Sven Brandau

Prof. Dr. Sven Brandau is an Associate Professor at the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen and Head of the Experimental and Translational Research Division in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at University Hospital Essen. His research is central to the Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology (ZMB) and focuses on the immunological aspects of cancer, particularly in head and neck tumors.

• University: University of Duisburg-Essen
• School: Medical Faculty
• Department: Department of Otorhinolaryngology
• Research Center: West German Cancer Center (WTZ), ZMB
• Leadership: Head of Experimental & Translational Research

Prof. Brandau's research centers on the complex interplay between the immune system and cancer. His primary areas of investigation include the role of neutrophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor-host interactions, the immunobiology of mesenchymal stromal cells, and the development of cancer immunotherapies. His work spans from basic science using murine models and advanced imaging to clinical studies and biomarker discovery in patient cohorts.

His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on myeloid cell biology in cancer. Key themes include the functional characterization and clinical relevance of MDSC subsets, the dual role of neutrophils in promoting or inhibiting tumor progression, the impact of the tumor microenvironment on immune cell function, and the exploration of nanoparticle-based therapeutic strategies. His research employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating molecular biology, flow cytometry, digital pathology, and in vivo imaging.

• Maximilian Nitze Award of the German Society for Urology (2000)
• Award of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (2002)
• Avanti Award of the International Society for Cancer Gene Therapy (2002)
• Research Prize of the Oncology working group of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (2011)

Prof. Brandau has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students and leads a large research team. He has secured significant research funding and is a key coordinator of international consortia like Mye-EUNITER and Mye-InfoBank, which have established global standards for MDSC research. His lab utilizes advanced preclinical models and collaborates extensively with clinical departments, particularly Medical Oncology, to translate findings into clinical applications. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for immunomonitoring, cell culture, and in vivo imaging.