Genomic Alterations in Cancer

The research group was founded in 2018 and aims at defining, refining and implementing molecular classification and biomarker analyses, to improve stratification of cancer patients into treatment-relevant groups. We are addressing the impact of inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity, as well as host response on disease progression, response to therapy and patient outcome. The group has a special focus on breast cancer, but is also exploring molecular features across tumor types. As co-PI/partners in several clinic trials we perform “state of the art” analyses of patient material, both on bulk tumors, single cells and liquid biopsies, at various stages of the disease. Hege G. Russnes is also a senior consultant at the Dept. of Pathology, OUS where she is head of “Section for experimental pathology and research support”, a lab developing and performing molecular diagnostics for clinical trials. In 2019 this Section has coordinated “Infrastructure for Precision Diagnostics, cancer” at the national level.

From top left: Julie Monrad, Lars Ottestad, Anita Langrød, Ole Christian Lingjærde and Inger Riise Bergheim, Marit Otterlei Fjørtoft, Hege Russnes and Inga Hansine Rye.

Summer Retreat in Helgeroa

The Russnes Research Group gathered for its annual summer retreat at Anne-Lise’s cabin in Helgeroa, a tradition we highly value. The retreat included a trip to the UNESCO-listed Mælen landscape, traditional kubb games in the garden, and the well-known Stavern fish soup from Kåres, enjoyed in great company and beautiful surroundings.
We also took the opportunity to celebrate Anne-Lise ahead of her upcoming 80th birthday with a small pre-birthday gathering.

April: the Month of Scientific Dissemination

April was an active month for scientific dissemination and conference participation for members of the Russnes Research Group.
PhD student Sara M. Bakkan presented the current status of her PhD project involving the transgenic PyMT mouse model at the ENBDC Workshop 2026 (22–24 April), a European meeting focused on breast development and breast cancer research.
Francesco Ballesio, visiting PhD candiate Esther Colon Sauras, and Inger Riise Bergheim participated in the Annual Workshop on Breast Cancer Research in Tromsø (22–24 April). Francesco presented a poster on tumor glycolysis and its contribution to treatment resistance.
Inga H. Rye attended the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 (17–22 April) in San Diego, presented work on single-cell proteomics in lymph nodes from breast cancer patients.