Dr. Antonia Schubert

Dr. med. Antonia Schubert is a clinician scientist based in Heidelberg, where she leads a junior research group at the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). As a specialist physician in Internal Medicine at the Department of Medical Oncology at Heidelberg University Hospital, her work spans both clinical practice and translational cancer research.

Her research focuses on two interconnected areas: molecular Wnt signaling and extracellular vesicles (EVs) —tiny membrane-bound particles shed by cells— that play critical roles in tumor signaling, microenvironment communication, and metastasis. Using genome engineering and advanced imaging approaches, her team investigates how dysregulated oncogenic signaling, particularly through the Wnt pathway, alters EV composition and release, and how these vesicles influence tumor progression, therapy response, and the tumor microenvironment. In parallel, her team develops standardized EV isolation workflows and explores their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic carriers.

At NCT and DKFZ, Dr. Schubert integrates mechanistic cancer biology with early-phase clinical trials, ensuring that discoveries from her team are directly informed by and translated into patient care. Her dual role as a basic researcher and clinical trialist allows her to identify clinically relevant molecular targets, design biomarker studies, and contribute to the development of next-generation therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Schubert brings a unique dual perspective to her field: delivering frontline oncology treatment while advancing molecular insights in molecular signaling and tumor derived vesicle biology. Her work bridges cutting edge research and clinical relevance in the fight against cancer.