Cancer Epidemiology

Our research

Pancreas is the “engine” of human metabolism that simultaneously controls digestion through the exocrine function and fuel usage through the endocrine. Metabolic disruption in the pancreas could result in obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis and eventually pancreatic cancer, which is one of the most lethal cancers. However, it is difficult to have pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed early and most patients suffer from early recurrence and therapeutic resistance.  

The overall purpose of our research is to advance understanding of pancreatic cancer, with a strong emphasis on casual factors, individualised prevention, early detection, and tailored diagnostics and precision medicine. Leveraging large population-based cohorts, biobanks, and electronic health records and imaging, we explore the causes, development, and prognosis of pancreatic cancer by applying genetic and molecular epidemiology and machine learning techniques.

Considering that new-onset diabetes is often an early clinical manifestation of pancreatic cancer, and long-standing diabetes and obesity significantly elevate pancreatic cancer risk, a crucial pillar of our work involves unravelling the complex, bidirectional relationship between pancreatic cancer and metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes and obesity, as well as their role in intervention, risk stratification and early detection.  

Aims

• Reveal causal factors for pancreatic cancer development and progression.
• Develop personalised strategies for pancreatic cancer prevention, risk stratification and clinical prediction.
• Determine early detection approach for pancreatic cancer.  

Impact

The research will directly inform clinical care by developing robust risk-stratification strategies and translating these tools into practice to guide personalised prevention and early detection programs. By uncovering novel molecular and epidemiological insights into pancreatic cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, we aim to refine targeted screening and surveillance protocols. These advances will enable tailored prevention and treatment approaches, improving early diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making.

Our work will strive to increase pancreatic cancer patients’ survival through individualised intervention, precision screening and surveillance, while laying a data-driven foundation for future innovations in pancreatic cancer research and precision medicine.

Research output

Link to a list of research output by the group in Lund University’s research portal

Team members

Link to a list of team members in Lund University’s research portal