Research at OnkPat
The Department of Oncology-Pathology conducts basic, translational, clinical research and teaching activities related to cancer. We aim to discover fundamental mechanisms in all aspects of cancer biology, find novel biomarkers and potent anti-cancer drugs for personalized cancer medicine. We maintain state-of art equipment for our scientists to share for a more sustainable and efficient work. To support our research, contact our Head of Administration Ulrika.Almquist@ki.se
Photo: Sören Lindén
Photo: Ioanna MarkakiPembrolizumab improves survival in early triple-negative breast cancer
Theodoros Foukakis is co-author of a newly published article in New England Journal of Medicine. In this phase 3 trial, the addition of pembrolizumab to preoperative chemotherapy in patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer was investigated. The study found that this combination significantly improved both pathological complete response and event-free survival. Final results showed that overall survival at 60 months was higher in the pembrolizumab-chemotherapy group compared to the placebo-chemotherapy group. Adverse events were consistent with known safety profiles of the treatments.
Photo: Stefan ZimmermanTheranostics Trial Center receives 15 million SEK for large investment in precision medicine
Theranostics Trial Center (TTC) at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital has received a significant grant of more than 15 million SEK from Vinnova to run a new project within precision medicine. By combining image-guided diagnostics and therapy with radioactively labelled targeted drugs, the project aims to revolutionize cancer treatment in Sweden. TTC is one of six new innovation environments receiving funding from Vinnova.
Discovery of a gene signature which could help clinicians identify a type of thyroid cancer
Vincenzo Condello is the first author of an article published in Endocrine Pathology. Johan Paulsson, Anders Näsman, and Christofer Juhlin, all from the Department of Oncology-Pathology, were co-authors. The study used spatial transcriptomics to identify a gene signature that drives invasive growth in follicular thyroid cancer, a tumor type that is difficult to diagnose. Identifying this profile in the invasively growing part of the tumor can lead to improved opportunities for pathologists and cytologists to identify this cancer type, which, if undiagnosed, can often lead to metastasis and death. These results may also provide clues on how follicular thyroid cancer can be treated in the future.
Photo: Martin StenmarkUse of AI combined with MRI promotes early detection of breast cancer
New research shows that an AI-based method for selecting women for additional screening with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can significantly improve the detection of breast cancer missed by traditional mammography. The randomized clinical trial ScreenTrustMRI, led by Fredrik Strand at OnkPat, demonstrates how innovative AI technology could potentially revolutionize current breast cancer screening practices. The study is published in Nature Medicine.