Experimental Surgery
The group of Experimental Surgery has started as an independent research group in January 2012, supported by a Young Investigator Award and project grants from Swedish Cancer Society.
We utilize state of the art methods such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), high throughput array technologies, In Situ sequencing and drug screening of viable primary tumour cells.
Personalized Medicine, Precision Medicine
In partnership with SciLifeLab, clinical diagnostics platform and utilizing high density SNP array technology and Next Generation Sequencing, we aim to develop a fast and affordable diagnostic tool to identify genetic and epigenetic aberration in each individual tumour. Viable tumour cells are then subjected to screening for druggable targets.
Adrenal tumours; genetics, epigenetics and new therapeutic strategies
In pheochromocytoma tumours we have identified mutations in HRAS. This finding introduces possibilities for targeted therapy in non-resectable tumours. In parallel we have developed an NGS based mutation screening method to identify patients with hereditary pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas.
Screening of viable primary tumour cells for candidate drugs have shown induction of apoptosis by somatostatin analogues and other agents affecting the methylation activity.
In cortisol producing tumours we have identified recurrent mutations in PRKACA and are performing drug screening tests on primary tumour cell cultures.
Complicated Graves Disease
Even though Graves thyrotoxicosis is a common disease, complications such as disrupted calcium homeostasis and ophthalmopathy are rare. We aim to identify genetic determinants predisposing for complications.
Rare Mendelian inherited conditions
In collaboration with several international and national groups we are utilizing NGS to identify genes responsible for rare syndromes.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals and adrenal disorders
As a part of an international consortium led by associate professor Monica Lind UU and professor Bruce Blumberg University of California, Irvine, we aim to determine physiological effects of Bisfenol A on adrenals and kidneys.
Clinical studies
In collaboration with other groups, we are evaluating a new target for positron-emission-tomography (PET) for diagnosis of adrenal tumours, aiming at improved diagnostic imaging procedure.
Computational Medicine
We have developed the first mobile application for assistance in decision making in the clinical genetic testing for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma susceptibility genes (PHEGEN), available for free download.
Members of the group during 2016
Peyman Björklund, Principal Investigator
Per Hellman, Professor, Principal Investigator
Rajani Maharjan, MS, PhD student
Tobias Åkerström, MD, PhD student
Maria Annerbo, MD, PhD student
Samuel Backman, MD student
Joakim Crona, MD, PhD
Lee Starker, MD, PhD
Alberto Falk Delgado, MD, PhD