In the Department of Otorhinolaryngology the research focus is on the immunobiology of head and neck cancers. Clinical and translational studies are using a pre-operative “window of opportunity” to assess the immunological effects of biological and immunomodulatory therapies (together with the Department of Medical Oncology, Martin Schuler, Stefan Kasper). Immunological biomarker studies are conducted to understand the biology of the diverse subtypes of head and neck cancer and to identify novel prognostic factors for current state of the art cancer therapy (together with the Department of Radiotherapy, Martin Stuschke).
Our experimental and translational research unit has a focus on the role and function of myeloid cells, neutrophils and mesenchymal stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mouse models and reverse translational approaches are used to determine the cross-talk of immune cells, stromal cells and tumor cells during tumor progression. Translational studies in patients will determine the interplay of this cross-talk and novel combination cancer therapies. The experimental research division of the department is also involved in currently ongoing international activities to improve and standardize the immunomonitoring of MDSC and other myeloid cells in human oncology.