DR-362 Genetic factors of disease progression and therapy response in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the skin is the second most common type of cancer world-wide. While many patients can be cured with surgery, some tumor will spread or regrow. Those patients require additional treatments with radiation, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, but nevertheless more than 50% die within 3 years. We therefore investigate the genetic changes in primary, recurrent and metastatic SCCs that drive disease spread and therapy resistance using own and public data. Through this research, we hope to advance our knowledge on cancer genetics and contribute to the development of more effective treatments for this challenging disease.

Johannes Brägelmann, University Hospital Cologne, Germany