Accurate stratification of oncology patients based on their genetic tumor profiles is essential for personalized therapeutic approaches in precision medicine. The primary focus is on developing and refining highly sensitive molecular genetic analysis methods for the minimally invasive detection of circulating tumor DNA via blood-based genetic tumor profiling. This includes establishing appropriate external quality schemes in collaboration with the Reference Institute for Bioanalytics (RfB) and conducting translational studies in partnership with various clinical collaborators. An additional aim is to integrate modern molecular biomarkers with AI-supported diagnostics, radiology, and molecular genetics and clinical-chemical biomarker profiles for pattern recognition – realized in the Center of Integrated Diagnostics (CID). This integrative diagnostic approach aims to develop personalized high-performance precision diagnostics.

PD Dr. med. Verena Haselmann

Dr. rer. nat. Maren Hedtke

Romy Eichner

Angelika Duda

Hedtke M, Rejas RP, Froelich MF, Ast V, Duda A, Mirbach L, Costina V, Martens UM, Hofheinz RD, Neumaier M, Haselmann V. Liquid profiling of circulating tumor DNA in colorectal cancer: steps needed to achieve its full clinical value as standard care. Molecular Oncology, 2022, 16 (10), 2042-2056

Froelich MF, Capoluongo E, Kovacs Z, Patton SJ, Lianidou ES, Haselmann V. The value proposition of integrative diagnostics for (early) detection of cancer. On behalf of the EFLM interdisciplinary Task and Finish Group "CNAPS/CTC for early detection of cancer". Clin Chem Lab Med, 2022, 60 (6), 821-829.

Tzanikou E*, Haselmann V*, Markou A, Duda A, Utikal J, Neumaier M, Lianidou ES. Direct comparison study between droplet digital PCR and a combination of allele-specific PCR, asymmetric rapid PCR and melting curve analysis for the detection of BRAF V600E mutation in plasma from melanoma patients. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 2020, 58 (11), 1799-1807

Haselmann V*, Gebhardt C*, Brechtel I, Duda A, Czerwinski C, Sucker A, Holland-Letz T, Utikal J, Schadendorf D, Neumaier M. Liquid Profiling of Circulating Tumor DNA in Plasma of Melanoma Patients for Companion Diagnostics and Monitoring of BRAF Inhibitor Therapy. Clinical Chemistry, 2018, 64 (5), 830-842.

Haselmann V, Ahmad-Nejad P, Geilenkeuser WJ, Duda A, Gabor M, Eichner R, Patton S, Neumaier M. Results of the first external quality assessment scheme (EQA) for isolation and analysis of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). Clinical Chemistry, 2018, 56 (2), 220-228.