Project Details
Description
My research aims to address clinically relevant problems and improve outcomes for patients with colorectal diseases, including colorectal cancer and benign conditions. Many of our discoveries also have applications beyond colorectal diseases, impacting other cancers and general surgery. A central goal is to enhance precision in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
One ongoing project focuses on developing a novel predictive marker with therapeutic potential to improve survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Our project challenges the current TNM classification and carries high clinical relevance. Tumor deposits (TD) are clusters of cancer nodules that are not continuous with the primary tumor and are not associated with lymph nodes. We have demonstrated that histopathological TD after tumor surgery are linked to advanced tumors, metachronous distant metastases, and reduced survival. In the current TNM classification, TD are classified as N1c. When lymph node metastases are present, TD are not further considered.
We hypothesize that TD are a critical prognostic marker and should be identified preoperatively to enable tailored treatment. The projects are designed to explore the clinical significance of TD in colorectal cancer using large patient cohorts. If our hypotheses are correct, the results could impact the current TNM classification and clinical decision-making. Our genetic studies may also identify new therapeutic targets for TD-positive cancers beyond colorectal cancer, and the findings could contribute to improved national and international treatment guidelines.
Other examples of ongoing projects where I serve as the principal investigator include the Nordic randomized SELSA study on the selective use of defunctioning stomas in rectal cancer, a national observational study of patients with colon cancer presenting acutely with obstruction (about 15% of cases), studies on early-onset colorectal cancer (onset in individuals under 50 years old), and the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques utilizing 3D printing.
These projects collectively represent a comprehensive research strategy to enhance the understanding and treatment of colorectal cancer through collaboration, innovation, and translational research.
One ongoing project focuses on developing a novel predictive marker with therapeutic potential to improve survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Our project challenges the current TNM classification and carries high clinical relevance. Tumor deposits (TD) are clusters of cancer nodules that are not continuous with the primary tumor and are not associated with lymph nodes. We have demonstrated that histopathological TD after tumor surgery are linked to advanced tumors, metachronous distant metastases, and reduced survival. In the current TNM classification, TD are classified as N1c. When lymph node metastases are present, TD are not further considered.
We hypothesize that TD are a critical prognostic marker and should be identified preoperatively to enable tailored treatment. The projects are designed to explore the clinical significance of TD in colorectal cancer using large patient cohorts. If our hypotheses are correct, the results could impact the current TNM classification and clinical decision-making. Our genetic studies may also identify new therapeutic targets for TD-positive cancers beyond colorectal cancer, and the findings could contribute to improved national and international treatment guidelines.
Other examples of ongoing projects where I serve as the principal investigator include the Nordic randomized SELSA study on the selective use of defunctioning stomas in rectal cancer, a national observational study of patients with colon cancer presenting acutely with obstruction (about 15% of cases), studies on early-onset colorectal cancer (onset in individuals under 50 years old), and the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques utilizing 3D printing.
These projects collectively represent a comprehensive research strategy to enhance the understanding and treatment of colorectal cancer through collaboration, innovation, and translational research.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 2024/09/01 → 2026/09/01 |
Funding
- Jan Hains Stiftelse För Vetenskaplig Klinisk Medicinsk Forskning
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Surgery
- Cancer and Oncology