The Laboratory of Applied Cancer Research (LACR) at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland conducts cutting-edge cancer biology research. Our team of researchers is dedicated to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of cancer development and progression, with a goal to develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Our scientific interests include tumor immunology, cancer genomics, and precision medicine.

Our research focuses on thoracic malignancies, specifically lung cancer and mesothelioma, along with the associated metastasis. Our research interest is targeted at the following topics:

Mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy
Not all patients benefit from newly created immunotherapies, and those who do eventually become resistant to the treatment. The mechanisms underlying response and resistance remain unclear. It can be assumed that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a significant role in inducing treatment resistance. We concentrate on the detailed characterization of the tumor microenvironment (TME) at both molecular and cellular levels, examining the interactions within the TME and their contribution to treatment resistance.

Understanding Immune Suppression in Solid Tumors
Solid tumors frequently exhibit immune-suppressive signatures, characterized by cellular and molecular pathways that inhibit protective immune responses against cancer. At LACR, we are aiming to elucidate immune-suppressive pathways to develop novel immune-enhancing treatments for solid tumors, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and liver cancer.

To identify new targeted therapies for the treatment of mesothelioma
Immunomodulatory molecules expressed by tumor cells may serve a dual role, acting both as oncogenes and as modulators of immune responses at the tumor site. Our objective is to identify novel drug targets using extensive in vitro screening methods. The molecules of interest will subsequently undergo further evaluation for therapeutic efficacy both in vitro and in vivo.

Core expertise 
Apart from routine lab techniques, LACR employs advanced tools and techniques to achieve its research objectives. Our expertise includes the application of the Cell Dive System for multiplex spatial digital image analysis and the routine use of the Cytek Aurora for spectral flow cytometry. Furthermore, we collaborate with multiple national and international institutions for advanced Omics studies and bioinformatics analysis.