Tumor budding in gastrointestinal neoplasms Group Lugli The main aim of the GI Tissue Medicine research group concerning tumor budding in CRC is the following: to identify potential target molecules in tumor buds and develop an anti-budding therapy. The focus lies on four clinical scenarios: pT1 CRC, stage II CRC, rectal cancer (preoperative) and colorectal liver metastases. Additionally, our group is also a member of the International Budding Consortium (IBC). pT1 colorectal cancer with high grade budding (H&E staining)
ctDNA and the attacker–defender model as clinical tools in locally advanced colon cancer Group Lugli Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood can reveal minimal residual disease after colon cancer surgery. However, ctDNA is not detectable at the same time in all patients before recurrence becomes clinically apparent. This study investigates whether tissue features of the removed tumor—tumor budding (aggressiveness) and the immune response (host reaction)—can predict postoperative ctDNA detection, the evolution of ctDNA over time and recurrence risk. The goal is to improve ctDNA monitoring by integrating tumor morphology, enabling more personalized, risk-adapted follow-up while avoiding unnecessary testing.
Influence of neoadjuvant therapy on the immune profile of esophageal adenocarcinomas Group Lugli Immune checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly used in the adjuvant therapy of locally advanced, neoadjuvantly treated adenocarcinomas of the esophagus. Reliable predictive biomarkers are essential to identify the patient population that shows a significant response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We are studying the transcriptome, methylome and immunohistochemical expression profile of immunomodulatory molecules in human tumor samples. The aim is to identify key molecules that may influence the response to therapy. In addition, the impact of neoadjuvant therapy on these immunomodulatory molecules will be investigated. Identification of differentially expressed genes in esophageal adenocarcinomas depending on PD-L1 status
