NEW STUDY. A new type of inhibitor that interferes with mitochondrial function in cancer cells has been developed in a collaboration involving researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy. In an article in Nature, the researchers describe how the treatment prevented cancer cells from dividing and reduced tumor growth in mice, without any significant effect on healthy cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells and are crucial for converting energy from our…
Researchers identify a new biomarker for the childhood cancer neuroblastoma
NEW STUDY. In collaboration with researchers in the Netherlands and Belgium, researchers at the University of Gothenburg have now shown that overexpression of the gene for ALKAL2 activates a chain of other cancer-driving genes and how this leads to neuroblastoma. The results indicate that increased gene dosage of ALKAL2 may become a new biomarker and open up the potential for treatment with ALK inhibitors for certain forms of childhood cancer.…
Serious form of melanoma gene-sequenced
STUDY. Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital have mapped the genome of metastases from uveal melanoma, a rare but severe form of malignant melanoma that originates in the eye. The knowledge provided by this gene mapping includes new insights into how metastases arise and the nature of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. The study, now published in Nature Communications, provides hope for new approaches to combating this form of tumor.…
Mikael Nilsson is new director of Sahlgrenska Cancer Center
ASSIGNMENT. Mikael Nilsson, a professor of anatomy, has been named the new director of the Sahlgrenska Cancer Center. His team, which works on cancer of the thyroid gland, has been part of the cancer center since its inception 10 years ago. Mikael Nilsson was asked to take on the role of director once his predecessor, Jonas Nilsson, was given the opportunity to start another research laboratory in Perth, Australia. “I…
Advanced animal model can predict immunotherapy effects
NEW STUDY. Immunotherapy often does wonders for many patients with malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, after it has spread to other parts of the body. For some patients, however, this new treatment is totally ineffective against the tumors. A new study from Sahlgrenska Academy shows that an advanced animal model in which mice become carriers of patients’ tumors may be used to find out in advance which tumors…