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Research Projects
The research focus of our institute lies in translational tumor research, with an emphasis on breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal, and neuroendocrine tumors. Central to our work is the identification and validation of predictive and prognostic biomarkers—utilizing advanced multiomics analyses within the spatial tissue context. We are closely networked within national and international research consortia, including projects funded by the EU and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). We maintain strong collaborations with clinical study groups such as the German Breast Group (GBG) and the AGO. Our goal is to advance personalized oncology through innovative research.
Cooperation with the German Breast Group
Google GBG Our institute works closely with the German Breast Group and is an integral part of numerous international clinical trials and translational research projects in the field of breast cancer. As the central pathology unit, we are responsible for pathological initial diagnostics as well as the management and maintenance of the extensive FFPE biobank, which contains over 55,000 tissue samples from more than 35,000 patients.
For modern digital image analyses, we currently have around 200,000 digitized tissue slides available, enabling precise and efficient evaluation. These resources form the basis for innovative research approaches and make a significant contribution to the development of personalized therapy strategies. Find more information hier.
Cooperation with the AGO
Cooperation with the Breast Center of Charité
Together with the Breast Center of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, we conduct registry studies on invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC) and breast cancer in young patients. For this purpose, we collect biomaterials and clinical follow-up data for translational research within the ILC Registry and the Berlin Young Patient Register (BYP). You can find more information here.
MAGNOLIA
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15–20% of all breast cancer cases. Although PD-L1 is frequently expressed in TNBC and anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) combined with chemotherapy can improve treatment outcomes, the clinical benefit remains limited and applies only to a subgroup of TNBC patients. To improve therapy options, a better understanding of PD-L1 distribution and response to ICB is necessary.
In this project, we analyze the tumor microenvironment of TNBC samples before and after ICB treatment using multi-omics analyses of primary and metastatic lesions from two randomized phase II clinical trials (GeparNuevo & SYNERGY). Find more information here.
SATURN3
The project “SATURN3” investigates the spatial and temporal development of tumor heterogeneity in cancers. Tumor heterogeneity describes the diversity of cells within a tumor, which can play a crucial role in resistance, metastasis formation, and relapse. The focus is on three cancer types with particular relevance: breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer. Find more information here.
PM4Onco
The PM4Onco project aims to establish IT-based foundations for the implementation of personalized medicine in cancer treatment. By integrating various data sources—from genetic diagnostics and tumor documentation to disease progression—the entire treatment process is made more accessible for research and future patients. Find more information here.
Big Picture
Bigpicture is the first European, ethically and regulatorily compliant community-based platform that combines a large volume of quality-controlled, annotated pathology images with AI algorithms. The platform is developed sustainably and inclusively, bringing together pathologists, researchers, AI developers, patients, and industry partners based on mutual use and value creation. Find more information here.
RAD51predict
Tumors with DNA repair defects, such as those in BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers, respond particularly well to certain chemotherapies and PARP inhibitors. Whether tumor cells exhibit DNA repair defects can be assessed using a test based on the DNA repair protein RAD51. The RAD51 predict project aims to evaluate the predictive value of this test in breast cancer to improve diagnosis and therapy selection. Find more information here.
Integrate TN
The INTEGRATE-TN project, funded by the German Cancer Aid, investigates therapy-induced temporal changes in tumor samples from clinical trials. Organoid cultures of individual tumor cells are established and analyzed to closely monitor responses to environmental changes. The goal is to discover new biomarkers that predict therapy response and resistance, ultimately supporting future treatment decisions
Oncobiom
Oncobiome research investigates the relationship between cancer and the gut microbiota. It is well known that the intestinal microbiome influences many physiological functions and plays a role in cancer development, progression, and therapy response—even in tumors outside the gut. Find more information here.
TargHet
The research project TargHet focuses on intratumoral heterogeneity in colorectal cancer—a major cause of therapy resistance and high mortality. This diversity at the genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic levels enables tumor cells to evade treatment. The goal is to molecularly characterize this heterogeneity, decipher the underlying mechanisms, and develop targeted therapies. Cutting-edge technologies such as single-cell sequencing, multiomics, and CRISPR screening are employed. AI-supported data integration aims to identify key mechanisms to advance precision medicine approaches
Gilead ILC
The Gilead ILC (Immune Landscape Characterization) research project is dedicated to investigating the immunological microenvironment across various cancer types with the goal of developing new immunotherapeutic approaches.
Using cutting-edge technologies such as multiplex immunofluorescence, single-cell transcriptomics, and AI-assisted image analysis, the complex interactions between tumor cells and the immune system are analyzed in their spatial and functional context. The focus is on identifying specific immune signatures associated with therapy response or the development of resistance.
Special attention is given to characterizing immune cell populations, their activation states, and their roles in tumor progression. The insights gained aim to contribute to the development of new biomarkers, enabling more precise patient selection and supporting the optimization of existing therapies.
