KEP: Cancer Epidemiology Group
We aim to improve the understanding of determinants of risk and prognosis of cancer, with a special focus on malignant lymphomas and cancers arising after organ transplantation, as well as to characterize issues of cancer survivorship. The overall goal is to provide a better basis for primary prevention of cancer, prediction of risk and prognosis, and cancer rehabilitation.
What we do
Our research is mainly based on linkages of population-based health register data, often enriched with clinical data from national cancer quality registers. Our research includes several forms of cancer, although the main focus in recent years has been on various subtypes of lymphoma. Within this setting we aim to improve understanding different aspects of cancer patient survival and survivorship. The latter involves studying, for example, late adverse effects from treatment (such as risk for secondary malignancies or heart disease) or child birth potential after cancer treatment.
We collaborate closely other research groups at KEP, other units at the Karolinska Institutet (CCK, MEB, IMM), researchers at other Swedish Universities (Uppsala, Lund), as well as internationally within the Nordic countries (the Nordic lymphoma group) and within the InterLymph consortium.
Recent Publications
Lymphoma and Myeloma
Trends in the prevalence, incidence and survival of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
This study provides a systematic presentation of temporal trends in absolute numbers of prevalent patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, linking them to trends in incidence, survival and mortality. An increasing prevalence was observed for all investigated subtypes, but most notably for diffuse large B-cell lymphomas among aggressive subtypes, and marginal zone lymphomas among indolent subtypes. The study underscores the need to develop and evaluate alternative clinical follow-up schemes to use resources efficiently and still ensure optimal care of lymphoma survivors.
British Journal of Haematology, February 2020
Statin use is associated with improved survival in multiple myeloma
In this Swedish population-based cohort study we investigated the association of statin use and dose intensity with survival after Multiple Myeloma. We showed a reduction in cancer-specific mortality in both male and female patients. Dose intensity according to American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association recommendations further indicated a dose-response whereby the cancer-specific mortality decreased with increasing statin intensity.
The American Journal of Hematology, March 2020
Colorectal and Prostate Cancer
Is familiy history of colorectal cancer associated with prognosis?
In this study we found that young patients with a positive family history had less advanced cancers and lower excess mortality than those with no family history even after adjusting for cancer stage. Possible explanations for the observed association include greater health awareness, likelihood to attend opportunistic screening and adopt lifestyle changes.
Journal of Internal Medicine, February 2020
Pre-treatment risk stratification tools for prostate cancer
In a cohort including 154 811 men in Prostate Cancer data Base Sweden we compared the prognostic performance of the most commonly used pretreatment risk stratification tools for prostate cancer. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center nomogram, Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment score, and Cambridge Prognostic Groups performed best in predicting prostate cancer death. These tools outperformed the standard D’Amico and D’Amico-derived tools and their use may improve treatment decision-making.
European Urology, February 2020