About U-CAN

U-CAN is

A biobanking project creating resources within medical science with the aim of contributing to high quality, world leading translational cancer research
A structured, longitudinal and prospective collection of data, biomolecules, tumour- and blood samples from cancer patients
Available to researchers and companies seeking to develop diagnostic tools and/or improve the treatment of tumorous disease

Our goals

To be at the international forefront amongst high quality biobanks in the cancer field
To be a hub of resources and knowledge within the field of clinical and translational cancer research
To contribute to better care and treatments by providing resources for research.

A brief summary of the project

A collaboration between academia and health care

U-CAN is a collaborative project managed by Uppsala University together with Umeå University, Stockholm University and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in close conjunction with the Swedish health care system: Akademiska sjukhuset in Uppsala, Norrlands Universitetssjukhus in Umeå and the hospitals in Gävle, Västerås, Karlstad, Falun and Eskilstuna. The total catchment area of these hospitals covers two thirds of Sweden geographically and one third of Sweden's population.

Collecting samples and data for cancer research

Since the start in 2010, U-CAN has created an infrastructure in order to collect data and to biobank blood and tissue samples for cancer research. Blood sampling from cancer patients is performed at several key points during the course of the disease with the aim of becoming better equipped at answering important questions regarding the causes of cancer, personalized cancer treatment and the progression/development of tumors. All samples and data collected by U-CAN are made available to researchers and companies who seek to expand the knowledge about cancer, and further develop diagnostics and treatment.

Supporting education

U-CAN also engages in and supports education within the cancer field. Among other things, U-CAN participates in the national doctorate course NatiOn and in the international Master's program in Molecular medicine at Uppsala University. We have also funded several Ph.D.-students and post-docs that were using U-CAN material in their studies and research (such funding can only be applied for through specific calls and announcements)