Our research focuses on two connected areas of translational medicine: upper gastrointestinal oncology and metabolic surgery. In both, we link clinical observations with molecular research to support more personalized patient care.
Upper Gastrointestinal Oncology
We study interactions between different intratumoral cell populations, including epithelial tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We investigate how these interactions contribute to disease progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. To explore these mechanisms, we study heterogeneity within and between esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and gastric adenocarcinomas and map the cellular organization of their tumor microenvironment. Using patient-derived organoids and tissue slice cultures, we test current chemo- and immunotherapies to assess treatment responses and investigate ways to target tumor escape mechanisms.
Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Research
We analyze disease mechanisms and clinical and molecular biomarkers in obesity, MASLD, and MASH, with a focus on predicting surgical outcomes and understanding differences in tissue remodeling between patients. As surgeon-scientists, we combine clinical care with systematic collection of blood, tissue, and stool around surgery. By following long-term changes in the metabolome, lipid composition, microbiome, and immune cell profiles, we seek predictive markers and investigate systemic immune-mediated disease processes.
Across both research areas, we combine single-cell RNA sequencing, FACS-sorted transcriptomics, and spatial metabolomics with long-term clinical data to inform individualized clinical strategies.
