Tuomo Alanko
Chief Physician, Medical Oncology
Specialist in Medical Oncology
M.D., Ph.D.
With 20 years of experience, I treat most cancers. Those who think they may have cancer, those who have already been diagnosed with cancer and follow-up patients are all welcome to my practice. You can also come to get a second opinion on your treatment plan.
My special expertise includes chemotherapies and the challenges and opportunities associated with them, especially in gastrointestinal cancers, such as bowel, stomach, pancreatic and liver cancers. I am also the principal investigator for several ongoing drug trials at Docrates.
I will familiarise myself with your situation before and during the appointment. Together, we can form an overview of your situation. Your loved ones are also welcome to attend the appointment.
You can also book a remote appointment with me, but it is often beneficial to have the appointments in person, in particular the first appointment.
Appointment can be booked from our customer service tel. +358 10 773 2010.
Languages
Finnish, Swedish, English
Education
Specialist in Medical Oncology, University of Helsinki 2005
Ph.D., University of Helsinki 2001
M.D., University of Helsinki 1993
Work history
- Docrates Cancer Center, Chief Physician (Medical Oncology) 2009 -
- AstraZeneca Finland, Medical Affairs Manager (Oncology) 2008-2009
- HUH Department of Oncology, Specialist in Medical Oncology/Specialising Physician 2001-2008
- Haartman Institute, Department of Virology
- University of Helsinki, Scientist (Cell and Cancer Biology) 1994-2000
Memberships and positions of trust
Finnish Colorectal Cancer Association Colores, Chairman of the Board 2016-
Valvira (National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health), Permanent Expert 2012-
Finnish Society for Oncology, Member
European Society of Medical Oncology ESMO, Member
Scientific activities
I wrote my doctoral dissertation on a subject related to the biology of cancer cells, which granted me the title of Ph.D. from University of Helsinki in 2001. Since 2002 I have worked as a clinical researcher on a number of phase 1-3 clinical drug trials.
Biography
Tuomo Alanko offers expertise in therapy and research of cancer. His particular interest is directed to cancers of the GI tract, such as cancers of the bowel, stomach, pancreas and liver.
Before his doctoral dissertation in 2001, Tuomo Alanko was involved with biomedical research in the field of cell biology at the Haartman Institute of the University of Helsinki. His research focused on how cell signalling and microenvironment affect programmed cell death, which is an important mechanism of the body that destroys senescent and damaged cells. It was basic research that led Alanko to clinical oncology: a cell biologist knows how a cancer cell “thinks”.
Tuomo Alanko qualified as a specialist in oncology in 2005 at the Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, where he also began his career as a clinical researcher. He has worked at Docrates since 2009. He gained experience of the pharmaceutical industry during his year-long employment at AstraZeneca. Alanko feels that developing new medicines and treatment options is vital for the Docrates Cancer Center. The most significant trials Alanko has been involved in include the Finnish FinHer trial (investigating trastuzumab as adjuvant treatment of breast cancer) and a phase I trial on oncolytic virus therapy developed by a group led by professor Akseli Hemminki. Alanko wants Docrates to be both a successful research centre and a trusted and desired partner for academia and pharma industry.
The most important and meaningful aspect of Tuomo Alanko’s work, however, is meeting patients. For him it is most rewarding when the patient feels that he or she is getting help. In many cases this means pursuing total recovery but also alleviation of symptoms and a better quality of life are important goals. Progress in research and treatment of cancer bring new hope. Gratitude from the patients and their families is especially rewarding.
Tuomo was honoured a researcher of the year in 2023, by the Finnish Research Professionals of the Year at the Clinical Trials Forum. Read more here.
While this work can be quite taxing at times, Alanko draws strength from his family. As a counterbalance to work, Alanko relaxes by running and by spending time at the summer cottage together with his family.
An active professional network keeps Tuomo Alanko updated. He regards cooperation in the form of consultations and informal discussions with the treatment team as important and rewarding channels for feedback and development. He also gives speeches and lectures and writes articles. His other commitments include patient organizations and he acts as the current chairman of the executive board of Colores – Finnish Colorectal Cancer Patient Association.