Background

The tumor microenvironment (TME) has become one of the most intriguing topics in cancer research. The ability to manipulate the TME has shown promising results in the development of cancer therapeutics, especially in the immunotherapy field. TME stromal cells display multifaceted anti and pro-carcinogenic roles underscoring the importance of manipulating the TME for developing effective therapy. Within the TME, exosomes are key players mediating communication across stromal cells and provide cancer cells with essential cues that promote the carcinogenesis and metastasis processes. Thus, understanding how exosomes regulate the TME would provide valuable insight into how primary tumors define the secondary tissues for subsequent cancer metastasis.

My research goal is to decipher the mechanism by which immune cells-derived exosomes mediate long distant communication with secondary tissues to promote premetastatic niche formation as a basis to develop cancer biomarkers and exosome-based targeted therapy to prevent metastasis. Two research theme areas in exosomes medical research are of major interest:

1. Cancer therapeutics
The role of exosomes in reprogramming distant organ stromal cells to form premetastatic niches as a basis to develop exosome-based targeted therapy in cancer to prevent metastasis.

2. Cancer biomarkers
The use of exosomes by means of liquid biopsy to develop tumor diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Current projects

1. Exosomes as an MRD detection source in acute leukemias
2. Therapeutic applications of miRNAs in FLT3⁺ Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Student projects

Degree students who are interested in our research can reach out to us throughout the year for research projects. 

Previous student: Asyel Jabbar

Degree thesis: Bachelor's degree

Project title:  Validation of exosome’s yield and purity for clinical biomarkers discovery using polymer precipitation and size exclusion chromatography methods

Current student: Antony Truong

Degree thesis: Master's degree

Project title:  Therapeutic applications of miRNAs in FLT3⁺ Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Project assistant trainee: Omeyme Naqchi

Project title: Exosomes as a prognostic tool in AML

Funding:

• Tore Nilsons Stiftelse
• Kungliga Fysiografiska Sällskapet
• Avtal om läkarutbildning och forskning (ALF)
• Regionalt forskningsstöd (Region Skåne)