Our research
Primary sclerosing cholangitis, also known as PSC is an uncommon disease of the bile duct. PSC is characterized by inflammation of intra and extra hepatic bile ducts with close association to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a high risk of development of biliary malignancy.
We focus our studies on the increased risk of malignancy in PSC in the colon and the liver. In detail, we search for and evaluate new diagnostic tools and early markers for disease progression, prognosis, malignancy, chemoprevention as well as treatment issues.
Our large cohort of patients of this rare disease provides good opportunities to perform epidemiological, clinical and translational research. We participate in the national study group for liver diseases (SWEHEP) and in the International PSC Study Group (IPSCSG) network. We also have a close collaboration with the Norwegian PSC Research Center.
Key words:
Primary sclerosing cholangitis, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, biomarkers
Ongoing projects
PiSCATIN – Simvastatin treatment for PSC – a randomized controlled trial
We are conducting a study with simvastatin 40 mg and placebo in patients with PSC. The hypothesis is based on a register study where PSC patients that were exposed to statins had a reduced risk (by half) for liver transplantation and death. The PiSCATIN study is planned to start in spring 2020. The study will include 700 patients treated for 5 years. All patients with a verified PSC diagnosis can participate. The primary outcome measures are transplantation, death, cholangiocarcinoma or variceal bleed. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04133792.
New diagnostic and prognostic markers in PSC and cholangiocarcinoma
Researcher/project manager: Martin Cornillet-Jeannin
Cancer risk in PSC
Researcher: Aiva Lundberg Båve
A register based study on over all cancer risk in patients with PSC in Sweden, compared to controls from the general population.
Autoimmune and immune mediated disease in patients with PSC and their relatives compared to matched controls
Researcher: Aiva Lundberg Båve
Evaluating comorbidity with autoimmune disease and if autoimmune load can affect prognosis of PSC.
Skandinaviska PSC biobanken (The Scandinavian PSC Biobank)
Project manager: Lina Lindström Älgå
The PSC biobank is an international collaboration between Rikshospitalet in Oslo and Karolinska University Hospital. The aim is to include 1300 PSC patients and prospectively collect clinical and biological data, with the main goal to increase the knowledge on disease outcome in terms of cancer, death, and need for liver transplantation. The sampling includes clinical data in an eCRF as well as extensive biological sampling including serum, saliva, feces, and also bile, bile duct sampling, liver and colonic biopsies.
Useful links and information about PSC
Swedish Hepatology Study Group (SWEHEP)
International PSC Study Group (IPSCSG)