Carsten Bokemeyer

• Professor of Medicine
• Director of Department at Hamburg University

In contrast to chimeric antigen receptor T cells, T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells can target intracellular tumor-associated antigens crucial for treating solid tumors. However, most trials published so far show limited clinical activity. Here we report interim data from a first-in-human, multicenter, open-label, 3 + 3 dose-escalation/de-es...

Background/Objectives: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare hematological malignancy with a poor prognosis. Activating c-Kit (CD117) mutations occur in 5% of de novo AML and 30% of core-binding factor (CBF) AML, leading to worse clinical outcomes. Posttranslational modifications, particularly with myristic and palmitic acid, are crucial for vario...

171 Background: Aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPC) including neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is characterized by rapid, androgen-independent tumor growth. Standard therapies often show limited efficacy. Alternative treatment strategies are therefore urgently required. Here, we present preclinical and first clinical results on the poten...

Background The lack of predictive biomarkers contributes notably to the poor outcomes of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the key components of the prominent PDAC stroma. Data on clinical relevance of CAFs entering the bloodstream, known as circulating CAFs (cCAFs) are scarce. Here, we...

Objective Analyze the outcomes of critically ill patients who developed new-onset organ dysfunction and received systemic chemotherapy during their ICU stay. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting A tertiary medical center in Germany with an Intensive Care Medicine department consists of 11 intensive care units comprising 140 beds, serving al...

Background: Despite the development of targeted therapies in first-line AML, complete remissions (CR) cannot be achieved in 30–40%, and relapse rates remain high. In R/R AML the intensive treatment regimen of fludarabine, cytarabine, idarubicin combined with venetoclax (FLA-VIDA) showed improved remission rates compared to FLA-IDA. In this retrospe...

Anti–PD-1, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy are used in the treatment of patients with advanced HER2-positive esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (EGA), but long-term survival remains limited. Herein, we report extended follow-up data from the INTEGA trial (NCT03409848), which investigated the efficacy of the anti–PD-1 nivolumab, trastuzumab, and FOLFOX ch...

Background The major breakthrough in cancer therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has highlighted the important role of immune checkpoints in antitumoral immunity. However, most patients do not achieve durable responses, making biomarker research in this setting essential. CD27 is a well known costimulatory molecule, however the impact o...

Background Extramedullary disease (EMD) represents an aggressive variant of multiple myeloma (MM) associated with low response rates to conventional myeloma therapies, short progression-free survival (PFS) and high mortality. While CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies (bsABs) provide new opportunities in patients with relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM)...

Comprehensive characterization of AML-associated T cells during disease progression is essential to identify relevant immune escape mechanisms and new immunotherapeutic approaches. Investigating the processes that lead to an immunosuppressive environment under progression of AML is difficult in humans, because by the time of diagnosis the disease i...

Introduction Our monocentric and retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical effectivity of HEPA filters in combination with the antifungal drug prophylaxis in patients with AML undergoing intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Methods/Results We included 177 patients between 2005 and 2015 representing a t...

Background Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are valuable tools to evaluate patient-centredness (PC) from the patients’ perspective. Despite their utility, a comprehensive PREM addressing PC has been lacking. To bridge this gap, we developed the preliminary version of the Experienced Patient-Centeredness Questionnaire (EPAT), a disease-g...

The prognostic influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on the survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients remains controversial. This observational study examines the potential impact of regional SES inequalities on overall survival (OS) among DLBCL patients in Germany. We analyzed data from the German nationwide population-based dat...

Background: Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs) account for 1%-3% of all germ cell tumors, 80% being non seminoma (NS). NS PMGCTs have a poorer prognosis compared to their gonadal counterparts and, according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group, they are considered by definition a “poor risk” disease. Medical treatmen...

Plain Language Summary What is this summary about? This is a summary of a publication about the GMMG-CONCEPT study that was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in September 2023. The study tested if a combination of cancer drugs (isatuximab plus carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone, or Isa-KRd for short) was a safe treatment for...

Purpose The carcinogenic effects of alcoholic beverages and the negative impact of alcohol consumption on cancer progression and treatment outcomes are well established in oncology research. Many cancer patients experience significant psychological distress, often manifesting as elevated levels of depression and anxiety. In the general population,...

Background Primary mediastinal germ-cell tumors (PMGCTs) account for 1%-3% of all germ-cell tumors (GCTs). Non-seminoma have a poorer prognosis compared to their gonadal counterpart and, according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group, they are considered ‘poor risk’ disease. Medical treatment is the same, with overall survival...

Background Family caregivers of terminally ill and dying people do not only experience varying levels but also different dimensions of caregiver-related strain and burden. The aim of the study was to develop a short multidimensional screening tool for the detection of burden in family caregivers in palliative care. Methods Family caregivers of can...

Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing, also referred to as Nanopore sequencing, stands at the forefront of a revolution in clinical genetics, offering the potential for rapid, long read, and real‐time DNA and RNA sequencing. This technology is currently making sequencing more accessible and affordable. In this comprehensive review, we explore its...

Background AML is a rare hematological malignancy still associated with poor prognosis. 5% of de novo AML and 30% of core binding factor (CBF) AML (translocation t(8;21)(q22;q22) or invasion (16)(p13;q22)), respectively, harbor activating c-Kit (CD117) mutations leading to an adverse clinical outcome. Posttranslational protein modifications, especi...

Background Continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis can be associated with lower treatment tolerance, poorer outcomes, and reduced quality of life compared to non-smoking cancer patients or to those who have quit. Yet about 60% of patients continue to smoke after being diagnosed and find it difficult to quit. To address this problem, it is necess...

Fascaplysin is a red cytotoxic pigment with anticancer properties isolated from the marine sponge Fascaplysinopsis sp. Recently, structure–activity relationship analysis reported by our group suggested that selective cytotoxicity of fascaplysin derivatives towards tumor cells negatively correlates with their ability to intercalate into DNA. To vali...

Although trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2)-targeting drugs are already approved or under investigation in various solid tumors, the significance of Trop2 in lymphoma is unknown. Thus, our objective was to investigate the expression of Trop2 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) through a systemic immunohistochemistry screening. We const...

The TAM (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) family of receptor tyrosine kinases exhibit cell-transforming capacity promoting tumorigenesis, metastasis and therapy-resistance in various cancer entities. GAS6-MERTK axis represents a target in Multiple Myeloma (MM) to inhibit tumor progression. We sought to explore the role of the alternative TAM receptor ligand...

Immune exhaustion is a hallmark of ovarian cancer. Using multiparametric flow cytometry, the study aimed to analyze protein expression of novel immunological targets on CD3⁺ T cells isolated from the peripheral blood (n = 20), malignant ascites (n = 16), and tumor tissue (n = 6) of patients with ovarian cancer (OVCA). The study revealed an increase...

Background In relapsed or refractory (RR) metastatic germ cell cancer (GCC), high-dose (HD) chemotherapy (CTX) plus autologous stem cell transplantation is considered the standard of care. Limited data exist regarding the efficacy of HD-CTX following conventionally dosed salvage regimens (CDRs). This analysis explores and contrasts the efficacy of...

Malignant spinal lesions (MSLs) are frequently the first manifestation of malignant disease. Spinal care, diagnostic evaluation, and the initiation of systemic therapy are crucial for outcomes in patients (pts) with advanced cancer. However, histopathology (HP) may be time consuming. The additional evaluation of spinal lesions using cytopathology (...

Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) are at increased risk for arterial and venous thromboembolism (TE). Risk factors include surgery, the use of corticosteroids, radiation, and chemotherapy, but also prothrombotic characteristics of the tumor itself such as expression of tissue factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, or podoplanin. Although distan...

The TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases were recently identified to regulate bone homeostasis by controlling osteoblasts and bone formation. Despite extensive knowledge of TAM receptor function in the mononuclear phagocyte system, the role of TAM receptors in osteoclasts remains largely unknown. Here, we identify a physiological regulatory syst...

Background Informal caregivers are key support for patients with progressive incurable diseases. However, their own needs often remain unmet. Therefore, we developed, manualised and implemented the intervention “Being an informal caregiver – strengthening resources” aiming to support and empower informal caregivers by addressing relevant informatio...

Zusammenfassung Eine qualitätsgesicherte onkologische Sport- und Bewegungstherapie (qSBT) ist, trotz der nachweislich positiven Effekte auf die Nebenwirkungen einer Krebstherapie und auf die Lebensqualität, noch kein Bestandteil der derzeitigen Regelversorgung von onkologischen Patient*innen. Aus diesem Grund werden im Rahmen des multizentrischen I...

Background Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are valuable tools for evaluating patient-centeredness (PC) from the patients' perspective. Despite their utility, a comprehensive PREM addressing PC has been lacking. To bridge this gap, we developed the preliminary version of the Experienced Patient-Centeredness Questionnaire (EPAT), a disea...

Importance There is a lack of trials examining the effect of counseling interventions for child, adolescent, and younger adult (CAYA) cancer survivors. Objective To assess lifestyle habits and the psychosocial situation of CAYAs to determine the efficacy of needs-based interventions in the CARE for CAYA program (CFC-P). Design, Setting, and Parti...

Background KRAS mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are used as predictive biomarkers to select therapy with EGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Other factors may be significant determinants of benefit. Methods Individual patient data from randomised trials with a head-to-head comparison between EGFR mAb versus no EGFR mAb (chemotherap...

Case: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an extremely rare bone marrow disorder caused by acquired mutations in the phosphatidylinositol glycan class A gene, which lead to a partial or total loss of the cellular complement regulators CD55 and CD59.[1] In addition to complement-mediated hemolysis and cytopenia, venous and arterial thrombos...

Fascaplysin is a red cytotoxic pigment with anticancer properties isolated from the marine sponge Fascaplysinopsis sp.. Recently, structure-activity relationship analysis reported by our group suggested that selective cytotoxicity of fascaplysin derivatives towards tumor cells negatively correlates with their ability to intercalate into DNA. To val...

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the more common tumor diseases in older adults. The only curative treatment method is surgical resection in the localized stage. Based on current study data, drug (combination) therapy in the metastatic stage is the most effective treatment option for non-resectable/metastatic RCC (mRCC). Immuno-oncological comb...

505 Background: Patients withmetastatic germ cell tumors of the testis (GCTs) are risk-stratified according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group (IGCCCG) classification system for further therapy decision. This risk classification is based on metastatic load as well as tumor marker levels of AFP, HCG and LDH assessed pre-chemot...

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the more common tumor diseases in older adults. The only curative treatment method is surgical resection in the localized stage. Based on current study data, drug (combination) therapy in the metastatic stage is the most effective treatment option for non-resectable/metastatic RCC (mRCC). Immuno-oncological comb...

The vast majority of prostate cancer (PCa) patients are diagnosed beyond the age of 65. However, older, frail patients are often underrepresented in clinical trials of advanced PCa. This narrative review was prepared based on a literature search of PubMed (MEDLINE) and the American Society of Medical Oncology (ASCO) and European Society for Medical...

Background The search for biomarkers to identify suitable candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy remains ongoing. We evaluate how soluble levels of the next generation immune checkpoint Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (sLAG-3) and its association with circulating T lymphocyte subsets could pose as a novel biomarker to predict outcome...

Despite recent advances in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), treatment is inevitably hampered by the development of drug resistance. Thus, new drugs are urgently needed. We investigated the efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism of action of the marine triterpene glycoside cucumarioside A2-2 (CA2-2) using an in vit...

Abstract Introduction: Previously, it was assumed that genetic influence played a minor role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Increasing evidence of germline mutations has emerged, such as DDX41 germline mutation associated with familial AML. Case presentation: A 64-year-old male patient presented with reduced exercise tolerance and shortness of b...

Background: International guidelines have already highlighted the beneficial effects of exercise in common cancer entities. However, specific recommendations for pancreatic cancer are still missing. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the impact of exercise training on patient-specific outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: A literat...

Approximately 30% of seminoma (SEM) patients present with moderately elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels at first diagnosis. In case of high hCG serum levels, the presence of a non-SEM component, i.e. choriocarcinoma (CC), may be assumed. To characterize cases described as pure seminoma with high serum hCG levels, tissue samples and...

Background: Germ-cell tumors of the testes are the most common type of malignant tumor in men aged 20 to 40. Their incidence in Germany is 10 per 100 000 men per year, with an estimated 4200 new cases annually. Methods: This selective review is based on the recommendations of the German clinical practice guideline on the diagnosis, treatment and...

Purpose Often, cancer patients do not receive education about the negative consequences of smoking on the treatment outcome. To support cancer patients in the process of smoking cessation, it is essential to involve oncology staff. This study aims to learn about the experiences and attitudes from the point of view of oncology staff and, thus, how a...

SMARCA4 (SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a) is the central ATPase containing enzyme in the SWI/SNF- (switch/sucrose non-fermentable) complex, which regulates chromatin accessibility and thereby influences gene transcription. By acting as a transcriptional activator or repressor in different cell...

Background: The national Network Genomic Medicine (nNGM) Lung Cancer provides comprehensive and high-quality multiplex molecular diagnostics and standardized personalized treatment recommendation for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) in Germany. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the nNGM...

Background FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab has demonstrated benefits for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. However, challenges arise in its clinical implementation due to expected side effects and a lack of stratification criteria. Methods The AIO “CHARTA” trial randomised mCRC patients into clinical Group 1 (potentially resectable), 2 (unr...

Objectives Long-term toxicities of germ cell cancer (GCC) treatment are of particular importance in young men with a life expectancy of several decades after curative treatment. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of platinum-based chemotherapy on cardiac function and myocardial tissue in GCC survivors by cardiac magnetic resonanc...

About half of people who are newly diagnosed with cancer in Germany are 70 years and older, and about 20% of them are even 80 years and older. Age is the single most important risk factor for cancer. The patient’s age affects not only the therapeutic options but also the treatment goals. A geriatric assessment enables information on ageing-associat...