Oncology and Solid Tumors

At Institut Gustave Roussy, much of the Department of Medicine research focuses on neoplasms and other advanced cancers. The trials explore ways to improve treatment effectiveness, extend disease control, and test new targeted or immune-based therapies for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors.

  • Advanced non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer
  • Melanoma, head and neck cancer, urothelial carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Research on targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and treatment combinations for advanced disease

Many studies at this site aim to improve outcomes for patients whose cancers have returned, spread, or no longer respond well to standard care.

Hematology and Blood Cancers

The site also has a strong program in hematologic malignancies, with trials designed to refine care for both aggressive and chronic blood cancers. These studies are focused on improving survival, reducing relapse, and evaluating new treatment approaches for patients with limited options.

  • Acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and other relapsed or refractory blood disorders

Research here includes testing novel therapies, improving frontline treatment strategies, and supporting patients after transplantation or relapse.

Breast, Gynecologic, and Urogenital Cancers

Clinical trials at Institut Gustave Roussy cover a broad range of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and prostate cancer studies. The main goal is to personalize treatment, improve recurrence prevention, and assess whether newer therapies can work better than standard options.

  • Hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer, including early and metastatic disease
  • Ovarian, endometrial, cervical, and fallopian tube cancers
  • Prostate cancer and urothelial cancer, with a focus on advanced or recurrent disease

Several studies are also looking at biomarker-guided treatment and de-escalation strategies to better match therapy intensity to patient risk.

Lung, Thoracic, and Head & Neck Research

A major part of the clinical research portfolio is dedicated to thoracic cancers and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These trials are designed to improve survival, delay progression, and evaluate new combinations for patients with advanced or locally advanced disease.

  • Non-small cell lung cancer, including molecularly defined subgroups such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and KRAS-altered disease
  • Small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other thoracic malignancies
  • Head and neck cancer, including recurrent, metastatic, and unresectable forms

These studies often aim to test targeted or immune-based therapies that may offer better control for cancers that are hard to treat with standard approaches.

Rare Tumors, Sarcomas, and Pediatric Oncology

The research program also includes important work in rare cancers, sarcomas, and pediatric oncology. Trials in these areas are focused on finding more effective options for uncommon tumors and improving outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults.

  • Soft tissue sarcoma, bone sarcoma, and other rare solid tumors
  • Brain tumors, including glioblastoma, glioma, and medulloblastoma
  • Pediatric cancers such as neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor

Many of these studies are exploring new therapies, better disease control, and more tailored treatment strategies for rare and high-risk cancers.

Immunology, Diagnostics, and Supportive Care

Beyond cancer treatment, the site conducts research in immune system diseases, diagnostic techniques, and supportive care topics. These trials aim to improve how disease is detected, how treatment response is monitored, and how side effects or complications are managed.

  • Immune-related conditions and transplant-associated complications such as graft-versus-host disease
  • Diagnostic and investigative techniques, including biomarker-based monitoring and imaging-related research
  • Supportive care studies addressing treatment-related symptoms and quality of life

This broader research activity reflects the site’s interest in improving both cancer care and the tools used to guide it.