Grant received in 2024

DCCC has funded 200,000 DKK for the project.

For years, the image-based Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) have guided decisions on whether to switch, discontinue, or continue palliative antineoplastic treatments for solid tumors.

In Denmark, we have been among the first in the world to investigate the utility of circulating tumor-DNA (ctDNA) for assessing the effects of systemic treatments in patients with advanced cancer, rather than using traditional imaging techniques. The Danish research center, ctDNA, has been a leader in ctDNA-minimal residual disease (MRD) studies following curative treatment, and together with the Danish DMCG structure, it has created a unique platform for extensive studies. The network aims to sustain and further develop this momentum.

A new ctDNA-RECIST classification could help avoid ineffective treatments and enable an earlier transition to more effective therapies.

The network aims to:

• Facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance collaboration in clinical trials.
• Support and foster a shift in the culture of oncology.
• Engage the upcoming generation of oncologists responsible for treatment.
• Plan for a practical and appropriate implementation.
• Establish Denmark as a leader in international studies within this field.

Implementing ctDNA-RECIST could mark a significant shift in oncology practices. Hence, the network intends to lead an active strategy and form a wide-reaching network among researchers and prospective clinical practitioners.

The network plans to hold meetings, share knowledge, collaborate on projects, organize an international symposium, and prepare funding applications to support its activities and research initiatives.

Multidisciplinary organisation
The initiative is anchored in DCCC ctDNA Research Center.

Project stakeholders

North Denmark Region

• Morten Ladekarl, Consultant, Professor, Department of Oncology, Aalborg University Hospital
• Weronika Szejniuk, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Oncology, Aalborg University Hospital

Central Denmark Region

• Karen-Lise Garm Spindler, Consultant, Professor, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital. Primary contact, e-mail: k.g.spindler@oncology.au.dk 
• Anders Boysen, Head Consultant, Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital
• Erik Morre Pedersen, Consultant, Associate Professor, Department of Radiology, Aarhus University Hospital
• Claus Lindberg Andersen, Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital

Region of Southern Denmark

• Torben Frøstrup Hansen, Consultant, Professor, Department of Oncology, Lillebaelt Hospital
• Lars Henrik Jensen, Consultant, Chief Medical Officer, Department of
• Anders Jakobsen, Professor Emeritus, Department of Oncology, Lillebaelt Hospital
• Signe Timm, statistician, Department of Oncology, Lillebaelt Hospital
• Rikke Fredslund Andersen, Molecular biologist, Biochemistry and Immunology, Lillebaelt Hospital
• Ivan Brandslund, Professor, Clinical Biochemistry and AI Expert, University of Southern Denmark
• Søren Rafaelsen, Consultant, Professor, Department of Radiology, Lillebaelt Hospital

Region Zealand

• Malene Frank, Consultant, Assosiate Professor, Department of Oncology, Zealand University Hospital
• Mads Nordal Svensen, Oncologist, Department of Oncology, Zealand University Hospital
• Niels Pallisgård, Molecular biologist, Professor, Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital

Capital Region of Denmark

• Julia Sidenius Johansen, Consultant, Professor, Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital
• Morten Mau Sørensen, Oncologist, Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet
  
  

Event

First International ctDNA-RESIST Symposium, March 14-15 2025