Background
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts. Early diagnosis is challenging because CCA shares symptoms with other biliary diseases, particularly primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Differentiating between CCA and PSC is essential for timely treatment, but current diagnostic methods often lack the sensitivity and specificity needed for accurate detection. As a result, the prognosis for CCA remains poor, with a median survival of less than 12 months after diagnosis.
Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, are important in cancer development and can serve as sensitive biomarkers for early detection. Liquid biopsies - tests that analyze DNA from body fluids like blood and bile, offer a minimally invasive way to detect these changes. However, extracting high-quality DNA from these samples, especially bile, poses technical challenges that currently limit broader clinical application.
Project overview and aim
This master project offers an opportunity to contribute to the development of new diagnostic tools for CCA using liquid biopsy techniques. Our research group has identified DNA methylation biomarkers that show promise in distinguishing CCA from PSC. These biomarkers are actively evaluated in our experimental diagnostics pipeline: each week, we receive bile samples from patients under clinical suspicion of CCA, which we analyze for DNA methylation. The results are reported to the clinicians, who incorporate this data alongside standard diagnostic practices to guide patient management.
To bring these biomarkers closer to routine clinical use, it is essential to optimize the protocol for DNA extraction from bile. The main aim of this project is to assess the clinical utility of selected biomarkers using patient samples, using refined and optimized DNA extraction protocols. By improving these protocols, we hope to support the development of a reliable, minimally invasive diagnostic approach that could benefit patients in the clinic.
The master student’s role
As a master student, you will play a key role in both method development and its application to clinical samples. Your main tasks will include:
- Evaluating and testing DNA extraction protocols for bile samples by reviewing the literature and experimentally comparing different methods.
- Processing weekly clinical samples from patients, obtained from hospital collaborators.
- Performing bisulfite conversion and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to analyze DNA methylation biomarkers.
- Analyzing data to assess the diagnostic performance of the biomarkers in a clinical context.
- Working closely with our team to ensure the methods meet clinical needs.
This project offers hands-on experience at the intersection of laboratory research and clinical use. You will gain practical skills in translational cancer diagnostics, liquid biopsy techniques, clinical sample handling, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Research environment
The project will be conducted in the Lind lab – Epigenetics, at the Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital. The department includes about 40 members, with a strong focus on student training and mentorship. Co-supervisor Guro E. Lind also coordinates the integrated MSc and PhD course BIOS5710/9710 Advanced Cancer Biology. You will be trained alongside another master student, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative and supportive environment. You can read more about the Lind lab here: OUH - Epigenetics Group (Lind).
Supervisors
Hege Marie Vedeld (scientist; main supervisor).
Guro E Lind (professor, group-leader; co-supervisor/internal supervisor).