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Research group We research blood cancer to advance risk prediction and improve patient care.
Uncovering Blood Cancer Risk Through Longitudinal Multi-Omic Profiling
Our research aims to improve understanding of blood cancer development—specifically, why some individuals with early, symptom-free blood abnormalities go on to develop disease, while others remain stable for decades. These hematologic precursor conditions are common, but current clinical tools cannot reliably predict who will develop blood cancer. As a result, some individuals are followed more closely than needed, while others miss the chance for early intervention.
To address this, we leverage unique resources: large, population-based biobanks such as the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study (NSHDS), which include repeated pre-diagnostic samples, extensive health data, and, in some cases, paired diagnostic samples. This combination enables us to track molecular changes over time and study disease evolution in an unparalleled way (see figure).
Through longitudinal multi-omic profiling—integrating diverse molecular data across time—we aim to identify early indicators of progression. By including individuals with stable precursor conditions, we can better define what separates low- from high-risk cases. Our work is supported by strong collaborations with expert laboratories and aims to advance personalized risk prediction and support earlier, better informed healthcare decisions.
Interested in our research or curious about future opportunities? Please send an email to the research team leader Florentin Späth.
