Better Treatment Methods for Blood Cancer
The new KG Jebsen Center for Blood Cancer was officially opened on September 11th. The new research center aims to develop better treatment methods for blood cancer patients through more targeted and personalized treatment.
Professor Eivind Valen from the Department of Biosciences at the University of Oslo is one of the initiators and leading researchers (PI) at the center.
A Revolution in Cancer Treatment
Researchers at the new center hope to determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy within a few hours to days, as opposed to the current practice which requires a month of waiting. This will enable more precise and efficient diagnostics for cancer patients.
“The key is to quickly identify those who do not respond to standard treatment”, says Valen. “With faster identification of these patients, they can receive alternative and more effective treatment methods”.
Rapid Response Can Save Lives
Early identification of which treatments are effective can be crucial for cancer patients' survival. Valen and the other researchers at the center aim to better understand cancer cells by studying them at the single-cell level. New technology makes it possible to map gene activity in each cell individually, which can significantly enhance the understanding of the state of cancer in each patient and how to best plan treatment.
New Methods for Diagnostics
The coming years will be crucial for the development of methods that combine precision medicine and precision diagnostics. Research suggests that cancer cells can reveal a lack of response to treatment already within hours to days after the start of treatment. By closely monitoring cancer cells and gathering information about immune cells and support cells, researchers hope to offer more personalized treatment. This can lead to a more dynamic and precise approach to cancer treatment.
Studying Cellular Changes
The main goal of the new research center is to develop diagnostics at the single-cell level that can quickly detect treatment response. This information will be used to optimize or replace planned treatment, potentially leading to more personalized and effective cancer treatment.
KG Jebsen Center for Medical Research
The KG Jebsen Center for Myeloid Blood Cancer (C-MYC) has a five-year budget of 43 million NOK, and the researchers hope the center will help revolutionize cancer treatment and save many lives.
The research center is a collaboration between the Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Foundation, the University of Bergen, the University of Oslo, Helse Bergen, the Blood Cancer Society, and the Cancer Society. Professor and Chief Physician Bjørn Tore Gjertsen leads the center. Professor Eivind Valen from the University of Oslo and Professor Simona Chera from the University of Bergen are the other two Principal Investigators (PIs) who, along with their respective research groups, constitute the center.
An Important Supporter of Medical Research
Hans Rasmus Astrup was a renowned shipowner and philanthropist. Through his foundation, the Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Foundation, Astrup has been a significant contributor to medical and health research in Norway, including supporting the establishment of several K.G. Jebsen Centers for Medical Research.