Cancer and Hematology

The goal of our cancer research is to ensure that as few people as possible suffer or die from cancer. Breast cancer and leukemia are examples of two areas of cancer research at Linköping University.

Cancerceller, illustration

Cancer is a unifying concept for a number of diseases where abnormal cells divide , sometimes uncontrolled and invading other tissues. Cells from malignant tumours can spread to other parts of the body via blood or lymph.

Scientists around the world are seeking to understand the various causes of cancer, and how to prevent, detect, and treat the disease. Today, we know that the properties of cancer cells can be explained by changes in the genes. These mutations can be generated by external factors such assmoking, certain eating habits, or exposure to sunlight or radiation. 5 to 10 percent of cancer cases are estimated to have a hereditary background.

In Sweden, around 50,000 new cases of cancer are detected each year. Cancer treatment includes with surgery, radiation, and pharmaceuticals. The methods of therapy are constantly refined through new research. In parallel medical imaging technologyis developing, allowing tumours to be detected and diagnosed even earlier.

Areas of Research

• Breast Cancer 
• Cancer Therapy 
• Cancer Biology 
• Cancer Genetics 
• Liver, Bile Duct, and Pancreatic Cancers 
• Skin Cancers 
• Leukaemia 
• Nursing Care in cancer 
• Gastrointestinal Cancer

Learn more about our research by clicking on the respective research activities under the headline "Research".

Research

A metastas in a human cell

Studies on chronic lymphocytic leukemia

We reported a novel finding on the highly restricted and biased specificities of CLL Abs some years ago, showing limited target structures for the CLL Abs, which were exposed on oxidized-LDL, apoptotic cells...

Two researchers working in a lab.

The Nestor Lab

Our research aims to understand the function of DNA methylation in the biology of human CD4+ T-cells, and use this knowledge to dissect its role in disease.

Teaser image for the research on regulation of survival and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia-initiating cells.

Leukemia and blood stem cells

Regulation of survival and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia-initiating cells.

High-profile cancer research

News

Closeup of small pieces of liver in a petri dish.

A liver biopsy may predict spread of pancreatic cancer

Microscopic changes in the liver can be used to predict spread of pancreatic cancer. The discovery may provide new ways of predicting the course of the disease and preventing pancreatic cancer from spreading to other organs.

Photo illustrating the app that analyses a birth mark.

AI-based app can help physicians find skin melanoma

A mobile app that uses AI to analyse images of suspected skin lesions can diagnose melanoma with very high precision. This is shown in a study led from Linköping University where the app has been tested in primary care.

illustration of cancer cells and red blood cells in blood vessel.

Possible explanation for long-term effects in leukemia survivors

Contrary to previous belief, stem cells, from which all new blood cells are formed, remain in bone marrow in the blood cancer type acute lymphocytic leukemia. But they have a hidden defect and lose their ability to form new blood cells.