Horizon Europe has awarded Oslo University Hospital (OUS) Radiumhospitalet a €4.9 million grant to lead an international research project aimed at improving outcomes and care for older cancer patients.
The project, ENACT-65 (Enabling Integrated Nutrition and Exercise Care in Cancer), will develop and test new models of nutrition and exercise support for older patients that are directly integrated into routine cancer treatment.
It brings together an international consortium of cancer research centers from across Europe, led by OUS.
Gustave Roussy (France) UMC Utrecht (Netherlands) Netherlands Cancer Institute (Netherlands) Freiburg University Hospital (Germany) Biogipuzkoa Health Institute (Spain)
“This award highlights the strength of Oslo University Hospital’s international research environment and our ambition to develop the next generation of cancer treatments. By combining cutting-edge oncology with supportive care and rehabilitation, we aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life,” said John Riese, Head of Oncology at Oslo University Hospital.
More than 65% of cancer diagnoses are in people 65 and older
Many of these older patients do not receive systematic support for nutrition and physical activity during treatment, factors known to have a significant impact on treatment tolerance, quality of life, and survival.
ENACT-65 aims to challenge this gap through a digitally supported care pathway called MyPath, allowing patients to systematically monitor their symptoms, nutritional status, and physical function throughout their cancer treatment. This project will specifically focus on patients with two cancers most common in older adults: lung cancer and colorectal cancer.
“Many studies have shown that nutrition and exercise significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients. The challenge is to translate this evidence into everyday clinical practice, and too many patients still do not receive the support they need. Through ENACT-65, we aim to change this and help cancer patients live better and longer lives,” says Barry Laird, project leader, senior consultant and professor of palliative medicine at Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo.
This is the third ongoing EU-funded research project coordinated by the European Palliative Care Research Center (PRC) at Oslo University Hospital.
Stein Casa, Director of the European Palliative Care Research Center at Oslo University Hospital, said: “This new funding allows us to continue building internationally cutting-edge research in patient-centered cancer care. Our goal is to integrate supportive care, such as nutrition, symptom management and rehabilitation, directly into modern oncology practice, ensuring that patients receive truly comprehensive cancer treatment.”
“Modern cancer treatment must focus not only on treating the tumor, but also on supporting the whole patient. This award is directly in line with Oslo University Hospital’s ambition to lead the development of comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care in Europe,” added Sigbjorn Smeland, Head of the Cancer Service at Oslo University Hospital.
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