Osteosarcoma is characterized by aggressive growth, a high tendency to metastasis and recurrence, and a very variable response to conventional therapies. Our KiTZ research group "Osteosarcoma" deals with scientific approaches to improve therapeutic strategies in children with osteosarcoma. This research group, which is headed by Prof. A. Kulozik, also belongs to the Clinic for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology of the Heidelberg University Hospital.
Our group focuses on the treatment of osteosarcoma using modern radiation therapy, such as heavy ion and proton single therapy (see also: OSCAR), or radiation therapy in combination with substances targeting epigenetic mechanisms. An important goal is the development of new treatment strategies which are performed in a precinical setting, but close to the patient, allowing fast implementation into clinical trials. Thus, we not only established a primary tumor mouse model, but also work in close cooperation with the Heidelberg Ion Therapy Center (HIT), and the Nationcal Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg (NCT).
