Entries by Katja Cole

Hetairos is a histology-based artificial intelligence model for predicting central nervous system tumor methylation subtypes

Research findings related to UNITE work packages A02/A06/B04/C01/C06 Molecular testing is essential for classifying central nervous system (CNS) tumors, with methylation profiling providing the highest diagnostic granularity. However, this requires more resources and time than conventional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histopathology, which is widely available globally. Here we propose Hetairos, an artificial intelligence algorithm that […]

16. June 2026 by

Primary Mismatch Repair Deficient Glioma (PMMRDG), IDH-wildtype and H3-wildtype: A Giant Cell Tumor with Potential for Long-Term Survival Occurring at all Ages

Research findings related to UNITE work packages A02/A03/A06/B01/B03/B04/C01/C06/ Replication-repair-deficiency is associated with increased risk of developing malignant gliomas. The aim of this study was to investigate primary mismatch repair deficient gliomas (PMMRDGs), a group of IDH-wildtype and H3-wildtype gliomas that is enriched among patients with CMMRD and Lynch syndrome. We investigated how PMMRDGs differ from […]

16. June 2026 by

Molecularly matched targeted therapies plus radiotherapy in glioblastoma: the phase 1/2a N2M2 umbrella trial

Research findings related to UNITE work packages A01/A03/A06/B01/B04/C01/C02 Advances in molecular understanding and diagnostic precision of glioblastoma enable the identification of key genetic alterations in a timely manner and, in principle, allow treatments with targeted compounds based on molecular markers. Here we report the results of the phase 1/2 umbrella trial NCT Neuro Master Match […]

27. May 2026 by

Vaccine-induced T cell receptor T cell therapy targeting a glioblastoma stemness antigen

Research findings related to UNITE work packages A03/B01/B03 T cell receptor-engineered T cells (TCR-T) could be advantageous in glioblastoma by allowing safe and ubiquitous targeting of the glioblastoma-derived peptidome. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Z1 (PTPRZ1), is a clinically targetable glioblastoma antigen associated with glioblastoma cell stemness. Here, we identify a therapeutic HLA-A*02-restricted PTPRZ1-reactive TCR […]

27. May 2026 by

Characterizing and targeting glioblastoma neuron-tumor networks with retrograde tracing

Research findings related to UNITE work packages A06/A07/B06N Glioblastomas are invasive brain tumors with high therapeutic resistance. Neuron-to-glioma synapses have been shown to promote glioblastoma progression. However, a characterization of tumor-connected neurons has been hampered by a lack of technologies. Here, we adapted retrograde tracing using rabies viruses to investigate and manipulate neuron-tumor networks. Glioblastoma […]

27. May 2026 by

Research Grant to advance Imaging‑Driven Glioblastoma Treatment

Jonas Scheck  (B06N) is the recipient of a research grant by the Family Mehdorn Foundation. The funded project brings together researchers from UT MD Anderson, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and University Hospital Heidelberg (UKHD). Building on recently developed imaging platforms, the team aims to further advance drug‑delivery strategies for glioblastoma, with the goal of […]

27. May 2026 by

Outstanding Achievements Recognized with Thomas and Doris Ammann Prize

Stefan Pfister (C01) has been awarded the Thomas and Doris Ammann Prize. His research has uncovered multiple previously unrecognized genetic alterations that drive the development of various pediatric brain tumor types. These include mutations that reveal new therapeutic targets, as well as genetic changes that point to an inherited predisposition to cancer. Together, these discoveries have substantially […]

27. May 2026 by

Distinguished Achievement: MTZ Award for Systems Medicine 2026

Dirk Hoffmann (A03) has been awarded the MTZ Award for Systems Medicine 2026 in recognition of his outstanding research on malignant brain tumors. His work provides important impulses for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against glioblastomas. His research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of glioblastoma, with particular emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, therapy resistance, […]

27. May 2026 by

NEWSLETTER 06/2026

Dear Members and Friends of UNITE, We are happy to share recent highlights, including a recap of our retreats, seminar series and the latest updates from research. This edition also features a curated overview of upcoming UNITE events and Travel grants, alongside short introductions to the newest members of the UNITE staff. We hope you […]

23. March 2026 by