Åsa Carlsson Tedgren appointed adjunct professor in medical radiation physics

Åsa Carlsson Tedgren heads a research group in clinical radiotherapy, where oncologists and hospital physicists collaborate. The group is primarily based at the radiotherapy department of Karolinska University Hospital and conducts research across several areas, including external radiotherapy and brachytherapy. We took the opportunity to ask Åsa a few questions about her research and recent developments in radiotherapy.

What does it mean for you to be appointed adjunct professor at OnkPat? 
"It provides valuable stability and long-term continuity for my research activities. I am both pleased and grateful that my employer, Karolinska University Hospital, through the unit for nuclear medicine and hospital physics, supports me in this role. It is also an opportunity to further strengthen collaboration between the hospital and the university."

Which research fields are currently most central to your group’s work?
"Our research group has a broad focus on clinically relevant applications in radiotherapy. For example, we are studying lung motion during stereotactic radiotherapy within the RealMove project, aiming to improve treatment precision. One member of the group is leading two randomised studies on rectal cancer radiotherapy, known as PRORECT and CORRECT, while another is concentrating on paediatric radiotherapy. The group’s strength is rooted in its combined competence and the breadth of projects being driven forward."

What is the main focus of your own research?
"I specialise in brachytherapy, and right now much of the work is centred on creating more patient-adapted methods for treating non-melanoma skin cancer. This includes innovative use of 3D-printed applicators. We are also carrying out a prospective study in which patients are offered participation."

What is your perspective on the future of radiotherapy?
"I am very optimistic about the future. The field of radiotherapy is advancing rapidly, and our group is active in several emerging areas of research. At the same time, major initiatives are being launched both regionally and nationally. For instance, Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Region Stockholm are now establishing a new centre for medical radiation science. This will provide a strong infrastructure for both research and clinical innovation.