Published: 13-01-2020 17:07 | Updated: 14-01-2020 12:33

Research programmes for groundbreaking treatment and diagnosis

Two new research programmes focusing on AI and bioelectronic medicine, for application in the areas of breast cancer and inflammatory disease, respectively, have been adopted at MedTechLabs. An interdisciplinary centre run by KTH, Karolinska Institutet and the Stockholm Region.

The first new programme uses AI and machine learning to radically increase the accuracy of breast cancer imaging diagnostics. Associate Professor and clinician Johan Hartman, researcher at KI, and Associate Professor Kevin Smith, researcher at KTH and SciLifeLab, will lead this programme.

The second new programme aims for the monitoring and stimulation of the vagus nerve with short electrical pulses, known as bioelectronic medicine, in order to treat inflammatory conditions. The programme is run by Associate Professor Peder Olofsson, researcher at KI and Henrik Hult, Professor at KTH.

Access to advanced medical emergency care

Utsidan av Bioclinicum

All research programmes at MedTechLabs are jointly led by a researcher from KTH and one from KI. The operations are mainly conducted in the new research building at the Karolinska University Hospital, Bioclinicum in Solna, which has access to advanced medical emergency care, a prerequisite when applying techniques and treatment to patients. Both programmes are expected to start in January 2020.

“Research at the centre should be able to achieve breakthroughs in the respective areas and provide results that can benefit healthcare already within five years. The programmes are therefore based on established research.”, says Centre Director Peta Sjölander.

MedTechLabs is an interdisciplinary centre for patient-centered research that will contribute to the development of medical technology that is important for the challenges of healthcare. The centre is run by KTH, Karolinska Institutet and the Stockholm Region.