In her doctoral thesis, Theresa Bunse developed a therapeutic vaccination against glioma, a rare and hitherto incurable form of brain tumor. The vaccination targets a protein (IDH1) that is often modified in tumor cells and thereby attacks the tumor specifically, without harming healthy cells. In animal experiments, the vaccine inhibited the growth of cancer cells in the characteristic IDH1 mutation. Theresa Bunse has already published her findings in high-ranking journals like Nature. Her results now form the basis of a clinical study which is to reveal how effective and safe this vaccine is for humans. In this study, Theresa Bunse is co-responsible for the immunological monitoring of the patients involved. She will examine blood samples to see whether the patients' immune system does in fact react to the vaccination by forming specific antibodies. In addition, she will continue her work on new immunological and vaccine-based therapies for glioma patients, “The hope that I might be able to offer a new treatment option to patients who are suffering from one of the most malignant brain tumors, is a major source of motivation“ the young scientist explains.
The Bayer Foundation honors exceptional young scientists annually with the international “Bayer Early Excellence in Science Award“. It is awarded by an independent jury of experts in the three categories biology, chemistry and medicine, each with prize money of 10,000 Euros.