Cancer Research
Our cancer research is focussed on immunotherapy of solid tumors as well as the biology and targeting of lymphoma. In all our cancer projects we strive to gain a better understanding of resistance to systemic treatment and its prevention and monitoring.
1 \ Lymphoma Biology
Our research has contributed to the hypothesis that chronic antigen stimulation and pathological antigen receptor signaling via key antigens from the tumor microenvironment and the lymphoma cell itself decisively impact the development and maintenance of lymphomas. These findings not only enable a completely new understanding of lymphoma development, they are also the basis for new therapies directed against the antigen receptor signaling pathway, some of which are already being used in routine clinical care, as well as potential biomarkers guiding the choice of treatment.
​
References
Schultheiß et al 2024, Sci Adv
Paschold et al 2022, Blood Cancer J
Grimm et al 2022, Blood Cancer J
​Paschold et al 2021, Haematologica
Gomes de Castro et al 2018, Nat Commun
Fichtner et al 2016, Haematologica
2 \ Epitope escape as resistance mechanism for antibodies, BiTEs and CAR T cells
The selective pressure exerted by targeted therapeutic including novel cellular therapy may lead to dangerous epitope escape in tumor subclones. It is a current challenge to monitor the emergence of such clones in real time - e.g. by liquid biopsy - but even more so to find new targeting principles for resistant tumors.
​
References
Stücheli, Schultheiss et al 2025, bioRxiv
Märkl, Schultheiss et al 2024, Nat Commun
Braig et al 2017, Blood
3 \ Next-generation EGFR targeting
The EGFR is a prime target in oncology due to overexpression in many tumor cells. Yet, primary and acquired resistance is a clinical problem that needs to be overcome with new resistance-preventive strategies.
​
References
Tintelnot et al 2020, Front Oncol
4 \ Predictors of response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Immune Checkpoint Blockade has revolutionized systemic cancer treatment. Yet, in the majority of cancer entities, the responders represent only well below 50% of all treated patients. We search for biomarkers of response to this transformative new treatment option.
​
References
Ellingsen et al 2022, J. Translational Medicine
van Wilpe et al 2022, Oncoimmunology
Claaß, Schultheiß, Scholz et al 2022, Front Immunol
Stein, Simnica, Schultheiß et al 2021, JITC
Simnica et al 2020, JCO Precis Oncol

Let's Work Together
Exchange of knowledge is essential for scientific progress. If you have an idea on how we could help you with your project or vice versa just contact us. We are always interested in cooperations.