In the first decade of the 21st century, a new interdisciplinary field of biomedical research known as molecular oncology was advanced significantly in some industrialized countries - among them, Brazil. In 1980 there were only four published scientific papers about the discipline in indexed journals in the Web of Science; by the end of 2012, this number had increased to 2171. However, the development of research in molecular oncology was more dynamic in institutions from the state of São Paulo, where 54% of the national scientific production lies. This research focuses on the trajectory of research in molecular oncology in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The objective is to analyze which factors made this research agenda assume a specific configuration - on one hand, in terms of the evolution and distribution of the state expenditure on research and training of human resources and, on the other hand, in terms of the current disposition of the scientific production in the state. The methodology is based on mixed methods research, that pairs semi-structured interviews with 16 researchers and policy managers involved in the area in the State level; database analysis about the expenditure on the area by FAPESP (research grants and scholarships) from 1993 to 2012; compilation of scientific publications from the State of São Paulo that are indexed in the Web of Science, from 1993 to 2012 and documentary research on the history of research institutions. The concept of "research agenda" contributes to an analysis focused on science and technology policy, especially when discussed in its historical and regional perspective.