The battle against cells that spread cancer

An interview with Daniel Kirschenbaum, researcher at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and recipient of the prestigious 2026 Pezcoller Foundation-EACR Rising Star Award for his innovative research on glioblastoma.

“Cancer is capable of co-opting immune cells to work on its behalf rather than fight it. While this mechanism is well known, until now we could primarily observe only its final outcome. Today, we are able to track its evolution over time and determine how to intervene.“

“The laboratory where I conducted this work has continued these studies by developing experimental drugs, and discussions regarding clinical trials and potential patents are already underway. The most rewarding aspect of the Rising Star Award is that it evaluates a forward-looking proposal—seeing so many experts endorse it as a promising concept provides great motivation.”