Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Genetics

Staff

Monika Hegi (full profile)

Research

Head of Laboratory and Project Leader at the NCCR Molecular Oncology at the ISREC

Publications

Molecular Mechanisms in the Development of Human Gliomas and Translational Research in Neuro-Oncology

Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and most malignant form of primary brain tumors may evolve over years from a lower grade astrocytoma, but more commonly develops rapidly without clinical evidence of a precursor lesion. To improve the prognosis of this devastating disease, with a median survival of less than one year, we need to identify predictive factors and discover new targets for future therapies. Thus, the design of novel treatments adapted to individual patients requires further insights into molecular aspects of pathogenesis in progression of astrocytomas.

Here we focus on molecular mechanisms underlying biological differences controlling pathogenesis of distinct subtypes of astrocytic glioma by pursuing three different approaches. (i) Taking advantage of close collaborations with the EORTC (European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer), the NCIC (National Cancer Institute of Canada), and our clinical partners in Lausanne and Geneva, we perform molecular analysis of tumor biopsies obtained from glioma patients enrolled in clinical trials that allows us to link molecular patterns with clinical data regarding response to therapy and outcome. (ii) Candidate genes emerging from our analysis are subjected to functional investigations in vitro and in vivo, and (iii) respective mouse brain tumor models are developed.

Supplementary information

Godard et. al. 2003, Cancer Research

Contact

University of Lausanne
Faculty of Medicine
Neurosurgery
CHUV, CH-1011 Lausanne

monika.hegi@chuv.ch