Carsten Utoft Niemann  

Clinical Professor and Chief Physician of Haematology at the Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Rigshospitalet

Email: carsten.utoft.niemann@regionh.dk

Carsten Utoft Niemann is a Clinical Professor of Haematology at the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, and Chief physician at the Department of Haematology, Rigshospitalet. He specializes in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and lymphoma, and his research focuses on the molecular and genetic characterization of primary CLL cells, as well as the development of personalized treatment strategies through data-driven approaches..

He leads and participates in multiple investigator-initiated, international studies, including collaborations as chair of the Nordic CLL Study Group with the HOVON (The Netherlands), and German CLL study groups. His laboratory is also the central laboratory for MRD testing and biobanking for several clinical trials in CLL and lymphoma within the Nordic Lymphoma Group and the Nordic CLL study group.

His research group applies machine-learning methods in epidemiological and clinical data analyses through collaborations with the Danish Cancer Society, SSI, and DTU. Building on the understanding of the B-cell receptor pathway, Niemann’s group has contributed to a paradigm shift in CLL treatment with the development of novel targeted therapies that benefit patients with adverse genetic profiles, including those with TP53 aberrations. Supported by the unique Danish Lymphoid Cancer Research biobank and data resource, his research combines translational laboratory studies, clinical trial leadership, and population-based epidemiology to develop individualized treatment for patients with hematological cancers.

His research group in collaboration with DTU Compute has developed and deployed the first fully data-driven algorithm for individualized therapy for patients with the chronic lymphocytic leukemia at high risk of infections into Sundhedsplatformen, the electronic health record system for Eastern Denmark and into the phase 2 clinical trial PreVent-ACaLL. Through this integrated approach, his team develops and validates prognostic algorithms and individualised treatment regimens, strengthening precision medicine for patients with CLL and MCL.

The Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Rigshospitalet

The Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases at Rigshospitalet brings together seven highly specialized departments, including oncology, gastroenterology, urology, nephrology, endocrinology, and hematology, to deliver patient care and treatment at the highest international level.

Research activities focus on understanding the biological mechanisms of disease to develop targeted treatment strategies and innovative methods for evaluating therapeutic response. This approach supports the creation of personalized treatment pathways tailored to each patient’s condition.

Through molecular biological profiling and close collaboration with international partners, the Centre enables access to cutting-edge therapeutic options that would otherwise be unavailable. Its radiotherapy research contributes to the development of advanced technologies for more accurate treatment delivery, reducing side effects and long-term complications. In parallel, the Centre investigates risk-based therapy systems designed to minimize infection risks associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, ultimately enhancing both treatment efficacy and patient safety.