Scheffler Group

Translational Oncology (Neurooncology)

Prof. Dr. Björn Scheffler

From imaging to molecular insight: Clinical imaging (a), surgical access (b), and microscopic examination (c, d) reveal localized accumulations of immune cells within the skull bone marrow of patients with glioblastoma. Single-cell analyses further demonstrate a pronounced enrichment of CD8⁺ T cells capable of specifically recognizing tumor cells. Clonal counterparts of these tumor-reactive immune cells can be identified in similar form within the tumor tissue itself (e-h). An increased enrichment of these cells in the cranial bone marrow is associated with prolonged progression-free survival in the studied patients (i). © Modified from Dobersalske et al., Nat Med 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-03152-x

Cancer adapts. Under therapeutic pressure, it evolves, reshapes its microenvironment, and evades immune control. Our goal is to anticipate these adaptive dynamics and intercept them before therapeutic resistance becomes established.

Embedded within a strong clinical framework at the West German Cancer Center Essen (WTZ), we integrate direct investigation of human disease - through advanced molecular imaging and analysis of primary patient samples - with patient-derived stem cell platforms and orthotopic models.

Within this translational continuum, we track disease dynamics in patients, dissect oncogenic mechanisms, and translate biological insight into biomarkers and early therapeutic strategies.

A central focus of our current work is the immune landscape at the brain’s borders. Our research has contributed to the recognition that brain tumors and the adjacent cranial bone-meningeal compartments constitute an active hematopoietic and immune niche directly interfacing with the CNS. Far from being a passive boundary, this cranial immune compartment appears to shape tumor evolution, immune surveillance, and therapeutic responsiveness.

By defining and mechanistically interrogating this tumor-cranial niche axis, we aim to enable refined biomarker platforms, localized immune modulation, and next-generation strategies for CNS-directed therapy.

More information can be accessed on this webpage.