To this end, the scientists are investigating genetic factors, oxygen content and other characteristics of tumor cells. These "biomarkers" can indicate whether a tumor responds well or less well to radiotherapy. This can be used to develop customized therapies in small patient groups. The researchers also analyze, improve and develop innovative devices and methods for radiotherapy and high-precision imaging before, during and after treatment.

The focus is on translational research. This means that results from the laboratory should reach the patient as quickly as possible. This is why OncoRay researchers test promising research results in clinical trials with doctors from the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden.

In addition to traditional radiotherapy with ultra-hard X-rays (photons), OncoRay is also researching innovative proton therapy. Since the end of 2014, patients at the "University Proton Therapy Dresden" (UPTD) can also be treated with proton beams. Protons are tiny charged particles that act very precisely on the tumor and are particularly gentle on healthy tissue.

OncoRay is run by the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital Dresden, the "Carl Gustav Carus" Faculty of Medicine at Dresden University of Technology and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR).