Who we are and what we do
The Centre for Oncology Research and Diagnostics (VDOC), a joint workplace of the Motol and Homolka University Hospital and the Second Faculty of Medicine of Charles University, is conceived as a modern centre for applied oncology research connecting cutting-edge laboratory technologies, academic research and clinical practice. Its aim is to develop and provide key technological and methodological infrastructure in the form of shared core facilities and to create the background for its own research teams. The centre will use advanced imaging and laboratory methods, genetic analyses and bioinformatic processing of large datasets, including unique data from the Motol Oncology Centre (MOC).
VDOC's research activities will focus on developing new tools for the precise diagnosis of oncological diseases, patient stratification and individualised treatment targeting. The centre's ambition is also to achieve original scientific results with international impact, published in prestigious professional journals, while at the same time transferring research results into clinical practice. VDOC also wants to bring pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies into cooperation, support the development and standardisation of new diagnostic methods, and gradually create a centre for their reference and centralised use throughout the Czech Republic.
VDOC goals
Clinical medicine and diagnostics
To support the growing needs of laboratory diagnostics for oncology care, apply new methods for targeted treatment and treatment adjusted to relapse risk, and support the super-consultative activities of MOC. To ensure the development, validation and clinical testing of "in-house IVD-R" laboratory methods. The establishment of the centre is also intended to help FNMH obtain the status of a Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CCC) according to European standards, which could increase the workplace's credibility for international clinical trials and attract further patients and experts. Patient diagnostics and treatment itself will continue to take place at clinical departments – VDOC will serve as their research and technological base.
Applied research
Through publication activity, to achieve excellence in oncology research and to secure a position for MOC as a unique workplace within the EU. To develop new laboratory methods for research and diagnostic needs, to develop a technological and knowledge base for cooperation with commercial entities, and to increase MOC's attractiveness for clinical trials. To increase the attractiveness of the Second Faculty of Medicine for private donors.
Organisational structure
As a joint workplace, VDOC is managed by a head of department. It consists of two parts:
Service section (the "core facility")
will provide other workplaces with access to cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced imaging methods, genetic analyses or big-data processing using bioinformatics. This section will initially be run by around seven experts.
Research section of the centre
will be made up of scientific teams established gradually, which will pursue their own research and fulfil the requirements for research excellence.
Diagnostic healthcare will not be carried out directly within VDOC; the results of applied research aimed at clinical use will be carried out through project and service cooperation with KDHO, UPMM and UI. We expect project cooperation with all FNMH clinics focused on oncology issues.
VDOC's administrative team will ensure the smooth integration of grant, institutional and study-related needs.
Head of department: Tomáš Kalina
Project manager: Šárka Šímová
Project support
VDOC equipment
VDOC's instrumentation is funded by the European Union through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, NextGenerationEU.
Project name: Equipment of the Centre for Oncology Research and Diagnostics – Motol University Hospital, Prague
Registration number: CZ.31.8.0/0.0/0.0/23_072/0008253
Call name: 6.2.4 Development of highly specialised haemato-oncological and oncological care
https://www.fnmotol.cz/tiskove-zpravy/vybaveni-vdoc/
