The laboratories of the research groups of the II. Medical Clinic are located in building N27 on the Research Campus.
Working groups in Department of Oncology
Experimental Oncology
Head: Prof. Dr. Gunhild von Amsberg
The Laboratory for Experimental Oncology is investigating novel marine substances from sea cucumbers and sea sponges that are characterized by high efficacy in various tumours. Based on a combination of unique mechanisms of action, these natural substances can be used to overcome resistance to approved standard cancer treatment therapies.
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.
Clinical and Experimental Hemostaseology
Head: Prof. 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.
Cytogenetics
Head: Prof. Dr. 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.
Leukemia Research Lab
Head: PD Dr. Jasmin Wellbrock, Dr. med. Franziska Brauneck, and Dr. med. Franziska Westendorf
The Leukemia Research Lab investigates the pathophysiology of acute myeloid leukemia using innovative translational approaches. One focus is on researching the interaction network between leukemia cells and bone marrow niche cells, with a particular emphasis on immune cells. Our stated goal is to identify new target structures and new approaches for immunotherapies to improve leukemia treatment.
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.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Head: Dr. Lars Harbaum
The development and progression of the rare disease pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterized by vasoconstriction, angiogenesis, vascular remodelling and inflammation, which lead to fundamental structural changes in the pulmonary vascular system. The overall aim is to investigate the relationship between pathophysiological mechanisms and the clinical course of the disease and to identify and establish new therapeutic interventions.
Translationale Onkologie
Head: Prof. Dr. Meike J. Saul
Our research aims to identify novel microRNA functions in cancer and chronic inflammation and to investigate their role in small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-mediated intercellular communication. In addition, we directly translate our scientific findings into clinical applications to improve personalized treatment strategies and develop new RNA therapeutics.