PhD research project: 

Novel immunotherapy for the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common malignant soft tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents. RMS can develop in soft tissue such as muscles, connective tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves and adipose tissue. In children and adolescents, soft tissue sarcomas account for about 15% of all cancers, with rhabdomyosarcoma being the most common.

Aim of the project

The project aims at developing CAR T cells for the treatment of RMS. CAR T cells are already being used successfully in patients with leukaemia. The project investigates whether this innovative technology is also suitable for treating solid tumours, such as RMS. To do so, T cells, isolated from the different donors, have been genetically modified so that they recognise specific targets on RMS cells, bind to it and in this way fight the cancer very effectively.

Sponsorship award

In 2022 the sponsorship award of Childhood Cancer Switzerland endowed with CHF 25,000 went to Andrea Timpanaro, a young researcher from the Bern University Hospital. 

Implementing organisation

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