Helena Tassidis

Helena Tassidis is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Laboratory Science and Head of the Department of Bioanalysis at Kristianstad University's Faculty of Natural Sciences. She also serves as Program Area Manager for the Biomedical Analyst Program, overseeing curriculum development and field-based training (VFU).

Dr. Tassidis earned her PhD in laboratory medicine from Lund University and has a professional background as a biomedical analyst. Her educational journey has positioned her at the intersection of clinical practice and academic research.

Her research program focuses on tumor biology, particularly investigating how immune and liver cells influence cancer progression using advanced 2D and 3D co-culture systems. She aims to develop more physiologically relevant in vitro models to better understand metastasis and drug resistance mechanisms while reducing reliance on animal experimentation. Her work spans multiple cancer types including prostate and colorectal cancers, with special interest in the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix interactions.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on developing sophisticated 3D cancer models that incorporate elements like spider silk, fibronectin, and laminins to better mimic the in vivo tumor environment. Her research increasingly integrates immune modulation aspects and explores novel approaches to enhance existing cancer therapies, such as investigating manganese as a potential enhancer for docetaxel treatment in prostate cancer.

• EMT i Cancer - förhindra metastasering av cancer (2025-2025)
• Next generation of cancer models (2023-2027)
• Q-3DCAN - MSCA DN (2024-2025)

Dr. Tassidis actively supervises undergraduate and graduate degree theses and serves on grading committees. She is an active participant in the cancer research community, regularly attending conferences such as the Swedish Cancer Research Meeting and Malmö Cancer Center Retreat. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being.

As Department Head of Bioanalysis, she leads a team focused on advancing laboratory medicine education and research, bridging basic science and clinical applications while training the next generation of biomedical analysts.