Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology

Our overarching goal is to find better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer patients by combined preclinical and clinical research.

Our laboratory efforts include 

- the development and characterization of advanced tumor models (PDX, GEM, organoids) that best resemble the complexity and interaction of tumor cells and their microenvironment

- the implementation of molecular and bioinformatic technologies for a better understanding of the tumor biology and clinical applicability (e.g. comprehensive and integrated -omics analysis, tissue and liquid biomarkers)

- the evaluation of promising therapeutic strategies including novel targeted, epigenetic, metabolic and immune therapeutics.

Our clinical efforts are

- the development and initiation of early clinical proof-of-concept studies in solid cancers (e.g. pancreatic, biliary, gastroesophageal) for evaluation of new treatment strategies in combination with state-of-the-art translational molecular and imaging programs

- participation in multi-center clinical trials to offer patients access to promising new treatment approaches 

- biomarker-based and imaging studies for early detection of cancer and treatment response monitoring

We believe it is these translational approaches that will hopefully help to better understand the complexity of cancer and reduce the barriers and delays between bench work and patient needs.