RPMI Grand Round with Prof. Frank Winkler: Cancer Neuroscience of Brain Tumors
On October 10, 2025, Prof. Frank Winkler from Heidelberg University and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) was the invited speaker at the RPMI Grand Round, attended by around 50 participants.
Prof. Winkler delivered a fascinating lecture titled “Cancer Neuroscience of Brain Tumors: From Bench to Bedside – and Back,” highlighting groundbreaking discoveries that are reshaping how scientists understand and treat aggressive brain tumors such as glioblastoma.
His research reveals that these tumors behave like complex neural networks: tumor cells connect through fine “microtubes” that allow them to communicate, share resources, and resist therapy. Even more strikingly, Winkler’s team discovered that tumor cells form synapse-like contacts with neurons, hijacking normal brain activity to fuel tumor growth. Within these networks, a few “pacemaker” or hub cells generate rhythmic signals that coordinate tumor behavior and drive aggressiveness.
Targeting these communication hubs and the neuron–tumor interface offers a promising new therapeutic strategy, potentially making brain tumors more vulnerable to existing treatments. Prof. Winkler’s “cancer neuroscience” approach exemplifies the power of translational research—bridging discoveries from the lab to clinical application, and back again.
Following the lecture, participants enjoyed lively discussions and networking over drinks and snacks.