Kai Rothkamm

Professor Kai Rothkamm serves as Head of Scientific Laboratory and Deputy Director at the Center for Oncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). His work bridges fundamental radiation biology with clinical applications in cancer treatment, focusing particularly on understanding the molecular mechanisms of radiation response to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Dr. Rothkamm's research interests center on DNA repair mechanisms, radiation sensitivity prediction, and strategies for radiosensitization across multiple cancer types. His work spans from basic molecular investigations to translational applications, with particular emphasis on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. He has pioneered approaches using patient-derived models to predict treatment response and has extensively investigated the relationship between DNA repair proficiency and radiation sensitivity.

Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on developing predictive biomarkers for radiation response, exploring combination therapies to overcome radioresistance, and utilizing advanced models like patient-derived organoids for personalized treatment planning. His work increasingly integrates molecular profiling with functional assays to identify vulnerabilities in cancer cells that can be exploited therapeutically.

Dr. Rothkamm's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how DNA repair pathways influence radiation response, particularly in HPV-positive head and neck cancers and BRCA-deficient breast cancers. His work on kinomics has identified novel targets for radiosensitization, while his research on replication stress has revealed important mechanisms underlying treatment resistance.