Public lecture as part of the search for a Professor in Pathology

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prime example demonstrating that tumor evolution depends on the close interaction of mutagenized cells with their tumor microenvironment (TME) that influences all stages of tumorigenesis. This accounts for the need for developing TME-adapted therapeutic approaches.
This is especially important for the metastatic setting. The stromal and immune compartments of the TME are specifically re-structured in the specific metastatic locations. In contrast, the microbiome is stable in each location due to the intracellular and –nuclear uptake of bacteria by circulating tumor cells at the primary tumor site and their shuttle to the distant host organ. Another important soluble regulator of metastatic processes are circulatory bile acids. Altogether, the understanding of these mechanisms opens the avenue for the development of new therapeutic approaches.