The aim in this research plan is to solve an important, unmet medical need, i.e. the prevention of development of invasive human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and treatment of advanced cSCC. Keratinocyte-derived cSCC is the most common metastatic skin cancer and in Finland it was the 4th most common cancer among males and females in 2021. Novel markers and targeted therapeutic approaches are needed for locally advanced and metastatic cSCCs. Our research approach is based on the use of: i) Patient-derived tissue material containing samples representing progression of cSCC to non-metastatic and metastatic primary cSCCs and metastases. ii) The most advanced methods combining laser capture microscopy and mass spectrometry based proteomics in the analysis of patient derived tissue samples. iii) Sophisticated and unique spheroid cell cultures that allow the combined use of several cell types, including patient-derived cSCC tumor cells, fibroblasts and immune cells.

2024

2028