After surviving cancer, aftercare often means uncertainty and regular visits to the doctor. In her recently launched research project "OptiRu", Prof. Dr. Anne Stumper from Aalen University of Applied Sciences is working on a solution that could revolutionize the everyday lives of those affected by systemic cancers such as leukaemia: A new self-test kit should make it possible in future to check at home whether the disease has returned with just a few drops of blood or urine. The focus is on the development of relevant test substances that work like little sniffer noses - they recognize individual characteristics of the cancer and sound the alarm as soon as a relapse is imminent. The chemist is now being supported in her research by the EXPLOR program of the Kessler + Co. foundation for education and culture in Abtsgmünd.
Everything revolves around ruthenium
Her favorite element? "Ruthenium," says Professor Dr. Anne Stumper cheerfully and without hesitation. After all, almost everything in her research revolves around this silvery-white and hard metal, which is relatively central in the periodic table with atomic number 44. "It is one of the rarest precious metals on earth. Its properties are similar to those of platinum, which makes it particularly valuable and exciting for research," explains the scientist. Its versatile areas of application range from Electronics to materials science and medicine. As ruthenium can form new, photoactive Fraternities and sororities/clubs with many different molecules, the ruthenium complexes could also be used to destroy cancer cells. This has been the subject of intensive research for several years in order to develop alternatives that have a better effect and less serious side effects than the drugs used to date.
Detecting recurrences at an early stage
However, ruthenium complexes could play a major role in the future, not only in cancer therapy but also in aftercare. This is the long-term goal of Professor Dr. Anne Stumper. Since the summer semester 2025, she has held the professorship for Medical Technology Product Management and Regulatory Affairs in the Faculty of Optics & Mechatronics at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. "According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), almost every second person in Germany will develop cancer during their lifetime. Therefore, not only the treatment, but also the ongoing supervision, counselling support mentoring after surviving cancer therapy is of central importance," emphasizes Stumper. This is crucial in order to detect a recurrence at an early stage and ensure quality of life. The focus of her research, which is supported by the EXPLOR funding programme, scholarship programme of the Kessler + Co foundation in Abtsgmünd with 50,000 euros, is on initial trials to develop an innovative diagnostic procedure that allows patients to monitor their health independently and easily at home.
Like an anchor
"I want to create a simple test kit for everyday use that works like a blood sugar or pregnancy test and can be used with easily accessible samples such as blood or urine," says Stumper. These are examined with special metal complexes that have been individually adapted to the respective cancer beforehand and attach themselves to the tumor markers like an anchor, so to speak. "This makes it possible to recognize at an early stage whether a relapse is imminent - and those affected have the chance to act more quickly and choose the best therapy together with their doctor."
"A great opportunity"
Combining chemistry with medical topics to create new medical solutions is something Stumper has been interested in since her Studies. After completing her Abitur, university entrance qualification in Zittau, she first completed a Bachelor's degree in Business Chemistry at Ulm University and then went on to complete a Master's degree in Chemistry. Her doctoral thesis focused on the purification of leukemia stem cells, among other things, and she then worked for a medical device manufacturer for several years. Stumper was on parental leave with her second child when she saw the call for proposals for the professorship in medicine product management and regulatory affairs at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. "I immediately thought that I wanted to do this and that this professorship was a great opportunity for me. What I find particularly exciting about this position is that I can accompany students on their path, maintain contact with industry and also get back to conducting research," says the 37-year-old. She missed research very much during her time in industry. "Discovering new things, understanding things, transferring solutions from theory to practical application - that has always fascinated me," says Stumper enthusiastically.
A colorful everyday life as a researcher
The petite woman with the black curly hair is all the more pleased that the EXPLOR funding programme, scholarship programme of the Kessler + Co. foundation for education and culture is now enabling her to get back into active research. "I already have a shopping list," smiles the scientist. Of course, it includes ruthenium salts, which literally bring color into her everyday research life. After all, ruthenium complexes are not only impressive in terms of their properties, but also from an aesthetic point of view. "Their color palette ranges from vibrant reds to bright orange and yellow to rich blue, violet or even green. Chemistry is not only useful, but also beautiful," enthuses Stumper.
