Research-Initiatives

Lung cancer is the most common cause of death among cancers worldwide. In addition, the lung is a frequent site for secondary tumors (metastases) from, for example, breast, colon, as well as lung cancer itself. It is largely unknown how tumor cells can adapt to the local environment (organ microenvironment) to successfully spread to the lung and how they can transform this environment in their favor. Therefore, iCANx aims to elucidate the crosstalk between tumor cells and their microenvironment. Furthermore, iCANx investigates the impact of lung tumor-associated diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis on lung cancer and lung metastasis. A deeper understanding of these complex interactions promises innovative therapeutic and curative approaches that target the organ- and tumor-specific microenvironment, for example, to prevent colonization of the lung in various cancers.