Research awards for innovations in the fight against pancreatic cancer

Research awards for innovations in the fight against pancreatic cancer

On June 5, 2025, an important award ceremony took place at the Hannover Medical School (MHH). The MHH plus funding foundation honored Prof. Dr. Markus W. Büchler, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Heßmann and PD Dr. Niklas Klümper with the renowned Johann Georg Zimmermann Research Prize and the Johann Georg Zimmermann Medal. These awards are among the highest honors in cancer research in Germany. MHH President Prof. Dr. Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner presented the prizes at a festive ceremony.

The Johann Georg Zimmermann Prize, which has been awarded since 2022 by the MHH plus funding foundation together with the Comprehensive Cancer Center Lower Saxony, is endowed with 10,000 euros and honors young cancer researchers. This year Heßmann and Klümper share the research prize. Prof. Dr. Büchler, however, received the medal for his groundbreaking contributions to the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer. As former director of the Clinic for General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery in Heidelberg, Büchler has made significant progress, particularly in the treatment of inoperable patients.

Research contributions and innovative approaches

The work of Prof. Dr. Heßmann and PD Dr. Klümper also has a major influence on medical research. Heßmann leads a clinical research group at the University Medical Center Göttingen that deals with individualized therapy strategies for pancreatic cancer. Klümper works as head of a translational research group in urology at the University Hospital of Bonn and receives support from the ACCENT program.

Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most aggressive tumor diseases. It is often recognized late and responds poorly to conventional therapies. This is where Heßmann's research comes in, which deals with the various subtypes of the disease. However, there are currently new developments in the field of therapeutic approaches that appear promising.

Nervous system and new treatment strategies

Studies have shown that pancreatic cancer is heavily traversed by nerves. Interestingly, interactions between the nervous system and cancer promote tumor growth and tumor cell survival. A newly developed method enables the detailed molecular examination of nerve cells both in healthy tissue and in pancreatic cancer in mice. These research results could lead to innovative treatment methods.

After surgical removal of the primary tumor, the tumor nervous system retains its cancer-promoting properties. Scientists have found that surgically severing sympathetic nerve connections can significantly inhibit tumor growth. This could enhance the effect of immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors.

A remarkable result of this research is the blockade of the nerve connection, which makes tumors more sensitive to the checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab, so that the tumor mass shrinks to a sixth. Significant reductions in tumor mass could also be achieved in combination with a neurotoxin. Clinical trials are being planned to test this novel strategy in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Current therapy studies

In addition, a large number of phase 3 therapy studies for pancreatic cancer are being carried out in Germany. These studies aim to evaluate new active ingredients and therapies that have been successfully tested in earlier phases. They play a crucial role in the development of new treatment options and the possible approval of innovative drugs.

The studies are structured in such a way that they are broken down by treatment status in an easy-to-understand manner. They offer patients the opportunity to find out about suitable studies and to take part in clinical research projects. However, it should be noted that no guarantee can be given for the completeness, timeliness or accuracy of the information in the study overviews.

Advances in cancer research, particularly pancreatic cancer, show how important innovative approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration are. By combining surgical, molecular biological and immunotherapeutic strategies, it could be possible to significantly improve the treatment chances for those affected.

For further information about the awards and the latest developments in research, visit the website MHH, DKFZ and iuvando.