Chemotherapy resistances in human retinoblastoma: molecular mechanisms and development of new therapeutic approaches
Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular tumor of childhood. Treatment of retinoblastoma leads to considerable visual impairments or complete loss of vision and is linked to an increased risk for secondary cancers and development of chemotherapy resistant cells. The aim of our project is the development of adjuvant and new strategies in RB treatment in order to diminish side effects and concomitantly preserve the vision of the patients. For this purpose, we will investigate the microenvironment of RB tumor cells and additionally analyze specific genes and microRNAs affecting the development of chemotherapy resistances. In order to reduce side effects we are going to test drug delivery via newly designed nanoparticles as an alternative RB treatment option.