Sweden reinforces its reputation as epicenter of precision cancer medicine

Elekta extends its longstanding relationship with Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital with its latest collaboration agreement to push the boundaries of cancer care 

On the strength of their half-century partnership working to advance the early detection, treatment, and management of cancer and brain disease, Elekta has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital with the aim of jointly accelerating research, innovation, education and best practices, with radiotherapy as an integral part of precision medicine. The partnership will expand beyond precision radiation therapy, however, to include precision diagnostics and other treatment modalities, and to optimize disease management across the patient care pathway.

“The scope of our 2024 agreement with our partners is wide-ranging and ambitious,” says Gustaf Salford, Elekta President and CEO. “We’re seeking to extend the horizons of precision radiation therapy, a treatment that more than half of all cancer patients will receive as part of their care plan. 

“We are delighted to work with all of our many clinical partners worldwide,” Salford adds “and particularly with Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, who have been striving with us since the very beginning and continue to work with us for a better future for everyone dealing with cancer.”

The three partners will address several areas, such as research and development, collaborating on strategic innovation programs, providing early adoption, validation, and clinical feedback for new innovations and products. The collaboration also specifies an education and training component that will offer advanced training in novel radiotherapy techniques, as well as the organization of joint events, such as workshops and conferences.

Elekta’s relationship with the organizations began with neurosurgeon Prof. Lars Leksell, who obtained his medical degree at Karolinska Institutet and, during his time as professor of neurosurgery at Karolinska University Hospital, developed the first Leksell Gamma Knife® system there. This groundbreaking invention revolutionized the treatment of brain disorders, offering a non-invasive alternative to open brain surgery. The success of this technology laid the foundation for Elekta and for further collaboration with Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet.

Signing the MoU: Annika Östman Wernerson, President of Karolinska Institutet; Gustaf Salford, President and CEO at Elekta; Patrik Rossi, Acting Hospital Director at Karolinska University Hospital