Pediatric Brain Tumor Research
Hirntumoren gehören zu den häufigsten Krebserkrankungen im Kindesalter. Verglichen mit anderen kindlichen Krebserkrankungen, bei denen in den letzten 30 Jahren grosse Fortschritte in der Heilungsrate erzielt werden konnten, hat sich die Prognose für Kinder mit Hirntumoren nur wenig verbessert.
Research areas
Translational Brain Tumor Research
After brain tumor surgery, treatment often consists of combinations of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Cytotoxic therapies can have long-lasting side effects due to their impact on the developing child and central nervous system. Moreover, these treatments are not always successful at controlling tumor growth. Even after initial tumor shrinkage, some tumors become resistant to treatment and are incurable at relapse. Our group brings together laboratory and clinical research, working closely with international collaborators, to bring new insights into brain tumor pathogenesis and accelerate translation into clinical investigation.
Molecular Neuro-Oncology Research
The goal of the research group is to understand the biological functions within pediatric brain tumors so that treatment can be tailored to each patient. Based on prognostic factors, the aim is to determine which treatment each patient needs. Another goal is to develop new treatment approaches through a better biological understanding of the tumors, so that in the future, even those patients
DIPG/DMG Center Zurich
The DIPG/DMG Center Zurich is focusing on developing and implementing improved therapies for children diagnosed with DIPG/DMGs. The Program consists of a clinical and a translational research entity which reside within the Division of Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, a non-profit hospital supported by the Eleonore Foundation. The DIPG/DMG Center in Zurich is a joint effort with the University of San Francisco, California (UCSF) allowing patients to receive the most up to date information.
Research Group Leader
NCCR Children & Cancer
The new NCCR Children & Cancer brings together basic research, clinical practice and social science to improve the treatment of children and adolescents with cancer. It is led by the University Children's Hospitals at the Universities of Zurich and Lausanne, and financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the University of Zurich and University of Lausanne.