Dr Jakob Kirkegård
Leveraging the power of data to improve pancreatic cancer treatment
Jakob Kirkegård is a physician, associate professor, and now also a doctor at Aarhus University's Department of Clinical Medicine and Aarhus University Hospital. He has just obtained his doctoral degree in the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer – one of the most deadly forms of cancer.

Image source: Aarhus University; photo: private
Pancreatic cancer is known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Jakob Kirkegård therefore hopes that through his research, he can pave the way for more targeted and effective treatment methods for patients with the disease.
“My research is significant in being able to target and improve the treatment of future patients with pancreatic cancer. By analyzing large amounts of patient data and conducting clinical trials, my research colleagues and I hope to increase survival rates and improve the quality of life for the patients,” says Jakob Kirkegård, and continues: “It is specifically about getting better at diagnosing the disease earlier so that more patients can undergo surgery, but also about optimizing the surgical treatment.”
Jakob Kirkegård defended his doctoral dissertation on May 2nd, which integrates epidemiology, diagnostics, surgical treatment, and prognosis – all focused on the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Source: Aarhus University
16.05.2025