Prof. Marcus Conrad, Director of the Institute of Metabolism and Cell Death at Helmholtz Munich, and professor at Technical University Munich's School of Natural Sciences, was awarded the German Cancer Award 2026 in the category “Experimental Research”, together with Prof. José Pedro Friedmann Angeli of the University of Würzburg. The prize is endowed with €7,500 and is presented by the German Cancer Society and the German Cancer Foundation.

Marcus Conrad and José Pedro Friedmann Angeli have jointly investigated ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death that has only come into focus of research in recent years. It is triggered by iron-dependent oxidative damage to the cell membrane. Since many tumors, particularly highly aggressive and therapy-resistant tumors, are sensitive to this mechanism, ferroptosis is considered a promising approach for new therapies.

Role of GPX4 in Ferroptosis

Marcus Conrad and his research group were the first to demonstrate that the loss of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) triggers ferroptosis, a new form of non-apoptotic cell death. In joint research with José Pedro Friedmann Angeli, the molecular basis of this cell death mechanism was further elucidated. The researchers identified key factors that determine how sensitive tumor cells are to ferroptosis or how they can protect themselves against it.

Approaches for Therapeutic Applications

Building on these findings, Conrad and Friedmann Angeli developed compounds that exploit this cell death mechanism for therapeutic purposes. Initial preclinical studies in mouse models indicate that these agents can inhibit tumor growth and reduce metastasis formation. These findings open up new perspectives for the treatment of tumors that are difficult to treat.

About the German Cancer Award

The German Cancer Award has been awarded annually since 1986 by the German Cancer Society and the German Cancer Foundation and is considered one of the most prestigious distinctions in oncology. https://www.deutscher-krebspreis.de/

Original press release from Helmholtz Munich:  https://www.helmholtz-munich.de/news/article-8/marcus-conrad-receives-german-cancer-award-2026 

Original press release from the “Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft” (DKG): https://www.krebsgesellschaft.de/pressemitteilungen/deutscher-krebspreis-2026 (in German)