Pediatric Neurooncology
- Functional and Structural Genomics
- KiTZ

Prof. Dr. Stefan Pfister
Head of Division
Pediatric Neurooncology is currently a vibrant field of research. This is desperately needed, since brain tumors have become the number one cause of cancer-related mortality in children. Our group aims to bridge the gap between generating genomic screening data as well as faithful models for preclinical drug testing, and exploiting these data for the sake of our patients.

Our research
Pediatric neurooncology - research for better therapies
Brain tumors are the most common cause of cancer-related death in children. While molecular findings have already been successfully integrated into clinical practice in hemato-oncology, neuro-oncology still faces major challenges. Our aim is to better understand the biological basis of childhood brain tumors and to develop new therapeutic approaches.
Our research approach
We analyze tumors genetically using state-of-the-art high-throughput sequencing and make these findings usable for clinical application. This includes the identification and validation of biomarkers that enable predictions to be made about the course of the disease and the response to therapy. We also test new treatment approaches in preclinical models, often in combination with proven chemotherapeutic agents, in order to develop personalized therapies.
Childhood brain tumors are biologically extremely diverse, both between different tumor types and within a single tumor. This diversity makes it difficult to tailor treatments. Our research helps to decipher these genetic and epigenetic differences. Using preclinical models and state-of-the-art sequencing technologies, we investigate tumor development, metastasis and relapse. We are also investigating tumor-specific changes in cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma in order to develop new diagnostic markers and better monitor therapeutic success.
Our goal: a better understanding of childhood brain tumors and innovative, individual treatment options for affected children.
Team
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Prof. Dr. Stefan Pfister
Head of Division
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Dr. Marcel Kool
Group Leader
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Dr. Robert Autry
Group Leader
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Dr. Kendra Maaß
Group Leader
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Dr. Kristian Pajtler
Group Leader
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Dr. Supat Thongjuea
Group Leader
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Dr. Marc Zuckermann
Group Leader
Selected publications
Schwalbe EC, Lindsey JC, Danilenko M, Hill RM, Crosier S, Ryan SL, Williamson D, Castle J, Hicks D, Kool M, Milde T, Korshunov A, Pfister SM, Bailey S, Clifford SC.
Sepp M, Leiss K, Murat F, Okonechnikov K, Joshi P, Leushkin E, Spänig L, Mbengue N, Schneider C, Schmidt J, Trost N, Schauer M, Khaitovich P, Lisgo S, Palkovits M, Giere P, Kutscher LM, Anders S, Cardoso-Moreira M, Sarropoulos I, Pfister SM, Kaessmann H.
Ghasemi DR, Okonechnikov K, Rademacher A, Tirier S, Maass KK, …, Jones DTW, Kawauchi D, Fraenkel E, Mallm JP, Rippe K, Korshunov A, Pfister SM, Pajtler KW.
Latest publications
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