GUJOURNAL 7 | 2015

latest project involves 3-D printed breast cancer models as a substitute replacement for animal experimentation. “Previous research was focused on the cancerous cells themselves. Current research is now equally as focused on the cells and the environment around the tumour. The surrounding area can either block or promote the cancer, which is one reason why patients respond so differently to treatment. Among other things, low oxygen pressure

can result in that the tumour grows or becomes suppressed, depending upon which subset of the breast cancer it concerns. There are also times when the disease comes back after 15-20 years, and in such cases we want to know where the cancer remained during that time.” PR E V I O U S LY O N E tried experiments where cells were grown in petri dishes. “The 3-D models we are developing now very much

more accurately resemble what it actually looks like in a human. Our objective is to initiate a really good method which can be used in research on other cancers, and to reduce experiments on animals. But research entirely without experiments on animals is something that I do not think that we will be able to entirely avoid for a long time to come.” One of the advantages of establishing the centre is that individuals representing so

»... research takes such long time.«

many different professions – biologists, chemists, engineers and medical doctors – will get the opportunity to work together, remarks Göran Landberg. “ I CO M B I N E M Y work at GU with a head physician position at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital. To be able to continue to meet patients along with their families, at least part of the time, is important, and naturally increases motivation. Still, it