Marcus Skribek awarded the Dan Grandér Research Prize 2024
Marcus Skribek, postdoc at the Department of Oncology-Pathology and clinical oncologist at Karolinska University Hospital, has been awarded the 2024 Dan Grandér Research Prize for his thesis “Strategies for Optimizing Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer”. The prize is presented annually to the best doctoral thesis in cancer research at Karolinska Institutet.
Skribek’s research focuses on improving treatment strategies for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, one of the deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. By refining the use of immunotherapy, particularly for patients with brain metastases, he has contributed new insights that could transform care for a group of patients who have historically had limited access to effective treatment options.
Key findings and clinical impact
One of the most notable findings is that steroid treatment, previously suspected of reducing the efficacy of immunotherapy, under the right clinical conditions can be used without compromising outcomes. In addition, Skribek and his research colleagues have developed tools to help clinicians identify which patients are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy, paving the way for more personalised care.
“Receiving the Dan Grandér Prize is a tremendous honour and a testament to the value of clinically grounded research in making a real difference for patients today. In my thesis, we show how immunotherapy can be optimised even for severely ill patients, from safer steroid use and improved treatment of brain metastases to a new decision-support tool. All with the aim of extending and improving lives. Dan Grandér’s example as a researcher and teacher, combining curiosity with patient benefit, is something I strive to live up to every day,” says Marcus Skribek.
Jury’s Statement
Marcus Skribek’s PhD thesis, “Strategies for Optimizsing Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer”, provides important clinical insights into how immune checkpoint inhibitors potentially can be better used for lung cancer patients with brain metastases . By clarifying the role of steroids together with immune checkpoint inhibitors, showing benefit in brain metastases, and introducing a new prognostic tool, his work makes a translationally impactful contribution to cancer research and making Marcus Skribek a worthy recipient of the Dan Grandér Research Prize 2024.
Om priset och dess bakgrund
The Dan Grandér Research Prize was established in 2018 in memory of Professor Dan Grandér and is awarded annually to the best doctoral thesis in cancer research at Karolinska Institutet.
Dan Grandér began his research career in 1985, defended his thesis in 1991, and at the time of his passing in 2017 was a professor and head of the Department of Oncology-Pathology at Karolinska Institutet. He dedicated his entire career to cancer research and was especially committed to mentoring young scientists.
Presentation of the Dan Grandér Research Prize
The prize will be awarded during the internal event OnkPat Breakfast on 9 October 2025. In connection with the award ceremony, Marcus Skribek will give a lecture on his research.
Even if you are not affiliated with the Department of Oncology-Pathology, you are welcome to join and listen via Zoom.
OnkPat Breakfast – 9 October
Welcome to an information meeting with the Head of Department, followed by a research presentation.
09.00 Information from Head of Department Ola Larsson
09.15 Presentation of the Dan Grandér Research Prize 2024
Research presentation: “Optimizing Immunotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Clinical Challenges and Novel Solutions” Marcus Skribek, postdoc at the Department of Oncology-Pathology and clinical oncologist at Karolinska University Hospital