Oncology

Main Research: Oncology

Term: 01.01.2023 – 30.06.2025

The presence of tumor-resident memory T cells (TRM) positively correlates with prognosis in many cancers. In our preliminary data, lung TRM induced by a mucosal vaccine efficiently protected against lung metastasis in a preclinical breast cancer model. We want to investigate the vaccine efficacy against lung metastases at different disease stages and the contribution of TRM and their unique features to this efficacy. The efficacy will also be assessed in combination with radio- and chemotherapy.

PD Dr. Dennis Lapuente

Virologisches Institut

Main Research: Oncology

Term: 01.01.2023 – 30.06.2025 (bonus time until 31.12.2025)

The proposed projects aims at using methods from AI-based image analysis to evaluate histopathologic samples from the field of gastrointestinal pathology. Specifically, samples from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and malignancies of the colorectum will be evaluated. It is the aim of the project to develop algorithms that quantify and detect specific morphologic properties of these samples and integrate them with other data modalities.

Dr. Christian Matek

Pathologisches Institut

Main Research: Oncology

Term: 01.12.2022 – 31.05.2025

Abscopal effects are rare events of local radiotherapy (RT) inducing systemic anti-tumor immune responses leading to the reduction of tumor masses outside of the irradiation field. We hypothesize that the addition of adjuvants to high hydrostatic pressure generated whole tumor cell vaccines in combination with RT and immune checkpoint inhibition induce abscopal effects in an orthotopic breast cancer model. Further, we hypothesize that cDC1s play a central role in this immune response.

Dr. Michael Rückert

Strahlenklinik

Main Research: Oncology

Term: not started yet

Although peritoneal metastasis (PM) majorly contributes to colon cancer (CC) related deaths, knowledge on its molecular mechanisms and putative markers is limited. CC tumors deficient for the transcription factor ATF2 are associated with PM. Our project aims to unravel the role of ATF2 loss during peritoneal seeding and, in particular, the effects on mesothelial cells executed by the secretome of ATF2-deficient CC cells. Thereby, novel therapeutic approaches for PM in CC might be identified.

 

Dr. Kerstin Hübner

Pathologisches Institut

Main Research: Oncology

Term: 01.08.2024 – 31.01.2027

A comprehensive molecular characterization of transcription factor dynamics in ccRCC evolution is a mandatory prerequisite for the development of personalized therapeutic interventions. Aim of this study is to define the components and interactions of oncogenic regulatory circuitries in ccRCC development with innovative NGS techniques. CRISPR/Cas-modified cell lines and patient-derived primary cells will be used to model early tumor stages and analyse epigenetic dysregulation in ccRCC evolution.

 

Dr. Stephanie Naas

Medizinische Klinik 4

Main Research: Oncology

Term: 01.08.2024 – 31.01.2027

A rapid and unambiguous differential diagnosis of adrenal tumors is challenging, but of high clinical relevance. In a preliminary untargeted metabolomics study, conjugated steroids in urine were identified as potentially very promising diagnostic biomarkers. This project aims to develop a quantitative LC-MS assay for steroid conjugates in urine and plasma for a detailed investigation of their utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for adrenocortical carcinoma in a larger patient cohort.

 

Dr. Nora Bartels

Institut für Experimentelle und Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie