Biology of tumors of soft tissue and bone

More than 150 types neoplasms of soft tissue and bone have been defined by the WHO classification. While some of them, e.g. benign lipogenic tumors (i.e. lipoma) have a high incidence, malignant tumors of soft tissue and bone (called sarcomas) are rare. In general, they can be subdivided into two major groups: 

• tumors with a specific pattern-forming morphology often carrying defined molecular aberrations and
• tumors with a pleomorphic phenotype displaying non-recurrent mutations and complex karyotypes

Our research projects 

• focus on the diagnostic, prognostic or predictive value of specific markers and genetic alterations in benign and malignant tumors of soft tissue and bone and 
• aim at the better understanding of signaling pathways in particular subtypes of soft tissue sarcomas, among these sarcomas driven by specific gene fusions, aiming at a better understanding of the underlying tumor biology to define novel therapeutic approaches

Our projects are guided by a team of Postdocs/senior researchers to enable diversity and synergy at the same time. It is our philosophy to actively contribute to career development of young scientists in medicine and life sciences. 

Our research projects are supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe), the Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung and the Innovative Medical Research program (IMF) of the Medical Faculty.