Würzburg's doctor Einsele: pioneering work in cancer research!

Würzburg's doctor Einsele: pioneering work in cancer research!

On August 12, 2025, Prof. Dr. Hermann Einsele, Director of the Medical Clinic II at the University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW), was accepted into the renowned Bavarian Academy of Sciences (BAdW). This step represents a significant recognition of his outstanding contributions to cancer research. The BAdW, which was founded in 1759, networks top researchers across disciplines and national borders. Einsele plans to hold a symposium on the pioneering topic of “Precision medicine in cancer treatment” on the academy’s premises.

As an active member of the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Academia Europaea, Einsele has already received numerous important awards. These include the Ken Anderson Award in 2024 and the Erasmus Hematology Award in 2022, which were awarded for his achievements in cancer immunotherapy. He has also been spokesman for the National Center for Tumor Diseases NCT WERA since 2023.

Research focus: Multiple myeloma

A particular focus is on multiple myeloma, which is the second most common blood cancer after leukemia. The UKW offers the largest myeloma program in Europe. This includes clinical studies and research on innovative forms of therapy such as CAR-T cells and T-cell-activating antibodies. These advances in cancer treatment could make a decisive contribution to improving the quality of life for those affected.

The Bavarian Academy of Sciences has recently drawn attention to itself with the podcast “Defeat Cancer”. The documentation initiated by the Academy comprehensively covers the history of cancer medicine, everyday clinical life and current research results in the field of cancer. The first episode addresses the steps following a cancer diagnosis and the role of imaging techniques in early detection of cancer.

Current developments in cancer research

The topics covered also include therapeutic advances such as radiation and chemotherapy, anti-hormone therapies and the use of immune-based approaches in the treatment of cancer. In subsequent episodes, listeners will gain an insight into modern research laboratories and innovative projects, such as researcher Klaus Wagenbauer's work on a new DNA-based cancer drug.

The podcast aims to present complex medical content in an understandable manner and offers support and orientation for those affected and interested parties. The experts sharing their experiences and insights include leading scientists such as Markus Schwaiger, President of the Academy, and Nadia Harbeck, who received the German Cancer Prize in 2023.

Another prominent name in cancer research is Michael Hudecek from the University Hospital of Würzburg. He and his team are developing personalized immune-based therapies that reprogram T cells from patients' own immune systems. This innovative technique has the potential to specifically identify and eliminate cancer cells. Hudecek can look back on over 70 publications that have appeared in renowned specialist journals and also holds several granted patents.

Thanks to extensive third-party funding and numerous awards, including the Artur Pappenheim Prize, Hudecek's groundbreaking research in cellular immunotherapy is recognized. On December 3, 2022, he was awarded the Schelling Prize, which is awarded for outstanding scientific achievements.

Overall, developments in cancer medicine and the implementation of new technologies are the focus of research at the BAdW and the UKW. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches, a promising future for cancer treatment is outlined.