Lars Olaf Cardell

H-index: 61

Number of completed supervisions as principal supervisor: 23

Ongoing supervisions as principal supervisor: Carl Skröder, Aeneas Kolev, Eirini Paziou

Ongoing supervisions as co-supervisor: [names to be added]

Number of completed supervisions as co-supervisor: [number to be added]

Clinical questions and patient samples drive our translational research in head and neck cancer and allergic airway disease. In our own laboratory, we investigate the mechanisms behind these conditions and translate our findings into new approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Head and neck cancer

We investigate how local immune responses influence tumor progression and treatment response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, particularly oral cancer. A central focus is the sentinel and tumor-draining lymph nodes, where antitumor immunity may be initiated but also suppressed. We study how T cells, B cells, dendritic cells and neutrophils interact within these lymph nodes and how their functions relate to metastasis, recurrence and survival.

Our laboratory provides the experimental foundation for this work. Using a biobank of matched tumor, lymph node and blood samples, we combine flow cytometry, single-cell and spatial analyses with functional experiments. These studies allow us to characterize immune cell populations, investigate mechanisms of immune suppression and test ways of restoring antitumor activity. Linking laboratory findings to clinical follow-up is essential to identifying useful biomarkers and treatment targets.

This translational approach is central to NOCANO, our ongoing clinical study of nivolumab before surgery in patients with resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma. By studying immune responses in tumor tissue, lymph nodes and blood alongside pathological and clinical outcomes, we aim to understand why patients respond differently to treatment. The long-term goal is to guide treatment selection and reduce morbidity from surgery and adjuvant therapy while maintaining cancer control.

Building on this work, we are developing strategies for local, low-dose PD-1 blockade. These include planned peritumoral treatment studies in high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and experimental approaches to direct delivery into sentinel lymph nodes. Related research examines how sentinel node mapping could support more individualized surgery and postoperative radiotherapy.

Allergy and airway inflammation

Our allergy research addresses the mechanisms and treatment of allergic rhinitis, asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis, including nasal polyps. We investigate why airway inflammation persists, how immune responses change with allergen exposure and how treatment can establish lasting tolerance.

In the laboratory, we study the interaction between airway epithelial cells, neutrophils, T cells and B cells. Particular interests include defective resolution of inflammation, immune memory and local antibody responses. We also investigate O-GlcNAcylation (a protein modification linking cellular metabolism to immune activation) and its role in airway inflammation and responsiveness. Developing work on complement activation examines how epithelial changes may promote neutrophil inflammation. Patient studies are combined with functional cell experiments and studies of isolated airway tissue to connect molecular mechanisms with physiological effects.

Allergen immunotherapy is a major clinical and experimental focus. We have worked with intralymphatic allergen immunotherapy for nearly 25 years and conducted a series of clinical studies. By delivering small amounts of allergen directly into lymph nodes, this approach aims to achieve lasting benefit through a short treatment course. Over the past four years, we have worked on a large national multicenter study comparing intralymphatic with sublingual immunotherapy and evaluating vitamin D as an adjunct to intralymphatic treatment. Unblinding is planned for December 2026.

We also investigate immunotherapy for dog allergy and develop nasal allergen challenge methods. By linking symptoms and responses to allergen exposure with analyses of blood and mucosal samples, we seek to understand how treatment modifies immunity and which patients benefit.

Alongside these studies, we evaluate symptom-directed treatments and the wider burden of allergic disease, including quality of life, work productivity and healthcare costs. This connects our laboratory and clinical research with the practical question of how effective allergy care can become more accessible.