Molecular profiling of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

• Applicant: Dr. Philipp Korn
• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 571588707

This project aims to characterize the molecular profile of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). UTUC accounts for only about 5–10% of all urothelial carcinomas but is frequently invasive at the time of initial diagnosis, making early, accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment particularly urgent. To date, many therapeutic decisions are extrapolated from findings in urothelial bladder cancer, which leads to significant limitations in diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic guidance when applied to UTUC. The aim of the project is to identify and characterize genetic alterations, particularly those driving metastasis, especially to the lymph nodes. For this purpose, tissue samples from patients with matched primary tumors and lymph node metastases will be analyzed. The aim is to identify genetic and transcriptomic markers predictive of aggressive tumor behavior. These findings are expected to improve patient selection for tailored therapies, help avoid overtreatment or undertreatment, and ultimately optimize prognosis through personalized medicine. The project is structured around two central research aims: 1. Identification of specific tumor DNA mutations associated with lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis. 2. Analysis of gene expression (RNA) to uncover molecular subtypes and pathways linked to metastasis.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Nirmish Singla