Integrative Research Centers
Center for Novel Experimental Therapeutics (C-NExT)
George Demetri, MD 
Andrew Kung, MD, PhD The mission of the Center for Novel Experimental Therapeutics
(C-NExT) is to accelerate the application of basic research discoveries
to improve the outcomes of patients with many different forms of cancer.
C-NExT will do this by integrating the expertise and resources
required to execute complex preclinical in vivo compound evaluation
studies to inform the design and implementation of innovative clinical
trials in patients using the science, biomarkers, imaging, and insights
generated from this collaborative work.
C-NExT serves as a single point-of-access for all Dana-Farber
investigators to the Institute resources relevant to preclinical
experimental therapeutics. In association with the independent
investigators, C-NExT leverages Dana-Farber's diverse array of
innovative, preclinical cancer models representing multiple disease
areas to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of novel cancer therapeutics.
Close collaboration with the Lurie Family Imaging Center allows
incorporation of sophisticated imaging endpoints into the studies.
C-NExT applies imaging, pathology-based and "omics" technologies to
pharmacodynamic evaluations with the aim of providing investigators with
data which may identify subpopulations of patients with the most
responsive disease subsets for specific interventions, as well as
biomarkers of molecular target engagement and early predictors of
benefit. A portfolio of specialized ex vivo systems that are highly related to the available in vivo models provides for compound profiling in vitro, allowing for rapid validation of hypotheses and prioritization of in vivo
studies. C-NExT provides expert project management capability, having
the expertise required to plan and execute all steps in compound
profiling experiments with responsive timelines and project milestones.
By serving as a central resource for in vivo compound
profiling activities for all Dana-Farber investigators, C-NExT provides a
critical link between basic and clinical cancer research that both
supports the translational elements of fundamental discovery science and
provides a competitive edge for clinical investigators who need the
most rational and predictive markers of efficacy and validated biomarker
strategies. C-NExT is an institutional resource committed to
collaborations across the spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic
clinical research at Dana-Farber, with a key connection to the
scientific development of early phase clinical trials of individual new
agents and novel combination regimens.
Clinical and translational investigators in Dana-Farber clinical centers, such as the Early Drug Development Center
and other disease-focused Centers (e.g. Thoracic Oncology, Women's Cancers, Neuro-Oncology, and Sarcomas)
will be key members of the academic team building upon the data from
C-NExT in order to develop new "smart clinical trials" to accelerate the
pace of clinical discovery and new treatments for unmet needs of cancer
patients. Further, by providing transparent and coordinated access to
the resources required for preclinical experimental therapeutics
studies, C-NExT facilitates engagement of the biopharmaceutical industry
directly along with the collaboration of Dana-Farber investigators.