The answers emerging from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project have taught us that almost every cancer has multiple genetic changes as well as dozens of other random mutations that become fixed in the genome because of the loss of function of the mechanisms needed to proofread the DNA. There is also strong evidence that there is genomic heterogeneity in tumors.

Although the cancer cell has found a multitude of mutations that allow it to escape control, the functions of the proteins involved all cluster in a small number of pathways. Hence, we now know exactly what is wrong in almost all of the tumor types, and we know how to aim our therapies. What we need now is more research into how these pathways function and how the multitude of new agents aimed against specifically those pathways, now called "targeted chemotherapeutic drugs," should be used.

To accomplish these goals, Massey has assembled in the Developmental Therapeutics program a moderately large group of investigators with expertise covering the gamut of therapeutic research. The key to the advances now needed is communication between basic science researchers and clinical scientists. These collaborations are further facilitated by the early phase working groups and Massey's Clinical Trials Office through the process of translation.