UCCSH Research Programs
#1 Biomarkers & Minimal Residual Disease
#2 Metastasis & Dissemination*
#3 Inflammation & Cancer
#4 Immunotherapy & Tumor Immunology
#5 Precision Oncology & Treatment Resistance
*Joint research program with UCC Hamburg
Research at the UCCSH is structured into five interdisciplinary research programs that address key biological and clinical challenges in oncology. These programs bring together expertise from basic science, translational research, and clinical investigation across the network. The structure fosters collaboration, supports innovative research platforms, and promotes the development of early-career scientists. Together, the programs form the scientific backbone of the UCCSH Research Center and enable the translation of scientific discoveries into improved cancer care. The following research areas illustrate how this research is implemented across different domains of oncology.
The five UCCSH research programs presented below illustrate the main scientific themes driving cancer research at our center.
Biomarker & Minimal Residual Disease (MRD)Detecting and monitoring cancer through highly sensitive molecular and cellular biomarkers that enable early detection, risk stratification, and precise monitoring of treatment response.
Metastasis & DisseminationUnderstanding how tumor cells disseminate from the primary tumor, survive in distant tissues, and eventually form clinically detectable metastases.
Inflammation & CancerInvestigating how inflammatory processes and immune cells contribute to tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance within the tumor microenvironment.
Immunotherapy & Tumor ImmunologyExploring tumor–immune system interactions to develop innovative immunotherapeutic strategies that enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
Precision Oncology & Treatment ResistanceAdvancing personalized cancer therapy through molecular profiling and the investigation of mechanisms that drive therapy response and treatment resistance.
These research programs are complemented by three key research areas that reflect the continuum from basic discovery to clinical application and the improvement of cancer care.
Key Research Areas
Basic + Experimental Cancer Research
Research in this area contributes to the interdisciplinary UCCSH Research Programs by advancing fundamental and translational insights into the biological mechanisms of cancer.
Basic and experimental cancer research at UCCSH focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive cancer development, progression, and treatment resistance. Researchers from different disciplines investigate tumor biology to identify novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
Using advanced experimental technologies and model systems, scientists explore the biological foundations of cancer and develop new approaches for diagnostics and therapy. Close collaboration between research groups across the Kiel and Lübeck campuses enables interdisciplinary research and the integration of diverse scientific expertise.
A central goal of this research area is the translation of fundamental discoveries into clinical applications. By linking laboratory research with clinical perspectives, these activities contribute to the development of innovative treatment strategies and the advancement of precision oncology.
Clinical Cancer Research
Research in this area contributes to the interdisciplinary UCCSH Research Programs by translating scientific discoveries into innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.
Clinical cancer research at UCCSH aims to translate scientific discoveries into improved diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer patients. Clinical studies are essential for evaluating new treatment approaches and determining their safety and effectiveness before they can become part of routine care.
Researchers conduct investigator-initiated trials as well as participate in national and international multicenter studies. These studies range from early-phase trials testing innovative therapies to larger studies investigating treatment outcomes and patient-centered endpoints.
Through the close interaction between clinicians, translational researchers, and dedicated research infrastructure, new scientific insights can be rapidly transferred into clinical practice. Clinical research at UCCSH therefore plays a key role in improving cancer treatment and providing patients with access to innovative therapies.
QuickQueck Study Search - Directory of oncology studies recruiting participants in German-speaking countries
Further information on the conduct and coordination of clinical studies at UCCSH is available on the Clinical Studies page
Health Care Research in Oncology
Research in this area contributes to the interdisciplinary UCCSH Research Programs by improving the quality, effectiveness, and organization of cancer care.
Health care research in oncology at UCCSH investigates how cancer care is delivered across the healthcare system and how it can be further improved for patients. By analyzing clinical data, cancer registry information, and other sources of real-world evidence, researchers study treatment pathways, healthcare utilization, and patient outcomes.
This research area focuses on evaluating the quality, effectiveness, and accessibility of oncological care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Particular attention is given to patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of innovative care models that can be integrated into routine practice.
Health services research in oncology at the UCCSH can be divided into three main focus areas:
Survivorship Care & Innovative Research on Survivorship Care
Outcome Research
Prevention & screening
Within the UCCSH research structure, the Center for Population Medicine and Health Services Research (Zentrum für Bevölkerungsmedizin und Versorgungsforschung, ZBV) plays a coordinating role by providing methodological expertise for projects in oncological health care research. The center supports researchers in study design, data analysis, and evaluation, thereby strengthening the scientific quality of health care research activities within UCCSH. For the dental and oral health domain, these activities are coordinated by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Kiel campus.
The results of these studies help identify opportunities to improve cancer care structures and support evidence-based decision-making in oncology at regional and national levels.
Selected Health Care Research Projects:
Le-Na, Evaluation and implementation of a multidisciplinary, standardized, guideline-based long-term aftercare program in Germany for adults who were formerly children and adolescents with cancer
Dr. Judith Gebauer & Prof. Dr. Thorsten Langer | 2022 | Hector Foundation | 2,99 Mio EuroAI-CARE, AI-supported, clinical use of cancer registry data
Dr. Alexander Katalinic | 202X | Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, BMG) | 0,14 Mio EuroOutlive-CRC, Improving the prognosis and quality of life for young colorectal cancer patients: tertiary prevention through multi-marker models and nutritional interventions
Dr. Stefanie Derer-Petersen & Prof. Nikolas von Bubnoff | Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie & Raumfahrt, BMFTR) | 2022+2025 | 8,8 Mio Euro



