2022's last application round ended with four applications receiving support from the DCCC. Photo: DCCC.
10-01-2023
Four initiatives were awarded the DCCC's financial support in the latest round of applications. And although they are quite different, ultimately they all focus on increasing survival and quality of life for Danish cancer patients.
You can read more about the four new projects and networks below.
1: Support for the preparation of clinical studies in ctDNA-RECIST
The group behind the application wants to use randomized clinical studies within several types of cancer to investigate whether circulating cancer DNA in the blood (ctDNA) can be used for a more rational and precise assessment of the effect of systemic treatment among patients with advanced metastatic cancer.
Today, imaging criteria called 'RECIST' are used as the primary tool for assessing the effect of a given cancer treatment in solid tumors. Thus, it is the diagnostic tool, that is central, when a palliative, antineoplastic treatment is adjusted, changed or terminated.
But even though 'RECIST' has been used for decades and is otherwise resource-intensive for radiology, it is not always an optimal tool when the treatment effect for solid tumors has to be assessed. This is because imaging is actually a surrogate measure of survival. There is therefore a need for new tools.
A more rational tool can be ctDNA-RECIST. This can spare patients from ineffective treatment and provide the opportunity to switch to more effective treatment earlier. In addition, it will free up resources in radiology, if blood tests can replace some of the many scans that classic 'RECIST' requires.
However, randomized clinical trials are needed before ctDNA-RECIST can really play a part for this patient group. The initiative, for which support is provided, will be based on colorectal cancer, but wishes to extend the studies to other relevant cancer types.
Primary contact: Karen-Lise Garm Spindler, e-mail: k.g.spindler@rm.dk
Grant: DCCC has funded 200.000 DKK to preperation of an investigator-initiated trial.
Multidisciplinary organisation: The first trial will be implemented by endorsement from Danish Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG), as well as under the CFA4 in the ctDNA research center. After that, work will be done to establish multiple DMCGs, as ctDNA-RECIST will be a pan-cancer concept.
2: Support to ensure more uniform treatment of ovarian cancer
It has been discovered that survival varies significantly among the 4 centers in Denmark that treat advanced ovarian cancer. This despite detailed national guidelines in the field.
It is assumed that surgical deviations and differences in the oncological treatment may be contributing to the variation.
Region of Southern Denmark surgically treats both patients from Region Zealand and Region of Southern Denmark. In the latter, an external audit commission has been set up and is in the process of examining a cohort of the surgical and oncological treatment, in order to identify conditions that can be optimised.
The initiative, for which support is provided, will focus on existing practice, knowledge and evidence in the area and review these at a seminar with participation from across the country, in order to achieve a more uniform selection and treatment. Ultimately, the aim is to improve survival amongst patients with advanced ovarian cancer, nationally.
Primary contact: Tine Henrichsen Schnack, e-mail: tine.henrichsen.schnack@rsyd.dk
Grant: DCCC has funded 97.000 DKK to the initiative
Multidisciplinary organisation: Dansk Gynækologisk Cancer Gruppe (DGCG), Dansk Selskab for Obstetrik og Gynækologi (DSOG), Dansk Selskab for Klinisk Onkologi (DSKO), Dansk Patologiselskab (DPAS)
3: Support for sharing knowledge on the association between obesity and cancer
In recent years, the scientific understanding of the association between obesity and cancer has grown considerably. Among other things, greater knowledge has been obtained about the underlying molecular mechanisms that form the basis of the correlation.
For that reason, ObeCaRe sought support from DCCC in 2020 and 2021. The funding led to the establishment of the ObeCaRe network and several interdisciplinary projects focusing on obesity and cancer. In collaboration with patient representatives, ObeCaRe brings together different parts of the research area in a joint collaboration. It has successfully led to the holding of two productive national 2-day symposia for 40+ participants in Nyborg, June 2021 and 2022.
It is assessed that there still is a need to spread the knowledge already achieved, future ambitions and current ambitions in the area. This initiative will therefore support targeted dissemination of the obesity-cancer association through increased communication to health professionals, including at a 3rd national symposium in 2023.
The long-term aim of ObeCaRe is to improve survival among cancer patients with coexisting overweight or obesity.
Primary contact: Signe Borgquist, signe.borgquist@auh.rm.dk
Grant: DCCC has funded 125.000 DKK to the initiative
Multidisciplinary organisation: The application is anchored in the DCCC-supported national network ObeCaRe
4: Support for the start-up of a new psycho-oncology network
Psychological issues, such as fear of relapse, anxiety and depression, are among the most widespread consequences and late-effects after cancer treatment. This means suffering for the patient, and it also affects the rest of the course, for example through increased use of health services, including oncology, poorer adherence to e.g. hormone therapy, and ultimately reduced survival.
Currently, health professionals interested in investigating and reducing the psychological side effects and late effects of cancer patients and survivors only meet by chance. For example, at the Danish Cancer Research Days 2022. This has led to a desire for a joint professional forum, where there is time and opportunity for exchange of ideas, cooperation and development.
The intention is that the Danish Psycho-Oncology Cooperative Group (DPOC) will be that forum. The aim is to increase national cooperation within psycho-oncology and create opportunities for national trials and guidelines within the field.
Based on the 3 national cancer late-effects centers, which already focus on psychological late-effects, DPOC will seek to spread knowledge and experiences for the benefit of local as well as national late-effects centers and clinics. DPOC will also draw inspiration from international experts.
Primary contact: Johanne Dam Lyhne, e-mail: johanne.dam.lyhne@rsyd.dk
Grant: DCCC has funded 135.000 DKK to the initiative
Multidisciplinary organisation: This project is supported by and has projects stakeholders from CASTLE – Cancer Survivorship and General Late Effects, Centre for Research on Survivorship and Late Adverse Effects after Cancer in the Pelvic Organs, National Center for Breast Cancer Survivorship, and Danish Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG) as well as Danish Cancer Society
Read more about 'Danish Psycho-Oncology Coorporative Group (DPOC)', click here.