Dr. Manina Etter, PhD candidate and neurosurgery resident, was drawn early to surgery for its immediate, hands-on impact in critical and often life-changing situations. She regards neurosurgery as uniquely compelling because it spans highly precise microsurgical interventions, such as tumour and aneurysm operations, to urgent trauma care requiring rapid decision-making. Her scientific interest centres on neuro-oncology, particularly malignant brain tumours, as well as paediatric neurosurgery. Motivated by both clinical experience and a longstanding fascination with research, she is now pursuing a PhD in Clinical Research and is a member of Prof. Gregor Hutter’s research group at the DKF.

 

In her PhD project, Manina Etter investigates innovative immunotherapeutic approaches for glioblastoma, one of neuro-oncology’s most challenging and aggressive diseases. While immunotherapies have transformed other fields of oncology, comparable progress in glioma treatment remains elusive. She is particularly intrigued by the complex interactions between tumour cells, the microenvironment, and the immune system. This intricate “puzzle” drives her ambition to contribute to new therapeutic strategies.

 

For Manina Etter, clinical work and research are inseparable: clinical insights spark scientific questions, and research findings inform therapeutic decisions. This reciprocal relationship shapes her commitment to advancing care for patients with brain tumours.