In the neurosurgical department all surgically relevant pathologies of the central and peripheral nervous system are treated using uptodate techniques and innovative methods. The great expertise of the whole staff and optimal equipment including intraoperative CT and “O-Arm” imaging, combined with cranial and spinal navigation and intraoperative electrophysiology, ensure a high end patient care and allow a patient centered clinical research. An affiliated, mainly neurooncologically orientated scientific laboratory permits an intensive interdigitation of clinical and experimental questions, especially with regard to possible new treatment targets of primary and secondary brain tumors.

Prof. Dr. Christian Senft
Am Klinikum 1
07747 Jena

Neurosurgery

Research projects

The influence of specific expression levels of different CD44 isoforms on stem cell- and tumor-specific properties of human meningiomas

Principal investigator: Dr. Diana Freitag
IZKF 2019 - 2022

Tumor stem cells are usually identified by specific marker proteins, such as CD44. Eleven different isoforms of CD44 have been described, which regulate a wide variety of tumor cell properties by interacting with different macromolecules of the extracellular matrix. The aim of this project is to elucidate the extent to which specific expression of CD44 isoforms correlate with meningioma stem cell properties and tumor biology.

The effect of alternating electric fields (TTFields) in combination with BRAF/MEK and immune checkpoint inhibition on primary and metastatic melanoma cell lines

Principal investigator: Aaron Lawson McLean
Fa. Novocure 2019 - 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of low intensity and intermediate frequency alternating electric field therapy (TTFields) in combination with state-of-the-art systemic therapies against malignant melanoma cell lines in vitro. TTFields represent a new, non-invasive and adjuvant treatment modality in oncology, which furthermore exhibits admirable non-toxicity.

The significance of tumor stem cells for intracranial tumors

Principal investigator: Dr. Diana Freitag
2020 - 2025

The aim of this project is to clarify to what extent tumor stem cells from different brain tumor entities differ and in which biological characteristics they correspond. In addition to in vitro and ex vivo techniques, in vivo models will also be used. These experiments are intended not least to uncover new potential treatment targets that will improve the prognosis for brain tumor patients.

The relevance of S100A protein in the colonization of intracranial metastases

Principal investigator: Dr. Diana Freitag, PD Dr. Falko Schwarz
IZKF 2020 - 2023

Das S100A4-Protein (Metastasin) spielt eine zentrale Rolle bei der Ausbildung von Fernmetastasen. Jedoch sind die Prozesse, welche zur Ausbildung von intrakraniellen Metastasen führen bisher weitestgehend unbekannt. In dieser Studie soll geprüft werden inwieweit auch hier das S100A4 von Bedeutung ist. Dazu werden Gewebe aber auch Tumor(stamm)zellen aus Resektaten der häufigsten intrakraniellen Metastasen hinsichtlich der Expression von S100A4 und des Mirgrationsverhaltens analysiert.

A Biomechanical Comparison of a Cement-Augmented Odontoid Screw with a Posterior-Instrumented Fusion in Geriatric Patients with an Odontoid Fracture Type IIb

Principal investigator: PD Dr. Falko Schwarz
Deutsche Wirbelsäulenstiftung 2018 - 2020

In this study, different surgical methods for the treatment of a dens axis fracture are compared against each other. Biomechanical investigations are performed on operated donor specimens.

Further projects

Effect of individually adapted intrathecal analgesic for the treatment of patients with chronic pain

Principal investigator: PD Dr. Falko Schwarz

2019 - 2024
Influence of hormonal changes on tumorigenesis, progression and biology of human brain tumors

Principal investigators: Dr. Diana Freitag, PD Dr. Falko Schwarz

IZKF 2020-2023

Selected publications

Grube S, Freitag D, Kalff R, Ewald C, Walter J. Characterization of adherent primary cell lines from fresh human glioblastoma tissue, defining glial fibrillary acidic protein as a reliable marker in establishment of glioblastoma cell culture. Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2020 Nov 30:e1324. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.1324.
Lawson McLean A, Kalff R, Reichart R. Spinal Cord Stimulation for Acute Pain Following Surgery for Cervical Myelopathy: A Novel Treatment Strategy. Pain Pract. 2019 Mar;19(3):310-315. doi: 10.1111/papr.12742. Epub 2018 Dec 2.
Lawson McLean A, Kalff R, Reichart R. Assessment of Skin Flaps Above Cranial Defects Following Craniectomy: A Proposed Classification System. J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg. 2020 Jan;81(1):58-63. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1696996. Epub 2019 Oct 7.
Schwarz F, Lawson McLean A, Steinberg AL, Ewald C, Kalff R, Waschke A. Prospective randomized comparison of early versus newer-generation vertebral access devices for kyphoplasty. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2019 Nov;139(11):1571-1577. doi: 10.1007/s00402-019-03235-2. Epub 2019 Jul 5.