The grant is part of a European research project with a total budget of DKK 60 million. The so-called MULTIR project focuses on collecting and analysing data from three major types of cancer: malignant melanoma, lung cancer and bladder cancer - forms of cancer that are all treated with immunotherapy, where inhibitory mechanisms in the patients' immune system are removed. However, the treatment is not effective in all cases.

Using among other things advanced AI-based approaches, access to large 'multi-omics' datasets and well-annotated clinical data, as well as the use of in vitro model systems, the researchers will identify the critical elements in the interaction between tumour and host (the patient) that affect how patients respond to treatment with immunotherapy.

"The project is an important step towards developing more personalised medicine. Once we understand how tumours interact with their host, we might be able to predict which patients will respond best to treatment. The project will also pave the way for the development of new strategies to combat cancer," says Lars Dyrskjøt and continues:

"We’re thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project, and we look forward to contributing our expertise to hopefully improve the lives of cancer patients in the future.”

Contact

Professor Lars Dyrskjøt
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine and
Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Molecular Medicine
Telephone: +45 78455320
Email: lars@clin.au.dk