MD position (w/m/d) - P11 Understanding response to perioperative checkpoint inhibition in lung cancer

Offer: MD Scholarship for doctoral thesis
Starting Date: 01.08.2024
Institute: LMU Klinikum, Marchioninistr. 15/ DKTK Translational Oncology, Max-Lebsche-Platz 30 81377 München
Working Group: Translational Oncology)/ Christian Schneider (Thoracic Surgery)/ Amanda Tufman (Pneumonology; Primary research site)

Research Topic: Understanding response to perioperative checkpoint inhibition in lung cancer

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Approximately 20% of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated preoperatively with chemotherapy and immunotherapy/ checkpoint inhibitors have a pathological complete response at the time of surgery. These patients have a better overall survival and lower chance of tumor recurrence. However, 80% of patients do not achieve complete pathological response, and the factors predisposing to pathological complete response as well as the potential medical interventions necessary to induce pathological complete response in poor responders remain unknown. The crosstalk between tumor cells and immune cells or other cellular components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is known to shape the response but remains only partially understood. Among patients with driver mutations, EGFR mutations and ALK translocations are associated with poor response to checkpoint inhibitor therapies. This project aims to understand the response and resistance to chemoimmunotherapy in lung cancer patients treated with preoperative systemic therapies, including chemoimmunotherapy. We will characterize tumor samples from primary tumor and regional/ distant sites using RNA-Seq methodology and subsequent computational analyses to distinguish unique cellular populations in the heterogenous TME. To test the role of individual molecular nodes for the therapy response we will make use of patient-derived cancer models. Results will be correlated with clinical and pathological features including regression following perioperative chemoimmunotherapy, as well as with preexisting and acquired immune exhaustions phenotypes. The doctoral thesis will be supervised by an interdisciplinary, translational committee including Prof. Martin Sos (DKTK Translational Oncology), PD Christian Schneider (LMU Thoracic Surgeon), Prof. Amanda Tufman (LMU Pulmonologist).

MANDATORY EVENTS

As holder of this scholarship you are a member of the Research Training Group (RTG) GRK 2338 “Targets in Toxicology”. The GRK represents a truly international program and benefits from an excellent scientific environment and a state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
As member of the RTG you have to participate in the lecture series “Toxicology of the lung” (once a month) and the annual Research Retreat (once a year). All other courses offered by the GRK can be attended optionally. For more information about the RTG GRK 2338 please visit the following website: https://www.grk2338.med.uni-muenchen.de/index.html

FUNDING

The scholarship will be given for 12 months, a minimum of 8 months full-time in the laboratory is required. The monthly scholarship payment is 1.037 €. In addition, a total amount of 395 € in lab consumables per month is available.

REQUIREMENTS

Medical student (LMU or TUM)

APPLICATION

If you want to apply for this scholarship, send an application (CV, project title, motivation letter and certificates) to S.Resenberger@lmu.de by 10th of May 2024. 

For project-specific questions please contact Prof. Dr. Amanda Tufman (Amanda.Tufman@med.uni-muenchen.de).
Women and people from other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply and we will seek to provide any support you require to complete the project.