Can you tell us about your research?

During my PhD I have been working in the Molecular Cancer Research group, whose overall aim is to understand the mechanisms by which normal cells are turned into cancer cells. I have been focused on a particularly aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), mainly occurring in the elderly -  but also affecting younger ages at a lower incidence.

Approximately 35% of all AML cases exhibit mutations in the cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3. One particular type of mutation - known as FLT3-ITD - is associated with a high incidence of relapse following treatment and an overall poor prognosis. During my studies, I have succeeded in identifying several mechanisms that contribute to the transformation of healthy cells to cancer cells in FLT3-ITD positive AML.

There are currently a number of receptor tyrosine kinases inhibitors in clinical trials that have shown promising results for the treatment of AML. Unfortunately, patients usually develop resistance to this type of inhibitor after only a short period of treatment. With our research, we aim to identify novel targets and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of FLT3-ITD positive AML as well as to overcome resistance to the current treatment. In addition, the novel mechanisms we identify have the potential to be used as prognostic markers to predict disease progression and outcome.

How did you end up doing a PhD in the Rönnstrand group?

I’m originally from Yemen, where I studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science. After finishing my undergraduate degree I moved to Sweden with my husband, who was studying for his Master’s degree here at Lund University. I decided that this was a great opportunity to join Lund University myself, and applied for the Master’s program in Molecular Biology. I joined the Rönnstrand group - focusing on the role of FLT3 in AML - and the rest is history.

What have you enjoyed most during your PhD studies?

Our lab belongs to the Division of Translational Cancer Research and is located at Medicon Village. It’s a great research environment as it’s very interactive, collaborative and fun! My supervisor and fellow lab members have been so supportive throughout my studies, and I feel like this is my second home.  

I have also really enjoyed attending conferences during my PhD. They are a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, get inspired, present your work and get feedback on your research projects.

Finally, the courses and workshops organised by both Lund University and the Research School in Stem Cell Biology are great, covering a variety of interesting topics and giving you the chance to interact with experts in different research fields.

What have been the most challenging aspects?

I don’t know if this a common thing for all PhD students, but I found time management and establishing a good work-life balance quite tricky. I’m a mother of two young children, so sometimes this can be difficult, especially with experiments that last all day or having to come to the lab take care of your cells at unusual hours. On the other hand, both my fellow lab members and husband have been very supportive, making this a lot easier.

The last year has also been very stressful for all of us. During the pandemic we haven’t been able to interact within our research environment as we did pre-covid. However, I think that we adapted well to this situation and found alternative ways of communicating within our group.

What are your future plans?

I’m very interested in the translation of basic research from the laboratory to the clinic, so I’m planning to utilize the skills and knowledge I learned during my PhD to work in a clinical research lab.

Sausan will be defending her PhD thesis the ‘Role of FLT3 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Molecular mechanisms and Therapeutic opportunities’ on Wednesday the 9th of June at 09:15 in Sal E24, Medicon Village, Scheleevägen 2, Byggnad 404, Lund

Zoom link: https://lu-se.zoom.us/j/68611042126

Her opponent is Professor Atanasio Pandiella, Univeristy of Salamanca, Spain