The LHCE carries out investigations at the interface of basic and clinical cancer research.
Our investigations focus on the molecular mechanisms that govern cell death and the cellular resistance to chemotherapy in hematological and non-hematological cancers. We carry out fundamental research projects and are also actively involved in the identification of promising therapeutic strategies, including novel combination strategies for extending patient survival. Important cell death pathways that are the focus of current studies include apoptosis and autophagy. Other lines of research also explore the mechanisms underlying the repair of DNA damage induced by anticancer drugs, and the role of DNA repair proteins in genomic stability and chromatin integrity. Recently, studies aiming to discover cancer protein and miRNA biomarkers in blood samples have been initiated and implemented in the laboratory in order to improve early diagnostic and treatment.