Cancer Genome Research
Prof. Dr. Holger Sültmann
The evolution of tumors is accompanied by molecular alterations on genomic, epigenomic, and gene expression levels. The aims of our research are to identify these molecular changes, to understand their roles in the formation and progression of tumors, and to translate them into diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of cancer.
Our research comprises the genome-wide analysis of molecular alterations in various cancer entities with an emphasis on lung and breast tumors. We apply high-throughput technologies for DNA- and RNA-sequencing in tissues and blood samples („liquid biopsy“) in order to characterize tumor heterogeneity in space and time. The identified epigenomic, genomic, and transcriptomic markers are used for an individual risk stratification and personalized clinical management of patients.
To understand the roles of these molecular alterations in tumor progression and therapy resistance, we apply cellular 3D-coculture models as well as a variety of cell- and molecular biology methods.
Our work is facilitated by strong cooperations with partners in the clinical (e.g., oncology, surgery, radiology, radiooncology) and scientific (e.g., "-omics", single cell and spatial biology, computational biology, AI) areas.
Future projects and goals
In personalized and preventive oncology, the detection of minimal residual tumor disease and the subsequent alteration of therapy strategy is of major importance. We think that this challenge can only be addressed by integrating individual patient data, e.g., life style, radiographic imaging, and molecular markers, preferably supported by AI algorithms. Therefore, the goal of our future research is to use longitudinal serum and plasma samples in order to identify novel multi-marker panels encompassing (epi)genomic, fragmentomic, proteomic and metabolomic features for an improved risk stratification and cancer patients. To facilitate the translation into the clinical setting, we will strengthen our cooperations with clinical and scientific partners to provide a solid basis of liquid biopsy in clinical studies, in particular in the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT).
Prof. Dr. Holger Sültmann
Head of department - partner site Heidelberg
DKFZ