The Tumour Marker Group
Group leader
The Tumour Marker Group develops, validates and implements advanced immunoassays and molecular methods for clinical diagnostics and translational research. The group is embedded within a hospital laboratory, enabling rapid translation of analytical methods into routine use and clinical decision support.
In-house immunoassays
Our core expertise is in immunoassays, including in-house development of monoclonal antibodies and specialised assay formats. For more than 30 years, we have contributed to the development of diagnostic reagents, several of which are implemented in commercial assays worldwide. A central research focus is analytical interference in immunoassays, including heterophilic antibodies, human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) and macrocomplexes, and how such interference impacts clinical interpretation.
Therapeutic monitoring of biologic drugs
We have extensive experience in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of biologic drugs and detection of anti-drug antibodies. Our assays are used in routine diagnostics, and in national and international clinical studies. Current work includes biologics used in oncology and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, with emphasis on personalised treatment strategies.
Liquid biopsy
We are currently introducing a new generation of tumour marker assays that can detect very low levels of cancer DNA (circulating tumour DNA) in blood samples using digital PCR. Such markers can detect resistance to treatment at an early stage and help accommodate personalised cancer treatment. Our aim is to develop assays relevant to routine diagnostics in collaboration with clinical departments. To ensure robust and reproducible results, our assays are standardised according to Danish recommendations for circulating tumour DNA. This standardisation facilitates national and Nordic collaboration by enabling harmonised analyses across centres.
