In my team, we’re investigating how inflammation and the microbiome contribute to cancer progression, with a focus on genitourinary cancers such as prostate and bladder cancer. Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key driver in cancer development, and our goal is to decode how interactions between the microbiome and the tumor microenvironment shape these inflammatory processes. Positioned at the convergence of oncology and microbiology, our work seeks to leverage microbiome insights to enhance precision medicine in cancer treatment.
While most microbiome research to date has centered on bacterial and viral communities within the gut, we are filling an important gap by studying the intra-tumoral microbiome, specifically, how microbial communities within tumors impact inflammatory responses, interact with cancer therapies, and influence treatment outcomes. We’re particularly interested in how these complex interactions drive cancer progression and lineage plasticity in tumors, and how they can be targeted for better treatment strategies.
To achieve our goals, we’re taking a multi-omics approach, integrating genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, backed by advanced computational and data science methods. Working with unique Swedish patient cohorts, we collaborate nationally and internationally, creating an expansive research network. These partnerships enable us to take on ambitious questions and create predictive models that hold promise for transforming cancer treatment.
Our vision is to determine whether the tumor microbiome is a fundamental feature of the tumor microenvironment linked to cancer progression, and to develop precise, adaptive prediction models that can guide personalized treatment. With one of the largest coordinated efforts to study the tumor microbiome, my lab is advancing research through extensive clinical cohorts and developing a robust, flexible pipeline that can extend across cancer types. By working toward Pan-Cancer applications, we aim to drive meaningful advances in cancer intervention and prevention.
Group Members:
Erika Sandell, BS (Master’s student)
Alexandra Rafeletou, MSc (Research trainee)