Our research
Although stem cell transplantation has been established over decades, advanced cell-based immunotherapy has recently risen as the fifth pillar of cancer treatment besides surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Remarkably, the development of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has accelerated the field dramatically. However, this is just the beginning of the rise of several new Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) in cancer care. Most recently, the development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has further sped up the development of new therapies in this field.
Our research group is connected to the JACIE-accredited Medical Department of Cell Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Huddinge (ME CAST). This is part of an even larger USVE (Universitetssjukvårdsenhet) at Karolinska University Hospital which covers the areas GMP production, oligonucleotide therapy, and exosomes. We are closely connected to SWECARNET, Sweden’s CAR T cell competence network and Karolinska’s developing ATMP center.
The following projects are part of our research:
Project 1: Elucidating mechanisms behind the effect, toxicity, and resistance of CAR-T cell therapy.
Project 2: Hospital-based ATMP production in cancer care.
Project 3: Harnessing and redirecting immunity against ovarian cancer.
Project 4: Gene-therapy for sickle cell anemia.