We are exploring the immune ecosystem of thoracic malignancies, during tumor growth and in response to treatment. Our structure results from an outstanding union of two complementary research laboratories, the Meylan and Perentes groups, who combine expertise in immuno-oncology and translational science. Together, we seek to elucidate key molecular and immune-mediated mechanisms that dictate disease progression and therapeutic response with in-depth investigations from mouse models and clinical patient samples. Our ultimate goal is to push the current boundaries of knowledge and pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that will improve the efficacy of current treatments and patient outcomes.

From our recently published and unpublished findings, we are developing two principal research axes:

Locoregional therapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITOC) have shown promising response in pleural cancers. Initially developed to eliminate residual tumor cells following cytoreductive surgery, their immunomodulatory effects have received comparatively little attention until recently.

In murine models of pleural carcinosis, we identified that both approaches could profoundly reshape the tumor-associated immune signature and promote response to immune checkpoint blockade (CIR 2025 ; JITC 2025). From our initial preclinical findings, a phase I clinical trial has been initiated in patients with pleural carcinosis, for evaluation of pressurized intrathoracic aerosol cisplatin (PITHAC) administration. Based on our discoveries, we want now to decipher the mechanisms underlying the initiation of an effective anti-tumor immune control, and how they could be harnessed for an optimal response to existing immunotherapies.