Dissertation Nov 13, 2015: Robert Szulkin: Genetic determinants for susceptibility, progression and prognosis of prostate cancer

On November 13, Robert Szulkin will defend his thesis "Genetic determinants for susceptibility, progression and prognosis of prostate cancer". His opponent is professor Professor Paul Franks from Lund University, and his supervisors are Fredrik Wiklund and Mark Clements.

The objective of this thesis was to enhance the understanding of genetic determinants for initiation, progression and prognosis of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of non-skin cancer among men in developed countries, but today's diagnostic tools are unable to distinguish small localized tumors that will have a benign development from early stage aggressive disease. Thus, over-diagnosis and over-treatment are two major concerns in prostate cancer management. Among other things, Robert shows in his thesis that with the current knowledge of prostate cancer genetics it is possible to identify men with high and low prostate cancer susceptibility risk. In addition, findings in this thesis suggest that development of prostate cancer and progression to lethal disease are characterized by separate biological mechanisms involving different genes.

Time and location: 9:00 am, Nov 13 2015 in the lecture hall Atrium, Nobels väg 12B, Solna Campus.