Our Project  “Advanced CAR T cell engineering to augment the GvL effect of ASCT” focuses on optimizing CAR T cell strategies as both a bridge to transplant and post-ASCT CAR donor lymphocyte infusion in AML and multiple myeloma. It aims to enhance efficacy by engineering glucocorticoid-resistant CAR T cells to preserve anti-tumor activity during GvHD and CRS, enabling serial antigen targeting to strengthen the graft-versus-leukemia effect, and dissecting how alloreactivity and inflammation drive resistance and neurotoxicity during CAR T cell therapy, ultimately improving ASCT outcomes and integrating CAR T cells into clinical treatment algorithms.

I’m the Director of the Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology/Oncology (Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II) at the University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW). Since 2018, I have been leading the scientific working group on immunotherapy of hematologic diseases within the European Hematology Association. Since 2023, I have acted as spokesperson for the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) WERA. My research focuses on stem cell transplantation and immunotherapies for cancer, with particular emphasis on multiple myeloma, CAR T-cell therapy, and bispecific antibodies. I’m a leading expert in cell-based immunotherapy, and I have significantly contributed to establishing clinical standards for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. I’m internationally recognized for my pioneering work in CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma.