Research into skin cancer
Research at the Karolinska Institutet into skin cancer concerns not only fundamental questions at cellular and genetic level, but also questions of treatment and prevention.
Experimental research studies the inner mechanisms of the cell, how genes and proteins are expressed and regulated in the normal cell, for example, and how these processes deviate when abnormal, malignant development occurs. The interaction between cells is studied, as is how the body's own defence mechanisms work. All research is aimed at finding ways to prevent cancer cells from developing and spreading throughout the body.
Epidemiologists study large population groups in order to find links between various factors in the genes or lifestyle that increase or reduce the risk of skin cancer. Such knowledge can then be used to prevent disease.
Those carrying out research into the treatment of skin cancer develop and test new treatment methods. They also improve the methods that are currently used in order to increase their effect and reduce the side effects of the treatment.
