Our Laboratory is part of the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology within the Center for Oncology and the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) . We study fundamental cellular processes and obtain preclinical data in order to better understand how cells, normal tissues and tumours respond to ionising radiation. We want to utilise this information to advance the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy-based cancer treatments.

Our main focus is on the repair of radiation-induced DNA lesions, ranging from the underlying biochemical mechanisms to their clinical relevance. Specifically, we aim to identify and exploit tumour-specific deficiencies in the DNA damage response for the selective radiosensitisation of tumours using molecular-targeted agents and DNA repair-associated biomarkers.

We collaborate with numerous academic and clinical colleagues at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf as well as with national and international partners. The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, German Cancer Aid as well as various federal government departments and charities have been supporting our work.