Home
University of Bergen

The Brain Metastasis Research Group

Main content

Brain Metastasis Research Lab

Welcome to the Brain Metastasis Research Group

The Brain Metastasis Research Group, headed by Prof. Frits Thorsen, is one of the five main research groups in the Translational Cancer and Vascular Unit at the Department of Biomedicine.

The mission of our research is to understand molecular pathways involved in the development of metastatic brain tumors, and to develop new treatments that ultimately can be used to treat cancer patients with brain metastasis. 

Our work focuses on 3 main avenues:
We have performed genetic studies on our model systems, which has resulted in determination of several novel drugs originally used for other conditions than cancer, which shows inhibitory effects on brain metastases in vivo.  

We are studying the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents therapeutic drugs from entering the brain. 

We are investigating the effect of exosomes on the tumor microenvironment, and have encouraging data showing that miRNAs delivered to the brain by exosomes are important in preparing the pre-metastatic niche. 

Research Grant
frits_thorsen_med_kolleger_i_kina

Received Research Funding in China

Professor Frits Thorsen and his research group at the ChiNor Research Laboratory has newly received a significant funding of 550 000 RMB over four years (equivalent to 200 000 NOK per year), from the China´s National Natural Science Foundation, for their ongoing research on exosome-derived miRNAs...

Research in Collaboration
Research Collaboration with Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics

Studying brain tumorigenesis and brain metastasis development through high-throughput and high-resolution brain mapping

Research leaders at the Translational Cancer Research group have newly established a research collaboration with the HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, to study the development of brain tumors and brain metastasis.

Research Focus
Research_Exosomes_results

Exosome-derived miRNAs in the pre-metastatic niche formation in melanoma brain metastases

Exosomes released from the primary tumour into circulation have been documented to promote pre-metastatic niche formation. We have identified a miRNA in exosomes from melanoma brain metastases that can play a vital role in this process. Knock-down (KD) of this miRNA results in an inhibition of brain...