Research award 2023

Innovative immunotherapy for the treatment of rhabdomyosarcomas

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) belong to the group of what are referred to as soft tissue sarcomas. These rare and malignant tumours can develop in soft tissues such as muscles, connective tissue, nerves, blood and lymph vessels as well as fatty tissue. RMS are the most common soft tissue tumours in childhood and are difficult to cure.

Aim of the research project

The goal of the research project is to develop CAR-T cells for the treatment of RMS. CAR-T cells are already being successfully used in patients with leukemia. This project aims to investigate whether this innovative technology can also be applied to the treatment of solid tumors such as RMS. For this purpose, T-cells, isolated from various donors, have been genetically modified to recognize specific targets on RMS cells, bind to them, and effectively combat the cancer in this way.

Research award 2023

The CHF 30,000 grant from Childhood Cancer Switzerland was awarded to Caroline Piccand, a young scientist at Inselspital Bern.

Implementing organization

Research lab of the Department for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bern University Hospital