BBB seminar: Camilla Krakstad

Camilla Krakstad
Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, and Department of
Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen

Endometrial cancer is the most common pelvic gynecologic malignancy in industrialized countries, with a lifetime risk among women of 2-3%. The majority of patients are diagnosed at an early stage, however, 15-20% of these patients experience tumor recurrence after primary surgery. Intermediate- and high-risk patients are therefore routinely subjected to staging lymphadenectomy, adjuvant chemo- and/or radiotherapy. This is costly with no proven survival benefit, and associated with several adverse effects. To improve treatment of endometrial cancer we therefore need better selection of patient subgroups for more tailored treatment. Comprehensive molecular profiling of gynecologic cancers is performed in our group to gain insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms behind tumor development and progression. In parallel, mouse models are used for drug testing, and functional imaging of animal models and patients is being explored. The combined results from both preclinical and clinical projects will be important when designing prospective international trials (“Molecular Markers in Treatment in Endometrial Cancer”; MoMaTEC 1 and 2).

Chairperson: Stein Ove Døskeland <stein.doskeland@uib.no>, Department of Biomedicine