Cancer, with almost 10 million global deaths in 2020, is a major health concern. The Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases (RBCT) focuses on lung, colorectal, pancreatic cancers and leukemia, considering their prevalence. Our collaboration ties with the Robert-Bosch-Hospital (RBK) and partners of the National Center for Tumor Diseases Southwest (NCT-SüdWest).

Molecularly, these cancers share similar traits like high KRAS and TP53 genetic mutations, and each responds differently to advanced treatments. Pancreatic cancer, particularly lethal, highlights the pressing need for targeted therapies and improved patient stratification. Conversely, colorectal cancer survival has surged, primarily due to early detection, but challenges persist in treatment responses.

At the Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, we harness state-of-the-art interdisciplinary techniques to decode molecular mechanisms governing cell fate determination, including transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms controlling cell phenotype, signal transduction, the regulation of cellular  senescence and apoptosis.Through cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, we delve into the intricacies of gene regulation. Our focus on transcriptional changes — which are more reversible than genetic alterations — reveals that by targeting epigenetic changes, we can open up new and promising avenues for effective cancer therapies.

At the Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, our research is grounded in real-world clinical applicability. While we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in our research, the well-being of cancer patients is always at the forefront of our efforts. We use patient sample data to guide our molecular investigations and ensure that our findings pave the way for impactful, clinically-relevant studies.