We study the mechanisms of resistance to current immunotherapies for advanced metastatic cancers. Using metastatic melanoma as the primary cancer model, we aim to optimise patient selection to immunotherapies so that they have better chances of survival. For patients that are not expected to respond to immunotherapies, we design new combinatory treatment options targeting specific immune cells.

Since 2010, immune checkpoint therapies (ICT) targeting the immune homeostasis regulators have become standard therapies for many metastatic solid tumors, including metastatic melanomas, with impressive clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, many patients are still refractory to ICT and mechanisms of resistance are poorly understood. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms that underlie immunotherapy resistance in cancer will help us to develop new strategies that mitigate resistance and unleash the full power of ICT. Our vision is to conduct world-class research to improve immunotherapy for refractory ICT treated cancer patients. The research group is led by Adjunct Professor Rogerio De Figueiredo.

Read more: www.miorg.fi