Rosswog, Carolina - CAP 46

Our research program addresses complementary areas:

1. Understanding clonal evolution from tumor initiation to progression and relapse.

We investigate the molecular mechanisms that govern neuroblastoma development throughout the entire disease course. By combining studies on early tumorigenesis with longitudinal analyses of primary tumors, relapses, and treatment response, we aim to decipher the evolutionary trajectories that drive tumor initiation, progression, therapy resistance, and relapse.

2. Improving molecular risk stratification and precision medicine.

We develop and validate molecular biomarkers that enable more accurate prediction of clinical outcome and support individualized treatment decisions. We evaluate telomere maintenance mechanisms for risk stratification and work towards their implementation in clinical routine. By translating molecular discoveries into clinically applicable tools, we aim to improve patient stratification, optimize treatment allocation, and facilitate the development of more personalized therapeutic strategies.

Neuroblastoma accounts for approximately 6% of all childhood cancers but causes around 15% of pediatric cancer-related deaths, highlighting the urgent need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Despite substantial advances in treatment, the biological mechanisms underlying tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance remain incompletely understood, and effective targeted treatment options are still limited.

Our research addresses these challenges through a translational approach that combines fundamental biological research with strategies for clinical implementation.