GRANT. Erik Elias, researcher at the University of Gothenburg and surgeon at Sahlgrenska University Hospital has received the Swedish Cancer Society’s Junior Clinical Investigator Award. The award enables him to devote at least half of his work time to researching neuroendocrine tumors over six years.
Twenty-nine researchers around Sweden are sharing SEK 117.2 million thanks to fundraising efforts by the Swedish Cancer Society. One of these researchers is Erik Elias, senior physician specializing in surgery at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. He studies neuroendocrine tumors, the most common type of malignant tumor to affect the small intestine.
Three main features
“The project aims to better understand why these neuroendocrine tumors develop, and what determines their growth and spread. By learning more about this type of cancer, we can also improve treatment. I am delighted to have received support from the Cancer Society to be able to conduct my research,” says Erik Elias.
The long-term research objective is to improve treatment for patients with neuroendocrine tumors in their small intestine. This type of cancer is quite rare, affecting a few hundred people in Sweden each year. At the same time, it is the most common form of cancer of the small intestine. The disease is also known as SI-NET—small intestine neuroendocrine tumor. As the cancer grows slowly, patients can live with the disease for a long time.
Erik Elias’ research has three main features:
“Using bioinformatics and analyzing genomes, we want to understand why these tumors develop and spread. We also want to find out if and how environmental factors interact with the tumors. Finally, we want to draw upon this knowledge to see if we can use current treatments more effectively.”
Research that makes a difference
The Swedish Cancer Society has been raising and awarding money since the 1950s to leading cancer research in Sweden. In the 1950s, one in three patients survived cancer. Today, this number is two in three.
“Research makes a difference, and I am happy that we can now allocate an additional SEK 100 million to research positions. If research continues at the same pace as it has so far, I believe we will go far. It is impossible for us to comprehend the discoveries research will continue to unveil over the coming 30 years,” says Klas Kärre.
Klas Kärre, Chair of the Research Commission.
BY: ELIN LINDSTRÖM / SWEDISH CANCER SOCIETY
