Despite the higher chance of cure rates, cancer is the number 1 cause of death. Systemic treatment of cancer, the area of expertise of the medical oncologist, is increasingly responsible for the higher cure rates and the higher chances of turning cancer into a chronic disease. Research in the department of Medical Oncology consists of 2 researchlines: (1) immunology/therapy including our research laboratory led by Prof van der Burg and (2) personalised pharmacotherapy in oncology led by Prof Gelderblom. Research in the personalised pharmacotherapy includes pharmacogenetics (the right medication at the right dose for the right patient), treatment directed at molecular aspects of cancer, experimental pharmacotherapy of rare tumours, such as bone-and soft tissue sarcoma, endocrine tumours and (eye) melanoma and research on the optimal treatment for adolescent young adults and geriatric (Prof Portielje) patients.