Oral Cancer

The incidence of oral cancer is globally increasing and tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity. OTSCC represents the 8th most common cancer worldwide. Our research on OTSCC has two main focuses: First, to investigate the effects of tumor microenvironment (TME) components, such as tumor associated fibroblasts, macrophages, inflammatory cells and matrix molecules including extracellular vesicles in the progression and chemo-radiation therapies on OTSCC. Our research group has developed human myoma tumor tissue based models (myoma discs and myogel) which already are widely used for cancer invasion studies. We are developing the model further for various applications. Including cancer invasion and drug testing. Second, to identify the clinically most useful prognostic markers for improving early stage OTSCC diagnostics.

• Building a human 3D TME matrix based in vitro models using human leiomyoma discs and its soluble matrix Myogel to provide a better model for “personalized medicine" oral cancer chemo-radiation drug testing.
• Resolve molecular mechanisms in oral cancer TME in carcinogenesis for future diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Further development of the myoma invasion models.
• Identify novel, clinically relevant prognostic markers for OTSCC diagnostics in international multicenter studies.
• Resolve effects of OTSCC irradiation in TME of OTSCC.