The term 'translational research' is currently in vogue, but what does it mean? Faced with patients in the clinic everyday, translational research could mean the use of science to improve the quality of life of patients with cancer, or to prevent the over treatment of others. However, the view from the laboratory bench might be somewhat different — translational research at best might be considering the relevance of basic research to current clinical problems, at worst, just another essential grant funding phrase. But, to ensure improved treatment for patients with cancer, do we need to look more carefully at translational research?
These are some of the questions debated in 'What is translational cancer research?', our current cancer podcast (http://www.nature.com/nrc/podcast/translational.html). Our panel, made up of both clinical and basic research scientists, are clear on one thing; that a greater degree of integration between scientists and clinicians is mandatory if we are to improve the translation of science into the clinic, and that this is definitely a two-way street.
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