Trial Lecture – chosen topic- time and place
See Trial Lecture on a chosen topic
Trial lecture – given topic – time and place
See Trial lecture on a given topic
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Professor Herwig Kostron, Privat Klinik Hochrum, Austria
- Second opponent: Professor Rolf Bjerkvig, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Professor Iver Arne Langmoen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Associate Professor Reidun Torp, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo
Summary
The immune system, made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs is the body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Macrophages are one of the most important cells in the immune system. Not only do they play an immunological role helping to destroy bacteria and viruses but have an important function as “house keeper” cleaning up dead cells and cellular debris, a vital contribution without which the host would not survive.
Recent research has demonstrated that malignant tumors send out chemical signals which actively cause macrophages to migrate towords and infiltrate into the tumor. Once in the tumor environment they are polarized to alter their function and instead of killing the cancer cells they promote tumor growth, establish needed tumor circulation, and cause the spread of cancer cells to other organs forming distant metastatic growth.
The aims of this thesis were to harness the innate ability of macrophages to actively migrate to tumors and act as a cellular «Trojan Horse» transporting anti-cancer nanoparticles or drugs. Once in the tumor the released payload of cancer killing agents were activated by laser light combined with photoactivating drugs.
It was found that the combination of macrophage delivery of anti-cancer agents, combined with the use of laser light based therapies to activate the agents, greatly enhance the therapeutic effect otherwise obtained in the absence of laser light.
Combinations of these therapies could completely destroy mini brain tumors growing in cell culture.
In addition macrophages loaded with dead brain tumor cells, that were killed by light mediated therapy, could be used as anti-cancer vaccines, preventing brain tumor development in vaccinated experimental animals.
Overall combining macrophage transport with light activation proved a highly effective method of targeted tumor therapy.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.