The Hemato-Oncology Research Group (HemoRes) investigates the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Our goal is to translate a deeper understanding of leukemia initiation, evolution, and progression into effective, mechanism-based targeted therapies, particularly for patients at high risk of relapse.
We combine comprehensive genomic analyses of patient samples, including whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and single-cell genomics, with molecular and cellular biology methods, gene-editing technologies, targeted drug screens, and zebrafish models. Our ongoing T-ALL projects focus on identifying effective targeted drug combinations, e.g. treatments involving the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib, and improving immune-based therapies to enhance treatment responses and overcome resistance.
We aim to elucidate the genetic and microenvironmental factors that influence treatment response in typical childhood B-ALL. We also use plasma samples and Olink Explorer technology to identify prognostic protein biomarkers that could support outcome prediction and personalized treatment. Ultimately, we aim to develop more precise combination therapies for both T-cell and B-cell ALL while reducing patients’ reliance on intensive chemotherapy.