Background
Bile duct cancer or cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts. Because CCA often causes the same symptoms as other biliary diseases - especially primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) - early and accurate diagnosis is difficult. Current diagnostic methods often lack the sensitivity and specificity needed to reliably distinguish between these conditions. As a result, many patients are diagnosed late, and the median survival is less than one year after diagnosis.
Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation play an important role in cancer development and can serve as sensitive biomarkers for early detection. Liquid biopsy - the analysis of cell-free DNA from body fluids such as bile or blood, offers a minimally invasive way to detect these changes. However, isolating high-quality DNA from these samples, especially bile, is technically challenging and remains a major barrier to routine clinical use.
Project overview and aim
This master project offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of new liquid biopsy-based diagnostic tools for CCA. Our research group has identified promising DNA methylation biomarkers that can distinguish CCA from PSC. We are currently evaluating these biomarkers in a prospective series of bile samples from patients under clinical suspicion of CCA. Preliminary data from this series are highly promising and highlight the biomarkers’ promise for improving CCA detection.
To bring these biomarkers closer to routine clinical use, it is essential to optimize the DNA extraction protocol for bile. This master project focuses on refining and testing DNA extraction methods for bile (and plasma if time allows) in the context of liquid biopsy-based diagnostics for CCA. The main goal is to assess the clinical performance of selected DNA methylation biomarkers in patient samples, using optimized protocols. Ultimately, this work aims to support the development of a reliable, minimally invasive diagnostic approach that could improve patient outcomes.
The master student’s role
As a master student, you will play a key role in both method development and clinical samples analysis. Your main tasks will include:
? Evaluating and experimentally comparing DNA extraction protocols for bile samples based on literature review and testing.
? Processing weekly clinical samples obtained from collaboration with hospital partners.
? 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 the research team to ensure the methods meet clinical needs.
This project offers hands-on experience at the interface of molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and translational research. You will gain valuable skills in liquid biopsy techniques, ddPCR analysis, sample handling, and interdisciplinary teamwork - key competencies for a future career in cancer diagnostics and biomedical research
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).