Prof. Arndt Hartmann

Pathological Institute

Research projects

  • Pathology and Molecular Pathology with research focus on bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, head and neck and breast cancer.
  • Prognostic and predictive molecular tumour markers.
  • Digital pathology and devolopment of AI prediction models for diagnosis, molecular changes and therapy prediction.
  • Characterization of the immunological tumor microenvironment and correlation to response to immunooncological therapy.

  • Entscheidende Faktoren für das Ansprechen auf Immuntherapien bei nichtklarzelligem Nierenzellkarzinom (nccRCC)

    (Third Party Funds Single)

    Term: 1. January 2026 - 31. December 2028
    Funding source: DFG-Einzelförderung / Sachbeihilfe (EIN-SBH)
    Abstract
    Non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) is a highly aggressive cancer with various subtypes, each having distinct molecular and histologic characteristics. It shows considerable spatial heterogeneity in mutational profiles, gene expression, and immune responses, which makes it challenging to treat with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This spatial variation contributes to resistance to treatment and failure to respond to therapies. However, the mechanisms behind these variations and how they influence ICI effectiveness remain poorly understood. The SUNNIFORECAST trial, a large study on nccRCC, compared the effectiveness of nivolumab and ipilimumab (two ICIs) to standard treatments in patients with advanced, treatment-naive nccRCC. While the combination therapy improved overall survival and objective response rates, it did not significantly affect progression-free survival, and many patients still failed to benefit. These results highlight the complexity of ICI response in nccRCC and the urgent need to understand the underlying molecular and immune mechanisms and to identify reliable biomarkers for predicting ICI response or resistance. To address this, the CRITERIA project, a multidisciplinary study, will use clinical samples and data from the SUNNIFORECAST trial to explore the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) of nccRCC and to decipher the key factors driving immune responses. The project will employ a multi-omics approach combining histology, genetic, epigenetic, and immune profiling to understand the tumor's complex biology and immunology. By integrating advanced spatial technologies, single-cell analyses, and AI, CRITERIA aims to map tumor-immune-stromal interactions in unprecedented detail. The ultimate goal of the CRITERIA project is to identify biomarkers that can predict non- responders and responders to ICI. The study is designed to translate these molecular and immunological findings into clinically actionable decision-support tools, improving treatment selection and overcoming the limitations of current approaches. This research aims to transform the management of nccRCC by enabling personalized, biomarker-driven treatment strategies, addressing a significant unmet need in a disease that currently lacks molecularly tailored therapies.

  • J114: Profiling of transcriptional regulatory circuitries in the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

    (FAU Funds)

    Term: 1. August 2024 - 30. September 2027
    Abstract
    A comprehensive molecular characterization of transcription factor dynamics in ccRCC evolution is a mandatory prerequisite for the development of personalized therapeutic interventions. Aim of this study is to define the components and interactions of oncogenic regulatory circuitries in ccRCC development with innovative NGS techniques. CRISPR/Cas-modified cell lines and patient-derived primary cells will be used to model early tumor stages and analyse epigenetic dysregulation in ccRCC evolution.

  • D039: EMT specific splicing mediates ferroptosis sensitivity

    (FAU Funds)

    Term: 1. July 2023 - 30. June 2026
    Abstract
    We have demonstrated that the EMT-activator ZEB1 provides cancer cells not only with aberrant motility, but also with survival traits enabling tumor progression, metastasis and drug resistance. Our aim is to eliminate these aggressive ‘untargetable’ EMT-state cancer cells, which strikingly show a high sensitivity to ferroptotic cell death. In this project, we want to elucidate the molecular basis of ZEB1 – associated ferroptosis sensitivity to exploit it as a novel therapeutic target.

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

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