Dr. Hans Hasselbalch
Hans Hasselbalch, MD, PhD, is Consultant Hematologist at the Department of Hematology, Roskilde Hospital, University of Copenhagen. For many years his professional interests have focused upon chronic myeloid neoplasms (MPNs), main research projects in MPNs being integrated molecular (eg. gene expression profiling, epigenetics,SNPs) and immune cell studies in MPN patients before and during treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha2 (IFN)) and novel targeted therapies, including the JAK1-2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. He leads the Danish Multicenter Study on low-dose IFN in MPNs (DALIAH) and has pioneered the concept of minimal residual disease (MRD) through early IFN treatment.
Prof. Hasselbalch has significantly contributed to understanding chronic inflammation as a key driver of MPN progression, which also links to premature atherosclerosis and second cancers. His work has influenced clinical trials, including the COMBI-Trial, investigating the combination of interferon and ruxolitinib in MPNs. Additionally, he is pioneering research on vaccination strategies for MPN patients and early detection through population screening, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.