Akslen is a certified specialist in surgical pathology and is directing the Tumor Biology Research Group (since the establishment in 1995) at Department of Clinical Medicine (University of Bergen). Since 2013, Akslen is the director of Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO. Akslen´s team, and now CCBIO, are engaged in translational cancer research with a strong focus on  exploration and validation of novel biomarkers for more biologically based classification and grading of malignant tumors, as a better guide for targeted treatment. The group has included
projects on various cancers, such as breast cancer, malignant melanoma, prostate cancer, and gynecologic cancers. Studies of human tumor samples are combined with experimental cell
and animal models to improve translation. The overall aim is to provide novel biomarkers which can assist in prediction of aggressive tumor behavior and be helpful in tailored treatment.

As examples, the team reported that HSP27 represent a critical regulator and biomarker of tumor dormancy and angiogenesis as shown in studies of breast cancer models with clinical validation (Straume et al., PNAS 2012). In collaboration with researchers at Harvard Medical School and Cornell University, the team recently reported a novel mechanism related to tumor spread and showed how a protein (prosaposin) secreted by tumor cells might induce a metastasis-resistant microenvironment (niche) and inhibit metastatic spread (Catena et al., Cancer Disc 2013). The findings were clinically validated. Akslen and his co-workers have reported several novel angiogenesis biomarkers which provide better grading of malignant
tumors and might prove important for targeted treatment. In breast cancers, angiogenesis is particularly increased in the aggressive basal-like subtype, and the mechanism behind this finding is being studied. Also, the group is currently exploring predictive markers in trials of metastatic melanoma and renal cancer.

In ongoing and future projects, the team will continue to combine studies of tumor tissue from patients (primary and metastatic lesions), through the use of biobanks and registry data, with experimental cell and animal models. This approach will make it possible to explore novel mechanisms and validate potential targets and biomarkers in the human setting. The current goal is to extend studies of prognostic and predictive biomarkers towards an integrated role in clinical trials and personalized patient management. The team has extensive national and international collaboration