Working groups in Department of Oncology
WG Acute Leukemia Lab
Head: Prof. Dr. med. Walter Fiedler / Dr. rer. nat. Jasmin Wellbrock
Welcome to the Acute Leukemia Lab: our team investigates the pathophysiology of acute myeloid leukemia using innovative translational approaches. Our main research focus concentrates on the interaction network between leukemic and stromal cells within the bone marrow niche. We pursue the goal to identify novel target structures that will help to improve the therapy of leukemia patients in the future.
WG Gastrointestinal Oncology and Response Prediction
Head: PD Dr. Andreas Block, MBA
Chemotherapy is inevitably associated with substantial side effects. Considering low response rates particularly in advanced treatment lines, there is a high demand to identify treatment strategies beforehand in order to guide therapy of cancer in the individual patient. With substantial funding by the Seventh Framework Programs of the European Union and the PROFI R&D funding we examine innovative technologies for the prediction of response in the treatment of colorectal cancer in an international consortium.
WG Clinical and Experimental Hemostaseology
Head: PD Dr. Florian Langer
Solid tumors and hematological malignancies increase the risk for both hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications. Correct diagnosis and optimal management of paraneoplastic clotting abnormalities require a thorough understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. For this reason, our research group focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of systemic coagulation activation in patients with various types of cancer.
WG Palliative Care
Head: Prof. Dr. Karin Oechsle
Scientific research in palliative care evaluates symptoms, concerns and needs of patients with incurable progressive diseases and their relatives to improve their treatment, support, and health care options.
WG Tumor-Stroma-Interactions
Head: PD. Dr. med. Dr. rer. nat. Sonja Loges
We intensively work on the advancement of clinical and scientific strategies for personalized anti-cancer therapy. To achieve this aim, we focus on understanding the molecular interaction between tumor and host with a special emphasis on tumor-mediated induction of vessel growth and immunosuppression. By investigating these processes we identified additional therapeutic targets for personalized anti-cancer therapy. Another core topic is the analysis of potential biomarkers, in order to predict therapeutic response of individual patients. To reach this goal, we are working with patient material of Phase 3 multicenter trials. In summary, our most important objective is to improve personalized cancer care by linking basic research to the clinic.
WG Tumour Immunology
The Binder laboratory is focused on the exploration of immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of lymphatic malignancies and employs innovative technologies to target lymphoma and myeloma. Another focus is the elucidation of action and resistance to immunotherapy in solid tumours.
WG Experimental Cytogenetics
Head: Prof. Dr. Judith Dierlamm
Non-Hodgkin-Lymphoma are characterised by specific genetic aberrations. We are investigating the genetic changes in non-Hodgkin-Lymphoma using different techniques like the conventional cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence in-situ hybridisation and PCR. Hereby our path is directed from chromosome to gene.