Receives eight million from the Norwegian Cancer Society
Senior consultant and researcher Ingvild Vistad at Sørlandet Hospital is one of 24 researchers receiving funding from the Norwegian Cancer Society in this year’s research grants.
A full NOK 8 million is going to her project on the biological causes of late effects after treatment in patients who have had gynaecological cancer.
“This is fantastic. I was very happy when I heard the news. It means we can continue our research,” says Vistad.
Groundbreaking research into late effects
The project, entitled “Study of the biological causes of late effects in gynaecological cancer survivors,” builds on the internationally recognised LETSGO study.
The study has collected data from 741 women at 12 Norwegian hospitals, giving researchers a unique opportunity to investigate links between biological markers and late effects after cancer treatment.
“We know that many people suffer late effects after cancer treatment, and we want to see whether their blood samples differ from those of people who have not experienced problems such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating,” Vistad explains.
They will analyse blood samples taken 3, 12 and 36 months after treatment and use advanced statistical methods to investigate how cytokines, lipids, metabolites and epigenetic ageing, among other factors, may be linked to the development of late effects such as chronic fatigue, sleep problems and difficulty concentrating.
World-leading biobank
The LETSGO biobank, on which the project is based, is the largest of its kind internationally. It gives Vistad an exceptional opportunity to break new ground in cancer follow-up care.
The results could have a significant impact—not only for women with gynaecological cancer, but also for other cancer patients.
Top-level research in Agder
On Thursday, 13 November, the Norwegian Cancer Society announced this year’s research grants. A total of nearly NOK 183 million is being distributed among 24 researchers.
Vistad’s project was selected from among 146 applications following assessment by independent international experts.
“We are proud and delighted to have world-class researchers in our region,” says Geir O. Wehus, regional director of the Norwegian Cancer Society in Agder.
“It is fantastic that Vistad is among the very best in the field of cancer research,” he adds.