Clinical Cancer Evolution

"In essence, everything in biology is evolution" ~ Theodosius Dobzhansky

welcome to the CanEvo lab
this website is under construction

We are a team of molecular biologists, biotechnicians, and medical scientists at the Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. We’re working together to understand and overcome cancer treatment resistance. By studying how tumors evolve and adapt, we aim to develop innovative strategies that enhance the effectiveness of therapies available in the clinic today.

What is cancer evolution:

Cancer cells undergo changes over time, leading to disease development and progression – a process known as cancer evolution. Following the three main concepts of Darwinian evolution, variation, heredity and selection, cancers can be investigated using evolutionary frameworks. Advancements in research have additionally shown non-Darwinian evolutionary concepts are prevalent in cancers. Cancer evolution is especially important in monitoring treatment response and resistance to drug treatment.

cancer cells fighting

{Our mission

Our team
Studying human diseases like cancer presents significant challenges, particularly when it comes to accurately replicating tumor behavior in the laboratory. Traditionally, researchers have relied on animal models and human cell lines to simulate cancer-like conditions. However, these systems often fail to fully capture the complexity of human tumors. In recent years, patient-derived organoids and spheroids have emerged as powerful tools, offering a more physiologically relevant model for studying cancer biology and testing new therapies.

{Projects overview

Patient-Derived 3D Tumoroid Platforms

Evolutionary medicine in the clinic

Resistence/ Plasticity

{Check our cool Bluesky profile [100% Elon-free]

We're officially on Bluesky 🙂

— CanEvo lab - cancer evolution at Charité Dept. of Ped. Oncology (@clinicalcanevo.com) December 3, 2024 at 11:47 AM