Zander lab

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Group Cologne: Translational research to develop genotype tailored therapies

The aim of our research is to improve the outcome of patients with gastrointestinal tumors. We are convinced that a deep biological understanding of these tumors, an indepth molecular diagnostics and a strong interdisciplinary clinical interaction in clinical trials is a prerequisite for this goal. 

To this end we developed a trial portfolio specially for patients with esophageal and gastric cancer covering most clinical situations consisting of industry sponsored trials and investigator initiated trials performed in strong collaboration with the AIO. Systematic asservation of biomaterial prior, during and after treatment sets the ground for our translational program. Main focus of this research program is (i) the introduction of new diagnostic tools  (ii) the optimal patient stratification into different biological subgroups and subsequent subgroup-specific treatment and (iii) longitudinal and orthogonal tumor heterogeneity adding a further level of complexity to clinical treatment. The understanding of the preexisting heterogeneity based on genetic analysis and the evolution of the tumor under therapeutic pressure is crucial to further guide therapeutic interventions leading to better outcome.

 

PD Dr. Thomas Zander

Department I of Internal Medicine
Center of Integrated Oncology ABCD
University Hospital of Cologne

Kerpener Str. 62
50937 Cologne
Tel.  +49 221 478 87009
Thomas.Zander[at]uk-koeln.de

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Gastrointestinal Cancer Group Cologne (GCGC)