The ADDRess project

Disorders with Abnormal DNA Damage Response (DADDR) are rare genetic diseases with impaired DNA repair. A common feature of those affected is a greatly increased risk of cancer. Treatment is usually complicated due to the existing genetic defect. When treated with analogous radiation or chemotherapy programs, patients can suffer from increased side effects and intolerances, secondary tumors and poor treatment success, just like patients with cancers without underlying DNA repair defects. There is therefore an urgent need to optimize treatment strategies.

ADDRess is a consortium that aims to develop a translational research approach involving patient advocacy organizations, healthcare professionals from different disciplines and scientists to improve medical and psychosocial care, cancer surveillance, diagnosis and therapy for people with DNA repair disorders.

Our research project is spread across three locations. At the MHH in Hanover, we are pursuing the following goals:

• We want to create an infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of information, the coordination of consultation and the input of medical patient data for both patients and medical professionals. In addition, the overall coordination of the network will take place here. (Subproject 1, Hanover)
• We want to identify cancer therapy targets and improve the diagnosis of cancer by studying genetic characteristics in patients with DNA repair defects.
  

Prof. Dr. Dr. Christian Kratz is in charge of the ADDRess project.