[Design of new protocols. Role of molecular biology units?].

The majority of current major advances in the management of main human malignancies including breast, colorectum and head and neck result from the introduction of targeted therapies. An optimal application of targeted therapy needs a knowledge for the tumoral status of the target itself. It is also interesting to dispose of biological informations resulting from the interactions between treatment and target (biological proof of the concept). These informations are at the basis of the conception of new clinical protocols in oncology. In this context the role of molecular biology units is determinant. Examples of concrete applications of this strategy will be detailled particularly for the MINDACT Trial in breast cancer and for the KRAS status in the setting of EGFR targeting therapies in advanced colorectal cancer.