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Completed research projects

  • Characterization of Tumor Markers for Cancer Treatment in Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas
    Daniela Bianconi, University Clinic for Internal Medicine I
  • The Role of MicroRNA 21 in Pleural Cancer
    Michael Grusch, Institute for Cancer Research
  • A translational research approach for improved molecular characterization of leiomyosarcomas
    Rainer Hamacher, Department of Internal Medicine I
  • Molecular mechanisms contributing to the synergy between systemic cancer therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors
    Christine Pirker, Institute for Cancer Research

     

Brochure about these funded projects available for download

  • Tumor Immunology of Brain Metastases
    Anna Berghoff, Department of Internal Medicine I

     

  • Ocular Blood Flow in Patients with Colorectal Tumors Before and After Anti-Angiogenic Therapy
    Thorsten Füreder, Department of Internal Medicine I

     

  • Tumor-Specific Activation of Clinically Approved Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors by Cathepsin B
    Petra Heffeter, Institute for Cancer Research

     

  • Functional Characterization of Epigenetically Silenced Genes L1TD1 and ZNF677 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers
    Gerwin Heller, University Clinic for Internal Medicine I

     

  • Molecular mechanisms of resistance development to anti-EGFR therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
    Martin Holcmann, Institute for Cancer Research

     

  • New aspects in the administration of IMiDs in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
    Barbara Kiesewetter, University Clinic for Internal Medicine I

     

  • Antitumor Activity of KP46 in Relation to p53
    Karin Nowikovsky, University Clinic for Internal Medicine I

     

  • EXACT: Extended Analysis for Cancer Treatment
    Gerald Prager, University Clinic for Internal Medicine I
    “Targeted Attack on the Tumor Cell”—article on the EXACT study in “Die Presse” from October 3, 2013, available for download

     

  • Establishment of a Multicenter Registry for Critically Ill Cancer Patients in Intensive Care Units
    Peter Schellongowski, University Clinic for Internal Medicine I

     

  • Preclinical Evaluation and Functional Analysis of Gliotoxin, an Effective Inhibitor of the NOTCH Receptor in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
    Medhat Shehata, Comprehensive Cancer Center

     

Brochure about these funded projects available for download

Glioblastoma is an increasingly common, extremely aggressive brain tumor that is very difficult to treat. Consequently, in most cases, this tumor leads to the patient’s death very rapidly. The goal of the project is to decipher the molecular basis of this tumor’s resistance to treatment and its aggressiveness using state-of-the-art molecular genetic technologies and, based on the data obtained, to develop new therapeutic strategies.

 

Kira Brämswig and Gerald Prager are investigating angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels—a process that plays a key role in the development of cancer. Anti-angiogenic therapies used clinically to date have achieved only partial and, at times, temporary success in cancer treatment. A better understanding of the functional mechanism by which certain tumor markers influence the pro-angiogenic behavior of endothelial cells is a fundamental prerequisite for identifying new therapeutic targets in anti-angiogenic cancer therapy.

Cetuximab (Erbitux®) is a monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It has recently been demonstrated that cetuximab, in combination with chemotherapy, significantly prolongs survival in patients with NSCLC. Cetuximab will therefore have a major impact on the treatment of NSCLC in the future. Due to pre-existing resistance or resistance acquired during the course of therapy, not all patients benefit from this treatment. The project aims to help characterize the clinically relevant resistance mechanisms to cetuximab therapy in patients with NSCLC and to enable the selection of patients for this treatment option in the future.

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and its incidence has risen sharply in recent years. It metastasizes early and is then difficult to treat with currently available medications. In the project led by Michael Grusch and colleagues, researchers are investigating the effects of a new class of substances that specifically block the receptor for fibroblast growth factor (FGF), which is essential for melanoma cells.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the bone marrow characterized by a highly variable clinical course. To better understand this, this project aims to investigate the characteristics of myeloma cells with regard to their production of a wide variety of proteins and signaling molecules. Through this, the researchers expect to gain insights not only into the disease itself but also into which patterns correspond to specific therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapies).

Katrina Vanura is studying the enzyme UGT2B17, which is a new prognostic factor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Patients with high expression of the corresponding gene appear to respond much less effectively to standard treatments. Katrina Vanura and her team are using a larger group of patients to investigate the role this enzyme plays in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma.

  • Detection of Methylated Tumor DNA in Serum as a Marker for Cancer
    Alexandra Cee and Team
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  • Optimizing Treatment for Tumors and Leukemias Using Heat Shock Protein 32
    Karoline V. Gleixner and Team
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  • Genetic Polymorphisms in DNA Repair Genes and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer
    Andrea Gsur and Team
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  • The Role of Deletions on Chromosome 20q in Myeloproliferative Disorders
    Roland Jäger, Tiina Berg, Robert Kralovics
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  • Identification and Modulation of MicroRNAs as Mediators of Chemoresistance
    Robert Mader, Johannes Grillari, Walter Berger
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  • CD98, a New Therapeutic Target in Oncology
    Gerald Prager and Team
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  • Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Activity of ErBB Inhibitors in Cancer Cells
  • Michael Grusch and Team
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  • Association Between Hypoxia and Telomerase Activity in WHO Grade II–IV Astrocytic Tumors
  • Klaus Holzmann and Team
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  • Functional Analysis of N33 (TUSC3), a Gene of High Prognostic Significance in Ovarian Cancer
  • Michael Krainer and Team
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  • Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer and Its Precursor—Colorectal Polyps
  • Brigitte Marian and Team
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  • Inhibition of the PI3-kinase signaling pathway, taking into account the lymphoid “microenvironment,” as an innovative treatment strategy for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Medhat Shehata and Team
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  • Hemoxygenase 1 (HO-1) as a Therapeutic Target in Solid Tumors and Leukemias
  • Peter Valent and Team
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  • Development of a Three-Dimensional Tumor Model
  • Ansgar Weltermann and Team
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  • Identification of Genes Regulated by Epigenetic Mechanisms in Bronchial Carcinomas
  • Sabine Zöchbauer-Müller and Team
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