongly encouraged to produce and disseminate scientific knowledge, with a focus on the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and on the education of researchers

In 2005 INCA became the second institution in Brazil and the first in Rio de Janeiro to run stricto sensu post-graduation programs on Master and PhD degrees.

The National Tumor Bank (BNT), located at INCA, is the first in Brazil. BNT is aimed to establish a network for collection and storage of samples of the most relevant tumors in Brazil. According to its implementation procedure BNT will provide the finest conditions for studies focusing diagnostic and therapeutic markers in the most representative cancer samples of the Brazilian population.

Due to BNT the Research Department aims to perform an analysis for individualized treatment, provided that tumors genetic profile may be defined and taking into consideration the regional and ethical characteristic of each patient. Therefore, studies will allow our physicians to guide therapy and to predict the response of tumors to pharmaceutical drugs.

Research Lines
Research activities focus on four areas: cellular biology, pharmacology, genetics experimental medicine and immunology. Among 30 ongoing research lines the following stand out:
• Genetic counseling program in malignant colon-rectal tumors and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
• Search for new molecular markers of the blood sera for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis
• Immunofenothyping and molecular biology of leukemia and lymphoma